I'm home.
My flight to Vancouver from Taiwan was long long long, and Katie and I were not anywhere near eachother, and I almost got charged about $400 C'dn for my fat luggage (luckily with some shuffling, we were able to put some in Katie's bag).
I'm still pretty tired now, and tomorrow, I'll start the whole job hunting thing. I'm not looking forward to it.
What else? I had a makeover in The Body Shop for free in Vancouver while waiting for the plane to Calgary. They must have been really bored, and losing business because anything they sold would have to be returned if people were boarding a plane. I did discover the most amazing new makeup/thingy that I didn't buy because it may have been a bomb.
Anyway, I'm home, and will hopefully soon be getting a job... and will be in Saskatoon soon as well.
Erin
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Home soon
I will be adding pictures later. I need to try to fix my camera first, for some reason it is sick of me and no longer works. So as soon as it stops keeping the pictures hostage, I will work on getting them back.
I'm completely packed and wasting time on this mean computer that steals my money. Once again, I have overpacked, but there's nothing I can do about that now. I'm really looking forward to getting home, but not really looking forward to finding a job when I get home.
I actually have a lot I would like to say, but to be completely honest, and as I have been doing for this whole trip, I am sweating from every body part, and really uncomfortable in this computer roomish heat sauna wave place, so I think I will get off the computer and go to my air conditioned room, and then type more when I get home... wherever that may be.
Erin
I'm completely packed and wasting time on this mean computer that steals my money. Once again, I have overpacked, but there's nothing I can do about that now. I'm really looking forward to getting home, but not really looking forward to finding a job when I get home.
I actually have a lot I would like to say, but to be completely honest, and as I have been doing for this whole trip, I am sweating from every body part, and really uncomfortable in this computer roomish heat sauna wave place, so I think I will get off the computer and go to my air conditioned room, and then type more when I get home... wherever that may be.
Erin
Friday, August 11, 2006
Jeju-do you have nothing on Green Island
Well, right now we are in Taitung. We are staying at a cheap little hostel that gives us our own bathroom. Sold.
Today we decided to take just a day trip to an Island called Green Island (appropriatly named because of all the green water). We had been planning to spend the night, but didn't want to lug our luggage (haha ironic) all that way with the chance of not finding a place to stay. Green Island is by far one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen, and if I had known I was going to get to a PC room tonight I would have brought my camera and shown some pictures.
Katie and I rented a scooter to drive around the island (which takes only a half hour if you don't stop at the sights). So we had plenty of time to drive around and see everything. Katie drove, and I was the backseat navigator ("Stop here, it's pretty." "That sign looks cool." "Umm, I don't see any English on that sign it must not be good.") It went pretty well, we had a great day, and once again got burned -it's a never ending viscious circle.
So the island was good. Way better than the 'best island ever, Jeju-do' -and much cheaper to get to.
It was a good day, and although we didn't do anything but tour and take way too many pictures, it was fun.
Tomorrow we are off to our next destination... hopefully Keelung with a few stops on the way.
Erin
Uh, sorry for the spelling mistakes, this blogger is in Chinese, and I don't have the patience to reread it, although I know there are many. I suck.
Today we decided to take just a day trip to an Island called Green Island (appropriatly named because of all the green water). We had been planning to spend the night, but didn't want to lug our luggage (haha ironic) all that way with the chance of not finding a place to stay. Green Island is by far one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen, and if I had known I was going to get to a PC room tonight I would have brought my camera and shown some pictures.
Katie and I rented a scooter to drive around the island (which takes only a half hour if you don't stop at the sights). So we had plenty of time to drive around and see everything. Katie drove, and I was the backseat navigator ("Stop here, it's pretty." "That sign looks cool." "Umm, I don't see any English on that sign it must not be good.") It went pretty well, we had a great day, and once again got burned -it's a never ending viscious circle.
So the island was good. Way better than the 'best island ever, Jeju-do' -and much cheaper to get to.
It was a good day, and although we didn't do anything but tour and take way too many pictures, it was fun.
Tomorrow we are off to our next destination... hopefully Keelung with a few stops on the way.
Erin
Uh, sorry for the spelling mistakes, this blogger is in Chinese, and I don't have the patience to reread it, although I know there are many. I suck.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Typhoon typhoon
Another crisis diverted. For the past couple of days we have been in Kenting (or Kending) trying to go surfing.
We stayed in a little town right before Kending actually -we were lucky enough to stay above the surf shop that we would have rented boards from the next day. When we asked if he had a room (a Westerner who lives there now) he said he had bunk beds, and after finding out the price we went for them. It was actually a room full of bunkbeds and we had the most uncomfortable mattress ever, but it was still cool sleeping above a surf shop. We decided to stay for two nights because we wanted to get as much surfing in as possible. The next day, they closed the beach because of a typhoon headed to the area. It was sad that we didn't get to surf, but we had a relaxing day, and did get in the water before they closed it down. We have one more spot to hit that is supposed to have good surf, so I guess we'll see. The little town was nice though, and the people warmed up to us.
We are back in Kaohsiung right now, but won't be for long. We leave tomorrow for Taitung. My camera won't hook up to the computer so I can't put up anymore pics, but I will someday. Tonight we are going to a KTV room which in Korea would be called a Singing Room. I'm pretty excited about it.
I'm not sure when I'll have access to the Internet again. We will be back in Taipei on the 15th of August, so then for sure, but who knows if sooner. We fly out on the 17th, and I'm really looking forward to it!
Anyway, hope the weather is going great where you are because it's still SOOOO HOT here.
Melting,
Erin
We stayed in a little town right before Kending actually -we were lucky enough to stay above the surf shop that we would have rented boards from the next day. When we asked if he had a room (a Westerner who lives there now) he said he had bunk beds, and after finding out the price we went for them. It was actually a room full of bunkbeds and we had the most uncomfortable mattress ever, but it was still cool sleeping above a surf shop. We decided to stay for two nights because we wanted to get as much surfing in as possible. The next day, they closed the beach because of a typhoon headed to the area. It was sad that we didn't get to surf, but we had a relaxing day, and did get in the water before they closed it down. We have one more spot to hit that is supposed to have good surf, so I guess we'll see. The little town was nice though, and the people warmed up to us.
We are back in Kaohsiung right now, but won't be for long. We leave tomorrow for Taitung. My camera won't hook up to the computer so I can't put up anymore pics, but I will someday. Tonight we are going to a KTV room which in Korea would be called a Singing Room. I'm pretty excited about it.
I'm not sure when I'll have access to the Internet again. We will be back in Taipei on the 15th of August, so then for sure, but who knows if sooner. We fly out on the 17th, and I'm really looking forward to it!
Anyway, hope the weather is going great where you are because it's still SOOOO HOT here.
Melting,
Erin
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Taiwan Pictures
Here are some pictures of my time in Taiwan. Most of them were taken in Taipei, and all of them were taken on Katie's camera because she already put the pictures on the computer, and I am too lazy to use my own pictures.
The first one is the Ghost Festival, which so far includes starting a fire and burning 'ghost money'. Which is what the guy is doing. It's taken in Taipei.
The second one is taken at the beach here in Koshieng (I don't have the spelling with me and I can never remember how to spell it), but it's a couple who were getting there wedding photos done (before the wedding, of course).
The next one is my head in the 101 building. We were on the 89th floor I think.
The next one is a picture of the night markets. My head is in that one as well.
The last one is of our first meal in Taiwan. It was actually called Japanese BBQ, but it was just like a Korean bbq as well (without the great paste tasty thing).
And that's it. I'll write in a couple of days.
Erin
hot hot hot
I'm kind of looking forward to winter in Saskatchewan. Although the cold usually gets too cold, I've always loved winter -the briskness, the snow, all of it. I guess that gives me something to look forward to... but job first!
Here -it is hot. Always always hot. However everywhere has aircon so you go from hot hot hot to cold cold cold to hot hot hot, and there is never an in between.
I just realised how tired I am, and that this is boring even for me typing it.
Right now we are in the second largest city called Koahsiung. Katie knows a friend of a friend from Calgary who is teaching English here. I've learned that there are as many Canadians as there are in Korea teaching. They seem to be enjoying it, but it hasn't changed my mind about going home for a while. The place these two Calgary girls live in is absolutely beautiful. I'm in love with it. They pay rent themselves, but the place is so great, and has everything. Katie and I are lucky to be able to stay here. So we've been hanging out with English teachers. So far, two Canadians, a Kiwi, and an American girl (who has lived everywhere). It's about the same as in Korea, Saturday nights are the nights where they let loose, and drink a lot of beer. I certainly enjoyed it! We also went to the beach, but were not allowed to swim because it's ghost month, and they don't want us to drown or be drowned by the ghosts... not sure really yet all about that.
Today we relaxed most of the day (got over the tiredness from the Sat Beer night) and then went out for supper at a nice Mexican restaurant. We also went to the night markets here... I love markets, but I really miss shopping in Korea. The stuff seemed cheaper, but maybe it's because I'm on a budget now that I don't have a job.
Tomorrow we will do some sort of sightseeing in the morning, and then take the bus to Kenting (which is at the bottom of Taiwan), and hopefully go surfing and swimming, and everything. We are leaving some things here, as to make our backs hurt less from all of our things, and then when we come back here we can stay one more night and then get on the train to our next destination. (Don't know where yet).
My brain just shut off.
Erin
Here -it is hot. Always always hot. However everywhere has aircon so you go from hot hot hot to cold cold cold to hot hot hot, and there is never an in between.
I just realised how tired I am, and that this is boring even for me typing it.
Right now we are in the second largest city called Koahsiung. Katie knows a friend of a friend from Calgary who is teaching English here. I've learned that there are as many Canadians as there are in Korea teaching. They seem to be enjoying it, but it hasn't changed my mind about going home for a while. The place these two Calgary girls live in is absolutely beautiful. I'm in love with it. They pay rent themselves, but the place is so great, and has everything. Katie and I are lucky to be able to stay here. So we've been hanging out with English teachers. So far, two Canadians, a Kiwi, and an American girl (who has lived everywhere). It's about the same as in Korea, Saturday nights are the nights where they let loose, and drink a lot of beer. I certainly enjoyed it! We also went to the beach, but were not allowed to swim because it's ghost month, and they don't want us to drown or be drowned by the ghosts... not sure really yet all about that.
Today we relaxed most of the day (got over the tiredness from the Sat Beer night) and then went out for supper at a nice Mexican restaurant. We also went to the night markets here... I love markets, but I really miss shopping in Korea. The stuff seemed cheaper, but maybe it's because I'm on a budget now that I don't have a job.
Tomorrow we will do some sort of sightseeing in the morning, and then take the bus to Kenting (which is at the bottom of Taiwan), and hopefully go surfing and swimming, and everything. We are leaving some things here, as to make our backs hurt less from all of our things, and then when we come back here we can stay one more night and then get on the train to our next destination. (Don't know where yet).
My brain just shut off.
Erin
Friday, August 04, 2006
my own sauna
The place in this hostel that has the one crappy computer, is so hot that I think I may be losing weight just sitting here. This was going to be a longer entry, but now I'm looking forward to getting back to my air con room.
Can I just say that Thailand may be the cheapest place in the world, and I'm sad that we had to leave it to live in this pricy place for three weeks. Korea was so much cheaper it seemed. I've been doing a lot of comparing between the two (Korea and Taiwan) since I've been here, and have noticed a lot of differences. Most important is the price of things. Second most important is how different and easy the subway system is here. I enjoyed the complicated Seoul one though.
So here is my update for anyone who cares. I am not going to stay here for a year. With all the trouble with the crappy new ex job, I had a thought. I don't want to be here. I don't want to teach for another year in a country where nobody speaks English, and where foreignors tend not to talk to one another unless it's at a bar. Taiwan seems like an absolutely beautiful place, and it would have been nice to teach here, but I need a break from it. I'm going to go home for a year, get a job, and apartment in Saskatoon, help with Karen's wedding (YAH), attend two other weddings that I know about, and see my family. After my year is over, I'll make a new plan... Actually I've already decided to buy the Lonely Planet for Ireland and have it near me all the time, so it will give me initiative. I am going to get there!
So for those of you planning to see me in Taiwan, I'm sorry my plans changed. I felt absolutely horrible about giving up or quitting. For anyone who knows me, you know that I don't quit (accept for volleyball), and I don't take it lightly that I am stepping away from a committment. However, coming home is going to be incredibly hard as well because it will be a step towards doing that growing up thing that I swore I wouldn't do. We'll see what happens. My guess is I'll only last a year... but I promise (Karen) that I will stay for a year!
Anyway, we are heading out of Taipei tomorrow, which will be nice. I'm enjoying the city, but am looking forward to heading to some coasts and going surfing and swimming. (but once again, it won't be as cheap as Thailand). I miss Thailand now!
Okay, if I can find a computer from a far, I will definately update or add pictures, but I don't even see any place in Taipei that has them, which is strange. (Once again, in Korea, there was a PC room on every street).
Erin
Can I just say that Thailand may be the cheapest place in the world, and I'm sad that we had to leave it to live in this pricy place for three weeks. Korea was so much cheaper it seemed. I've been doing a lot of comparing between the two (Korea and Taiwan) since I've been here, and have noticed a lot of differences. Most important is the price of things. Second most important is how different and easy the subway system is here. I enjoyed the complicated Seoul one though.
So here is my update for anyone who cares. I am not going to stay here for a year. With all the trouble with the crappy new ex job, I had a thought. I don't want to be here. I don't want to teach for another year in a country where nobody speaks English, and where foreignors tend not to talk to one another unless it's at a bar. Taiwan seems like an absolutely beautiful place, and it would have been nice to teach here, but I need a break from it. I'm going to go home for a year, get a job, and apartment in Saskatoon, help with Karen's wedding (YAH), attend two other weddings that I know about, and see my family. After my year is over, I'll make a new plan... Actually I've already decided to buy the Lonely Planet for Ireland and have it near me all the time, so it will give me initiative. I am going to get there!
So for those of you planning to see me in Taiwan, I'm sorry my plans changed. I felt absolutely horrible about giving up or quitting. For anyone who knows me, you know that I don't quit (accept for volleyball), and I don't take it lightly that I am stepping away from a committment. However, coming home is going to be incredibly hard as well because it will be a step towards doing that growing up thing that I swore I wouldn't do. We'll see what happens. My guess is I'll only last a year... but I promise (Karen) that I will stay for a year!
Anyway, we are heading out of Taipei tomorrow, which will be nice. I'm enjoying the city, but am looking forward to heading to some coasts and going surfing and swimming. (but once again, it won't be as cheap as Thailand). I miss Thailand now!
Okay, if I can find a computer from a far, I will definately update or add pictures, but I don't even see any place in Taipei that has them, which is strange. (Once again, in Korea, there was a PC room on every street).
Erin
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
time to relax
Now that I know I don't have to worry about going to my job or looking for a job (yet), this is going to be a nice vacation. We are already planning to head down to the surfing areas, and also do some beach bumming. I go to get my useless big suitcase on Friday, and then I can put it in storage.
Erin
Erin
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
My job in Taiwan
I no longer have a job in Taiwan. I quit today. It made for a very unhappy man because he had planned for me to start work today. That wasn't in my plans, and it never was... if he breaks his end of the deal, I can break mine. Unfortunately, they have my suitcase in what was to be my new home. I want it back.
That is it...
Erin
That is it...
Erin
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