It has been quite interesting to have all of this time and freedom at my expense. What with all of this time to myself I have been a) sleeping and b) sweating. Of course, when my tired body gives me a chance to do some wandering, I have been able to discover that Taiwan is a wonderfully beautiful country and the people here are just the nicest.
I have been welcomed with open arms by the people of Hsinchu (pronounced Shinju, actually). Help is always just a smile away! There are no sidewalks here, quite similar to how I remember the streets of Hanoi, Vietnam looking like. Scooters are everywhere and it is fairly common to see these machines weave in and out of traffic with their entire family (pets included), somehow holding on tight for the ride. Perhaps it won’t surprise anyone to see me write that I am hesitant about purchasing a scooter, although I am aware it’s a must!
I have spent a few days at my place of employment for the next year, Hsinchu American School (HAS). It excites me to be working for such wonderful people and in a very supportive and open environment. I have my own classroom with 4-5 students to occupy it next Monday (all of these things a first year teacher couldn’t even dream of attaining in Ontario!). So, I am considering myself quite lucky. I think that I have landed myself in a pretty gosh darned good position for the year.
Some interesting things to point out: earthquakes happen once or twice a month here (considering myself warned?) and the garbage trucks in this city play Beethoven from them. Why wouldn't they, right?
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
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