Think of this blog as the last blog before the big move. I cannot believe it's Saturday and we're doing A's tennis lessons, Ch's golf lessons, and A's soccer game all over again. Tonight is "Daddy Date Night" and I am staying at home with the kids while K and C go out to dinner and a movie. Last Saturday night I was invited to go with them, and we had a lovely light dinner of appetizers and wine at the top of the Shangri La hotel, their former home-away-from-home when they started this expat experience. The view was just gorgeous, and the hotel luxurious. Ahhh, the life of an expat....
Sunday, K and the kids went to a movie, and C and I did some exercising and grocery shopping. The TAS had Monday off, but A played a 3-on-3 basketball tournament all day. Ch met his friends for lunch and a movie and a hang-out. It really poured rain all day, but C and I went first to IKEA to shop for my new dormitory digs. We came home to leave everything off, and jumped back into a taxi to go to B&Q (a Home Depot wannabe) and Hola (a Linens and things wannabe). I pretty much spent my entire Fulbright paycheck on getting ready for the move-in...although it was not all that much! The best purchase was a dancing, singing God of Good Fortune, just what I need for my new room!
Tuesday C came roaring in after her weight-lifting class saying the Aussies were going to the Halloween-Christmas-Chinese New Year store, and wanted to know if we wanted to go with them. We quickly showered and dressed and took a taxi to meet them at the ACC (American Club of China). One of the women actually had her own car, and drove through the crazy traffic to exactly where we needed to be. We walked up and down a 6 block area to find CNY goodies...cloth lanterns, decorations, tiger wall hangings...anything that looked good enough to take home with us. C has hung her 3 lanterns, and decorated her pussy willow branches (she had to give away her good luck orange tree as flies were hatching from it in the house...not very good luck!). I will post some pictures of her CNY/Valentine decorations. PLEASE NOTE: THE PICTURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN DOWN AT THE REQUREST OF C.
Wednesday I took a 2 hour Chinese Brush painting class where I began to learn how to write the Chinese radicals (e.g., characters). Those of you who know my handwriting will be astonished to learn that I could actually do it. I walked 4 blocks to the newest Sogo department store, and gathered a few more things for my big move. That night C went to a cocktail "hour" upstairs, and the rest of us went out to eat our favorite spicy dumplings again. A helped me find the seamstress, who shortened the straps and skirt on the dress I may wear to the TAS Spring Ball/fund raiser.
Thursday, I was required to go to YZU, and did the trip meownself this time. The personnel office wanted me there as they checked off all of my paper work so they could tell me what my salary was going to be. Their last question asked if I had ever taught before...astounding, as Stephanie confirmed that they had already had a committee meeting about me before they offered me a contract as a full professor based on a copy of my Vita. They also asked for copies of my degrees, which Stephanie said she had already given them. Another "Taiwan Moment?" Or simply another example of a great HR group? Three young women and my tour guide from the COB were astonished that I had been teaching for almost 30 years. They indicated my basic salary would then go up, but they could not tell me what it was going to be until next week (despite the fact that they had the salary schedule in their hand...another TM or HR????).
My young man who accompanied me this week, a finance major, walked me back to the office to ask how we should set up my bank account. Incongrous? Maybe not...all the paperwork was in Mandarin. I signed my name when I was supposed to print it in the first blank...even though I had asked...We now had a printed and a signed example of my name to use for the next 20 times I was asked to "sign." They would just point to one or the other so that I could figure our which one I was supposed to do. Unfortunately, I still did not have my Alien Resident Card in hand so the bank account could not be completed...come back next Thursday...they are only open on Thursday! The HR office cannot finish my paperwork until I get a bank account...no pay until them. The HR group were astonished that I had an ARC, and asked how and why I got it. #1...it says I must on my passport (which they have copies of), and #2, the Fulbright office is my sponsor ("what is Fulbright?")...definitely a TM!
Friday after my regular walk in the park, I walked to the Shi Dang market place to look around. The cooking teacher had recommended a number of the stalls to buy from, but this trip I was just reconnoitering...a very fun place, and a great market. Kevin told me to walk outside around the back to an open air version, a great place to people watch. C and I took the MRT downtown to another Sogo's to shoe shop for C before we picked up the kids. She then went out for dinner and karaoke to celebrate a friend's 50th birthday. CH &K brought back local food for supper, and we all stuffed ourselves on Chinese pork chops, rice, veggies, and sides...all in one little nifty portion controlled box.
I apologize for not taking pictures to accompany all the stories, but I will eventually get used to taking my camera (and taking it out of my bag!) to get the local color.
The Aussies celebrated their national day this week, and are having a big party tomorrow afternoon. They invited the Kiwis and "other friends" to come along, too. I told them I was an honorary Kiwi, and they said they would not hold that against me, so all five of us are signed up to go. It should be a rowdy...I mean, rousing good time.
More from the move-in next week,
K
Friday, January 29, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Walking in Tien Mu Park
Getting on the school bus in Taiwan
The pictures have been removed at the request of C.
The other pictures show us at the neighborhood 7-11
where the K kids catch their very large tourist bus to the Taiwan American School. Note especially the assistant taking C's temperature before he boards the bus. His temp is taken again when they arrive at school. Anyone who enters the building must also have their temp taken and wear a sticker noting that they are not H1N1 contagious.
where the K kids catch their very large tourist bus to the Taiwan American School. Note especially the assistant taking C's temperature before he boards the bus. His temp is taken again when they arrive at school. Anyone who enters the building must also have their temp taken and wear a sticker noting that they are not H1N1 contagious.
Friday, January 22, 2010
TGIF
Thursday night after our eventful trip to Neili, we joined the kids at TAS for a girls' basketball game against a local school. The TAS girls were preparing for the international school games that are going to be played in Kuala Lumpur next week. How many years has it been since I yelled for an American school basketball team? It's all we can do to keep Kevin off the basketball floor!
A cold front had moved in during the day, so we ran to our restaurant for dinner. Shebaba was opened by a former TAS teacher...his wife is still working at TAS. It is the 4th location in the city, but his first franchise. They serve fabulous pita sandwiches and other Eastern foods...a lovely way to end a very busy day.
I woke up to a gray, rainy, cool morning...really quite pleasant. I walked the kids to the bus stop for their morning temperature check, then took off for the park. My peeps weren't there because of the threatening weather, but I got my morning walk in without a problem. I talked to one of the Purple/Shocking Pink exercisers as she was walking home. I told her how much I enjoyed the music and watching them, and she invited me to attend this morning. I asked "how much?," but she didn't know for sure. I told her I would sing along in English to the hymns I knew and she asked if I was a Christian. When I responded in the affirmative, she said "Praise God!" I promised to attend on Monday morning at 7 AM. TAS has a teacher workday on Monday, so I will head out to Tien Mu Park early. She promised all I had to do was to copy the leader!
Kevin and I took our 2 hour (almost 3 as it turned out) cooking class Friday morning. It was basic Taiwanese comfort food...fried rice noodles and veggies, fried rice with pineapple, and tomato-beef noodles. Most of it we knew how to do already, but her "local" shopping and cooking tips were very helpful. I think I will sign up for the Thursday trip to a Taipei neighborhood that is a prime area for shopping for Chinese New Year. We stopped off at TAS to use the ATM machine and put money on the kids' lunch cards...another temp check...
When we returned home, Candace was ready to antique shop. She had asked a 'friend' for the name of the shop where she had bought furniture at favorable prices. Her 'friend' refused to share the information, so Jeannie's husband happened to see the card and took a cell phone picture of it. The friend had gone back home to the US, so the 3 of us jumped into a taxi for a long ride to Danshui and the 2 floor warehouse "shop." I honestly saw a couple of things I was interested in, but they wouldn't fit in my suitcase. I am looking for a Dell family that is returning to Austin with room in their container before I buy anything! Antiques? I'm not sure. When you can smell the new varnish, it makes you suspicious. Candace and Jeannie have a friend who speaks the language, knows the worth of the items, and can help them bargain. They said they would return with Alice along to help them pick out selected items.
We rode back to Tien Mu and visited 3 other shops in the hood...two new ones that are outrageously expensive, and one...the "Opium Palace"...that was a lovely, lovely shop. I could have dropped some bucks there, but again...no container.
We all arrived home about the same time, and had TGIF and "Glee" to celebrate the end of the week. Christian ate out at Mossburgers and went to a band concert with his friends. He must write two reports this semester of concerts he has attended. We pulled the trigger on our Chinese New Year holiday. Are you ready for this? We are going to Boracay. And where, may you ask, is Boracay and how did we find it? Kerry Vines, another Dell wife and a Candace best friend, went there last year for the holiday. We must fly into the Manila, take another plane to Kalibo, take a two hour bus ride, then ride out to the island getaway on another two hour boat ride. BUT we will be on a beach for a week. It should be very interesting!!!
Today we have tennis lessons, golf lessons, pedicure, and two soccer games. Ms. Leanna is coming to babysit tonight, and the adults are going out for dinner. Tomorrow is definitely a jammie day with time to catch up on our work. Christian is going to help me upload my pictures (sorry I didn't take any pictures at YZU...too stunned? I promise to take before and after shots on move in day). I will also start my Mandarin practice cards, although I think I can say "turn right" and "turn left" now! I just don't know when to say it!
LYL
A cold front had moved in during the day, so we ran to our restaurant for dinner. Shebaba was opened by a former TAS teacher...his wife is still working at TAS. It is the 4th location in the city, but his first franchise. They serve fabulous pita sandwiches and other Eastern foods...a lovely way to end a very busy day.
I woke up to a gray, rainy, cool morning...really quite pleasant. I walked the kids to the bus stop for their morning temperature check, then took off for the park. My peeps weren't there because of the threatening weather, but I got my morning walk in without a problem. I talked to one of the Purple/Shocking Pink exercisers as she was walking home. I told her how much I enjoyed the music and watching them, and she invited me to attend this morning. I asked "how much?," but she didn't know for sure. I told her I would sing along in English to the hymns I knew and she asked if I was a Christian. When I responded in the affirmative, she said "Praise God!" I promised to attend on Monday morning at 7 AM. TAS has a teacher workday on Monday, so I will head out to Tien Mu Park early. She promised all I had to do was to copy the leader!
Kevin and I took our 2 hour (almost 3 as it turned out) cooking class Friday morning. It was basic Taiwanese comfort food...fried rice noodles and veggies, fried rice with pineapple, and tomato-beef noodles. Most of it we knew how to do already, but her "local" shopping and cooking tips were very helpful. I think I will sign up for the Thursday trip to a Taipei neighborhood that is a prime area for shopping for Chinese New Year. We stopped off at TAS to use the ATM machine and put money on the kids' lunch cards...another temp check...
When we returned home, Candace was ready to antique shop. She had asked a 'friend' for the name of the shop where she had bought furniture at favorable prices. Her 'friend' refused to share the information, so Jeannie's husband happened to see the card and took a cell phone picture of it. The friend had gone back home to the US, so the 3 of us jumped into a taxi for a long ride to Danshui and the 2 floor warehouse "shop." I honestly saw a couple of things I was interested in, but they wouldn't fit in my suitcase. I am looking for a Dell family that is returning to Austin with room in their container before I buy anything! Antiques? I'm not sure. When you can smell the new varnish, it makes you suspicious. Candace and Jeannie have a friend who speaks the language, knows the worth of the items, and can help them bargain. They said they would return with Alice along to help them pick out selected items.
We rode back to Tien Mu and visited 3 other shops in the hood...two new ones that are outrageously expensive, and one...the "Opium Palace"...that was a lovely, lovely shop. I could have dropped some bucks there, but again...no container.
We all arrived home about the same time, and had TGIF and "Glee" to celebrate the end of the week. Christian ate out at Mossburgers and went to a band concert with his friends. He must write two reports this semester of concerts he has attended. We pulled the trigger on our Chinese New Year holiday. Are you ready for this? We are going to Boracay. And where, may you ask, is Boracay and how did we find it? Kerry Vines, another Dell wife and a Candace best friend, went there last year for the holiday. We must fly into the Manila, take another plane to Kalibo, take a two hour bus ride, then ride out to the island getaway on another two hour boat ride. BUT we will be on a beach for a week. It should be very interesting!!!
Today we have tennis lessons, golf lessons, pedicure, and two soccer games. Ms. Leanna is coming to babysit tonight, and the adults are going out for dinner. Tomorrow is definitely a jammie day with time to catch up on our work. Christian is going to help me upload my pictures (sorry I didn't take any pictures at YZU...too stunned? I promise to take before and after shots on move in day). I will also start my Mandarin practice cards, although I think I can say "turn right" and "turn left" now! I just don't know when to say it!
LYL
First trip to YZU
Candace and I took our first trip to visit Yuan Ze University. It is located in Neili south of Taipei. We took a taxi to the MRT station, stopping just short of our destination. We paid the taxi, then had to hop back in to finish the first leg of our journey. The FF had given me a smart card with NT $400 (US$13) on it, and C bought a token for NT$25...about 75 cents for the ride to the Taipei City main station. The MRT is VERY nice, a lovely way to travel locally. I then bought two round trip tickets for Neili ("Naylee") on the "local small train" that cost about US$3 each. I didn't have the city spelled correctly, nor did I say it correctly, but a kind Taiwanese women translated for me.
We climbed to the assigned platform and had absolutely no idea which train or side of the platform we were supposed to use...great electronic signs, no English. A young man, who believe it or not told us he was a Boy Scout, told us the direction and correct time for boarding...otherwise we would have gotten on the "big train" and ended up in the wrong place. The women who helped us at the window also came to find us to make sure we did not get lost, and told us "7 stops." We were on our way at 11:52.
We counted our seven stops and were relieved to find we were in the right city! We exited and jumped into a taxi for a 3 minute ride to YZU. Neili is very large, very gray, and very dirty...not surprising. The campus had a lovely entry...not the "wave," but very nice. A tree-lined two block ride left us at Building 6, which houses the College of International Business. We first met Stephanie Wang, the WONDERFUL admin assistant that has never failed to answer my endless questions politely and efficiently. I presented her the Salt and Pepper shakers from Sur La Table that I picked up in Austin for her wedding gift. She had another pile of official looking papers for me to fill out that I will mail back to her on Monday. She sits in the middle of an office honey-combed with individual stations where everyone can watch and listen...no need for the office grapevine! She called Dr. Jane Lai, my chair, down from the 6th floor where my office will also be housed. We visited in a small office behind the the honeycomb, and were given hot tea. I really like Dr. Jane, and we had visited on the telephone early on. She is the one who obtained the National Science Council's funds that enabled me to support myself after the FF gave me the minuscule award. I gave her Lamb's Longhorns for helping me, clearly not enough but symbolic after all.
We visited about my assignment, and she said my classes were very small...UGs are usually 100 strong, but mine is only 31 at the present time. I have 33 in my elective MBA strategy class, but she said it is because I will be teaching in English and they all want to have the practice. They are still enrolling, so that may change also. She says most of her staff are junior professors, and have not had much teacher training. She is hoping I will give some seminars to help them. It will be interesting! I asked about Mandarin classes , and she said YZU offers free classes to their international students. I am starting my card file this week-end, but my tones are TERRIBLE. Christian is trying to help me get an early start. Dr. Jane had no idea about Tai Chi lessons, but knows a professor who practices Tai Chi who might be able to help me.
Stephanie had a meeting, but a student named Kingsley escorted us to the dormitory. We walked back out through the front gate and around an alley to the guard gate at the teacher dormitory (emphasis on teacher...no students). Walking past a high wall embedded with glass shards, we were allowed to enter the front door into a completely empty foyer that was utilitarian if none the less bare. We used the elevator to get to the second floor where my room will be. It is still being used until February 1.
The room is typical of any college dorm. The bath to the right of the entry held a pedestal sink, a western toilet (no hole in the floor, thank god), and a shower curtain that closed off the shower that flows directly into the floor drain. The left wall held a single bed, a desk, chair, and table lamp, and a round looking wooden chair. Directly opposite the door is a large window with vertical blinds that opens onto a very small balcony that holds the air con. The right side held another chair, a tiny dorm fridge (it might hold 3 water bottles), a table with a TV (an opportunity to practice my Mandarin!), and a white built-in "closet cum storage wall" that will hold most everything I brought. I will still need to buy another clothes hanger to place between the closet and the room door. All is in basic white, including the tile floors. The current renter had a mop and cleaning supplies on his balcony. I got mixed answers as to any potential cleaning service they may "offer." Candace and I are literally making lists in our heads of what I will need to live there for the next 6 months. I believe the "rent" is around US$67...not confirmed as yet.
We continued our tour to the wash room...absolutely filthy, but "free" and I will probably be using the washer and dryer. Our next stop was the shared cooking space...a filthy large refrigerator and two even filthier cook tops. I will NOT be cooking in the dorm space...add electric tea kettle and possible a dorm fridge and microwave to the "need" list. The hallways were dark and grim...basic gray cement...and the lights were off to save electricity. I will be turning on the lights.
The tour continued through the game rooms and other shared spaces. They offer dance classes on Friday nights for NT$10 (very cheap, lah). The little chubby, bossy guard finally talked and smiled about that opportunity! He showed us the back door short cut, and we walked back to the office in Building 6. Dr. Jane and the entire office waited anxiously to hear my comments about the dorm...I hesitated, but said it was "very basic" and would serve my needs. Actually it is fairly grim, but after teaching and working in other Asian locations, it was not a surprise. Candace and I both woke up this morning making lists of things to get before my move in date. Thank goodness, she knows where to go...even if we do have to make multiple stops. I think Ikea will be our first major stop, although there are a couple of places in the 'hood that may have basic cleaning tools, posters, picture frames, etc.
Dr. Jane said there was a Wellcome Supermarket "across from the train station" and a local food market a block behind that. She encouraged us to walk back to the train station..."only a 10 minute walk." The walk was over the railroad track, around the motor cycles and trucks, and into the busy, dirty streets...10 minutes, but I probably will be using taxis much of the time!
We reversed our travel, and made it back home again. The entire trip door to door is about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Call it a 2 hour journey to Tien Mu and the K apartment.
My move in day is February 2, also the day I pick up my ARC. I will probably stay for about a week getting everything set up to my liking. It will give me a chance to visit my teaching rooms, set up my office, and visit the library. Kingsley said there was a hamburger/hotdog stand, an Italian "restaurant," and a student cafeteria all on campus, so I will be looking for those as well!
It was a VERY interesting day!
We climbed to the assigned platform and had absolutely no idea which train or side of the platform we were supposed to use...great electronic signs, no English. A young man, who believe it or not told us he was a Boy Scout, told us the direction and correct time for boarding...otherwise we would have gotten on the "big train" and ended up in the wrong place. The women who helped us at the window also came to find us to make sure we did not get lost, and told us "7 stops." We were on our way at 11:52.
We counted our seven stops and were relieved to find we were in the right city! We exited and jumped into a taxi for a 3 minute ride to YZU. Neili is very large, very gray, and very dirty...not surprising. The campus had a lovely entry...not the "wave," but very nice. A tree-lined two block ride left us at Building 6, which houses the College of International Business. We first met Stephanie Wang, the WONDERFUL admin assistant that has never failed to answer my endless questions politely and efficiently. I presented her the Salt and Pepper shakers from Sur La Table that I picked up in Austin for her wedding gift. She had another pile of official looking papers for me to fill out that I will mail back to her on Monday. She sits in the middle of an office honey-combed with individual stations where everyone can watch and listen...no need for the office grapevine! She called Dr. Jane Lai, my chair, down from the 6th floor where my office will also be housed. We visited in a small office behind the the honeycomb, and were given hot tea. I really like Dr. Jane, and we had visited on the telephone early on. She is the one who obtained the National Science Council's funds that enabled me to support myself after the FF gave me the minuscule award. I gave her Lamb's Longhorns for helping me, clearly not enough but symbolic after all.
We visited about my assignment, and she said my classes were very small...UGs are usually 100 strong, but mine is only 31 at the present time. I have 33 in my elective MBA strategy class, but she said it is because I will be teaching in English and they all want to have the practice. They are still enrolling, so that may change also. She says most of her staff are junior professors, and have not had much teacher training. She is hoping I will give some seminars to help them. It will be interesting! I asked about Mandarin classes , and she said YZU offers free classes to their international students. I am starting my card file this week-end, but my tones are TERRIBLE. Christian is trying to help me get an early start. Dr. Jane had no idea about Tai Chi lessons, but knows a professor who practices Tai Chi who might be able to help me.
Stephanie had a meeting, but a student named Kingsley escorted us to the dormitory. We walked back out through the front gate and around an alley to the guard gate at the teacher dormitory (emphasis on teacher...no students). Walking past a high wall embedded with glass shards, we were allowed to enter the front door into a completely empty foyer that was utilitarian if none the less bare. We used the elevator to get to the second floor where my room will be. It is still being used until February 1.
The room is typical of any college dorm. The bath to the right of the entry held a pedestal sink, a western toilet (no hole in the floor, thank god), and a shower curtain that closed off the shower that flows directly into the floor drain. The left wall held a single bed, a desk, chair, and table lamp, and a round looking wooden chair. Directly opposite the door is a large window with vertical blinds that opens onto a very small balcony that holds the air con. The right side held another chair, a tiny dorm fridge (it might hold 3 water bottles), a table with a TV (an opportunity to practice my Mandarin!), and a white built-in "closet cum storage wall" that will hold most everything I brought. I will still need to buy another clothes hanger to place between the closet and the room door. All is in basic white, including the tile floors. The current renter had a mop and cleaning supplies on his balcony. I got mixed answers as to any potential cleaning service they may "offer." Candace and I are literally making lists in our heads of what I will need to live there for the next 6 months. I believe the "rent" is around US$67...not confirmed as yet.
We continued our tour to the wash room...absolutely filthy, but "free" and I will probably be using the washer and dryer. Our next stop was the shared cooking space...a filthy large refrigerator and two even filthier cook tops. I will NOT be cooking in the dorm space...add electric tea kettle and possible a dorm fridge and microwave to the "need" list. The hallways were dark and grim...basic gray cement...and the lights were off to save electricity. I will be turning on the lights.
The tour continued through the game rooms and other shared spaces. They offer dance classes on Friday nights for NT$10 (very cheap, lah). The little chubby, bossy guard finally talked and smiled about that opportunity! He showed us the back door short cut, and we walked back to the office in Building 6. Dr. Jane and the entire office waited anxiously to hear my comments about the dorm...I hesitated, but said it was "very basic" and would serve my needs. Actually it is fairly grim, but after teaching and working in other Asian locations, it was not a surprise. Candace and I both woke up this morning making lists of things to get before my move in date. Thank goodness, she knows where to go...even if we do have to make multiple stops. I think Ikea will be our first major stop, although there are a couple of places in the 'hood that may have basic cleaning tools, posters, picture frames, etc.
Dr. Jane said there was a Wellcome Supermarket "across from the train station" and a local food market a block behind that. She encouraged us to walk back to the train station..."only a 10 minute walk." The walk was over the railroad track, around the motor cycles and trucks, and into the busy, dirty streets...10 minutes, but I probably will be using taxis much of the time!
We reversed our travel, and made it back home again. The entire trip door to door is about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Call it a 2 hour journey to Tien Mu and the K apartment.
My move in day is February 2, also the day I pick up my ARC. I will probably stay for about a week getting everything set up to my liking. It will give me a chance to visit my teaching rooms, set up my office, and visit the library. Kingsley said there was a hamburger/hotdog stand, an Italian "restaurant," and a student cafeteria all on campus, so I will be looking for those as well!
It was a VERY interesting day!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Official visits
I must tell you that this blog is NOT sanctioned by the Fulbright Foundation (FF), but we are encouraged to publish them. That said, I continue...
The local FF office was closed on Monday as they had Martin Luther King day off! Nice! They have both US and Taiwan holidays off. Monday C took me to the Community Center, a local group that helps expats. They have lessons, do day trips, help expats adjust...I bought my maps and my taxi cards so I can get around the area in a taxi with no Mandarin. I still must learn to say "go right" or "go left," but so far the family translators are working for me. We ate dinner in a hole-in-the-wall restaurant run by a family who came from Mainland China about 10 years ago. There are no pictures on the wall, and no English sub-titles, so Candace pulls out the note her friend wrote for her with the best dishes on it. The spicy dumplings were incredible! We also ate pork noodles and many small dishes...steamed green beans, steamed broccoli, a spicy thin-sliced bean curd, and...ready for this?...sliced pig's ears. I ate ONE, and Candace finally tasted one as well, but the other 3 kept chomping away...and I do mean chomping rubbery pig's ear thin slices.
I obtained a map via e-mail with the FF address written in Mandarin, so Candace and I took off in a taxi on Tuesday to find the FF office. We arrived without a problem, and they had 17 days of pay ready for me. Doesn't $21,500 sound good? Unfortunately, that is in NT...Taiwan dollars, so my paycheck was actually around US$. Luckily, I have room and board with the Ks for the interim! They were not happy that I was unwilling to jump on a train by 8 AM Thursday morning for the 3 day mid-year meeting of the Taiwan Fulbrighters. We left to go to the Immigration Office that was 5 minutes away to get my multiple-entry Alien Residence Card. The office was actually very efficient, and we only had to wait an hour for my turn. Unfortunately, there was a mistake on one of the papers the FF office gave me, so we hopped back in a taxi, picked up the right papers (much to the chagrin of the FF secretary...she lost face), jumped back in a taxi, jumped the line to the worker who was helping me (she told me to come straight back to her, which I thought was very nice), got everything OKed, and found a taxi home. I pick up my ARC on February 2, afterwhich I can get a phone and do many other things!
Yesterday was C's day to work in the PTA store, so we went to TAS. It really is an amazing school, and the K kids are thriving there. Ch has been asked to work the sound system for the middle school spring musical...a great honor for a 7th grader. You will not believe how well he can improvise on the piano. A played soccer after school yesterday (TYPA: Taiwan Youth Programs Association). She is going to play in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Monday as they have a day off (soooo many vacations!). She is doing well on the violin and the piano. All after school and week-end programs are run my TYPA.
They are coming to fix the air-con this AM...K is suffering without it. C and I will then try to find YZU today. We have to take the taxi to the area MRT station. Then we take the MRT into the main station, followed by a change to a train to Jhongli. They have a package in English waiting for me. I am hoping beyond hope to see my dormitory room. I've been begging online, but so far it has not seemed to work. I want to get the lay of the land. I have 31 UGs and 33 MBAs in my strategy classes so far, but enrollment is still open. YIKES! Large classes here, too! We must be back by 5 PM to pick up kids after their piano lessons.
We are planning to see a Van Gogh exhibition on Monday after the basketball tournament is over. We thought there would be fewer people in attendance on TAS' day off. C and A have already been to an Andy Warhol exhibition.
Shhhh...but Ch has downloaded "Glee" and "Friday Night Lights." It's been a treat to finish homework, practice, and dinner to sit as a family to watch "Glee"...Moans go up when each episode is finished, and I'm sure we will be re-watching. A goes to bed, the FNL comes on...more moans when that episode concludes. We are all hooked!
Time to get ready for the bus walk and Tien Mu exercise. I'll tell you about our YZU adventures tomorrow. Friday morning K and I are taking a Noodle Cooking class at the Community Center...lots to share!
The local FF office was closed on Monday as they had Martin Luther King day off! Nice! They have both US and Taiwan holidays off. Monday C took me to the Community Center, a local group that helps expats. They have lessons, do day trips, help expats adjust...I bought my maps and my taxi cards so I can get around the area in a taxi with no Mandarin. I still must learn to say "go right" or "go left," but so far the family translators are working for me. We ate dinner in a hole-in-the-wall restaurant run by a family who came from Mainland China about 10 years ago. There are no pictures on the wall, and no English sub-titles, so Candace pulls out the note her friend wrote for her with the best dishes on it. The spicy dumplings were incredible! We also ate pork noodles and many small dishes...steamed green beans, steamed broccoli, a spicy thin-sliced bean curd, and...ready for this?...sliced pig's ears. I ate ONE, and Candace finally tasted one as well, but the other 3 kept chomping away...and I do mean chomping rubbery pig's ear thin slices.
I obtained a map via e-mail with the FF address written in Mandarin, so Candace and I took off in a taxi on Tuesday to find the FF office. We arrived without a problem, and they had 17 days of pay ready for me. Doesn't $21,500 sound good? Unfortunately, that is in NT...Taiwan dollars, so my paycheck was actually around US$. Luckily, I have room and board with the Ks for the interim! They were not happy that I was unwilling to jump on a train by 8 AM Thursday morning for the 3 day mid-year meeting of the Taiwan Fulbrighters. We left to go to the Immigration Office that was 5 minutes away to get my multiple-entry Alien Residence Card. The office was actually very efficient, and we only had to wait an hour for my turn. Unfortunately, there was a mistake on one of the papers the FF office gave me, so we hopped back in a taxi, picked up the right papers (much to the chagrin of the FF secretary...she lost face), jumped back in a taxi, jumped the line to the worker who was helping me (she told me to come straight back to her, which I thought was very nice), got everything OKed, and found a taxi home. I pick up my ARC on February 2, afterwhich I can get a phone and do many other things!
Yesterday was C's day to work in the PTA store, so we went to TAS. It really is an amazing school, and the K kids are thriving there. Ch has been asked to work the sound system for the middle school spring musical...a great honor for a 7th grader. You will not believe how well he can improvise on the piano. A played soccer after school yesterday (TYPA: Taiwan Youth Programs Association). She is going to play in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Monday as they have a day off (soooo many vacations!). She is doing well on the violin and the piano. All after school and week-end programs are run my TYPA.
They are coming to fix the air-con this AM...K is suffering without it. C and I will then try to find YZU today. We have to take the taxi to the area MRT station. Then we take the MRT into the main station, followed by a change to a train to Jhongli. They have a package in English waiting for me. I am hoping beyond hope to see my dormitory room. I've been begging online, but so far it has not seemed to work. I want to get the lay of the land. I have 31 UGs and 33 MBAs in my strategy classes so far, but enrollment is still open. YIKES! Large classes here, too! We must be back by 5 PM to pick up kids after their piano lessons.
We are planning to see a Van Gogh exhibition on Monday after the basketball tournament is over. We thought there would be fewer people in attendance on TAS' day off. C and A have already been to an Andy Warhol exhibition.
Shhhh...but Ch has downloaded "Glee" and "Friday Night Lights." It's been a treat to finish homework, practice, and dinner to sit as a family to watch "Glee"...Moans go up when each episode is finished, and I'm sure we will be re-watching. A goes to bed, the FNL comes on...more moans when that episode concludes. We are all hooked!
Time to get ready for the bus walk and Tien Mu exercise. I'll tell you about our YZU adventures tomorrow. Friday morning K and I are taking a Noodle Cooking class at the Community Center...lots to share!
Travels and the first week
The flights were truly uneventful. I spent a total of 32 hours traveling from door to door. I left the house after 2.5 inches of rain overnight during a flood watch. The suitcases weighed as planned and I paid for the extra bag and took the allotted 2 carry-ons with me. They put me on an earlier flight, that was then delayed. We finally left at noon, only 30 minutes before my regularly schedule flight and the first one out of CC of DFW that morning. WHEW!
DFW was uneventful, but they changed the gate 45 minutes before we were to board...another trip around the airport, but enough time to make it.
LAX was a pain as always. I lined up for EVA's check-in at 6:15 PM as soon as I walked around to the international building. They opened two windows for all the cattle class people at 7:15. No problems again, but they made me check one of my carry-ons...it weighed over 7 kilos...who knew that mattered? Another $96 and I was not happy. She told me she got me a great aisle seat, which turned out to be next to the bathroom! We listened to loud "whooshes!" all night...lovely smells...never mind...the seats were comfortable, I had a new book, and I'd already seen the movies so I did sleep most of the way.
My bags were the VERY LAST ones off the plane, but going through immigration was not ever a hassle. K & A met me with a hired car ($US 35...much cheaper than a taxi), and off we drove to Tien Mu.
K & A went to the Father-Daughter Dinner Dance on Saturday night, then K & C went to a very posh 25th wedding anniversary celebration and partied well into the night. I was treated to a Chinese breakfast gathered from a shop in the neighborhood.
Ch was at a birthday sleep-over, then worked on a project all afternoon with a friend. He finally arrived home, and we were clearly a bunch of sleepy heads. We had two kinds of curry and noodles with veggies for supper. I am clearly back in the land of hot chilies and curries, and it makes me very happy!
My jet lag has been a little weird, but I just keep going until I drop to take a nap. I thought I was going to be sleeping through the night, but tonight is an exception again.
I have been walking the kids to the bus every morning. The tour bus that takes them to TAS (Taiwan American School) stops half a block away at the ubiquitous 7-11. Everyone must have their temperature taken before they are allowed on the bus. ..pictures will follow as soon as Ch teaches me how to upload them.
I walk to Tien Mu park as soon as the bus leaves for my morning exercise (again, pictures will follow). I do my usual 3.5 + or - miles, then return for coffee and the start of the day. The park is a fascinating place to watch everyone who lives in the 'hood. The dog lovers are there with pets that are meticulously shampooed and fluffed. The dogs know they are beautiful, and prance around showing off and playing with each other. They are often brought to the park in their own padded baby stroller! The church group is still exercising on the park stage in their matching purple, shocking pink, and turquoise sweatshirts. I know it is a Christian group as a I catch "hallelujahs!' and "HO-sannahs!" among the Mandarin hymns. I even sing along with some of the hymns...in English, of course. There is a Tai Chi group that meets that I would love to join, but that is on the list of things to do. Pick-up basketball and tennis lessons and games are going on. The street sweepers and toilet cleaners are all busy. There is a wonderful children's playground, but I am out too early to see any of the kids playing. They were re-modeling the park the last time I was here, and it is really very nice. I like the way they put their seasonal plantings on the wall surrounding the park (another picture!). The water truck drove thought yesterday, but they will clearly soon be put in the ground as spring and summer plantings.
The walk to the park takes me two blocks through the neighborhood where the vendors and restaurants are located. I actually went to the fruit seller yesterday. He used to operate off the back of a truck, but he has paid his dues to the local mafia and now has a very nice location in a corner building. Tuesday was "big garbage day" and I couldn't use the sidewalks. There were GIANT piles of garbage at every corner. I was quite surprised as re-cycling is heavily emphasized here. The neighborhood looks much better that my last visit as they have put in new sidewalks. There are already splashes of betel nut juice on the new walkways, so it will look normal very soon.
Time to put on my exercise clothes and start the day...
DFW was uneventful, but they changed the gate 45 minutes before we were to board...another trip around the airport, but enough time to make it.
LAX was a pain as always. I lined up for EVA's check-in at 6:15 PM as soon as I walked around to the international building. They opened two windows for all the cattle class people at 7:15. No problems again, but they made me check one of my carry-ons...it weighed over 7 kilos...who knew that mattered? Another $96 and I was not happy. She told me she got me a great aisle seat, which turned out to be next to the bathroom! We listened to loud "whooshes!" all night...lovely smells...never mind...the seats were comfortable, I had a new book, and I'd already seen the movies so I did sleep most of the way.
My bags were the VERY LAST ones off the plane, but going through immigration was not ever a hassle. K & A met me with a hired car ($US 35...much cheaper than a taxi), and off we drove to Tien Mu.
K & A went to the Father-Daughter Dinner Dance on Saturday night, then K & C went to a very posh 25th wedding anniversary celebration and partied well into the night. I was treated to a Chinese breakfast gathered from a shop in the neighborhood.
Ch was at a birthday sleep-over, then worked on a project all afternoon with a friend. He finally arrived home, and we were clearly a bunch of sleepy heads. We had two kinds of curry and noodles with veggies for supper. I am clearly back in the land of hot chilies and curries, and it makes me very happy!
My jet lag has been a little weird, but I just keep going until I drop to take a nap. I thought I was going to be sleeping through the night, but tonight is an exception again.
I have been walking the kids to the bus every morning. The tour bus that takes them to TAS (Taiwan American School) stops half a block away at the ubiquitous 7-11. Everyone must have their temperature taken before they are allowed on the bus. ..pictures will follow as soon as Ch teaches me how to upload them.
I walk to Tien Mu park as soon as the bus leaves for my morning exercise (again, pictures will follow). I do my usual 3.5 + or - miles, then return for coffee and the start of the day. The park is a fascinating place to watch everyone who lives in the 'hood. The dog lovers are there with pets that are meticulously shampooed and fluffed. The dogs know they are beautiful, and prance around showing off and playing with each other. They are often brought to the park in their own padded baby stroller! The church group is still exercising on the park stage in their matching purple, shocking pink, and turquoise sweatshirts. I know it is a Christian group as a I catch "hallelujahs!' and "HO-sannahs!" among the Mandarin hymns. I even sing along with some of the hymns...in English, of course. There is a Tai Chi group that meets that I would love to join, but that is on the list of things to do. Pick-up basketball and tennis lessons and games are going on. The street sweepers and toilet cleaners are all busy. There is a wonderful children's playground, but I am out too early to see any of the kids playing. They were re-modeling the park the last time I was here, and it is really very nice. I like the way they put their seasonal plantings on the wall surrounding the park (another picture!). The water truck drove thought yesterday, but they will clearly soon be put in the ground as spring and summer plantings.
The walk to the park takes me two blocks through the neighborhood where the vendors and restaurants are located. I actually went to the fruit seller yesterday. He used to operate off the back of a truck, but he has paid his dues to the local mafia and now has a very nice location in a corner building. Tuesday was "big garbage day" and I couldn't use the sidewalks. There were GIANT piles of garbage at every corner. I was quite surprised as re-cycling is heavily emphasized here. The neighborhood looks much better that my last visit as they have put in new sidewalks. There are already splashes of betel nut juice on the new walkways, so it will look normal very soon.
Time to put on my exercise clothes and start the day...
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Greetings, Family & Friends,
The deadline is near. I rushed back from Austin yesterday to get my yard in order and to clean my garage. I drove to Portland to visit with my "other Mother," Willie Belle Buck, and had a lovely time. We even went to a tea party with real scones!
All the last minute obligations have been completed: doctors' appointment;, extra shopping (still no teddy bear replacement for A; a pedicure with Anthony at Mimi's; last minute research meetings; good-byes to the TAMUCC colleagues; and final weighing of the ceremonial suitcases. May I say I had to unpack to reach the allotted 61 pounds? The carry-on handbag and suitcase are getting heavier, but I cannot leave the Valentine M&Ms and napkins behind.
It has been terribly foggy and the weatherman says watch out for floods overnight, but the taxi is picking me up at 9:15 AM tomorrow.
Later...from TAIWAN!
The deadline is near. I rushed back from Austin yesterday to get my yard in order and to clean my garage. I drove to Portland to visit with my "other Mother," Willie Belle Buck, and had a lovely time. We even went to a tea party with real scones!
All the last minute obligations have been completed: doctors' appointment;, extra shopping (still no teddy bear replacement for A; a pedicure with Anthony at Mimi's; last minute research meetings; good-byes to the TAMUCC colleagues; and final weighing of the ceremonial suitcases. May I say I had to unpack to reach the allotted 61 pounds? The carry-on handbag and suitcase are getting heavier, but I cannot leave the Valentine M&Ms and napkins behind.
It has been terribly foggy and the weatherman says watch out for floods overnight, but the taxi is picking me up at 9:15 AM tomorrow.
Later...from TAIWAN!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
January 6, 2010
My first adventure: creating a personal blog! Expect to see the URL in your New Year's Eve greetings. I am hoping you will also respond to the postings with your comments and questions.
I finished preparing for the UG Strategy class this morning. I'm still wondering exactly what level of English the students will have in my classes that will be taught in English. I will complete the preparations for the MBA Strategy elective class today. I am waiting to hear how many students are enrolled in each class. I still need to prepare my "Guest Lectures" for the MBA IB class. The Professor of record is an Economist, and has failed to give me a syllabus as yet. His e-mail was interesting...and difficult to read. I love my economist colleagues and students, but I just need more guidance!
My suitcases sit in my family room waiting to be weighed. I've confirmed a 61 pound limit on EVA, and I will pay to have a third bag checked in...$89 is definitely cheaper than shipping. Picture me with three "61" pound bags, a carry-on suitcase and a very large hand-bag. I hope the TSA gods are merciful.
The house and yard are ready for the housesitter who arrives on Friday. We will have a week of overlap, but he will be starting TAMUCC classes, and I will be running around like a mad woman checking off the final items on the to-do list.
I'm waiting to hear what housing I will have at Yuan Ze. I have no idea whether I need to take bedding and household items...oh, lord...another suitcase????
For now...Happy New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai!
I finished preparing for the UG Strategy class this morning. I'm still wondering exactly what level of English the students will have in my classes that will be taught in English. I will complete the preparations for the MBA Strategy elective class today. I am waiting to hear how many students are enrolled in each class. I still need to prepare my "Guest Lectures" for the MBA IB class. The Professor of record is an Economist, and has failed to give me a syllabus as yet. His e-mail was interesting...and difficult to read. I love my economist colleagues and students, but I just need more guidance!
My suitcases sit in my family room waiting to be weighed. I've confirmed a 61 pound limit on EVA, and I will pay to have a third bag checked in...$89 is definitely cheaper than shipping. Picture me with three "61" pound bags, a carry-on suitcase and a very large hand-bag. I hope the TSA gods are merciful.
The house and yard are ready for the housesitter who arrives on Friday. We will have a week of overlap, but he will be starting TAMUCC classes, and I will be running around like a mad woman checking off the final items on the to-do list.
I'm waiting to hear what housing I will have at Yuan Ze. I have no idea whether I need to take bedding and household items...oh, lord...another suitcase????
For now...Happy New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)