Monday, June 6, 2005

I'm here. o.0
Life is interesting now.

I don't think I've ever been so amazed, so taken back, and so overwhelmed by anything in my life. I think this is one of the most remarkable things I've done, ever. And I'm a bit scared, and a part of me wants to go home.

But I'm in a very cool place, to be sure.

I'm in what is considered 'a small town' here, but it looks a lot like most of the large citiies I know in Victoria. It's crazy. There are flashing signs everywhere, bright lights, millions of people on scooters, street vendors.. today I ate pizza with squid on it. I'm serious.

I will mention that I'm no longer a vegetarian. It's impossible, I'm afraid. When I go home again I will be.. but for now it's a bit of a problem.

Today internet was set up in my room. I'm so happy. When I first got here, it was sooo hard, just because I couldn't talk to or contact anyone. But being able to come online makes me feel a bit closer to my friends and family, so I feel much better now.

Maybe I should write some of the things that have happened so far. I think this might be a big entry. Bear with me.

My arrival was a bit difficult. It was a *very* long trip. After everything, it took about 18 or 19 hours to get here; thats after the bus, plane and car ride from the airport.

And I must say, it's just longer when you're freaking out the whole way. 'Why am I doing this?', 'Holy fuck, I'm in Hong Kong; I don't know what anyone is saying', 'I want to go home', etc. It just doesn't help.

I was scared out of my mind. No exaggeration. And when I got here, I cried my first night, because I couldn't phone Luke; well, I could have.. but we got here at 1am Taiwanese time. And my host family was all asleep, so I didn't want to call until I could ask.

The next morning I phoned. That was nice.. I'm hanging onto his voice like a pathetic lovesick puppy. I remember everything he said. I remember how sad he was when I needed to cut off the conversation, and I remember him trying to hide it too. But I can tell; cause he's my boy. ^_^

I have Skype now. I'm not entirely sure how to use it. But if anyone gets an account, I can phone them through that.. and I think I'll get a cellphone when I can too. So let me know if you do.

Anyway.. the first day was SO eventful I couldn't think straight. Firstly, I woke up very very early.. and I didn't sleep much, because of the time difference, being afraid, etc. Yiyi (the woman who owns the school I'm staying at,) took me all over the place. She showed me the temple she prayed at, introduced me to her family, and showed me so many things. Taichung is a very interesting city. The houses are traditional, and so are many of the people. The streets usually don't accomidate sidewalks, and traffic rules are often ignored. Seatbelts aren't required in the backseats of cars, and it's legal not to have a carseat for your children.

Fish is prepared as it is. It's fresh, always. People don't buy that from the supermarket, they usually get it from family or friends, or they buy it from street vendors. Fruits like pineapples, bananas, and kiwis are cheap because they are grown locally.

Water isn't safe to drink. It's filtered, always. You can't brush your teeth with tap water.

Thats kinda sad, but I understand. There are a lot of people here.

We went for a hike in the woods. It was spectacular. Trees were so green it was amazing. The view is gorgeous. I can't even explain it.

I keep seeing fruit I don't know; I ate a banana right from the tree today. It was great. Yiyi keeps giving me food, though. Yesterday was hard because I ate so much that I could barely move. She insists I keep eating, cause she wants to be nice. But I don't eat much to start with. ;_; She's too nice.

They also taught me to drive a scooter. I crashed into a post the first time. They are much faster than electrics.

But I did okay afterwards.

I had this problem with talking to the kids here. Most of them actually speak some English. Yiyi's daughter Nana doesn't. But today I opened up anyway.

I was horrified the first night I was here. But today I feel much better. I'm going to stay up pretty late so I can talk to Luke when/if he gets online soon. I think he probably will.

Today was much calmer; I didn't do much of anything. They brought me a desk and an endtable. I have the net. It's nice. I like having time to myself.

We had pizza today. I got the hawaiian. Mostly because I'm a loser and that was the only kind I recognised, but partially because it reminds me of Luke. Yiyi got pizza with squid on it.

....

I ate said pizza. I don't find it any different than other types, but I find it strange too.

And spagetti apparantly commonly has shellfish in it here.

Mmhmm.

I had a good day. I played with Nana and her cousin. I talked to them, and we drew together. It was very nice.

Now I'm going to chill. Yep.

See you soon,

-Chris

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