So of course I have my wish list of resolutions and fantasies. So here goes:
1. Make a food diary and eventually consume 1400 calories a day, lose 5 kg.
2. Learn and incorporate kettlebells into my fitness routines
3. Improve my Mandarin, really take my lessons seriously and make room for homework.
4. That means less time surfing the net and watching videos
5. Finish and start writing all those screenplays and stories Ive been meaning to write. At least the one dearest to my heart.
6. Save money, pay off my grad loan.
7. Get a used car. Explore more of Taiwan go camping.
8. Wean myself job wise, way from Sharefun and teaching kids, find a school with more holiday time, or teach adults in a college.
9. Stop going to bed late. 11 pm and no later.
10. Be more patient with Z.
11. Discover more about my mission, calling, destiny and do it.
Seems pretty reasonable, doesn’t it? Nothing over the top after looking at the above list. I refrain from saying meet Mr. Right, as in 2009 I pretty much purged myself of that fantasy (not that I don’t believe it could happen, it is just not important anymore).
Well lets get it on already, I welcome the new year with open arms, with expectations of open doors and meeting the right people at the right moment and loving people more because I am loved.
About Me
- Kathy (杜 言 艷)
- Yilan, Taiwan
- I just returned back to the States after 11 years in Taiwan with my daughter. Taiwan is an excellent base for us explore Asia, while living in relative (gun free) safety, while benefiting from a cheap and efficient national health care system. The people are amazing too. I have Taiwanese friendships that are 20 years old and I'm always making new ones! My coworker here in CO is from Taiwan.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
New Years Weekend in Hong Kong
After work on Thursday, a van from Kaohsiung Airport picked us up at my front door and we with my workmate Steve and his girlfriend Candy took a 2 hour drive (traffic)to the airport, checked in with Dragon Air (what a cool name for an airline) and waited, starving for our plane (there were no places to eat at our terminal). The flight took an hour and we were served dinner.
We arrived at HK Internat’l airport at 10pm New Years Eve, quickly got our luggage and stayed in line forever at immigration. It was a bit difficult w/ Z, she was restless and it was very late past her bedtime, plus we had dressed for the forewarned HK winter and were wearing layers and my hands were full of bags and big jackets and she wanted to be held (the theme of the trip). Thankfully my workmate Steve and his girlfriend Candy were there to keep an extra eye on Z and provide her with some other entertainment as mom can be too boring sometimes. Z and I took an extra 5 minutes, as checking twice a child’s info, especially in HK (human trafficking hotspot) was just fine with me. And then Candy got into some trouble and the HK immigration man told her to step aside she wasn’t allowed through and he didnt bother to help her. Steve wasn’t going to leave her there, so on the other side, praying a silent prayer I saw a reasonable looking immigration man and told them she didn’t have a visa (who would of thought a Taiwanese person would need a visa to HK for 3 days? maybe since the takeover by Beijing?). Steve told me not to wait and go to the hotel so I did. I got the last free hotel shuttle bus at 11 and after check in, watched the fireworks display over the harbor from local TV. It was a late night for little Z.
The next morning got a call from Steve and they had made it back to the hotel at 2 something after buying an expensive emergency visa and taking some other kind of free bus to our hotel in Kowloon City. I had brought a whole stash of organic instant oatmeal and used this as a small filler until we found something in the city proper. Thankfully this saved me some money and convenience, as the hotel breakfasts were too expensive and breakfast shops a walk down the block (Z literally had to be carried the whole time).
Did I mention 15 kg Z needed to be carried the whole time? I didn’t mind that much the first day. I brought my handmade reversible red kid wrap I made in CO when I was 8 months preg. I could wear her on the front back or side and my backpack full of camera, water, map on the other side. Anyway, we met Steve and Candy in the lobby around 10 and took a local bus into Kowloon’s tourist district found a cheap noodle and rice porridge place for brunch, filled up and parted ways. Z did not want Steve and Candy to leave and well, honestly I didn’t either. Its challenging enough navigating one’s way in a brand new intense city and that is fun for sure, but with a kid, I’d like to be more careful. Still I just had a vague plan, a map, some money and the whole day.
First I went down to the harbor and bought a ticket on a double-decker bus and then walked down the along the harbor at the Avenue of the Stars, took some photos, bought a coffee and snack at Starbucks, and took the bus tour. Z liked to be on the bus and after the hour tour was over (Kowloon tour), she fell asleep in my arms and I didn’t want to wake her or carry her walking, so I went on the next bus tour and just held her in my arms. It was warmish, the sun was shining I got some sun on my face, took off my coat and settled in. When she woke, we walked back along the harbor and took the famous Star Ferry to Hong Kong Island, took the double-decker tour of Hong Kong island, then got off to take the tram up Victoria peak. By now the sun just went down and the line for the tram (well not exactly a line, more like a throng that spilled onto the streets and around the corner down the block). I didn’t know where to start, so I accidentally found a sign with my double-decker bus company logo and from there (at the front of the line off the street) lined up. The throng from there was packed like sardines, I held Z in my arms for a good hour before we got into the tram and I was tired. We had walked a lot, despite the buses and standing in line carrying her exhausted me.
Inside the tram, I at least got a seat. The ride was short, 10 minutes and very disorienting. We were going up at such a steep angle, all the apartment buildings looked like they were the leaning tower of Pisa. At the top was a little shopping mall and we caught a bite and some water and headed back for the bottom. The line down the tram was just as crazy so I opted to take a bus down. I had to walk outside and around the corner and it was freezing and windy. Once I got to this big bus depot, I had no idea which one to take and just walked to a line, and basically was in the front, talked to some people from India and waited for 10 minutes. They all had waited for an hour and when I was boarding this little shuttle bus I missed a step, twisted my ankle, pretty bad and fell on my knee and elbow. I was carrying Z on my front and she was unhurt, I had somehow taken the fall and had to pull myself up to the stairs to the closest seat. When we got out I had to limp to the Star Ferry terminal and waited for the next one, then on the Kowloon side I didn’t know which bus to take back to the hotel, so I walked to the Metro and the signs were so unclear I kept hobbling in circles and decided to walk to the next Metro stop, and that was closed and somehow ended up in a seedy area with lots of police and Nigerian men standing around and finally took a taxi. It was a late night and I was exhausted.
The next morning my ankle was swollen and I couldn’t even bare any weight. I thought it might improve after my body wakes up a bit, but it only improved slightly. I went into Kowloon’s tourist area with Steve and Candy and by chance, (Steve asked a newspaper stand guy for a typical dim sum place and he pointed to the door right behind us) found the Dim Sum place we were dreaming about on the flight over). We sat down and stuffed ourselves with different dumplings, pancakes with rice flour, ending with a red bean pudding and lots of tea. After splitting the bill we parted. What a treat to be in the middle of the most touristy area and the only tourists in the Dim Sum place full of locals. Just this food in this place, relaxed, made my trip. They didn’t even speak Mandarin or English, it was phenomenal.
Since Z didn’t really like the crowds we headed north to the Diamond Heights district and enjoyed the peaceful, uncrowned serenity of a Tang dynasty garden (free) and the adjacent Buddhist nunnery. Z could walk and run and she enjoyed the nature. When she began to be fussy and ready for her lunch and nap we went to the nearby shopping mall which has the biggest cinema complex in HK and Z watched her first big screen movie. I thought she might sleep through it. Unfortunately, there were only tickets to Alvin and the Chipmunks (could any kid movie possibly be more annoying) row 4 and she didn’t sleep. She got a second wind and loved it. That shopping mall also has the biggest English bookstore in HK, so of course I had to go there and bought so many books for Z. (Of course when Mommy wants to buy books for herself, Z thinks its time to go). I really wanted to take her ice-skating there, but with the state of my ankle and how I continued to abuse it, that wasn’t possible. I had made plans to meet Candy and Steve on the opposite end, in Hong Kong island for dinner, and with the great Metro system, with one transfer was on time. We found this little place that sold Middle East food and Indian curries and the feta cheese was the best Id ever had, its was creamy and rich. We went for a beer in a nearby empty, bar (Sam Adams my home favorite) and then I went back to the hotel around 8pm (Metro + taxi this time no star ferry and subsequent madness like the night before). After our night shower I packed for the return back to Taiwan. ON our flight back we had female pilot which I thought was pretty cool. In the airport we met another co-worker Megan and her boyfriend who also returned from HK/Macau.
I think Hong Kong would be an exciting place to live. I was surprised how many people spoke Mandarin, how many dance and yoga studios I saw, the variety of international food, the number of these insanely large shopping mall complexes, like gigantic temples to capitalism, (“mall” just seems like such a small word for these places) and these in your face elite, shopping boutiques, and 7 star hotels for the stinking rich. Id like to go back and explore the islands, this time stay on Hong Kong island, see the view from the Bank of China, do the tram again and take some photos and take a junk boat ride. I asked myself the same questions I usually ask myself, I wonder if I will ever make it back there again?
Sunday, January 17, 2010
2009 in retrospect
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I cant recall how last year begun, but I wont forget how it ended. Oh wait Zenaida and I went to a Xiao Wont-z show (also knows as “Cherry Cheeks”), from all the characters from the classic Japanese cartoon. My friends Alisse and Marty came from Taipei to stay for a much too short visit. The first half I was mostly broke and working hard.
Some memorable highlights from 2009: In June my taxes went down from 20% to 6% which freed some extra cash for buying a scooter, saving very poorly for 2 tickets home, joining a gym, and buying all what Zenaida needed. During the wet season we had the destruction of Typhoon Morokat which really devastated south Taiwan, destruction from around Tainan to Kaohsiung. My apt was without water for a week, so for one day we filled up as many containers as we could and used that for washing up. Water was rationed everywhere for a few weeks there until all the rain and silt from the typhoon was properly cleaned for public consumption.
What other highlights, we got a sweet cat named Mitzy, I went diving and found a good diving crew in Kenting (but haven’t gone since, scroll down for things to do in 2010). I made 2 great friends Anna and Doreen, Taiwanese divorcees with kids and they both live down the street. I found a great church (Dayspring) that feels like home. Having jumped around different places, this one is so full of love, no religion, no legalism, only Jesus. I got baptized there and for anyone who knows me, anti-establishment, free as a bird this was a major, revolutionary step in this process of God-actualization. This goes hand in hand with this present phase of celibacy, Jesus is truly my husband. I’m like a nun, and if anyone ever knew me just several years ago, they’d think that was pretty damn revolutionary (not that I was like Samantha from Sex in the City, but you get the drift).
Also, there were some big uncomfortable earthquakes and loads of tremors, but no damage. I began to learn how to surf and had some wonderful moments trying to learn. One of the best blessings of the year was different people coming together to sponsor the majority of our plane tickets for our Chinese New Year trip home. Share Fun’s owner Mary sponsored Zenaida’s ticket and my church at home (Living Way Fellowship) sponsored 500US for mine. Pretty great! I could afford a bootstrap 3 day weekend in Hong Kong and bring home some gifts. I know I wouldn’t be able to come home without this help. Its one month’s salary and its difficult to save right now.
Health is a strange drama sometimes, childhood sicknesses, things going around the school. For the most part I was like the iron maiden immune from all of it, but there was an episode around Lantern Fest where I fainted in my kitchen and hit my head` on the floor pretty hard (never fainted before, IM not the type). How strange to wake up disoriented on my kitchen floor not knowing how I got there. And then in the change in seasons I got the flu and bad cough for 3 weeks. Zenaida has had a respiratory infection for most of the winter that would come and go and only before our Hong Kong has disappeared. Her stomach is very sensitive and sometimes she gets the runs. Otherwise we are both very strong, energetic and vivacious.
There were some strange experiences with Chinese medicine, cooking with it for dinner. In Taiwan food is really medicine. The bad reactions to the medicine is another story.
Sharefun (at certain moments also known by the teachers as Share Stress).
I felt I found my groove with my kids and being uber-productive and having higher than expected results. Sure each of my students is a 5 year old genius and easy to teach, but I’ve just been this Aquarian icon standing with a big water jug, pouring, pouring everything into their receptive, growing brains and its gratifying. These little 5 year olds can tell you about Taiwanese aboriginals, watersheds, the Nativity story, reduce/reuse/recycle, they know the geography of Taiwan and their song repertoire is impressive. I love the kids and am not perfect, but love covers a multitude of mistakes.
Zenaida continues to be in half day English, half a day Chinese. Her Mandarin and English are both excellent. She can go in and out of either in mid conversation and often translates for me. She can also speak Taiwanese (Hokkien).
The Flying Club
The gym is just around the corner from our apartment. The staff and members are like one big family. I get lots of support. I workout during lunch and W, Th., Fri eve classes (Latin, combat and belly dancing). There is a kid room adjacent to the weights and studio with glass walls, and if Z isn’t playing on the indoor jungle gym, she is being spoiled by the trainers and staff. The old aunties (aw-ees) and grandmas (amas) also spoil her. Two particular amas (one being Amy Wu) are a godsend, even if they can be with her for 10 minutes. I started working with a personal trainer, who is my friend Jessica and she is amazing, creative and good at her job. The medicine ball on a buso is my best friend. I finally pump iron and am not bored. The head manager Ben is kind and his daughter is Z’s age. The head trainer Ethan is Z’s favorite uncle. Professional baseball local hero Wong, Jimmy ex-pitcher for the Yankees works out there on his off season. Now 3 Korean baseballs teams beat the harsh Korean winters for Tainan’s mild ones and hit the weights after practice.
At the gym I’ve tried being buried in wood dust of heated sandalwood. Its like being buried alive. I’ve seen people buried to the neck in sand to sweat out toxins, this is sorta the same thing, except you’re lying in a wood box full of soft, aromatic, sandalwood and one of staff gets a shovel and buries you up the neck, closes the wood over you, turn on the heat and all you hear is crickets with classical music. You don’t even feel like you’ve sweated until you come out. Recently they bought this huge clay jar with a lid and of course you’re supposed to sit inside of it while they pump medicine vapor with the fumes of some expensive medicine stones. I tried it , it felt great, could of stayed there longer, but my an eye vessel popped shortly after--might have been a little too stimulating.
Now I’m setting up a kettlebell trainer from Taipei to come do a seminar at the end of Jan, so I’m hoping it will be a win-win for all parties.
I think this year, at least the end part Ive been given the gift of the abundant life. Sure I live mostly from paycheck to paycheck, I don’t own a car or home and make too less to mention, but somehow I have everything I need and want. I find the coolest high quality clothes for me and Z at cheap prices (Korean not Chinese made—so cool and high quality), I can buy the best foods. Taiwan is blessed with a plethora of exotic fruits, vegs, fresh fish. Sure the bread sucks and there is no decent Mexican or Middle East food and great cheese and deli meats are expensive, but I cant complain. I have access to all the TV shows, movies, music that I want or have time for (an hour b4 bed maybe). I have too many books to finish. I am taking Chinese lessons and have no time to finish my homework. At Chinese New Year, they hang red door banners and symbols of prosperity in order to have a year of fullness; full kitchens, bellies, wombs, bank accounts, chalk full. But what I have is overflowing. I have to give away Z’s clothes, books and toys, I cant contain it all. I can barely keep my 3 room apartment clean. And all on my little (by US standards) paycheck, which when you take away taxes, Z’s tuition, isn’t much at all. Its this small miracle, to be a lily of the field and have all my needs and then some met.
And so I end this year with a hotel/flight package to Hong Kong, a change of scene, and pace, ringing in the New Year with total expectation for good things, new adventures, new possibilities and more blessings to overflow and pass around.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Week 7
We have a full apartment, as the other 2 roommates are here, Megan from
At school we are beginning week 7. The Christian teachers meet every Tuesday after lunch to pray. This group consists of me, the owner Mary, her sister Vivian and brother-n-law Abraham, teacher Lilly who is a Taiwanese aboriginal, and teacher Joel who is from Mumbai but raised Christian. Joel is a talented guitar player so we had some worship last meeting. Teacher Amy (the Teacher’s Manager) was a Christian when she lived in the States, but is now a Buddhist—she came for worship as she loves to sing. The best part about it is seeing prayers answered-and fast and of course I like international aspect of it, singing and praying in Mandarin and English.
My first paycheck was half of what I am supposed to get and I still owe Amy some. I had the school loan me some, taxes were quite a bit, insurance for me and Zenaida. Each month should get better and better. I am doing private lessons between 430-5pm at the school for extra cash and it helps.
I am tired, especially now as Zenaida used me for a human pacifier 2 nights in a row (she has a fever—other than that she has been sleeping pretty darn good), I hardly have a moment to kick up my feet and relax. Between preparing for classes, teaching and housework and Zenaida its go, go, go. I enjoy taking her to the playground below our building, I collapse on the bottom of the red slide, catching a moment here or there, and then crash Zenaida is on my face, thinking its funny to slide upside down and bump into mommy’s head. She has been calling me “Mummy” instead of “Mommy” this past week, which I cant figure out why, maybe in her class they say it British style. But its ok, Id rather her be laughing than throwing a tantrum.
I dread Mondays because she seems to throw a major tantrum after school so I brace myself, usually over not wanting to eat my dinner or she wants to watch a video. Last week she threw a fit on Tuesday night also, but the rest of the week was so enjoyable. She is an angel at school so I think its just her way of letting out emotions for adjusting to the separation, but its still exhausting, especially when I am tired from working too. At those moments I do feel sorry for myself and wish that there was another authority figure around for her to listen to and respect and discipline her. Its for her own good that she not be allowed to throw such a tantrum, but its so tiring.
As for videos she seems to watch them daily. Its helpful when I am cooking or cleaning, but I wish there was some other way for her to be calm and not getting into trouble while I have to do housework. So at lunch I come home and sweep or do a load of laundry along with some exercise as that’s my only “me” time. She also likes to read to herself or do puzzles, but she definitely prefers to watch Madeline, Pingu or Teletubbies.
Zenaida and myself just got over being sick, like a 10 day cough 2 days of body aches. There a few days there were I hated having her go to school, but she survived. This weekend has been a typhoon (why is it always the weekend?) and these past 2 nights Zenaida has been nursing all night w/ a slight fever. She had a 100.1 temp this morning, but she has been in happy spirits.
My folks sent the best care package ever. Vitamins, underwear for Zenaida, her favorite books, shoes, stickers, new dresses and clothes. It was massive and thoughtful. Really well received. Thanks goodness for Skype! We can catch up and see each other across cyberspace. Zenaida shows off her yoga skills on the bed while her grand parents send her kisses via the computer camera. Her and her cousin give each other funny faces and Pingu “Nook nooks” its great.
Next weekend, the staff is taking a weekend trip to Taitung, driving around the southern tip of
I still haven’t opened a bank account yet. Amy is in
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The Transition from Colorado to Tainan
California was great. The flight was short, I made conversation w/ the guy next to me who is a local CO dude turned independent producer working w/ some sort of comedy gig w/ actors that toured CO. Zenaida had fun, was well behaved and fell asleep when the plane landed at LAX. Aunt Stella and Uncle Bob found us right away and helped w/ the baggage. Their house was relaxing enough, great food, good company. My time was too short there (a day) just enough to have lunch w/ my estranged brother John and for him to meet Zenaida for the first time. She eventually warmed to him. We met at Pasadena and had lunch at some Indian Restaurant at Old Town. He was driving his friends Beamer w/o a driver’s license which wasn’t cool and his driving on the freeway (I’ve never known him to drive) was hair raising. I had no time to see my old roommate from Chu Wei (Eric) or my grandmother.
The flight to Taipei was hellacious. First there was the craziness at LAX, so many SE Asians in one place all crowded and no one not sure which line to stand in. Luckily having so much luggage and Zenaida strapped to my back had some perks, being at the front of the lines. Security was a pain, taking off our shoes, taking out the portable DVD player, etc. Waiting for the plane at our gate for 1 1/2 hour and after boarding the plane waiting 2 more hours in an overbooked plane which was extremely hot. I didn’t sleep at all, my back was too uncomfortable. Zenaida slept the first 5 hours or so and that was it. There was a Taiwanese boy her age in front of us and they played, being joined by an Indian girl and an older Taiwanese boy. Zenaida was a superstar until about an hour before we landed, she was asleep in my arms and I had to go the bathroom, she woke up and started screaming. Of course I tried to calm her and she kept on crying, "I just want to cry a minute!" over and over again. She was great. People where very helpful all around.
Sherry was there at Taoyuan Airport to pick us up, which was great. There was a tropical storm and she suggested coming home w/ her instead of the train south, which sounded good to me. I was overtired and excited and chatted w/ Sherry as her brother drove us. The traffic was bad, but a little over an hour later we made it to her nice apt. I found out the next day that 13 people died from floods from the rain of that storm in Central Taiwan (near Taichung). It was bizarre to drive by Chu Wei and see the street Eric and I lived when we squatted in that condemned building that winter and to drive by Alisse’s building, the whole town has grown and it’s busier and more developed (Starbucks next to the train station where a local shrimp burger place used to be).
Sherry’s place was great. Zenaida was a bit silly w/ her and took some time warming up to her, which got old. Her apt looks like a Florida resort and is called the Flamingos and looks over the beach with Guanyin Mts in the back behind the town. She took us into town and showed us her favorite walks along the river and the flowers. When the farmers let their fields rest they plant wildflowers, Cosmos and Sunflowers and it’s pretty. Zenaida’s sleep was all jacked then and she was not in the mood for much. She also felt insecure walking in along the street w/ all the cars and scooters and wants to be held. (She is doing better now and Tainan has some sidewalks which are comfortable walking and running on). Sherry also took up to the mt to this rushing stream where there were calm cool pools for the baby to play. Zenaida loves the water anyway and the cool water really soothed her spirit which was irritable from the heat. We also took her to the beach to see the ocean for the first time. She loved it and was laughing out loud totally exuberant from being the in presence of waves, wind and so much water. She could have stayed there forever but the wind picked up and the sand started to feel like needles against our legs so we left. Sherry’s place also has a luxurious outdoor pool and I couldn’t get Zenaida to leave w/o promising we would swim in Tainan. From Sherry’s laptop we Skyped home and called Grandpa and Noni which I wish I could do now but cant.
Sherry’s brother Michael drove us to the train station and helped me the luggage. Of course like my aunt and uncle they would not except gas money and treated me like family. I’m so grateful. The Taiwanese people helped me out all around. I forgot to use Sherry’s phone to call Amy in Tainan and tell her which train I was on, but a kind lady called Amy for me. Zenaida loved the train, so many adventures and she handled it so well.
As for Zenaida she is a bit of a sensation wherever she goes. She is getting more comfortable with the attention (maybe?). Her blue eyes and light hair is a novelty here, plus Taiwanese love kids so everyone turns their head and wants to speak w/ her, even pick her up. When we go anywhere whoever is on the street is waving hellos and goodbyes. Today we walked to a shady grove beside the canal where there was a nice breeze, drinking fresh coconut water (which she didn’t care for) and the workers in the park, matrons my mom’s age put their hands out to pick her up and she let them! (I told her they where grandmothers like Noni and she repeated “they are grandmothers” which maybe she misses hers). And then the women started taking pictures of themselves w/her w/ their cell phones, which was slightly annoying, but I didn’t do anything, Zenaida was ok w/ it. It felt a bit exploitive, as this women will go back to her alley house and show her friends the cute little American girl w/ blue eyes, but oh well this is Taiwan.
Poor Zenaida sweats more than me and that says a lot if you know me well. She is still getting used to the climate and so am I. It’s gotten that today we take a shower after breakfast and before sleep at night and if we are too hot maybe a cold shower before nap time in the afternoon. She has just now got a heat rash that she is scratching on the back of her neck (Dr Alba said to put cornstarch on it, which I have but I remember this medicated powder I used in Thailand for prickly heat and will look for it here asap). It’s so hot she does not want to leave the apt in the morning. This morning I was going to take a taxi to the shopping center where there is AC and lots of space for her to walk around, but they don’t open till 11am and she has been falling asleep between 1130-1230. We walked long Tainan River which is just right behind the building I am staying in temporarily at Teacher Mary’s house. At 7am it’s uncomfortably hot. Fortunately this building has a pool and Zenaida threw a bit of a fit the first morning because she wanted to swim (and cool off). It was very cold and after 20 minutes of wading w/ her was too cold myself and had to leave (Zenaida was fine).
Then there is the whole issue of food. I can spend a lot of time discussing it. The whole gluten free diet has gone out the window thus far. Zenaida takes after me and adores dumplings which most dumpling skins are wheat. She also adores noodles which are either white wheat or white rice flour, neither which is considered nutritious to me. My standards have dropped as we are on survival mode—not that we are starving, but I just don’t have my own kitchen yet or am familiar with the locations of health stores and alternatives. I bought Italian noodles (durum wheat lower on glycimic scale) and marinara sauce, which Zenaida loved (minus the bell pepper and anchovies which she didn’t eat. Mary bought us some wheat bread which tasted great, but like all Taiwanese bread is extremely spongy, soft and cake like, nothing like the dry rye bread Zenaida ate everyday for the past year and a half, but she ate it. So I’m not trying to stress about food as I’ve got so much more on my plate (separation anxiety from Zenaida). (I’ve got issues with food, I always have to have some kind of dietary prohibition, because I grew up adhering to a Jewish Kosher diet—I was a strict vegetarian for 7 years and a pescatarian for 10 more years, followed by a low glycemic diet that turned into a gluten free diet when Zenaida got eczema). Anyway, for lunch we shared a beef and cheese croissant sandwich at Starbucks. Basically I will have to learn to cook the local cuisine and tweak it for Zenaida and myself. She likes fried fish and noodles and dumplings. I can’t wait to get my own kitchen and be settled.
Mary’s place is great, they are hardly ever home. Her husband Dr. Frank works in the ICU unit in a hospital in Tainan County 1 1/2 hours away and sleeps there most of the time, their kids are going to Uni in Christchurch, NZ and Mary fills her time at work at the school with long hours (she is the owner). The building is like a 5 star hotel, pool, sauna, gym, lovely gardens and lobby, very nice. I cook and do laundry there and feel very welcome. The only downer is her computer is all in Chinese and she doesn’t know how to change it to English for me so I cant email unless I am at the school (like now).
Working out, my yoga practcice as its been the past 2 years is non existant. Its just too hot and hunid to want to move! Now I know why the locals do Tai Chi at dusk and dawn! I carry Zenaida alot which is exercise I guess, but Im afraid I will loose muscle tone and will have to start doing something soon.
At the moment my biggest stress is Zenaida and her transition. She threw a full fledge tantrum at Carrefour (French Costco) because she wanted to eat a banana before I paid for it. It was embarrassing. Amy was with me which was good for support. We had to drive to an empty parking lot and waited for her to calm herself which she did after 5 minutes, but it was distressing. She has thrown a few screaming fits at home and its very hard to get her out of that rage mode, but when she saw that we weren’t budging until she calmed herself, she began to try. I think she threw a fit for 2 main reasons: 1) She has been constipated since she arrived in Taiwan and 2) she was tired. I was planning on giving her a glycerin enema that night but after a;; the crying she started burping big burps and I knew her digestive system was trying to work and that night she had a sticky/hardish poo at midnight and a nice big loose on yesterday, so we will see about today.
Part of our transition is loosening the separation between us which is completely counter intuitive because I want to protect her and help her adjust to a new country. But I have to teach a full day beginning the 4th and she has to start bonding with her teacher Christine. We have been going to the school in the afternoons this week and whenever she cries for me I come running and breast feed her. We will take her to school in the mornings next week and start increasing the times until she can do a whole day with naps there. Its hard for me, one day at a time. I prayed for Zenaida to have supernatural peace and a supernatural transition Its hard for me, one day at a time. I prayed for Zenaida to have supernatural peace and a supernatural transition as the teacher tell me from their experience she might cry from anywhere from one week to 2 months! Once she is settled, I can eat lunch w/her or pop in during a free moment for akiss and cuddle but until then the is umbelical cord is being cut and it hurts! I still nurse her which for Taiwanese standards is much too old and am being asked when I will quit (soon I hope). Ive been told by 2 sources (Sherry and my aunt Stella) that chili on the nipples is the way to go, but sounds painful for both of us.
The school is like the UN. There is a student from Japan, another from Korea, mixed African American and Taiwanese and now Zenaida. As for teachers, there is a teacher from India, Scotland and S Africa (all male), myself and another female from Aurora, Colorado (small world) who is coming next month. I think there is another female Canadian teacher but she is on vacation.
So its one day at a time for us, lots of adventures and lots to get used to. Zenaida already says hello and goodbye in Mandarin, she is such a trooper. Where there is lack Grace super abounds! And that is evident in every situation with myself and Zenaida at the moment.
The flight to Taipei was hellacious. First there was the craziness at LAX, so many SE Asians in one place all crowded and no one not sure which line to stand in. Luckily having so much luggage and Zenaida strapped to my back had some perks, being at the front of the lines. Security was a pain, taking off our shoes, taking out the portable DVD player, etc. Waiting for the plane at our gate for 1 1/2 hour and after boarding the plane waiting 2 more hours in an overbooked plane which was extremely hot. I didn’t sleep at all, my back was too uncomfortable. Zenaida slept the first 5 hours or so and that was it. There was a Taiwanese boy her age in front of us and they played, being joined by an Indian girl and an older Taiwanese boy. Zenaida was a superstar until about an hour before we landed, she was asleep in my arms and I had to go the bathroom, she woke up and started screaming. Of course I tried to calm her and she kept on crying, "I just want to cry a minute!" over and over again. She was great. People where very helpful all around.
Sherry was there at Taoyuan Airport to pick us up, which was great. There was a tropical storm and she suggested coming home w/ her instead of the train south, which sounded good to me. I was overtired and excited and chatted w/ Sherry as her brother drove us. The traffic was bad, but a little over an hour later we made it to her nice apt. I found out the next day that 13 people died from floods from the rain of that storm in Central Taiwan (near Taichung). It was bizarre to drive by Chu Wei and see the street Eric and I lived when we squatted in that condemned building that winter and to drive by Alisse’s building, the whole town has grown and it’s busier and more developed (Starbucks next to the train station where a local shrimp burger place used to be).
Sherry’s place was great. Zenaida was a bit silly w/ her and took some time warming up to her, which got old. Her apt looks like a Florida resort and is called the Flamingos and looks over the beach with Guanyin Mts in the back behind the town. She took us into town and showed us her favorite walks along the river and the flowers. When the farmers let their fields rest they plant wildflowers, Cosmos and Sunflowers and it’s pretty. Zenaida’s sleep was all jacked then and she was not in the mood for much. She also felt insecure walking in along the street w/ all the cars and scooters and wants to be held. (She is doing better now and Tainan has some sidewalks which are comfortable walking and running on). Sherry also took up to the mt to this rushing stream where there were calm cool pools for the baby to play. Zenaida loves the water anyway and the cool water really soothed her spirit which was irritable from the heat. We also took her to the beach to see the ocean for the first time. She loved it and was laughing out loud totally exuberant from being the in presence of waves, wind and so much water. She could have stayed there forever but the wind picked up and the sand started to feel like needles against our legs so we left. Sherry’s place also has a luxurious outdoor pool and I couldn’t get Zenaida to leave w/o promising we would swim in Tainan. From Sherry’s laptop we Skyped home and called Grandpa and Noni which I wish I could do now but cant.
Sherry’s brother Michael drove us to the train station and helped me the luggage. Of course like my aunt and uncle they would not except gas money and treated me like family. I’m so grateful. The Taiwanese people helped me out all around. I forgot to use Sherry’s phone to call Amy in Tainan and tell her which train I was on, but a kind lady called Amy for me. Zenaida loved the train, so many adventures and she handled it so well.
As for Zenaida she is a bit of a sensation wherever she goes. She is getting more comfortable with the attention (maybe?). Her blue eyes and light hair is a novelty here, plus Taiwanese love kids so everyone turns their head and wants to speak w/ her, even pick her up. When we go anywhere whoever is on the street is waving hellos and goodbyes. Today we walked to a shady grove beside the canal where there was a nice breeze, drinking fresh coconut water (which she didn’t care for) and the workers in the park, matrons my mom’s age put their hands out to pick her up and she let them! (I told her they where grandmothers like Noni and she repeated “they are grandmothers” which maybe she misses hers). And then the women started taking pictures of themselves w/her w/ their cell phones, which was slightly annoying, but I didn’t do anything, Zenaida was ok w/ it. It felt a bit exploitive, as this women will go back to her alley house and show her friends the cute little American girl w/ blue eyes, but oh well this is Taiwan.
Poor Zenaida sweats more than me and that says a lot if you know me well. She is still getting used to the climate and so am I. It’s gotten that today we take a shower after breakfast and before sleep at night and if we are too hot maybe a cold shower before nap time in the afternoon. She has just now got a heat rash that she is scratching on the back of her neck (Dr Alba said to put cornstarch on it, which I have but I remember this medicated powder I used in Thailand for prickly heat and will look for it here asap). It’s so hot she does not want to leave the apt in the morning. This morning I was going to take a taxi to the shopping center where there is AC and lots of space for her to walk around, but they don’t open till 11am and she has been falling asleep between 1130-1230. We walked long Tainan River which is just right behind the building I am staying in temporarily at Teacher Mary’s house. At 7am it’s uncomfortably hot. Fortunately this building has a pool and Zenaida threw a bit of a fit the first morning because she wanted to swim (and cool off). It was very cold and after 20 minutes of wading w/ her was too cold myself and had to leave (Zenaida was fine).
Then there is the whole issue of food. I can spend a lot of time discussing it. The whole gluten free diet has gone out the window thus far. Zenaida takes after me and adores dumplings which most dumpling skins are wheat. She also adores noodles which are either white wheat or white rice flour, neither which is considered nutritious to me. My standards have dropped as we are on survival mode—not that we are starving, but I just don’t have my own kitchen yet or am familiar with the locations of health stores and alternatives. I bought Italian noodles (durum wheat lower on glycimic scale) and marinara sauce, which Zenaida loved (minus the bell pepper and anchovies which she didn’t eat. Mary bought us some wheat bread which tasted great, but like all Taiwanese bread is extremely spongy, soft and cake like, nothing like the dry rye bread Zenaida ate everyday for the past year and a half, but she ate it. So I’m not trying to stress about food as I’ve got so much more on my plate (separation anxiety from Zenaida). (I’ve got issues with food, I always have to have some kind of dietary prohibition, because I grew up adhering to a Jewish Kosher diet—I was a strict vegetarian for 7 years and a pescatarian for 10 more years, followed by a low glycemic diet that turned into a gluten free diet when Zenaida got eczema). Anyway, for lunch we shared a beef and cheese croissant sandwich at Starbucks. Basically I will have to learn to cook the local cuisine and tweak it for Zenaida and myself. She likes fried fish and noodles and dumplings. I can’t wait to get my own kitchen and be settled.
Mary’s place is great, they are hardly ever home. Her husband Dr. Frank works in the ICU unit in a hospital in Tainan County 1 1/2 hours away and sleeps there most of the time, their kids are going to Uni in Christchurch, NZ and Mary fills her time at work at the school with long hours (she is the owner). The building is like a 5 star hotel, pool, sauna, gym, lovely gardens and lobby, very nice. I cook and do laundry there and feel very welcome. The only downer is her computer is all in Chinese and she doesn’t know how to change it to English for me so I cant email unless I am at the school (like now).
Working out, my yoga practcice as its been the past 2 years is non existant. Its just too hot and hunid to want to move! Now I know why the locals do Tai Chi at dusk and dawn! I carry Zenaida alot which is exercise I guess, but Im afraid I will loose muscle tone and will have to start doing something soon.
At the moment my biggest stress is Zenaida and her transition. She threw a full fledge tantrum at Carrefour (French Costco) because she wanted to eat a banana before I paid for it. It was embarrassing. Amy was with me which was good for support. We had to drive to an empty parking lot and waited for her to calm herself which she did after 5 minutes, but it was distressing. She has thrown a few screaming fits at home and its very hard to get her out of that rage mode, but when she saw that we weren’t budging until she calmed herself, she began to try. I think she threw a fit for 2 main reasons: 1) She has been constipated since she arrived in Taiwan and 2) she was tired. I was planning on giving her a glycerin enema that night but after a;; the crying she started burping big burps and I knew her digestive system was trying to work and that night she had a sticky/hardish poo at midnight and a nice big loose on yesterday, so we will see about today.
Part of our transition is loosening the separation between us which is completely counter intuitive because I want to protect her and help her adjust to a new country. But I have to teach a full day beginning the 4th and she has to start bonding with her teacher Christine. We have been going to the school in the afternoons this week and whenever she cries for me I come running and breast feed her. We will take her to school in the mornings next week and start increasing the times until she can do a whole day with naps there. Its hard for me, one day at a time. I prayed for Zenaida to have supernatural peace and a supernatural transition Its hard for me, one day at a time. I prayed for Zenaida to have supernatural peace and a supernatural transition as the teacher tell me from their experience she might cry from anywhere from one week to 2 months! Once she is settled, I can eat lunch w/her or pop in during a free moment for akiss and cuddle but until then the is umbelical cord is being cut and it hurts! I still nurse her which for Taiwanese standards is much too old and am being asked when I will quit (soon I hope). Ive been told by 2 sources (Sherry and my aunt Stella) that chili on the nipples is the way to go, but sounds painful for both of us.
The school is like the UN. There is a student from Japan, another from Korea, mixed African American and Taiwanese and now Zenaida. As for teachers, there is a teacher from India, Scotland and S Africa (all male), myself and another female from Aurora, Colorado (small world) who is coming next month. I think there is another female Canadian teacher but she is on vacation.
So its one day at a time for us, lots of adventures and lots to get used to. Zenaida already says hello and goodbye in Mandarin, she is such a trooper. Where there is lack Grace super abounds! And that is evident in every situation with myself and Zenaida at the moment.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Visa Limbo Hell
This past 2 weeks or so, I’ve been in Visa limbo hell. The amount of confusion and stress has been paramount and for a few days there I was up to my neck. The weekend allowed me a break to regroup my faith and energy, let go of making things happen (which they really can’t) and wait. And then Monday happened.
It all seemed easy enough. I’ve had so many visas through my years of traveling I wasn’t prepared for this kind of colossal state of confusion.
Amy the Taiwanese women who hired me told me to call TECO (Taiwan Embassy) in Kansas City and ask what all I need to do too get a visa. So that’s what I did. I asked how to get a work visa and ARC (Alien Residence Card); I didn’t say my name---big mistake! I was told I cant apply for a work permit until my future employer sends in the paper work for the work permit, upon which I’m given a single entry 3 month work permit visa that’s changed to a ARC when in Taiwan. So begun the confusion. A few days later this same women receives me and Zenaida’s application for a 60 day visitor visa. I get a call bright and early, “I thought you wanted to work there?” I replied, “I do”. “Then why are you applying for a 60 day visitor visa?” yadayada.
Basically every foreigner who intends to work there gets in on a 60 day visitor visa and the school they work for does the paper work, sends it back to TECO offices in the US to get authenticated and its a lot simpler, the health check is done in a Taiwanese hospital too (as was my experience last time)
TECO KS has been stickler for following every detail. Which is costing a bundle, 130US per application, 15US per document to be authenticated (my diploma, transcripts, Zenaida’s health check and birth cert), plus over night postage there and return.
Good news is after such a hassle and prayers from friends and family, the woman at TECO (Jan) has had a change of heart. I was this close to having to change my flight, and it looks like I don’t have to. The final monkey wrench was Monday afternoon as I sat in the waiting office if a Dr for my health checks. I called my insurance (Medicaid) and found out I have not been covered since March 31, 08. I was very overwhelmed, thinking about sky high Dr costs ad lab work costs. I called Jan in KC and told her, listen my Medicaid expired and I don’t have insurance, and can my health check wait till I get in Taiwan? And she said sure.
Phew! So it works out even better because the lab work (HIV, urine and feces tests, other junk) the results would take a week, and I don have that kind of time. Having no health insurance turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Today I sent the doc to be authenticated for the work permit. Jan told me I will probably get a 90 day visitor visa (upon approval from her boss). Amy has been very good about getting the paperwork done on her end too and called KC despite the time difference.
So even though if I could do it again I prob would have kept my mouth shut and got the 60 day visitor visa, there are now advantages for having been transparent about my intentions to work there. The paperwork is getting authenticated now, Zenaida’s health check is done in her familiar Dr’s office, and she has gotten some vaccinations she needed. The process for the work permit has already begun in Taipei too. So when I arrive the ARC card and process will happen a lot faster. If I was working w/o my ARC card, I would be deported, now it looks like I will have my ARC by my August 4th start date.
I am looking forward to having TECO KC return my passports with big fat 90 day visa pasted on a new page by the time its time to leave.
It all seemed easy enough. I’ve had so many visas through my years of traveling I wasn’t prepared for this kind of colossal state of confusion.
Amy the Taiwanese women who hired me told me to call TECO (Taiwan Embassy) in Kansas City and ask what all I need to do too get a visa. So that’s what I did. I asked how to get a work visa and ARC (Alien Residence Card); I didn’t say my name---big mistake! I was told I cant apply for a work permit until my future employer sends in the paper work for the work permit, upon which I’m given a single entry 3 month work permit visa that’s changed to a ARC when in Taiwan. So begun the confusion. A few days later this same women receives me and Zenaida’s application for a 60 day visitor visa. I get a call bright and early, “I thought you wanted to work there?” I replied, “I do”. “Then why are you applying for a 60 day visitor visa?” yadayada.
Basically every foreigner who intends to work there gets in on a 60 day visitor visa and the school they work for does the paper work, sends it back to TECO offices in the US to get authenticated and its a lot simpler, the health check is done in a Taiwanese hospital too (as was my experience last time)
TECO KS has been stickler for following every detail. Which is costing a bundle, 130US per application, 15US per document to be authenticated (my diploma, transcripts, Zenaida’s health check and birth cert), plus over night postage there and return.
Good news is after such a hassle and prayers from friends and family, the woman at TECO (Jan) has had a change of heart. I was this close to having to change my flight, and it looks like I don’t have to. The final monkey wrench was Monday afternoon as I sat in the waiting office if a Dr for my health checks. I called my insurance (Medicaid) and found out I have not been covered since March 31, 08. I was very overwhelmed, thinking about sky high Dr costs ad lab work costs. I called Jan in KC and told her, listen my Medicaid expired and I don’t have insurance, and can my health check wait till I get in Taiwan? And she said sure.
Phew! So it works out even better because the lab work (HIV, urine and feces tests, other junk) the results would take a week, and I don have that kind of time. Having no health insurance turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Today I sent the doc to be authenticated for the work permit. Jan told me I will probably get a 90 day visitor visa (upon approval from her boss). Amy has been very good about getting the paperwork done on her end too and called KC despite the time difference.
So even though if I could do it again I prob would have kept my mouth shut and got the 60 day visitor visa, there are now advantages for having been transparent about my intentions to work there. The paperwork is getting authenticated now, Zenaida’s health check is done in her familiar Dr’s office, and she has gotten some vaccinations she needed. The process for the work permit has already begun in Taipei too. So when I arrive the ARC card and process will happen a lot faster. If I was working w/o my ARC card, I would be deported, now it looks like I will have my ARC by my August 4th start date.
I am looking forward to having TECO KC return my passports with big fat 90 day visa pasted on a new page by the time its time to leave.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Tainan Bound!
Once I made the decision to go to Taiwan, doors started to open so fast! Now I have plane tickets, a teaching contract, and a furnished apartment with ocean views waiting for us in Tainan.
I shopped for the best flights and the best teaching offer.
I had several offers in Tainan and was able to bargain for the best contract. I have never had to haggle for a job before, which was a new and somewhat uncomfortable experience. So I have a good salary, the lowest tuition for Zenaida I could find in a school I work at that is a 15 minute walk from my apartment. Incidentally, the school I will work for (Share Fun) also is renting out their space to a church that is both English and Chinese speaking. I will definitely check this out, seems too coincidental.
I am not looking forward to the flights!!! It’s hard enough alone, but with Zenaida (deep sigh) we will take it one moment at a time. My aunt and uncle in LA have been kind enough to let me spend a day and night there before we fly from LAX to Taipei. I thought I would have stayed there 2 days, but I wasn’t thinking straight when I booked the Thursday 1:40am flight. I thought 1 am would mean an extra day…anyway.
After the 21 hour flight to Taipei I have to go through immigration and find a bus to the Taoyuan High speed rail station and take a 3 hour bullet train south along the west coast to Tainan. That means I have to be able to pack everything so that I am mobile enough to carry, or push Zenaida. So I am wondering to myself, do I need to bring a stroller? Zenaida might eb too exhausted to walk. One carry-on, 2 luggage pieces, (a duffel bag I can strap around myself and a big suitcase with wheels. ) The 2 airlines I am flying with (SouthWest and Malaysia Air) don’t charge extra for luggage and I could bring 2 extra luggage pieces but would have no way to carry them alone.) So I have started to pack now, down-sizing, getting rid of clothes and books and storing our winter clothes (winters are mild in Tainan). Ive begun rolling our clothes up military style and stuffing them in zip-lock bags (which I will re-use of course) and packing my 2 pieces.
Yesterday, I took Zenaida to her appointment with Dr. Alba (homeopath, naturopath, nutrionist) anyway she had some great reccomendations for our flight, which I will definitely adhere too. Long flights disrupt my system, Im too sensitive and wilt by the end of the flight. So I know what supplements to take and not to take as well as for Zenaida.
I am so looking forward to the adventure, of discovering a different part of Taiwan. I cant wait to see old friends in Taipei, get settled in. I am definitely scared about Zenaida adjusting. Dr. Alba said her eczema (on her wrists) will be exacerbated the first month as she adjusts to the heat and humidity, but I know what to do to help her body adjust. I also am anxious to take her away from her grand-parents, uncles and her only male role models.
So what about Tainan? Ive read up on it, and from what my friend in Taipei have told me, that Tainan is notorious for its great cuisine, its hot, tropical climate, mild winters and old, very active temples. It’s the original capitol city of Taiwan, the Han Chinese oldest settlement.
Tainan City is located in the southwest of Taiwan on the rich and fertile Jianan Plain, with a population of about 740,000 people. Rente and Yongkang townships of Tainan County are to its east. Taiwan Strait and Penghu across the strait are to its west. Tainan has a straight coastline in the west next to the Taiwan Strait. Landscapes along this nearly 20km long coastline are manifold. The northern coastline of the city is located in the Sihcao wetlands in the northwest of Yanshwei River. As the area is covered with a rare mangrove forest, it has become the paradise of birds. Statistics indicated that over one million birds live in Sihcao every year, including over 20 endangered species of migratory birds from other parts of Asia and Australia and over half of the 400 species or so of native wild birds. The fabulous Golden Coast is located to the south of the city. It has a flat and extensive beach of about 2 to 3km long. The blue sky, clear water and golden beach have attracted many people playing and listening to the waves there. As the beach is extensive, we are planning a compound recreational center that combines swimming, bird watching, fishing, camping and accommodation functions in the area
Tainan has been historically regarded as one of the oldest cities in Taiwan, and its former name, Tayoan, has been claimed to be the source of the name Taiwan. It is also one of Taiwan's cultural capitals, as it houses the First Confucian School/Temple built 1665 on the island, the remains of the Northern and Southern gates of the old city, and countless other historical monuments. Tainan claims more Buddhist and Taoist temples than any city in Taiwan. Tainan City is administratively a municipality of Taiwan Province of the Republic of China. It is surrounded by Tainan County to the north and east and the South China Sea to the west and south. Tainan's complex history of comebacks, redefinitions and renewals inspired its popular nickname "City of the Phoenix."
Tainan City is located in south of Tropic of Cancer and easy to be influenced by seacoast and warm current; belongs to the subtropics monsoon climate; yearly average temperature is 24.2 degrees of Celsius. January has the lowest temperature around 17.5 degrees and July has the highest temperature around 29.1 degrees; yearly average rainfall amount is 1675.3 millimeters. May to July is the main rainy season; the rainfall amount is around 75% of whole year and most of the rain is fallen in June. Yearly average sunshine time is 2301.8 hours-- 52% of possible sunshine.
Did I mention I fly to LA July 15th and fly to Taipei the 17th? Today I will give my notice to my boss (yoga instructor). I just started in May, so I feel kinda funny about quitting but everything happened so fast! I have to also turn down a key volunteer opportunity to do security all 4days of the Democratic Nat’l Convention. I really wanted to be apart of history. They have so many volunteers from all over the country, they cant use them all, but I had a friend who has a friends…and I got this great opening to be there from 2-10 pm. So that kind of bites, but that life I suppose.
I shopped for the best flights and the best teaching offer.
I had several offers in Tainan and was able to bargain for the best contract. I have never had to haggle for a job before, which was a new and somewhat uncomfortable experience. So I have a good salary, the lowest tuition for Zenaida I could find in a school I work at that is a 15 minute walk from my apartment. Incidentally, the school I will work for (Share Fun) also is renting out their space to a church that is both English and Chinese speaking. I will definitely check this out, seems too coincidental.
I am not looking forward to the flights!!! It’s hard enough alone, but with Zenaida (deep sigh) we will take it one moment at a time. My aunt and uncle in LA have been kind enough to let me spend a day and night there before we fly from LAX to Taipei. I thought I would have stayed there 2 days, but I wasn’t thinking straight when I booked the Thursday 1:40am flight. I thought 1 am would mean an extra day…anyway.
After the 21 hour flight to Taipei I have to go through immigration and find a bus to the Taoyuan High speed rail station and take a 3 hour bullet train south along the west coast to Tainan. That means I have to be able to pack everything so that I am mobile enough to carry, or push Zenaida. So I am wondering to myself, do I need to bring a stroller? Zenaida might eb too exhausted to walk. One carry-on, 2 luggage pieces, (a duffel bag I can strap around myself and a big suitcase with wheels. ) The 2 airlines I am flying with (SouthWest and Malaysia Air) don’t charge extra for luggage and I could bring 2 extra luggage pieces but would have no way to carry them alone.) So I have started to pack now, down-sizing, getting rid of clothes and books and storing our winter clothes (winters are mild in Tainan). Ive begun rolling our clothes up military style and stuffing them in zip-lock bags (which I will re-use of course) and packing my 2 pieces.
Yesterday, I took Zenaida to her appointment with Dr. Alba (homeopath, naturopath, nutrionist) anyway she had some great reccomendations for our flight, which I will definitely adhere too. Long flights disrupt my system, Im too sensitive and wilt by the end of the flight. So I know what supplements to take and not to take as well as for Zenaida.
I am so looking forward to the adventure, of discovering a different part of Taiwan. I cant wait to see old friends in Taipei, get settled in. I am definitely scared about Zenaida adjusting. Dr. Alba said her eczema (on her wrists) will be exacerbated the first month as she adjusts to the heat and humidity, but I know what to do to help her body adjust. I also am anxious to take her away from her grand-parents, uncles and her only male role models.
So what about Tainan? Ive read up on it, and from what my friend in Taipei have told me, that Tainan is notorious for its great cuisine, its hot, tropical climate, mild winters and old, very active temples. It’s the original capitol city of Taiwan, the Han Chinese oldest settlement.
Tainan City is located in the southwest of Taiwan on the rich and fertile Jianan Plain, with a population of about 740,000 people. Rente and Yongkang townships of Tainan County are to its east. Taiwan Strait and Penghu across the strait are to its west. Tainan has a straight coastline in the west next to the Taiwan Strait. Landscapes along this nearly 20km long coastline are manifold. The northern coastline of the city is located in the Sihcao wetlands in the northwest of Yanshwei River. As the area is covered with a rare mangrove forest, it has become the paradise of birds. Statistics indicated that over one million birds live in Sihcao every year, including over 20 endangered species of migratory birds from other parts of Asia and Australia and over half of the 400 species or so of native wild birds. The fabulous Golden Coast is located to the south of the city. It has a flat and extensive beach of about 2 to 3km long. The blue sky, clear water and golden beach have attracted many people playing and listening to the waves there. As the beach is extensive, we are planning a compound recreational center that combines swimming, bird watching, fishing, camping and accommodation functions in the area
Tainan has been historically regarded as one of the oldest cities in Taiwan, and its former name, Tayoan, has been claimed to be the source of the name Taiwan. It is also one of Taiwan's cultural capitals, as it houses the First Confucian School/Temple built 1665 on the island, the remains of the Northern and Southern gates of the old city, and countless other historical monuments. Tainan claims more Buddhist and Taoist temples than any city in Taiwan. Tainan City is administratively a municipality of Taiwan Province of the Republic of China. It is surrounded by Tainan County to the north and east and the South China Sea to the west and south. Tainan's complex history of comebacks, redefinitions and renewals inspired its popular nickname "City of the Phoenix."
Tainan City is located in south of Tropic of Cancer and easy to be influenced by seacoast and warm current; belongs to the subtropics monsoon climate; yearly average temperature is 24.2 degrees of Celsius. January has the lowest temperature around 17.5 degrees and July has the highest temperature around 29.1 degrees; yearly average rainfall amount is 1675.3 millimeters. May to July is the main rainy season; the rainfall amount is around 75% of whole year and most of the rain is fallen in June. Yearly average sunshine time is 2301.8 hours-- 52% of possible sunshine.
Did I mention I fly to LA July 15th and fly to Taipei the 17th? Today I will give my notice to my boss (yoga instructor). I just started in May, so I feel kinda funny about quitting but everything happened so fast! I have to also turn down a key volunteer opportunity to do security all 4days of the Democratic Nat’l Convention. I really wanted to be apart of history. They have so many volunteers from all over the country, they cant use them all, but I had a friend who has a friends…and I got this great opening to be there from 2-10 pm. So that kind of bites, but that life I suppose.
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