Today, I traveled to the school where I'd be teaching English for two months. It was quite saddening to leave my dear Judy behind, as the bus rolled on. I s'pose that this was the beginning of my journey. With Flaco, an AIESEC-er from Taiwan, we took a bus, than the MRT. We got to our station and waited for one of the directors of the school to pick us up. This was my first time in a car in Taipei. Thank God, he didn't drive like a taxi driver from Hong Kong - still, it was quite nerve-racking to see scooters and other cars merge without notice.
We shortly arrived at the school and, to my disbelief, it was huge. Imagine your typical one/two story elementary/junior high school in Canada, and multiple it by four. We walked towards the gym, and found my room on the far side of it. I feel super lonely here, my room is in the gym on its own. The best part? The washroom is on the other side of the gym. Guess who's not peeing at night. On a more positive note, the room is quite large and features a sink, hehe.
After realizing where I was, and just how far I am from everybody I personally knew, I had a moment of self-reflect. What am I doing here? Was it worth the trip? Will I make an impact? All of these questions would be answered later that night.
Interestingly, I was invited to dinner with the principal of the school, as well as four directors and my supporting teacher. I must say, they really know how to make you feel like royalty. Receiving rides from one of the directors, we got to a nice Thai restaurant. I saw the prices on the window and made it known that I thought it was expensive. Nervously waiting for everyone to come, I made small talk with my supporting teacher about my life in Canada. It was pretty basic, but she was thrilled by what I had to say; it does help that she spoke the most English out of the lot. It made me feel 10 times better, and more comfortable, to have her with me.
The meal was fantastic. I joked about how Winnipeg had Thai restaurants, but they did not come close to what we shared. Every now and then, I would slip in the little Mandarin I knew, and surprise those around. It was funny, they asked me if I knew of 1000 year old egg (Pidan), to which I replied, I love Pidan! Some was ordered, and I experienced Pidan like never before.
Everyone was very accommodating, and repeatedly asked if the room was okay, if supplies were needed, if I liked the school, and if I wanted to join in other activities that the school hosts.
My internet's kind of choppy, so I apologize if I'm unable to message you or Skype with you, but I'll be back.
Love always,
JC(3.14)
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