Zhanghe x Beijing - Zhanghe 5

What a crazy day Wednesday, June 29th was. On this day, one of Zhanghe’s partner schools, from Beijing, came to Taiwan. More specifically, Taipei. Throughout the day there was a flurry of commotion and uproar from everyone involved. Zhanghe students were showcasing a dance in the middle of the courtyard, the principle’s voice could be heard throughout the P.A. system throughout the morning, and kids were running and screaming (okay, the last one happens regardless, but it was chaotic nonetheless).

I had three classes scheduled on the date, and the first two ran as they were normally scheduled, Modern Canada (Winnipeg) was the first, and Canadian History the second. The third class would be about Modern Canada (Winnipeg) – I teach different section at different times. This was the class that stood out the most. The students from Beijing, along with a few of their administrative staff, those who journeyed to Taipei, were invited to sit in and watch. Aside from that pressure, my boss, Justin, sat in too. It was a little nerve wracking, I felt responsible for Zhanghe’s image in front of people from Beijing. BEIJING. I managed to keep my cool, and made the class fun (as usual). I believe they enjoyed singing “Let it Go” from the Frozen soundtrack, and dancing to “Louder” by Charice; both of which have become a tradition in my class. Walking down the halls after class felt like an accomplishment; Justin even shook my hand and said “thank you”. That was unexpected – later that day I was told that he liked the singing and dancing, haha! It’s sort of my thing, and what I’m known for, I suppose. Walking back to the office, I held my head up high.

Right before I entered the office, three girls, students of mine, ran up to say hello, giggled, and then ran off. Before they were out of distance, one yelled out “I think you’re cute!” That was surprising! Prior to that, I thought that I perpetually looked sweaty, greasy, and gross. At the time, I didn’t know which one of the three said it or if she said it because I give students candy, or because she actually believes it (I still don’t know). It was both flattering and weird to hear, haha… Little did I know, I would see her again later.

After lunch, some students from Zhanghe and the Beijing group travelled together, hence this post’s title. I was told we’d be heading to Jiufen Old Market and Yehliu Geographic Park. An interesting aside: Jiufen Old Market inspired Spirited Away, a Studio Ghibli animated movie. Walking down the Old Market’s street was really refreshing. It was like a night market, but much more traditional. One of the girls (yes, one of the three) even bought me a lollipop. How kind is she? After walking around, I saw a mini lion costume; the type that they use for Chinese festivals. I told myself that I wouldn’t let this one pass (I didn’t buy one in Tamsui). The owner replied $350NT, and I bought it! I knew that there was a good reason why I didn’t buy the $500NT one in Tamsui, hehe. After walking through the market, we had to descend a whole crapton of stairs. If you know me personally, this is a problem. At the midway point, there was an old fashion theatre that looked really neat! It was well preserved. Anyway, we stopped there and took a short break before we started again.

It took me several breaks and clinging onto Justin to get me to the bottom, but I made it. Only the bottom was uneven ground, and I ended up bailing in front of everyone. How embarrassing… Everyone seemed really worried, and even some of the adults and students asked me how I’m feeling. It was really nice to hear them try to speak English just for that. That was something that brought my mood back up.

I can almost see the spirits from Spirited Away.
After that fiasco, which wasn’t a fiasco at all, we went to Yehliu Geographic Park. “Yes”, my heart cried for joy, more walking (sarcasm). But I figured that I had come to Taiwan to experience Taiwan, and went along with the group. The park was beautiful and really reminded me of British Columbia, and it felt like I was home, in Canada. I took numerous breaks and simply enjoyed the scenery around me. Interestingly, this was a hot tourist spot known for its "Queens-head" shaped rocks! There were a lot of tour guides, and me and Lynn made a point to point and giggle to ourselves after seeing each one.

The sun was setting and we left to grab dinner. We had AMAZING seafood that was fresh and delicious. I didn’t get the chance to take photos, as I was planning my strategy, and trying to get my money’s worth (even though I didn’t pay…) >:) Satisfied, we left. I thought we were going home, but the other adults had something else in mind…

I did manage to get a picture #trueasian (I wrote this post before looking at my photos...)
台北一O一 (TAIPEI 101)

It was now night, and I’d be able to see a city of lights. We got to the base of the station, and grouped up beside Din Tai Fung. They asked me if I’ve ever been/heard of it, to which I replied, “wo ai xiaolong bao” (I love soup dumplings). I think that caught everyone off guard, haha. Moving inside we waited at the base of the elevator for our turn, and just as quick, rocketed to the top! It was at the top that one of the three girls, that I mentioned before, ran over to me and said “you’re cute!” I really hope this doesn’t become a trend… But it’s funny to hear; I feel like a kpop star (wow, fantastic baby *intense music* - this is from a Big Bang song by the way…).

Lynn and I atop Taipei 101.
I digress. Last time Judy and I went to Taipei 101, it was during the day, and there was a thin veneer of clouds covering the city – albeit, I enjoyed this more because it made the city, and being that high above it, magical.

At nighttime everything was lit up, and I really enjoyed the magnificent view! There’s not much to say, so I’ll let the photos do the talking.

I returned home pooped, but triumphant.

He who trips over his own feet,
JC(3.14)