"Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup"

View from Danshui boardwalk
So I stated in the beginning of my travel to Taiwan that I would start a blog. I now have about 45 days left and this is my first entry. I'm sure no one really expected me to actually start a blog, but here goes anyway. I don't expect many people to really read it, just an occasional relative, probably Meghan and Aunt Elmo. And these people are probably the only ones I actually talk to on an almost daily basis so they already know the happenings of my travels, but just in case someone stumbles upon this little site, I hope I don't bore you too much. I obviously have not gotten any of my story telling talents from my dad...especially since I am twice adopted, and therefore it is not passed onto me.

Crazy lady at Jiufen
I came to Taiwan, mainly because I had to for school, but I'm finding it hard to leave. I was hesitant to even come back, except to visit the orphanage that I was from and the people there. I eventually fell in love with the people, the food and the culture. I live in an apartment with 5 other girls: 2 Taiwanese (twins), a New Yorker, an Australian, and a little Japanese Love Child. I love living in an apartment, even if it is on the mountainside and we have to wait for a bus or walk. I am currently taking a Chinese class 5 days a week for 3 hours each day. I have been here for over 2 months now, and I'm hoping that my Chinese is at least a little bit better! My teacher is so adorably cute and Asian, and sometimes a little too nice. She recently took us to a dim sum restaurant that was absolutely delicious. I love dim sum at home in Boston, but somehow, it is totally different eating dim sum here. I guess it's a good thing that my bridesmaid dress has not been made yet, because I have no idea how I would be able to fit into it! The food here is so good, and all those people saying that American food is greasy have obviously not eaten Taiwanese food. As amazing and delicious as it is, you are always left looking at a pool of grease at the bottom of the plate. I think what makes up for all the grease is all the walking that we do. And when temperatures start rising and the humidity is around 80%, it all of a sudden doesn't matter what you just ate. And when it is that hot out, you just want to grab a bowl of shaved ice, or ice tea. Not only are the main dishes yummy and cheap, but their desserts and drinks are awesome and cheap as well.

So far my travels of Taiwan has brought me to the Taipei Zoo (only 10 mins away), Jiufen, Danshui, Gaoshiung, Shilin, Wufenpu, and sooo many other places, which I will talk about later!
Wulai, Hualien, Yangmingshan, and a couple other places are still on my list of places to see.
Panda...of course


















Mango shaved ice with Psycho