So let me tell you about my weekend. Thursday after classes we head to the train station. The train was full but we were able to purchase standing tickets for about $10USD with the knowledge that when people got up we could take their seats. The first hour was spent sitting on the floor napping in the corner. Thankfully a bunch of people got off and we were able to find seats for the last couple of hours. When we arrived we decided to head straight to our places of lodging. Four of the ladies went off to find their hotel while I, my two roommates and three guys went to our hostel. We got there and paid, about $15USD a night. Since we waited so long to book it, the only room left was a ten person, so we were able to make some foreign friends. With the six of us there was a Russian guy, Artem, and a guy from Munich, Germany. They were there both nights. The other two beds were taken by two Taiwanese bikers the first night and a father and daughter the second night. I thought it was great! We all shared one bathroom, but it was cleaner than the one in the dorms so we weren't complaining.

That night we went to the best restaurant of the trip so far with our new friend, Artem. It was all you can eat for about $10USD. There was buffet of rice, raw seafood, meat, and veggies. You chose what you wanted to eat and brought it back to your table. In the middle of the table there was a hot pot filled with two different broths that you could place food in to boil, such as noodles. There was also two grills at either end of the table for grilling meat. At first it was absolutely terrifying not really knowing what I was eating but it was so good that was quickly forgotten. The taxi rides were quite entertaining as well when we listened to some 'Girls' Generation,' a popular South Korean pop group.
     
Friday was awesome! We all met up to go whitewater rafting. This was an interesting experience because the safety demonstration was given entirely in Chinese. In spite of this, we all managed to make it through alive with a few sunburns, bruises, collisions and persons overboard (including my roommate, Julia). When we were near the end, the guide 'let the foreigners out to go swimming' while the natives just watched content in their rafts. This took pretty much the whole day with us exhausted by the end and ready to crash...which is ironic because on our way back from a 7-11 (they're EVERYWHERE here, like every block) we witnessed a car/scooter crash. I can make that joke because thankfully, no one was hurt. It was one of the most bizarre moments. It sounded like a piece of plastic getting run over. Within seconds, a lady police officer had pulled up on her scooter and was diffusing the situation.  


The next day was spent at Taroko National Park.In this park is the Taroko Gorge,which is one of the most famous tourist spots in Taiwan. We hired a taxi to cart us all around to the hiking trails and the best sights. It was beautiful! The water of the river flowing through the Gorge was a stunning turquoise. I love America but honestly, this was better than the Grand Canyon. The most thrilling part was walking across a suspended bridge to the other side. The sign posted stated that the limit was 8 persons on it at a time. Oh. Well I feel safe. At another trail we were given helmets just in case some of the rocks fell. It was nothing if not an exciting, beautiful adventure. We then had the driver take us to a swimming spot where we relaxed and stayed cool until heading to the train station to head back to Taipei. We had seats for this train for $15USD. I also took the opportunity to enjoy a light and refreshing pineapple beer.


I would like to reassure you that amidst all this fun there is learning/teaching happening. The first week of classes went splendidly! My students are all bright and kind. There are a few that have decided to take a picture with me each day. 


Critter Sighting: A cockroach strolling about the streets, some more lizards, and a more startling encounter with a flying cockroach...I might have screamed. The other group saw a giant spider. I can't say I'm sad I missed it.

Well back to lesson planning to catch up from the weekend away. Thanks for reading!