Concluding Adventures in Taiwan :(

                                                      

Above on the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial one last time

Ladies and Gents, before I tell you how awesome my time at Taiwan was, let me first tell you to study abroad once you get an opportunity or are considering. No matter where you go in this world, know that every place, and every person you meet, there is a story to tell and create with. It is a vast world yet it is also a small world (much thanks to technology). Not only have I travel while studying a foreign language (Mandarin Chinese) , I made wonderful friends I have never thought I would share a kindred spirit with in a distant land that most people hardly hear of. Contrary to my or anyone else expectations, studying abroad here in Taiwan would blow my mind on what I only heard of. Taiwan is not just another island inhabited with Chinese or Taiwanese people. It is a diverse place with many opportunities to grow as a scholar, travel, experience different cultures, and be embraced by the warm hearts of its local people.

Riding through Taroko Gorge in Hualien county

 When I first came to Taiwan, I had many expectations. I had thought it was much like a Taiwanese drama with beautiful actors and modern skylines. It was to some extent, but it was quite different. It was a modern yet old metropolis with wide roads but with more condensed older buildings. The garbage truck played Fur Elise like a Ice Cream truck coming down the road, and the traffic was more than just cars as mopeds, motorcycles, and bikes competed for the road. In the beginning there was heat, and a lot of it. And did I mention rain? A lot of that too...

On my own for the first time, I attended National Taiwan University (a most prestigious university located in the heart of Taipei) and conducted my studies on Chinese language and international studies there. While there, I made friends quick and developed a bond with them as we traveled and tried our best to master Chinese together. Among this university, I met people from all over the world. Don't be afraid if you will stick out as the only foreigner there. Believe me, Taiwan is very hospitable and the school is filled with Taiwanese students that are eager to make friends.

With friends waiting for the Ali Shan Express

My roommate from Hong Kong, Felix "the cat"

Food and lodging is affordable here. As well traveling from place to place is both affordable and convenient thanks to the efficiency of Taiwan's High Speed Rail, Taipei Metro (MRT), and local train networks. Getting from my school here in Taiwan to the central business district where Taipei 101 is located is an astonishing rate of 25NTD, which is practically less than $1 US dollar.

But I prefer my bike... just kidding I don't own this one unfortunately

Oh I'm going to miss the convenience of high speed service in less than half-an- hour per city

As to the last events of my travels in Taiwan, I have done much since my last postings. Besides meeting my heroes in a Taipei downtown cafe from my favorite YouTube channel, Wong Fu Productions , I had the pleasure of hiking and riding through Taroko Gorge, seeing millennium old trees and scenic spots at Ali Shan, visited Taiwan's beaches, boated through the tranquil ambiance of Sun Moon Lake, and even got a chance to see the new Star Wars movie there.

Hiking through a perilous bridge!

The beach at Hualien

Behold my power!

This tree in Ali Shan lived during the time of Christ! It's over 2,000 years old.

A proposal from my friend

Sun Moon Lake

Yups... I met them, West and Phil from Wong Fu!

I got to see some Star Wars fans right before I saw the new Star Wars movie here... I was so happy!

 Of course, what I will miss most about Taiwan is the well-prepared and affordable food. I swear, there are so many dishes I can choose from and the best thing of all it doesn't burn a hole in my pocket.

Barbecuing all I can eat! Unlimited  meat and drinks, and includes desserts! All for $500 NTD or $15 USD!

That is one fancy Loco Moco!

The best event however that had best concluded my trip was seeing the new year open with fireworks among crowds in the vicinity of Taipei 101. My friends and I had a picnic as we count down to the new year. We made new year resolutions to see each other again someday.

It was magical....

In my last week in Taiwan (just one week before HPU started class mind you), I said goodbye to my friends and we had our last get-together dinner after our exams. After of which, I looked back at how far I had come and the people, and culture I have encountered. It was a great adventure and it was a great study abroad experience. I can only look back now.... it was worth it and something I will do over again if I can.

Saying goodbye to my dorm (my other home)

(At the Peace park)Goodbye Taiwan

(At the thermal springs) Goodbye Taiwan

To all those who have followed me, be sure to contact me if you have any questions studying abroad or wish to travel to Taiwan. My email: kyang1@my.hpu.edu

zàijiàn 再見! (farewell and let's meet again)

在台灣留學 Studying in Taiwan (ROC)

大家好！(Dàjiā hǎo!)Hello Everyone! 

Upon Elephant Mountain and gazing at Tapei 101 at sundown :)

Almost three months has past since I left Hawaii. So far, it has been an interesting adventure! What I remember from my first week in Taiwan was nothing I really prepared for. After all, the summer was a bliss and my Chinese was not polished enough for what was in stored for me. Upon arrival to Taoyuan airport (that's the often main international airport to get to Taiwan), I was able to use my Chinese the first time while ordering breakfast at the airport. It was horrible. However, over time my Chinese had progressed to at least to an extent where am I able to speak and listen to it a whole lot more. 

I currently dorm at the Shui Yuan dorms (C; mixed gender with certain floors for boys  and others for girls) a little outside National Taiwan University. It's a decent place that's clean and has internet (though the wifi is quite bad :( ).  I also got a roommate from Hong Kong! He's a nice guy and I am glad they roomed us together because it's great to be with another Cantonese speaker (hearing and speaking it, reminds me of my parents). 

The best thing about the dorm however is its diversity. Every where I go, there are local Taiwanese students, mainland Chinese students, Germans, French, Dutch, Spanish, Japanese, Koreans, and other nationalities. An interesting fact: NTU has about 432  international exchanges students from 28 different countries, and representing 149 universities. If you don't believe me check out their site: http://www.oia.ntu.edu.tw/students/incoming.students.list/year/104

Speaking of other nationalities, I forgot to mention that many of my classmates and fellow dormmates can speak Mandarin really well!!! It's not rare to see westerners speak Chinese to each other or see Koreans and Japanese speak Chinese like they have been speaking it like forever. I guess I should not be surprise, NTU is after all, the so called "Harvard of Taiwan." It makes sense that it will draw top students from around the world to study here. 

As for my travels in Taiwan, so far I have been in the North and exploring Taipei to the fullest. I have been  to neighboring towns like Kee Lung, Jiu Fen, Shi Fen, Mao Kong, and Wu Lai. I hope I can explore the Southern cities more later, and even see the north and east coast beaches of Taiwan (can they compete with Hawaii?).  I still have plenty more to see. 

At the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial. Here is a memorial dedicated to the former leader of the Republic of China between 1928 and 1975 

At the Presidential Building 

Taiwan is quite the modern city. There are subways (MRT), High Speed Rail, Taxi, and Buses 

At the Martyrs' Shrine 

A Taiwanese Loco Moco?

My ride in Taiwan!!! I got him for only $400 NTD (about $12.50 USD)

)

In front of National Palace Museum (the "Louvre of Taiwan"

At KeeLung

Just Chilling in a Hot Spring (41 degrees Celsius) no big deal....

In Jiu Fen, the almost Japanese-like old mining town that was said to inspire settings in the movie, "Spirited Away." 

Jiu Fen

Some Taiwanese Shave Ice :P

Got here just in time for the boat ride

An aborigine village in Wu Lai (after Taiwan's recent Typhoon) 

Some Coffee while you wait? 

At Shi Fen. A waterfall fit for Nymphs and Mermaids! 

Flying my first sky lantern with my Taiwanese friend

If you want to fly lanterns, Pingxi and Shifen are the places to go! Hop on board! 

Safety first! 

At the Taipei Zoo. I saw Pandas! (I do mean actually ones!!) 

That's all for now. Stay tuned for more!! 

TAKING ON TAIWAN 

(At the National Taiwan University's Famous Front Gate)

My first week here at Taiwan had been an eye opener! Not only did I realize the limitations of my Mandarin Chinese, I found Taiwan to be quite different from what I am use to in Hawaii. Taiwan is a bustling city filled with food and culture. Having been to mainland China before, I realize many differences in Taipei (Taiwan’s capital). People here seem to be more honest and less rowdy from what I have experienced growing up as an American Chinese going to mainland China with my Chinese-born parents. From what I am told by a Taiwanese helper, the crime rate is low here. AND THAT IS NOT THE ONLY THING LOW here.... FOOD is inexpensive!! One can easily spend less than $20 US dollars for three full decent meals a day here. 

 (At the famous Shilin night market with some friends from America and the Netherlands)

(Some signature Taiwan beer with some Oyster egg pancakes, toppled with some Stinky Tofu) 

(Oh yes...Taiwan's Stinky Tofu... It's not so bad as people say! It's actually quite yummy!!)

No trip is complete without visiting the famous xiaolongbao (dumplings) place!

At the Famous Taipei 101!!!!

Taipei 101 at night. A brilliant architectural masterpiece incorporating Asian and modern elements

On Top of Taipei 101. 

School starts soon.... I got to improve my Mandarin!

In front of the old NTU library