The year is almost over. I can't believe it it has gone so fast.
Last weekend was my last travel weekend -- we went to Tainan to see my friend Linda compete in the Dragon Boat Races. This is a big 4 day extravaganza of groups of 16 with some affiliation racing long canoe type boas. Because it it so hot already, the races are held at night and the boats are all decorated with colored lights. Linda and 15 other teachers from her school gave it a go but without enthusiasm. Seems their principal ordered them to do it so they did, but made sure they lost the first round.
I still haven't nailed down a job. I have two contracts from colleges in China so that is the fallback. Turkey remains my first choice if someone would just make up their mind! I am going to give them until Monday, then sign with China.
Now comes the hard part -- packing, sacking and giing stuff away. Hate that.
星期四, 6月 21, 2007
星期二, 6月 12, 2007
Things I Won't Miss
I know that my last couple of blogs will be tearful and sappy so I thought I would get the more negative things out of the way.
Things I won't miss:
1) Lukewarm food. Since I mostly eat at school, the food is big serving buckets which are not kept warm at all. By the time we get around to eating them, they are all warm. Also most restaurant food is not hot, I don't know why because dishes are brought out as ready.
2) Rain. This is our 12th straight day of really heavy rain and it is miserable.
3) Being dependent on a bike for my transportation. There are people I can hitch rides with but I save those for bad weather. It means that anytime I travel anywhere, I have to first ride my bike 45 minutes just to get to the train station. Going shopping is an almost everyday thing since I can't carry much.
4) Always having to wonder whether both sides of a conversation understand what was just said, also not being able to kid around much -- the translation would never make it.
5) The general obliviousness I mentioned earlier.
6) The tendency to make last minute plans with the assumption that it will be fine with you. Or sometimes the plans are made, but no one bothers to tell you until one hour before.
7) The lack of stimulation in my town. Nice folks, but farmers all.
8) Although there are teachers here that I hope I will stay close to, the general conservative policies of the school can drive you wild.
Things I won't miss:
1) Lukewarm food. Since I mostly eat at school, the food is big serving buckets which are not kept warm at all. By the time we get around to eating them, they are all warm. Also most restaurant food is not hot, I don't know why because dishes are brought out as ready.
2) Rain. This is our 12th straight day of really heavy rain and it is miserable.
3) Being dependent on a bike for my transportation. There are people I can hitch rides with but I save those for bad weather. It means that anytime I travel anywhere, I have to first ride my bike 45 minutes just to get to the train station. Going shopping is an almost everyday thing since I can't carry much.
4) Always having to wonder whether both sides of a conversation understand what was just said, also not being able to kid around much -- the translation would never make it.
5) The general obliviousness I mentioned earlier.
6) The tendency to make last minute plans with the assumption that it will be fine with you. Or sometimes the plans are made, but no one bothers to tell you until one hour before.
7) The lack of stimulation in my town. Nice folks, but farmers all.
8) Although there are teachers here that I hope I will stay close to, the general conservative policies of the school can drive you wild.
星期日, 6月 10, 2007
Winding Down
I will leave Taiwan 3 weeks from today. Although I have really enjoyed this year, I can't say as I am sorry to go. I think this sorta-city girl needs more than a rural small town can deliver. People have been super but I sort of wonder how many, if any, I will stay in touch with long term.
I gave a workshop a couple of weeks ago for the other teachers. On the cover of my handout I put my email address, told them it was my "forever address" and said they now had a friend in America. They chorused back with "what does that mean?". A panicky moment as I pictured them and all of their loved ones descending on wherever I end up living, but having come to know a little about these folks, I know I need not fear. They have to be home to Mom's house for dinner by Sunday latest.
As a person who comes from a rather "loose" family grouping, it is difficult for me to imagine the obligation of couples marrying and having to move in with the husband's parents, like it or not. Especially when they are educated, employed and the parents are not needy.
I gave a workshop a couple of weeks ago for the other teachers. On the cover of my handout I put my email address, told them it was my "forever address" and said they now had a friend in America. They chorused back with "what does that mean?". A panicky moment as I pictured them and all of their loved ones descending on wherever I end up living, but having come to know a little about these folks, I know I need not fear. They have to be home to Mom's house for dinner by Sunday latest.
As a person who comes from a rather "loose" family grouping, it is difficult for me to imagine the obligation of couples marrying and having to move in with the husband's parents, like it or not. Especially when they are educated, employed and the parents are not needy.
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