…and We’re Off!

After the longest journey I’ve ever taken, Emily and I arrived in Taiwan at about 10:00am on January 7. My trip started at 10:00am on January 5, so I was exhausted, but enthusiastic to finally see the city. I have been in contact with the teacher I’m currently observing – we can call him “Joe” for now – since November, continually quizzing him about the city. What is the easiest way to get from the airport to our hotel? Is the city safe? Will many people be able to speak English? Joe, empathetic to my anxieties, graciously offered to meet Emily and I at the airport on the day of our arrival. So, on January 7, we stepped out of customs and skimmed the airport waiting area for a man who could be Joe. After sharing several awkward glances with the only other Caucasian in the waiting area, Joe stepped forward and introduced himself. He’s an awesome guy; he’s got an excellent sense of humor, and he’s incredibly personable. After our quick introductions, Joe led Emily and I out of the airport and into a taxi. The driver could not speak English; Emily handed him a card with the address of our hotel written in Chinese, and we were off. Just like any city, the streets were crazy. Cars and moped bikes whizzed around us. It’s amazing that we haven’t witnessed any motor vehicle accidents yet!

In the car, Joe was eager to answer all of our questions. What are the students like? What do they do for fun? Where should we go for sight seeing? Where are the best places to eat here? (The answers to those questions will have to wait until my next post!) The conversation flowed smoothly. After about twenty minutes, the taxicab pulled up in front of a pair of shiny silver doors. Immediately, a sweet Taiwanese woman, who spoke only a few English phrases but communicated well with hand gestures, met us in the doorway. She enthusiastically greeted us and phoned her son, who speaks fluent English, to help us through the check-in process. Once Emily and I were accounted for, we parted with Joe, and the Taiwanese woman led us to the most unique elevator I’ve ever seen. It is entirely dark, with little lights resembling stars scattered throughout the inner walls and ceiling. We arrived at the top floor of the hotel, and were escorted to our room at the end of the hall. It is immaculately clean, with an incredible view of the city street out of an enormous window. According to the Taiwanese woman, Emily and I are not allowed to wear our shoes inside the hotel room. It seemed kind of funny to remove our shoes before entering at first, but a lot of places in Taiwan (including the school gym!) seem to have this same “no shoes inside” policy.

After a much-needed shower and a little rest, Emily and I met up with Joe again for a tour of Taiwan’s famous night markets. It turns out that most people in the city do not cook at home; the majority eats out every night. My first impression of the night market reminded me of the Fryeburg Fair back home, in Maine. I’d guess about a hundred vendors were present at the night market; they all sat in booths, which were lined up side-by-side in tight rows. We wandered with the other Taiwanese customers through the night market, looking for foods to try. Most of the food looked and smelled delicious, but some of the options were less appetizing… The foods ranged anywhere from the most wonderful dumplings I’ve ever eaten to duck bills, chicken feet, and a city specialty the locals call “stinky tofu.” I have yet to try the tofu, because honestly, “stinky” is an understatement. It smells like hot vomit.

After our exploration of the night market, Emily and I headed back to the hotel for some desperately needed sleep. We had an incredible first day in Taiwan… hopefully it was an indication of the coming days we still have in store!