The Jade Cabbage
Just a quick update while I'm trying to survive this week. I officially have a cold!!!! I was feeling a bit under the weather since I've been here but it was just mild head cold symptoms/allergies going haywire. Now my nose is stuffed, my throat's been sore/itchy. I'm going to the doctor tomorrow!
I started teaching my classes. It's demanding but I love it so far, especially the young ones.
Albert and I found a dance studio to start going to (when I get better). I'm really excited-- it's run by two professional dancers and I saw them compete a few weekends ago (where I also saw the top 7 couples in the world).
I went to the National Palace Museum this weekend with some friends. It has artifacts 2000 or more B.C. (no "E" here in this blog hehe :P). It was really interesting- we saw a cabbage carved out of a piece of jade. It was my favorite part! A little disappointing it wasn't as big as I thought it would be, but still impressive. We saw some crazy ivory/bone carvings. I don't know how to explain this clearly but there were 17 rotatable ivory balls inside each other and they all had intricate carvings in them. There was also a super tiny wood boat with an entire book carved into it. Lots of pottery, porcelain, and "wine vessels." For me it got a little boring because I don't have any background knowledge on Chinese history but I know it was an awesome experience to be able to see it.
I've tried a lot of crazy food. Surprisingly, I'm taking to eating only Chinese food really well. Western food almost grosses me out here- it tastes different. But we still have Subway and McDonalds and KFC.
But this job is a LOT of work- so much to plan.... so little time to do other things. The idea for now is to just get settled in, and get in a good routine at my schools, then when we move to central Taipei I'll start taking Chinese classes and try to catch up with some people I know but haven't seen yet.
I just hope this cold goes away fast- not fun!
Love,
Rachel
PS- I posted some new pictures on facebook under Taiwan March 2010. Go check them out.
I started teaching my classes. It's demanding but I love it so far, especially the young ones.
Albert and I found a dance studio to start going to (when I get better). I'm really excited-- it's run by two professional dancers and I saw them compete a few weekends ago (where I also saw the top 7 couples in the world).
I went to the National Palace Museum this weekend with some friends. It has artifacts 2000 or more B.C. (no "E" here in this blog hehe :P). It was really interesting- we saw a cabbage carved out of a piece of jade. It was my favorite part! A little disappointing it wasn't as big as I thought it would be, but still impressive. We saw some crazy ivory/bone carvings. I don't know how to explain this clearly but there were 17 rotatable ivory balls inside each other and they all had intricate carvings in them. There was also a super tiny wood boat with an entire book carved into it. Lots of pottery, porcelain, and "wine vessels." For me it got a little boring because I don't have any background knowledge on Chinese history but I know it was an awesome experience to be able to see it.
I've tried a lot of crazy food. Surprisingly, I'm taking to eating only Chinese food really well. Western food almost grosses me out here- it tastes different. But we still have Subway and McDonalds and KFC.
But this job is a LOT of work- so much to plan.... so little time to do other things. The idea for now is to just get settled in, and get in a good routine at my schools, then when we move to central Taipei I'll start taking Chinese classes and try to catch up with some people I know but haven't seen yet.
I just hope this cold goes away fast- not fun!
Love,
Rachel
PS- I posted some new pictures on facebook under Taiwan March 2010. Go check them out.
Rachel, Sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. I have been sick as well. I went to the doctor on Saturday ... think I have the flu. But I am feeling better now. We are getting ready for our trip Tuesday to Washington DC with Grandma Genny. She turns 80 on Saturday and she has never been to Washington before. Got lots of fun places for her to see. We well be there until Sunday. I love your photos ... glad you are having fun and making friends. Take care of yourself. Love, Aunt Val
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