My Taiwan Adventure

Today, 10-10 (aka. October 10th) is the Republic of China's 100th birthday! Yay! There was a big presentation live on TV with President Ma Ying-Jeou. Only a few representatives from other countries attended but the only one I recognized was Guatemala. (notice China and the United States were not accounted for o.O) I went to Maokong to look over Taipei and saw some fireworks from the rooftop of our apartment building! How did you celebrate 10-10? ;)

So I get to do something special up until the 15th (this Saturday). A few branches in my school's company are hosting a Sports Day for students and parents. It's going to be basically a mini-olympics for the older students in kindergarten. There's going to be an opening ceremony, games and everything. What's even more is that there will be a half-time cheerleading show. Woohoo! It's actually pretty outrageous if you know more of the details. We're doing some mild choreography which include lifts and other stunts. (notice we're not professionals) We've been practicing at least one day every week- five hours at a time. We don't get home until after 1am, which is not inconvient if it's not a weeknight. I really hope we get some compensation for these extra, late-night hours! This week will be intense because we're practicing every night except Tuesday (tomorrow). I hope everything goes well for the big show on Saturday! Everyone's workin...

I got to go to my first Taiwanese Wedding this weekend! I worked with Ivy (the bride) for a year in the same classroom so it was even more special for me. Weddings are totally different from those in America so let me walk you through it! :) First of all, you can call every wedding a "wedding banquet" because it's all about eating. They typically take place in a restaurant that specializes in weddings. In the one I attended there were a whole bunch of round tables set up in a large banquet hall with a red carpet leading up to a stage. I sat down with friends from work and we chatted and looked at the engagement pictures together. Five minutes before the ceremony started a slideshow came on of the bride and groom as they were growing up. There was a lot of hired photographers at the wedding too! Plus everyone else taking pictures, it kinda felt like the paparazzi! After the slideshow the groom came out holding the bouquet. He walked halfway up the red carpet, turned ...