Day 28 -- June 21

So I didn’t get to bed when I wanted because I was talking with my roommates for a very long time. So Instead I chose to sleep in. This, however, was perhaps not the wisest of moves. By the time I got up the cafeteria was on it’s last stand for food . Absolutely nothing looked appetizing, thankfully Claire had given me some crackers. I snacked on those and waited for the shops to open around 11:30ish. I wandered out and got me some dumplings because dang those things are so good. I finished up so homework and did a little bit of studying before class. Save for the late start it was overall a pretty typical morning.

    Class is now getting fairly interesting, we have the ability to say more things and mix things around so that we can form very basic sentences. Though for some reason we always try to make more complicated sentences, often Laoshi has to go on a side tangent so she can tell us how we say what we want to say. My speaking ability is not where I want it to be I figure it’s alright for studying for only 3 weeks. I do much better if I slow down and over emphasize the tones, which is how you learn any language I suppose. We all parted ways with encouragement from Laoshi that we were all doing well. After class I realized that I hadn’t taken any pictures for the blog so I went for a wander and snapped a few close ups of some things around the MTC building.

    I got back to the dorms and sent a message to Sean. He and Johnny met me down in the Cafeteria for dinner. I was a little bit more selective about my food and actually ended up with a fairly decent meal. We went for a wander afterwords and I snagged another pastry from the bakery. They are so yummy, but I need to be careful they probably aren’t that good for me. We sat around for a while and chatted. Again I ended up on the topic of learning Mandarin. Johnny had some really good advice for me which  really appreciated. We also had an interesting conversation about Taiwanese politics and how they deal with China. It is a complex situation to put it mildly. He is actually running into some trouble because Johnny learned first in China which means he learned simplified characters. Here in Taiwan they use traditional characters, so Johnny actually was taken out of a more challenging class and pt into a only one level above me because of the difference. It’s very frustrating for him and understandably so. It’s strange being a foreigner caught up in the feud between China and Taiwan.

    After that lovely discussion I came back to the room. There is so much packing going on around me, everyone is in a hurry to leave. I feel sort of weird because I only have enough stuff to fit into my suitcase and that’s kinda it. It’ll take me about 10 minutes to pack it all up on Saturday night. Oh the joys of being and 3 month exchange student. I currently am at war with people over the washing machine. Everyone is trying to get their things washed but my issue is I am out of clothes. Usually Friday night is an excellent time to get your laundry done, except tonight. There is one person’s whose laundry is done, but they have left it sitting for almost two hours. I am very seriously considering moving it, except the only place to put would be the floor. I’m not that mean...yet.

Jing Wo (gray) and Liu (blue)

    On a more fun note I am having a really good time with my roommates. I am sad to see them go. Jing Wo, my Korean roommate, leaves tomorrow. She is the one in the dress. Liu leaves on Sunday with me. We’ve really gotten to know each other and have shared many laughs, both of them have said that if I come to either China or Korea I have to come a at least visit. It’s awesome I even got a sweet little gift from Jing Wo, but I feel  bad. I didn’t even think to get gifts for my leaving roommates. I think they will forgive me, being an American and all. As Liu put it “It’s ok, it’s not your way. You give hugs, smiles and laughter instead.” I am ok with this. There was also a little Korean learning going on. Very serious student its what I am.

    I would like to report that laundry was managed after some serious stealth work. Essentially I stood in front of the washer and as soon as the girl came to get her clothes I put mine in. It is good to have clean clothes. Tomorrow I am supposed to go to the Tea gardens with Jillian and Nick followed by packing. It should be a good time!!