I'm so excited that we're in China for real now. However, most of us were able to see very little of Guilin due to the history midterm we had this morning. And it's off to Wuhan on the overnight train for us tonight. But all of the children here are adorable and stuff is cheap (one hour of internet here is 1 yuan, about 12 U.S. cents).
Hong Kong Disneyland was awesome! And I'm trying to get pictures even though my camera is broken.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Hong Kong
Thomas, this is Rachel, just so you know.
I am angry by the lack of time we have had in Hong Kong. It doesn't help that I've wasted good chunks of three days trying to figure out my group visa... and ending up spending around 200 dollars on a new one (double what Kyle had to pay for hers because I had to get mine in a day). I feel like I have not seen enough here. And today will be my "catch up" day, which will hardly work out, and tomorrow I am going to Hong Kong Disneyland (then I'll have been to all five in the world). Saturday we leave for Guilin (main land China)!
Hong Kong is an interesting place and I am not sure exactly how I feel about it. I prefer Taipei. But in terms of comparing Tokyo and Hong Kong... don't know. Hong Kong certainly has more diversity though, which is good. But I don't like the many islands of Hong Kong thing that much; the novelty of it wore off the first time we had to ride the ferry between islands... makes me sick.
I haven't really been anywhere major yet in this city and it's rather depressing. But the bakeries are awesome and stuff is cheaper and I got new glasses. Classes suck... we're all way behind and our history midterm is in less than a week (so jealous of Mollie). But besides that I think I am just ready to go to mainland China right now, because this place hasn't been that good to me, what with the visa and then my CAMERA BEING BROKEN. Yeah. I don't think I will have any of my own pictures to show anyone from this trip.
Next my wallet will be stolen and I will be kidnapped. Just fair warning for everyone.
But I'm fine now and Asia is obviously better than Illinois no matter what... so try not to feel too bad for me.
I am angry by the lack of time we have had in Hong Kong. It doesn't help that I've wasted good chunks of three days trying to figure out my group visa... and ending up spending around 200 dollars on a new one (double what Kyle had to pay for hers because I had to get mine in a day). I feel like I have not seen enough here. And today will be my "catch up" day, which will hardly work out, and tomorrow I am going to Hong Kong Disneyland (then I'll have been to all five in the world). Saturday we leave for Guilin (main land China)!
Hong Kong is an interesting place and I am not sure exactly how I feel about it. I prefer Taipei. But in terms of comparing Tokyo and Hong Kong... don't know. Hong Kong certainly has more diversity though, which is good. But I don't like the many islands of Hong Kong thing that much; the novelty of it wore off the first time we had to ride the ferry between islands... makes me sick.
I haven't really been anywhere major yet in this city and it's rather depressing. But the bakeries are awesome and stuff is cheaper and I got new glasses. Classes suck... we're all way behind and our history midterm is in less than a week (so jealous of Mollie). But besides that I think I am just ready to go to mainland China right now, because this place hasn't been that good to me, what with the visa and then my CAMERA BEING BROKEN. Yeah. I don't think I will have any of my own pictures to show anyone from this trip.
Next my wallet will be stolen and I will be kidnapped. Just fair warning for everyone.
But I'm fine now and Asia is obviously better than Illinois no matter what... so try not to feel too bad for me.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
10.10 Continued...
Rach started telling the story, but basically yesterday was the coolest day ever.
We left the hostel at 7:45am and took the subway to downtown Taipei. We got to sit in the guests of honor box to watch the festivities. There were giant signs and banners that said "UN for Taiwan. Peace Forever.: Then they proceeded to have an elaborate military show, parading all of their weapons and they had a giant military flyby. It was impressive and a little scary. They had lots of performers, it was essentially the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, and we were right there!
We had lunch at TGI Friday's and then we wandered to a Peace Park nearby and watched the locals celebrating the holiday. At 3;45 we met outside the Taiwan Guest House. I have never been to something so classy! We walked up to the giant mansion on a red carpet where we were instantly offered wine. There were carving stations where you could eat roast leg of lamb or prime rib or 10-15 different tables of hors dourves! We got to see the president of Taiwan as well as the Prime minister. We also go to rub elbows with "ambassadors" from Malaysia as well as State Rep. Foster from New Hampshire. She and her husband were really nice, they found out I was as theatre major and they went out of their way to find out the name of the performing arts school here in Taiwan that they had visited and really enjoyed. Kyle and I took our picture with Miss Taiwan, too. It was unbelievable. I kept looking at Erik and saying things like "what are we doing here? who are we to be here? We're from a school that nobody's ever heard of, chatting up some of the most important people in the world, and certainly the top of the top in Taiwan." There was a lake in the backyard and Christmas lights and it was all just overwhelmingly upscale and amazing. I still can't believe it.
Today I'm going to a tea plantation and then packing and then tomorrow...Hong Kong!
We left the hostel at 7:45am and took the subway to downtown Taipei. We got to sit in the guests of honor box to watch the festivities. There were giant signs and banners that said "UN for Taiwan. Peace Forever.: Then they proceeded to have an elaborate military show, parading all of their weapons and they had a giant military flyby. It was impressive and a little scary. They had lots of performers, it was essentially the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, and we were right there!
We had lunch at TGI Friday's and then we wandered to a Peace Park nearby and watched the locals celebrating the holiday. At 3;45 we met outside the Taiwan Guest House. I have never been to something so classy! We walked up to the giant mansion on a red carpet where we were instantly offered wine. There were carving stations where you could eat roast leg of lamb or prime rib or 10-15 different tables of hors dourves! We got to see the president of Taiwan as well as the Prime minister. We also go to rub elbows with "ambassadors" from Malaysia as well as State Rep. Foster from New Hampshire. She and her husband were really nice, they found out I was as theatre major and they went out of their way to find out the name of the performing arts school here in Taiwan that they had visited and really enjoyed. Kyle and I took our picture with Miss Taiwan, too. It was unbelievable. I kept looking at Erik and saying things like "what are we doing here? who are we to be here? We're from a school that nobody's ever heard of, chatting up some of the most important people in the world, and certainly the top of the top in Taiwan." There was a lake in the backyard and Christmas lights and it was all just overwhelmingly upscale and amazing. I still can't believe it.
Today I'm going to a tea plantation and then packing and then tomorrow...Hong Kong!
10/10
Taiwan is pretty awesome. Everyone (practically) here speaks English. Today was the 10/10 celebration, which is like a celebration of Taiwan freedom from communism (ish) . The morning stuff would have been exciting if we had been able to see anything, but we couldn't. But there were huge blow up pigs (for the year of the pig), which was pretty darn cool.
Then at four pm we were invited to the party that was held by the Foreign Affairs Committee (maybe?). We thought it might be pretty lame since it was a bunch of old people and we were kind of underdressed and awkward, and since Norm said that we probably wouldn't stay the whole time, but it was actually pretty awesome! The building and "backyard" we were in was awesome and there was free food and drinks everywhere. We talked to a few random foreigners, and one woman (who spoke fluent Chinese, English, and German) told us that we were lucky, because the entertaining we had seen weren't there the last few years. We saw acrobats and dancers and there was an orchestra and it was AWESOME.
Asia is pretty great. Tomorrow is our free day, and as lame as it is, I think I'm staying in to catch up on sleep, homework, and alone time (and I don't have more money to spend here). But we leave for Hong Kong on Friday, and I'm really excited. We probably won't be posting as much in either Hong Kong or China, just F.Y.I.
Taipei is an awesome city. It's either my favorite or second favorite (next to Kyoto) place so far. But I am definitely ready to head off to China.
Then at four pm we were invited to the party that was held by the Foreign Affairs Committee (maybe?). We thought it might be pretty lame since it was a bunch of old people and we were kind of underdressed and awkward, and since Norm said that we probably wouldn't stay the whole time, but it was actually pretty awesome! The building and "backyard" we were in was awesome and there was free food and drinks everywhere. We talked to a few random foreigners, and one woman (who spoke fluent Chinese, English, and German) told us that we were lucky, because the entertaining we had seen weren't there the last few years. We saw acrobats and dancers and there was an orchestra and it was AWESOME.
Asia is pretty great. Tomorrow is our free day, and as lame as it is, I think I'm staying in to catch up on sleep, homework, and alone time (and I don't have more money to spend here). But we leave for Hong Kong on Friday, and I'm really excited. We probably won't be posting as much in either Hong Kong or China, just F.Y.I.
Taipei is an awesome city. It's either my favorite or second favorite (next to Kyoto) place so far. But I am definitely ready to head off to China.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Taiwan is trying to kill us
Yesterday I went for dinner in the market place. There you will find several vendors with small stands cooking and selling various food items. I ate some fried chicken and it was delicious. After I ate the chicken I noticed the guy cooking it right there and was comforted at how freshly prepared the food was. That feeling quickly went away as I realized he used the same tongs to pick up the raw chicken as he did to move the cooked chicken. Afterwards we walked down the market and I was fish and chicken parts being cleaned in a giant bucket with a hose. I hope my ammunie system holds up here. As though that was not enought there is a Typhoon comming. It's a catagory 4 and in Taipei we will be getting catagory 2-3 winds and rain. After this trip I can say I have been to the biggest city, tallest building, largest country, and I have been through a Typhoon. Awsome! Also Katie and I are getting eaten alive by mosquitos...at least I hope the bites are not from spiders or bed bugs. But don't worry they are not getting in the way of having an awsome time.
P.S. The fruit here is amazing. Yesterday I had a grapefruit and honey juice drink.
P.S. The fruit here is amazing. Yesterday I had a grapefruit and honey juice drink.
Why Don't You Blog About It?
I am going to blog about it. Thanks, sociology test, for being about lots of stuff that wasn't directly from the study guide. Foreign terms should not negatively affect one's GPA. Annoyance.
Taipei so far:
We went to a night market just outside of our youth center, nothing too exciting, lots of smelly meats and cheap clothes. We are trying to practice bartering for the big game (aka mainland China). Lots of people are getting ready for 10.10 I need shoes and an outfit...but mostly shoes. There is a pair or pink glittery peep toes with my name on them.
We went to Taipei 101 on a clear day (did I write about this already? I've sent so many emails I don't know what I've said where). It was sunsetish time to the building's shadow was 10-12 blocks long. We went to the outdoor observatory which was beautiful and very windy.
We went to the Grand Hotel just "a stone's throw" away from the Center, it was truly grand. And expensive. It really has the Chinese aesthetic, which is strikingly different from that of Japan. We snooped around the upper floors, tried to steal some complimentary room soap and failed and then some people bought some jade for family members. Sorry, mom, yours is coming from the mainland.
Taiwan is very different. I miss being able to flush toilet paper or brush my teeth with running water, or cross the street without putting my life in the hands of a crazy moped. Yesterday we saw a moped with two men and a black labrador on it. Weird. But it's definitely an experience. Tonight we get to go to a Mongolian barbeque. Yuuuuummy.
Also, there's a typhoon headed in this general direction. We aren't in the eye of the storm, but there's a 100% chance of rain. Sophie bought a football so it's going to be a lot of fun playing some ball in the courtyard. Also good sports news: Taiwan is covering the playoffs, we got to see the Cubs lose yesterday morning and we are currently watching the Yankees lose.
Also, we watched all of Merlin yesterday, a miniseries starring Sam Neal (the Jurassic Park guy). Kyle and I decided we are going to rent it and watch it when we get back on campus. Get excited!
I miss everyone. I woke up this morning and forgot I wasn't in my own bed. I don't really get homesick, but today's one of the few days I wish I could just be in good old Illinois.
Taipei so far:
We went to a night market just outside of our youth center, nothing too exciting, lots of smelly meats and cheap clothes. We are trying to practice bartering for the big game (aka mainland China). Lots of people are getting ready for 10.10 I need shoes and an outfit...but mostly shoes. There is a pair or pink glittery peep toes with my name on them.
We went to Taipei 101 on a clear day (did I write about this already? I've sent so many emails I don't know what I've said where). It was sunsetish time to the building's shadow was 10-12 blocks long. We went to the outdoor observatory which was beautiful and very windy.
We went to the Grand Hotel just "a stone's throw" away from the Center, it was truly grand. And expensive. It really has the Chinese aesthetic, which is strikingly different from that of Japan. We snooped around the upper floors, tried to steal some complimentary room soap and failed and then some people bought some jade for family members. Sorry, mom, yours is coming from the mainland.
Taiwan is very different. I miss being able to flush toilet paper or brush my teeth with running water, or cross the street without putting my life in the hands of a crazy moped. Yesterday we saw a moped with two men and a black labrador on it. Weird. But it's definitely an experience. Tonight we get to go to a Mongolian barbeque. Yuuuuummy.
Also, there's a typhoon headed in this general direction. We aren't in the eye of the storm, but there's a 100% chance of rain. Sophie bought a football so it's going to be a lot of fun playing some ball in the courtyard. Also good sports news: Taiwan is covering the playoffs, we got to see the Cubs lose yesterday morning and we are currently watching the Yankees lose.
Also, we watched all of Merlin yesterday, a miniseries starring Sam Neal (the Jurassic Park guy). Kyle and I decided we are going to rent it and watch it when we get back on campus. Get excited!
I miss everyone. I woke up this morning and forgot I wasn't in my own bed. I don't really get homesick, but today's one of the few days I wish I could just be in good old Illinois.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Goodbye Tokyo Hello Taipei
Sorry it has been so long since I have written. I didn't get to an internet cafe at all in Tokyo becasue I was so bussy trying to enjoy the area. Things I did in Tokyo...Giants baseball game, it was alot of fun, loud, and exciting plus I had my first beer at a baseball game. Kabuki theater, for only $6 I was able to sit in a seat and enjoy 1hour of traditional theater in Japan and it was awsome to watch. I also spent alot of time shopping around the different neighborhoods and admiring the Japanese fashion which is bold and made me feel constantly underdressed. I also spent alot of time hanging out with Jeff (for those of you who don't know Jeff he is a friend who did Heywire with me my freshman year and is currently teaching english in Japan). Hanging out with Jeff was so much fun becasue he was able to translate for us when we wanted to ask questions or talk with Japanese people. It was also great to go around the town with somebody who not only knew the language but the culture and history. I think I learned more in one day of hanging out with Jeff than I did in spending 2 weeks of reading about he culture in my Soc book.
Update on my knees. In Tokyo I had a rought time walking around because my arthritis had been pretty bad. Luckily Tokyo has an awsome subway system. But after 3 weeks of constant pain my teachers were able to get me a doctors appt. I learned that I pulled a muscle in the back of my knee and it was not all arthritis so thats good news. I have some ice packs and it has been feeling alot better.
So we are in Taipei Tawian now and wow what a difference in cultures. Just when I was getting used to speaking Japanese and following their ways I have to adjust to a culture that is so different. Overall Japanese people are polite, hardworking, and considerate of others. Here people are loud, pushy, and we can't drink the water ahhh! Hope the write you guys again soon and tell you all about my experiences in Tawian.
Update on my knees. In Tokyo I had a rought time walking around because my arthritis had been pretty bad. Luckily Tokyo has an awsome subway system. But after 3 weeks of constant pain my teachers were able to get me a doctors appt. I learned that I pulled a muscle in the back of my knee and it was not all arthritis so thats good news. I have some ice packs and it has been feeling alot better.
So we are in Taipei Tawian now and wow what a difference in cultures. Just when I was getting used to speaking Japanese and following their ways I have to adjust to a culture that is so different. Overall Japanese people are polite, hardworking, and considerate of others. Here people are loud, pushy, and we can't drink the water ahhh! Hope the write you guys again soon and tell you all about my experiences in Tawian.
Monday, October 1, 2007
It's been a while.
Let's recap.
The first day in Tokyo I had a bad allergic reaction to something and ending in the hospital after passing out. On the plus side, I went to the "best hospital in Japan" where Shinzo Abe was getting checked out at the same time. I didn't like the fact that I couldn't communicate what was wrong for myself, but luckily Sensei was there to translate and speak on my behalf.
We went to Harajuku and to a Tokyo Giants game and to the Imperial Palace and do a Hippie district....whatever, we did a lot of cool stuff and I took a lot of cool pictures, I'll get them up here someday.
Taiwan ---
Is where we are now. The mopeds are wild here, they kind of follow their own rules. There are literally a million mopeds here. It's crazy. We went to a night market last night, it was less than eventful, but the clothes are cheap so Meghan and Kyle got cute dresses for 10.10 the national holiday coming up...I am currently on the hunt for my wardrobe.
That's pretty much it for now. There's too much to say and not enough time to say it.
Katie
The first day in Tokyo I had a bad allergic reaction to something and ending in the hospital after passing out. On the plus side, I went to the "best hospital in Japan" where Shinzo Abe was getting checked out at the same time. I didn't like the fact that I couldn't communicate what was wrong for myself, but luckily Sensei was there to translate and speak on my behalf.
We went to Harajuku and to a Tokyo Giants game and to the Imperial Palace and do a Hippie district....whatever, we did a lot of cool stuff and I took a lot of cool pictures, I'll get them up here someday.
Taiwan ---
Is where we are now. The mopeds are wild here, they kind of follow their own rules. There are literally a million mopeds here. It's crazy. We went to a night market last night, it was less than eventful, but the clothes are cheap so Meghan and Kyle got cute dresses for 10.10 the national holiday coming up...I am currently on the hunt for my wardrobe.
That's pretty much it for now. There's too much to say and not enough time to say it.
Katie
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