Where can I find the fruit?

Today was actually a really productive day.

Since I arrived, I just don't feel like I've been doing that much with myself. I think because I'm used to going to school and having two jobs all at the same time. One job that I only work four hours per day at is weird.

I went to lunch with Olenka, bought a yoga mat, did my laundry, went to the stationary store and the wet market and went to school. Then, after my classes, I even did yoga and I some of my Chinese homework. It was great to get so much done in one day again.

Here are some pictures from the day:


The wet market has veggies, fruit, fresh noodles, ready-made food and of course raw meat.


Don't you love when you see raw meat just hanging around at the stand right across from the fruit vendors?


It's OK though. This fruit makes walking passed all of that raw meat totally worth it.


Just a view from my walk back to the dorm from the market.


So much construction! Apparently Taoyuan is one of the fastest (THE fastest?) growing area in Taiwan. It's essentially a suburb of Taipei, so that honestly just makes sense to me.

After I got back form the market I decided to have a go at my very first dragonfruit. I had no clue what to expect. Actually, I didn't even know how to get into in the first place. I had to ask.


Me: Ummm, how do I eat this thing? Do I just cut it in half?
Danielle: I think you're supposed to peel it first.


This is what I ended up with. Ray insisted it tasted (and felt) like a kiwi. I can't really describe it. I kind of thought it would have a stronger flavor. Dragonfruit is kind of tame. It's good though.


Apparently there are something like five different species of mango in Taiwan?


Also, melons come in several crazy colors. From what I can tell, your regular pink watermelon only comes in gigantic sizes. But then there are regular-sized ones that I yellow like this.

It's still delicious.

As for my Chinese homework, Bobo said I have to write "I am American" in traditional Chinese over and over again. I'm also drilling myself on all of my new vocabulary (practice, homework, understand, don't understand, etc.)


"Wo shi meiguoren."

Pictures of the Day

I haven't really been going picture crazy just yet because I'm not sure if there are any instances in which taking a picture would get me in trouble. Either way, I took a few. Here is a glimpse of Taiwan.

This is a picture of the Tung-An school and our dorm. 

Coca-Cola. I was reading something earlier that said 98 percent of the world recognizes the Coca-Cola brand. That's ridiculous. This can of coke cost me $17NT though. I think that's funny.

This is just an open air temple at the park right next to the dorm.

Just a random view of the city. So many of the buildings are really tall.

This is the park right next to the dorm. Everyone calls it "Olympic Park." I have no idea what it is actually called.

I just thought this is one of those funny "Engrish" things. I have no clue what electric socks are nor do I understand what about them would be fun...

OK, I'm being lame and spending my Saturday night in. A lot of people are going to a bar, but after a day of classes and then crowded markets and streets, I'm tired. 

Waking up at 6:30 a.m. probably didn't help much.