University is about to start here, so I'll take this tiny little spare time to share with you how my life has been this summer.
First off, Taiwan is awesome to the extreme. There's no words to describe how my trip back was. I have to say, for those of you who have never visited Taiwan in terms of the central region, you have never, ever been to Taiwan. Forget about the metropolis of the North and the South, that's old school. VISIT THE CENTRAL REGIONS! The national parks are there for a reason!
For those of you with a love of cameras and photography, I challenge you to go to the Taroko Gorge, and go through the national park from the coast, and travel along the high way that transverse the park. The view is more than just gorgeous, and it will take your breathe away, and knock you flat out.
Also, for the cultural freaks, though I personal only found it amusing and good for tourists, there is a cultural park in I-Lan. Though it does not truly represent Taiwan to the full (the night markets might do better), it is still fun to go (especially for some hand made handicrafts as gifts or souvenirs!). If you want to see the true Taiwan...well, go backpacking for an extensive period of time. Even better, move there... believe me, you will never run out of things to discover. Taiwan is diverse in every aspect, from food to clothing, from scenery to relics, from history to development. Sometimes even I wonder how everything can fit on such a small island...
Next off, Vancouver!
When I first stepped out of the airport, my response? There's breathable air!
Okay, I think after living in Shanghai for more than five years, I have the right to declare the air quality like it is amusing...
Next was this...COLD!!!!!!
Know this. When a Vancouverite says it is hot, they mean really mean cold-like-the-winter-minus-the-snow-cold for those coming from between the tropics of Capricorn and Cancer. In short, cold! You will need a jacket, you will need long sleeves, and you will need something windproof.
My orientations have pretty much all ended now, and really, I am getting quite used to the culture here. I still have a little bit of a trouble with crossing the street (those of you in Shanghai, laugh all you like...), and the pricing (those in Shanghai, laugh again...). Well of course, what can you expect? Thank goodnessly, people in Vancouver CARE about each other! You ask a question nicely, they answer your question. They will ask you whether you had a good time or not. They will ask you whether the food was good or not. They will let you cross the street, unlike in China, where they would brake, hit you, or brake, then swear at you, and if you fight back, a street brawl of the verbal kind ensures.
Okay, I'm digressing (after listening to my cohort leader use that word every session, it is now my favorite). Anyhow, UBC is a great environment for those wanting to challenge themselves. There will be a lot of running and learning and growing white hair as you run about, trying to sort out the problems all by yourself, unless you ask. I had this type of a situation dawn on me when my IB scores decide not to show up. I have already walked over 3 hours that morning, and I forced myself to walk from the dorm, to the English building, to the service center, to the English building, and then found out my scores have miraculously appeared from nowhere! That was bittersweet indeed, I didn't know whether to cry, to laugh, or do something half way in between.
I am glad, however, that I at least have some friends. Though to say, my dorm-mates are not exactly of my type of people. I still prefer that international type of setting, rather than an all-Canadian-based type... with that being said, I miss my friends!
Some creative stuff should be coming up soon hopefully. I am intending to do some animations or films this year on my own or with friends. Hopefully that will not be long after...
No comments:
Post a Comment