It’s a SCOOTER…it’s a Car….no it’s a bus!?!

I’m sure anyone who has been reading our blog has wondered “why isn’t Phil bloggin, after all he’s in Taiwan too”. Well here is my first blog entry.

I suppose I haven’t made an entry because I was busy trying all the new and wonderful foods here. :) I think Annalicia has been doing a great job of bloggin’ and keeping everyone up to date. Her writing style is very good and she does a nice job of explaining things. With that being said, I think it’s time for her to be quiet and let you hear from someone else. :)

This past weekend we decided not to get a car to meet my transportation needs and instead I will bike 10 minutes to the bus stop, ride 40 minutes on an old rickety bus, and then end my commute by walking an additional 10 minutes. I have a weird feeling that if “someone” else were commuting we would not have considered a bus. :) When I envisioned commuting in Taiwan I pictured myself cruising around on a sweet scooter. I have to admit I was really looking forward to getting a scooter here, but if the locals thought it would be better to get a car I was okay with that. Now, when the car didn’t work out and I was told I could take the bus to and from school, I was scared because I don’t possess any Chinese speaking or reading skills. Without those two important skills I could get lost pretty easily and would have a bummer of a time trying to get home. But I have taken the bus this whole week and I can say that it’s not that bad and it is probably more relaxing than driving myself. Plus it should help us save a little more money and that’s always a good thing. It also immerses me in the culture a little more, which is something I don’t know I would have done voluntarily.

Couple of other things to inform you of:

My co-teachers' English names are Bo-Bo and Ro-Ro. With those names it’s hard for me to take them serious.

I have been given a Chinese name; Fe Li Pu, pronounced Fay Lee Poo. It’s basically my name sounded out in Chinese words. I’m not too pumped on it.

I now have my own personal stamp with my Chinese name on it. It’s kind of a big deal, I guess.

We enjoy hearing from everyone, through responds to our posts or Skype, and miss everyone a ton.

Take Care,
Phil