2 0 1 5 // a reflection

2015 was incredibly bumpy, incredibly emotional and incredibly unforgettable at the same time. I potentially say that every year, however, with this blog and my vlogs… THIS year is definitely unforgettable since it is so simple to just repeat replay history. It was filled with a lot of great adventures, new experiences and many WTF am I doing moments. 

Ending this school term alive, hence the 4 months of being MIA, I could not be anymore happier with how things turned out. Yet, at the same time very sad with how fast time traveled.

At the moment, I am very much still learning, still improving and still understanding myself. Though does that process really ever end? So for a lack of better words, maybe I should have just said that I am still on a pursuit of … contentment. Of course, happiness is a state of mind where one chooses to be optimistic and happy. Thus, contentment (although technically a synonym) is what I want to use to portray a bundle of satisfactory level of physical health and mental health, and balanced relationship with friends, family and school. So I guess I personally think that contentment can be measured and happiness can not be. 

This time, when I say that I am excited for 2016, I actually mean it. I know it’s bad to consider a fresh start once the New Year hits but realistically who doesn’t like to drag old familiar behaviour longer until absolutely required to change. It’s the act of human adaptation at its finest right? AND who wouldn’t want fireworks, bright lights or a screaming batch of people saying “happy new year” to solidify a new beginning? It’s much more encouraging that way from my own understanding. So I hope your 2016 will be everything you hoped for, aimed for and worked for. 

Remember, do better; but, definitely try not to compare yourself to others. Look back, admire how different you are now than the past, and simply improve. Eliminate the bugs and make changes. Develop -insert your name here- 2.0 .. or should I really say John Smith 2.016 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

To the future self: keep trying whatever your mind gears you towards, keep doing what your heart says, and eating whatever the hell your stomach desires. Here’s to more challenges yet to come, to numerous foreseen trials and errors on figuring out what you can do or want to do in the near future, to healthier food choices, extra sit-ups and better eye cream. & as always, h 2 o is the way to go, so stay hydrated homies! 

Here's to 

h a p p y NEW y e a r!

Until next time, 
Becca

MEXICO // August 2015

Hola, Chicos and Chicas! Beuno Dias.

It’s been 6 days since I got back from Mexico annnnd man do I miss it. It’s definitely that stress-free feeling that I miss and maybe that unlimited supply of pina colada haha.

So baaasic summer recap, yes it all started with my first out-of-the-country-venture-on-your-own trip to Taiwan, transitioned into traveling with friends to New York city and finished my summer off with a vacation with my parents. Yup, I was indeed bit by that nasty travel bug. 

It was an AWESOME vacation, it had a mix of sightseeing, adventure and a lot of food...which really meant nachos. But hey! they made really yummy guacamole.  (I swear I had it for almost every meal, embarrassingly enough even for breakfast too). Mexico is such a beautiful place with their starry night skies, cenotes, and natural parks. They also try hard to help preserve it, e.g. by spreading information about using all-natural sunscreen and repellent so that when you're in the water it wouldn't damage the coral reefs, and so then tourists can still continue to visit these wonderful places for many years to come. It was hot and humid too, just like Taiwan. IF you watch my vlog, you can actually see the humidity . . . there are footages where you'll know LOL

if YOU get a chance: (definitely check out)

1. Xplor Park

2. Xel-Ha Park

3. Chichen- Itza (totes pronounced as chicken-pizza)

If you want to see it all, check out my vlog. Essentially 7 days in less than 7 mins (;

#1 Lesson that I Learned this Summer: are you ready for this cliché?
TAKE THOSE CHANCES. 

Sometimes it could work out amazingly; e.g, going through most of summer (f)unemployed.  

ORRR it doesn't. . like look at me trying to catch a rice ball LOL

Summer 2015 is filled with a lot of people i'm grateful for and cherishable moments, as it had a touch of everything. It was filled with so much laughter, love, new experiences, kindness, hard work, luck and joy! Thank you universe for a summer to remember. As my summer is nearing an end, or yours is maybe just beginning.. I really hope you make the most of it, and then prepare for another great year :) All the best! 

Thanks for reading,

& of course until next time,

Becca

NEW YORK // July 2015

Hola!

It's been a while, I know. Since my trip to Taiwan I've been out and about; hanged out with friends, volunteered, and soon enough I was on a plane again ready for my next adventure. 

(YYZzzz - oh early flights)

This time I got the opportunity to travel to New York for 4 days with some pretty kool people or just noobs.

(Noobs of New York)

What I learned about New York in that short period of time:

1. New Yorkers can walk. They can walk 10 blocks up/down/to their right or left and it's consider EEEEz or it's possibly the fastest / simplest way. One time, we asked for directions to the nearest subway entrance and the person just laughed at why we didn't walk it instead ... even though  it was 10 blocks or so away.  They're totally my kind of people though in the department of fast pace walkers. If they're not walking then they are indeed biking in their super nice bike lanes. 

2. Yes, you already assumed it right New York is a packed city. So we probably did a really good job at hitting up all the major tourists sites or it is just a crowded city indeed. The city is alive from morning to night!

3. New York Taxi Drivers are VERY skillful drivers. Safe? well I guess since I survived ha. The second time we rode in a taxi, our driver was fast ... and furious. That man made such a sharp turn from a tiny opening, sped through behind a firetruck, and bravely yelled at others to get out of the way because of the firetruck LOL. 

4.  While it's like a sauna down in the subway station. it's not a bad idea to purchase a metro card and  do what the New Yorkers do. Load it with money, and you would save a couple of cents if you're using it more than once.

5. There are hot dog stands and ice cream trucks basically on every street corner. If you have to stop at any stand DEFINITELY stop by The Halal Guys. Apparently there are fake ones and real ones according to The Halal Guy worker. 

(Monday Morning)

If you ever get a chance to visit New York, here are my top 3 tips:

1. Since it is very hot there during the summer time. Pack a hat, wear sun screen and bring a reusable bottle! Stay hydrated! 

2. If you are planning to visit most of the major NY attractions consider getting a New York Pass. The beauty of it is that it allows you to skip the long line ups at a few places, and by visiting a few on their list of attractions you would then already cover the cost of the pass.

Places We Visited (with it):

• 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• 9/11 Tribute Centre
• Central Park Bicycle Rentals & Tours
• New York Skyride 
• Rockefeller Center Tour
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Top of the Rock
• Statue of Liberty

3. Don't be afraid to just wing it. GO explore the city! The beauty of getting lost is the unexpected. We ended up at Time Square. PLUS there is bound to be wifi or someone to ask for directions nearby in case you do start to panic. If the person is just nodding to all your assumptions of direction, ask someone else just to be sure.  OR just let them speak first. 

To wrap it all up, here is my New York VLOG.

I actually regret not capturing more footage, but since I took this trip more as a vacation I guess my focus really wasn't on it. With whatever I got and made out of it, I know there are still some improvements to be made. Hopefully you still enjoyed it.

Thank you for reading :)

Until next time,

Becca

AIESEC TAIWAN // The Last Week

Hello, Hello! 

It's officially been a week since I have been back in Canada and I finally got to buckle down and edit.

Here, I present to you the last vlog of my whole AIESEC experience. 

Highlights of My Last Week:

1. Going to Jiufen

(check out that view!)

                                                        

On my AIESEC exchange bucket list, going to Jiufen was one of the listed items. I really wanted to see "The Real-Life Spirited Away" after reading this article. However, I never really expected to be able to go there since it is sooo far north from where I was located. I was lucky because my last host family actually brought me up there. He bought one High Speed Rail ticket for himself and one for me.  That train is SUPER FASSSST as it took us 1.5hrs to get to Hsinchu. We rode the High Speed Rail to Hsinchu and then his sister and husband drove us pass Taipei and then to Jiufen, which took another 2/3hrs. If one doesn't use the HSR and just drove to Taipei then that would take about 6hrs. 

Now do you see why I feel so lucky that someone was actually willing to take me?

Even though it was a 1 day trip, I thought that it was still worth the whole day. The view was amazing, the food was yummy, and the air OMG (beats the south in a heartbeat). 

2. The Last Week's Host Family

(this is Amy)

 They made my last week's stay so comfortable, so welcoming and so fun that they really made it hard for me to want to leave. It was nice to go through the last week with someone that I can have english conversations with, enjoy some restaurant-quality meals that my host family cooked, and meeting the rest of their family... I got to learn some more about the world through her grandpa (who travels A LOT). 

2.5 Check out this Milk Tea Latte

Amy brought me to a cafe near her home to see that! I honestly haven't seen anything like that before so that was cool. 

3. Eating McDonald's Fried Chicken / Mango Shaved Ice for the LAST TIME

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

4. Saying Goodbye 

There was an assembly that I got to say my final goodbye  speech and then was showered with lots of love, cards and gifts. I really didn't expect the gifts, nor me crying but I did. &pretty much didn't stop  ever since after that assembly LOL It really is the people that you're going to miss when you have to leave a place. It isn't the food or the scenery because those can always be some-what replicated. The specific people that I met ( from teachers, students, parents, to their relatives and pets) can't be. 

which leads into...

If you are ever considering to go on an AIESEC exchange I would say do it! IF you have the time, the money and up for it, just do it! Or just take that extra courage to say why not? and go for it because you definitely will not regret it! 

Ps. I'm sorry that it took so long for the last vlog, as a bonus HERE is a vlog on my first cottage experience :) 

Thank you for reading,

Becca 

AIESEC TAIWAN // The Sixth Week

Hola!

This week really gone by super fast (in an awesome way).

All I remember is that I ate a lot more than usual and bit more than I can chew (literally and figuratively). I really wanted it to be a memorable last week not only for me but also for the students soooo I asked the principal if I can do a little dance with the students. Originally by little dance, I meant doing the harlem shake.. but from his understanding of the word little dance he thought it was more like a choreographed dance routine for the school. 

So for the first time ever, stepping waaayy out of my comfort zone as I tried to CHOREOGRAPH a super mini dance (oh I know I'm no dancer so let me walk you through my logic).

1. Harlem Shake - seems fun, editing would be fun too

2. Make Up Dance - it's a thing in Taiwan (so I must include this - inspired by this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km8sLL1uNFs )
3. Gotta do something with the hands 

4. Gotta do something with the fingers 

5. "We're All in This Together" - HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL MOVE YES 

6. Rush Hour shoulder slides - totes yes why not

7. Dumbledore disappearance clap - to finish it off

however, then the teacher recommended that it should be repeated because it went by too fast so

REPEAT 

BUT now instead of the Dumbledore clap (if you don't get the reference CHECK HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkBIqwyn0VI)

 my inner Red Agent Ice Breaker says why not attempt 

..the Nae Nae??!? (it was a part of a chant that we had)

and so instead of Huah - Huah - HUAAHH.. replace it with Ba- Ba - Ba Gua 

(because that's the name of the school) 

yupp and then thankfully by having a teacher that can actually dance and that is super supportive of my idea, helped me demonstrate it tremendously. In the end, I had a lot of fun (more than expected) and so did the kids; hopefully coming from all the giggling and laughing throughout the whole time. 

(yupp let me teach you how to nae nae)

(the whole school - minus the grade 2s)

(rush hour shoulder slides yes)

Sooo basically Highlights of the Week include:

1. Dancing with the whole school

2. Eating Mango Shaved Ice for the first time and millionth time 

3. 

 Meeting my doppelgänger here in Taiwan. DO you think we look alike? LOL

4. Speaking at the Grade 6 Graduation & then having dinner after

5. Naming 4 people in Taiwan: Peng's Niece + (2) Nephew & Ting Ting 

6. Eating a lot of yummy food

7. Finally trying KFC's chicken (as a fried chicken connoisseur I needed to know)

(interesting fact 1: in Taiwan they have a packet of salt & pepper already together / fact 2: in Taiwan the packet says pepper & salt)  

& now with 3 more days before I leave, I really regret not choosing to stay longer... but I mean all things must end eventually right? Don't worry though, one thing that isn't ending yet is my vlogs ;)  my official last one will be up next week!

Thanks for reading,

until next time,

Becca

AIESEC TAIWAN // The Fifth Week

Helllo, Hello.

bad news first: this past week I slacked.

the motivation to vlog was low, and the footage that I took wasn't to my liking... 

so this vlog is currently a slow work in progress, sorry.

This week was a bluuuur it started so slow and then ZOOooM now it is Monday and I have no vlog edited and still don't know how to feel about the week. 

Highlight #1: The principal was super excited for me to visit a farm in Damorlee last week because it was owned by a Canadian. So, I started my week from going on a school trip to visit the country side of Taiwan last Sunday and then got sick.  It was the constant change of temperature from being in the burning hot weather to super cold air conditioned bus. It also rained that day so that didn't help. Since I got sick and really wasn't having it that day, that trip is debatable  to be labeled as "fun". The farm is also suppose to be special in the fact that the owners built the buildings themselves by making/ using newspaper cement. They mix newspaper into the cement and lastly put a water bottle in the middle for support.. when it dries after 2 weeks the brick is SUPER light. Don't worry altogether as a building it's sturdy. This whole time, I was thinking that it isn't that special like why newspaper cement? Arn't they just basically using cement still and just adding newspaper inside? But, now that I actually have to reflect back about the week ... it actually is pretty cool because the difference is maybe they don't have to use as much cement + it was a super light brick! 

Besides being sick physically, I also got a little home sick too. This week's host family didn't have wifi, and so maybe it was knowing that I definitely couldn't contact my parents that made me miss / want to call them even more. Thus, I spent basically half the week at a very low / sad drifting mood  

( yup my words for yah ) just waiting for it to be over. On the plus side of the week: I got to go exploring streets and department stores by myself, found something that may be better than fried chicken - this fried fish pancake thing and . . . Highlight #2: EP Gathering weekend. All the other participants on exchange and I were dropped off at a subway station Saturday morning and we all went to Taitung for the weekend. This weekend was mainly loooong subway rides (2.5 hr), bus rides (30 mins - 2 hour ones), walking distances (30 mins or so), and biking distances (city length kms)... which was AWESOME in the sense that I finally got some exercise. We hit up Teihua Village, The Garage (old sugar refinery factor), Jimmy Village and Sansiantai Island. Basically they were all amusing landmarks .... for about 5 mins (enough for me to take pictures) and then the "wow" factor was gone. The best part of the whole weekend was definitely just the aspect of hanging out with other EPS, and chatting about each others experiences. I found it interesting to hear what others trip was like so far. For an example, I found out that one of the EP is at an elementary school with an indoor swimming pool, a room with the arcade basketball machine, a rock climbing wall and has AC. #canibeyou? 

(basically had my own Tour de Taitung)

(8 EPs and the rest are the AIESEC execs at Jimmy Village)

(Sansiantai Island)

what I learned this week:

* Friday was the second time that I've ever seen a lizard within 30cm away from me. Right before going to bed, I saw one crawling on the wall and then eventually making its way behind a bookshelf. My natural instinct was to whip off my slipper and squish it SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST Y'ALL but my brain kicked in seconds later with the reality of a) I'm not wearing slippers, b) it isn't a mosquito so would that method even work? and c) I don't even have the nerve to squish it. period. so I called the host family's son immediately over. Explained to him about the lizard, used a lot of hand gestures to demonstrate a lizard and how it ran behind a bookcase, asked him if you normally hit it with a shoe? and then finally asked him what would one usually do in these situations because I am definately not use to it... he then takes a min to process what I was trying to say and then breaks the silence with telling me that you just leave it because it helps eat the mosquitos in the house. I also learned that they sometimes make this weird noise at night, I have yet to find out why but the mom says its like they're singing a song. You could have guessed that I did not sleep well that night knowing that I had a roommate.. I was paranoid about getting bitten by not only mosquitos but by that lizard (despite the mom saying that it wouldn't ever bite people) and at one point I was awoken by it's "singing". 

* Grade 4 is not for me. short and simple lesson of the week haha

good news last: you're done reading <3
+ 918038123 hours later HERE IS THE VLOG:

so Thank YOU for reading!

Until next time,

Becca 

AIESEC TAIWAN // The Fourth Week

Hello, Hello! 

Week 4 surprisingly went by super quick, a few highlights include: 

                                             

1. Going to Ping Tung and then up a mountain on a rainy day. My initial reaction was why would anyone even want to go up a mountain on a rainy day? After the experience I would say, it may even be better than a sunny day! Because there isn't as many people out there, it's cooler (the temp), and it's a nice view to see (the sky constantly changes from cloudy, to foggy and then it would rain and repeat). + IT LOOKED LIKE I VISITED THE FOG OF LOST SOULS ( if you got that reference, GO YOU :) )

·    2. Visiting Costco LOL. I was surprised to hear that Kaohsiung had one, so I had to visit. It's basically the same as the one at home, many food samples and lots of bulk items. The only thing that was different may be the options offered at the food cafeteria. (They had churros, mushroom soup and mango shaved ice!!!) Don't worry hot dog fans, they still have that combo in Taiwan too! 

3. Visiting Dream Mall. Was it a dream? no not really.. it just made me really miss and appreciate Square One though.

4. Visiting Kaohsiung's new Public Library. That was a DREAM. It had a sterilizing book machine,  AC,  super nice decor and a patio. I could study all day there. 

5. Visiting the doctors was the most memorable part of my week. Simply because I was so shocked to see how much my previous host family cared for me. Honestly, I really didn't think that I had life threatening bites but they sure thought it was. It may have swelled and looked pretty darn gross but maybe I just didn't know better. In the end, after pills and ointment it got better. 

5. Visiting Chi Mei Museum. I learned lots through the english audio tour my host family kindly got me, definitely one of the fanciest museums I have ever visited. 

Wonders of the Week:

*This week my host family solidified the idea that Taiwan builds vertically and not horizontally. Her house was 5 floors! Climbing to my room everyday was a workout ( I never had since summer started LOL). 

*I think I know why Taiwan people have such nice skin now, my hypothesis is because of the fruits. They're so sweet and full of natural sugar! This week I was so well fed with fruits (had it for breakfast and after dinner) that I think my skin got more supple? or maybe fatter LMAO. My host family is amazing, she prepares at least 3 different fruits in the morning (all cut and ready to be eaten). 

If you're still with me on this journey, there's about 16 more days to go and I hope you're enjoying it as much as I am LOL 

Thanks for reading,

Becca 

AIESEC TAIWAN // The Third Week

HOLA! 

Another week, another vlog. Here is my 3rd week in a glance :)

Truthfully, I know that this isn't one of my best edits so if you watched it and was disappointed.. I am sorry :)) But, I tried.  This week was surprisingly not what I expected (in a good way). Going into the week, I remember being really nervous to move to my next host family's home because their english was so-so. I have been use to speaking decent english with the previous 2 teachers/ host families, that it made me think that I will spend a whole week not speaking. Turns out, I got a lot of opportunity to. I was lucky to meet other relatives that could speak decent enough english + the kids were willing to at least learn / go out of their comfort zone to try to speak (by the end of the week, they got the basic english phrases that I always ask such as are you tried? do you like -blah-? are you full? are you hungry? :) ) & if they really didn't understand then Google Translate was right at their finger tips.  

(THE FAM)

Highlights of the Week:

1. Going to Din Tai Fung to try out those steamed buns and dumplings. It was pretty good, just not worth dying for :B The spicy one..possibly. 

2. Visiting a salon to get my hair washed and braided. It's super cheap to get it washed + you get a head massage + a shoulder massage. IT was awesome. The best part of visiting that salon, was bumping into a student there haha.

3. Going bowling, reminded me of how weak I am and how bad I am at bowling LOL

4. Going shopping with the daughter of the host family and cousin ( Han Shin Mall and Xin Jue Jiang). Shopping with just the girls is more fun than with the whole family because then I don't feel bad for taking a little longer than usual. Merp. 

5. Visiting Fo Guang Shan temple. My host family wondered why I would even want to visit the temple because it seems pretty boring to go there. But, I really wanted to see how big it was and since I was already in Taiwan then why not.  

6. Attempting Taiwan's MRT system. Indeed, it was pretty easy to use and navigate. You don't have to worry too much about getting lost because the announcer speaks Mandarin, English and Japanese. As long as you know where you are going, you would just have to listen for it or look for it on the map. I find their ticket buying system to be very environmentally friendly, besides using a pre-loaded card you could also just buy a token. With this token, you just have to wave it over the scanner thing which will open the gates to lead you to the subway. Once you get to your destination you insert your token to open the gates again so that you can exit the subway system. No paper or ticket was printed. I am also amazed that people can get signal down there for their cellphones.

Wonders of the Week:

* I am constantly amazed at Taiwan people and their skin. Most of them have such flawless skin it's unbelievable. I always ask what their skincare routine is, and they all tell me that they just wash it with a facial cleanser and that's it. No moisturizer, no toner, nothing. I then proceed to just stand there thinking honestly what is your secret? because I really need to find this super awesome cleanser  that does magic to your face. 

* If you are thinking of going to anywhere hot and moist definitely pack bug spray! Where it is hot and moist, there must be a lot of bugs too. My bug bites counter is still going on strong at 15. 

* It is finally raining season, which is good for me because more rain = "cooler" weather and more water = less chance of having a drought during my stay in Taiwan. 

* In Taiwan, most places that you visit (like the grocery store, mall and even restaurants) with a car, you would have to pay for parking. Unless, you went to a place where there is parking on the side of the road of course. I was a little surprised when I finally figured that out because in Canada, most parking is free.

* Taiwan fashion is soooOooooOoo admirable. However, the sizes available is not.

Going into my fourth week, with only 3 more weeks left I think it will fly right by.
Until Next Time,
Becca

AIESEC TAIWAN // The Second Week

HOLA! 

Here is the Week 2 Vlog :)

This week I got a lot of things in multiple amounts.. a lot of things in which I mean multiple bug bites (9 to be exact) I'm basically a walking buffet for them..it's like THEY CAN SENSE THE NEW BLOOD, I ate multiple bowls of noodles and fried chicken seriously I ate a lot or maybe even too much in a week to the point that canker sores don't even matter, movie dates with Peng and friends Pitch Perfect 2 is a yes, Hot Pursuit was okay, chatting time with the principal over a nice cold beverage at Starbucks or a cup of tea at his house. The most exciting part of the whole week is definitely going to Taichung for the weekend and going to Lihpaoland. I was pretty excited to go and test out my camera in the waters. 

(We tried LOL)

One thing though that didn't come in multiple amounts is Peng WHERE THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE… as she is simply amazing! I’m thankful to have got to spent a whole week at her house and go through my week with her. I'm always excited to talk to her and she's always excited to possibly learn another English word. 

This week I learned:

*Everywhere in Taiwan (except a beach, your own bath tub, or your own pool) you will need a SWIMMING CAP if you want to swim. It's a pretty smart choice to enforce as I am assuming less cleaning for them and more clean for us?

*The Fried Chicken here beats the one at BR in a heartbeat but yes kudos to Bubble Republic for making it similar

*Showers are life in such a hot place LOL

*The moment you don't think you have enough tissue paper to last is such a scary moment LOL because some washrooms do not have toilet paper. On the bright side, you can have 3ply, 4ply, 2ply toilet paper if you want (just layer it up to your desire) 

*The moment you don't think you have your water bottle is also another terrifying moment. 

The Most Memorable Moment of the week:

The staff at the school is so caring, its so touching :’) They noticed my bug bite, and instantly shoved ointments and potions for it. 

 & in a close second: seeing that Chow Chow on the one day that I didn’t bring my recorder. I really wasn't expecting to see one in Taiwan BUT that was a nice surprise. 

AIESEC TAIWAN // The First Week

Hola! :) I know, it technically hasn't been a week since I have arrived.. but since I am going to my next host family tonight it sorta feels like an end of a week. .

Thus, I am excited to share with you what my past week was like: (a few highlights and the vlog)

1. I had to introduce myself to the whole school 

I felt nervous even if they were just children, I think its the fact that there were a lot of them and whatever I was going to say would contribute to their first impression of me. 

2. I went to the library every day during a break period

It's ALWAYS a fun time because they come running to me to just basically chat/ say hello or stare then chat  LOL

3. I taught four Grade 1 classes (which leaves 2 more for tomorrow)
They're all so cute and enthusiastic about learning + so kind as some like to share their snacks with me during break time. THEY'RE WINNING MY HEART SO EASILY. They make me so so excited for my future classes.

(My Very First Class)

4. I Visited Night Markets (a small one and a big one which was the Ruifeng Night Market)
They're so packed and indeed very lively. They kind of remind me of CNE with carnival games, food and random stuff to buy.

5. Going to McDonalds in Taiwan

THE FRIED CHICKEN, we need it in Canada. Possibly that delivery service too.

6. Saw a pretty view at Sizihwan beach

(Honestly so grateful and thankful to have her as my first host family)

7. I went to an AYCE Hot Pot restaurant in Taiwan

I wished we had that restaurant in Canada because I really liked it! They offer a lot of variety for you to cook, a lot of other options as well for dessert, drinks, side dishes . . yeah its just amazing.

The MOST MEMORABLE moment though: almost having to deal with Taiwan police / possibly getting arrested? 

HOW you may ask? I went to exchange USA money to Taiwan currency at the bank...turns out one of the bills was a counterfeit. . and apparently if I had 2 then they would've had to call the police. Merp.

This week I learned that:

1. Taiwan use to have their garbage system like ours, where the garbage is just placed outside on the curb every week. However, they changed it to where a garbage truck would come once a week but also play a tune to notify/remind people that it's near and you would just have to toss it in or the garbage man may take it. They changed it to this system because then no garbage would rot outside and smell (due to the hot weather).

2. Taiwan elementary schools offer lunch for the kids so that they don't have to worry about the safety of the kids if they were to go home for lunch. In addition, most parents are probably working during the day so it's easier to just provide nutritious lunches for them at school.

& that's a wrap 

Thanks for reading;
Until next time,

Becca

AIESEC TAIWAN // The First . . .

Hola!

As promised, this is the first vlog :) It records my whole first plane ride of my life, first day of school, and first scooter ride. Surprisingly I didn't cry once during the whole journey but honestly I was trying my hardest not to cry in public LOL.  Because really.. as long as you think you're brave and okay, you will be brave and okay... It's a mindset thing right? 

The thought of traveling alone may have been scary and yes sometimes I really wished that I had a friend or my mom or someone beside me, but in reality, I didn't and it was a very awesome feeling once I reached Taiwan soil by myself. Traveling alone wasn't so bad, as I got to meet some cool people, and got some pre-picked awesome seats (with lots of leg room or a window seat). 

+ I hear that some people actually dislike the flying part of the travel aspect, meanwhile I figured out that I like the flying part. I mean, all I did was eat and sleep on the plane LOL which isn't a bad life to live. 

+ I found out that I don't get nauseous on planes. -DOUBLE SCORE-

Yesterday was my first day, I was expecting to teach but turns out all I had to do was tour the place and go to an assembly to watch their Mother's Day event. It was a good day. Taiwan kids perform at the next level with costumes preparations and great choreography. The mothers got flowers and the teachers even danced too!  

It's only been a day but I already learned so much: Eg,

- in Taiwan, they get 10 min breaks after every class, as oppose to our whole break after 2/3 classes. 

- Taiwan is serious about being environmentally friendly WHICH I LOVE LOL. I see recycling bins being used! I also learned recently that they are trying to conserve water because since it is an island and due to the hot weather, fresh water is limited thus, water needs to be used wisely. According to my host family, in an extreme situation, water resources can be shut down for a day or two to save more. To me it really makes me feel like we take water for granted in North America.

- Taiwan kids are so polite as they tend to greet teachers. 

Some just stare at me and smile or say hello back hesitantly. & there's usually this cute 1 second reflection face after as they realize that they have to continue speaking english to me. 

- I saw my first in-ground'ish toilet LOL.

- Scooter bikes are so convenient.

- Green bean sprouts exist.

- The staff here is so caring, friendly and detailed oriented. Some may be afraid to speak English but they at least try.

Exhibit A: A few staff members helped me prepare materials for this arts activity that I had planned. They wanted to get the exact measurements right for the paper cutouts (6cm by 4cm) but honestly if it was up to me, I wouldn't have cared too much about the size. 

Exhibit B: The staff member helping me with the internet connection tried every possible way to make sure that it would work on my computer. The language barrier made it tougher to do but we got through it! 

- Taiwanese elementary school students gets half days every Wednesday ! ! ! 

- Taiwanese elementary school students and staff members also gets lunch prepared for them everyday. I find it so convenient and pretty nutritious since it's like a home cook meal. 

- 7/11's Caramel Macchiato tastes really good!
- There is such thing as a language called Taiwanese which is similar to Mandarin but still different. Taiwanese is also a dying language just like Cantonese (I feel). Thus, no matter how much Cantonese I know despite it being similar to Mandarin it is only helping me a teensy weensy. 

It has only been 2 days but oh what an experience so far. I am so excited to learn even more and see more for the next 5 weeks. 

When I spoke to my dad yesterday morning, that was when it truly hit me that I am half way across the world and that I really missed my parents and home. Hooowever, just not enough to go back yet. 

MONTHLY FAVOURITES // April 2015

Hola! Welcome to another monthly favourites post :) 

By the time you read this, you're probably finally on summer break so woohoo -throws confetti and puppies in the air- CONGRATS on finishing another year! I hope you enjoy whatever summer you got before you're off to work or school again! If you don't have work or school well have an awesome 4 month vacation! :D The weather is brightening up so definitely soak in that sun! As for now, let's dive into this month's favourites!

Going clockwise:

at 12:00PM // Sony HDR AS20 

I recently got this little guy so that I could bring it on my Taiwan trip to VLOG. It's like a GoPro alternative. It's super tiny, easy to use and it comes with a casing so that you can protect it from water.  I am so excited for the day that I can take this swimming. I got it when it was on sale for $150 so if you ever do consider getting this recorder as well, know that it can drop down to that price!  What I have learned about this camera is that the mic can pick up movement around the mic very easily (like you changing your holding position would cause a lot of that rustling sound) and it picks up your voice better when the camera's without its casing! Other than that, it records. shrug LOL But I do have to say, I have yet to determine if this camera is better than my old bulky HD recorder, the FlipCam. 

at 1:00PM // Hourglass - Panoramic Long Wear Lip Liner (Eden)

This was an impulse buy during the Sephora sale craze and I must say #noragrets. It's a nice everyday colour, and I honestly think a lot of people can pull off this brown-pink colour. 

at 2:00PM // Jurlique - Rosewater Balancing Mist

Girl needed a new toner, and that is what this girl got. The real reason to visit Sephora during that Sephora Sale. It's always an exciting time when you use up a product, because that means you will either get more of that good stuff or you look for a new one to test out. I hear that rosewater is actually good for your face, so I decided to test this one out + because of its organic ingredients. So far, so good since my face oddly feels softer hours later, and not immediately after. I would recommend this, it's in a spray bottle (sooo that's hygienic) and the ingredients are organic! I don't know if it usually comes with another free product, but the Sephora associate also just gave me a free Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Revitalizing Gel- Lotion (15mL) too.  

in the middle // "Wherever You Go, Go With All Your Heart" Journal  

A birthday gift from my friend that now basically contains all the answers and info that I need for my future (in Taiwan). It has a cute cover, cute quote and it's officially dubbed my travel journal.

at 10:00PM // Malin + Goetz - Mojito Lip Balm

I received this in my Ipsy bag back in January, after a few months I can finally say that THIS IS A REALLY GREAT LIP BALM! I actually sometimes prefer this over my Jack Black lip balm. The only downside is that there's no SPF protection in it. 

at 11:00PM // Pandora Bracelet

This is probably as ME as a bracelet could get and my definite go-to accessory. Like to the point of if I was a cartoon character, besides drawing me with a striped shirt and a Casio watch, this must be there too. The icing on the cake is the Buddha charm from my friend as a birthday gift. Why? because I was admiring it a month ago with the sales associate, and since I had absolutely no reason to get it, I  said my goodbyes dramatically. So it was a pleasant surprise when I saw this little guy again, because she didn't know that I wanted this charm nor did any of my friends. It was really just based on her own iffy judgement and kind intentions of wishing me a safe trip to Taiwan. 

Yup, the countdown still continues to T- 5 days now and I am still not ready for it. As crazy as April was with exams and such, I feel like May / June could be just as interesting. Stay tuned for that! But anyways, thanks for reading yet another post! 

Until next time (LOOK OUT FOR DEM VLOGS), 

Becca