Lessons learned from the first week

The first week has provided with several "could've, would've, should've" -situations that I figured what better way to reminisce about them than put them here for all to enjoy! :)

Firstly, no matter what you pack, it's still going to be too hot. And since walking around nude is not an option you're just going to have sweat it out, quite literally. (And as there's quite a lot of walking included, better have good shoes while you're at it.) People keep saying that Taiwan is the rainiest place but this past week has been nothing but clear skies with over 32'C every day. (I'm pretty sure I just jinxed the weather by the way...oh well, hope not too badly. Luckily, someone told me to get an umbrella straight away.)

Secondly, if noodles weren't you're best friends before, trust me, they will be. It's only been a week and I've already eaten more noodles than in a good six months back at home. Noodles are everywhere. And since you're really not sure what you're eating most of the time, you take solace in the fact that you recognize at least noodles. Still, with this rate I can't wait to see how I feel after a month...

Thirdly, Taiwan is definitely not the cheapest place in Asia. Don't get me wrong it is cheaper than back home, but not as much as you'd expect. Some things are ridiculously cheap, like that 4e train ride and basic foods, but for instance, shampoos, lotions and whatnots, are as costly if not more so. Also, one has to pay attention while getting different lotions, since, most of them are whitening! Imagine the feeling of a white foreigner who buys a sun tan lotion for the specific purpose of sun bathing only to discover that it's whitening them simultaneously! :) (btw, this was not a true story, at least not yet...)

Last but not least, knowing Chinese is totally not necessary. Sure it would make things easier but personally I've been truly amazed with the quality of English language skills here, as well as, the overall helpfulness of the people. Even if the person you ask something doesn't understand you properly, they will find someone who does. I've heard this more than once now: an exchange student arrives late at night and stands stranded somewhere when a random passer-by stops, picks them up and takes them to their required destination and then continues on their way. I mean where else does something like that happen? Nowhere. So, you can easily get by with plain old sign language (even though the signs for numbers are rather different and therefore useful to know).

But most importantly, be active in meeting people! Living in a dorm helps, since your roommates will most likely be exchange students, thus providing great opportunities to bond. Mostly the internationals tend to meet each others but in the welcoming parties there are Taiwanese as well, and they are usually eager to meet with internationals too. In this technological age joining a facebook group is super easy and can provide crucial information/ help with everyday dilemmas, as well as, be a great platform for organizing meetings & trips. After all, we're here making, hopefully, lifelong connections and friendships.