how about a fast(kinda) recap???

(Taipei 101, was the tallest building in the world, until the Burj Dubai opened this past April)

Wow, I apologize to those of you who actually take time to look at my blog because it has been quite a while! I do have some good reasons, well ok, just lame excuses (but I do have them!), for why I have been so lackadaisical.

First, since my last blog (oh a good month and 13 days ago) I went to Taiwan with Ted. Yes, my friends Taiwan. Taipei, to be exact.

(Like always, people thought we were a couple..if the only knew hahaha)

We went during the time off we had before the new school term began in April (Yes, this would also be known as SPRING BREAK! WAHOO!). It was a great 5 days in Taipei where
we met some of Ted's family,

(His Uncle and great Aunt picked us up from the airport with huge smiles and hugs waiting. They were so cute. I liked it better because they thought I was Ted's girlfriend. Seriously, I ruin this kid's street cred all the time! hahaha)
did some sight seeing,

(Longshan Temple, demonstrates the Southern Chinese architectural influence that many buildings in Taiwan have)

(The National Peace Museum)(In the gardens of the National Peace Museum. Ted fits right in!)(The Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall)(At the Taipei Zoo.)

and well, our favorite activity, EAT.

(One of the many night markets in Taipei. The food was dellllllicious!)

(The theme of the restaurant...toilets. Your food is serves in one and you sit on one while you eat. I just couldn't make myself do it, I was grossed out. IT'S A TOILET!!!!! Sorry Ted.)(mmmmm Boba Ted, also known as zhēnzhū nǎichá ! It took me soooooo long to get the name right, and I still probably say it wrong. Clearly I am never meant to speak any other language but English...sigh.)(Stinky tofu- fermented tofu. Just like the name indicates, it stinks. The first initial taste of it wasn't so bad for me but then the aftertaste turned into a taste of something nasty. I would compare it to if you had to eat dirty socks. Some like it, and I do not want to put anyone off from trying it. Quite the contrary I think one should try it if you venture to Taiwan for the sake of being adventurous and trying the many tastes the country has to offer. But I just had to give you my take on it...yuck!)(Ted enjoyed it and his mother swears by it! Don't be afraid to try it!)

I was very impressed with the layout and people in the city of Taipei. We never really encountered a problem with communication because

A) Ted speaks a little Taiwanese (It was his first language, so he has the most important words down, "No." "I want this." "Yes." and "Thank you.")

B) The English ability there is amazing! hmmm...Japan really needs to pick up the slack. This is of course not due to the lack of our hard work here as language teachers! hah!

C) The train system in the city was so easy and efficient that for the most part, we hardly ever found ourselves lost or in need of directions. We are THAT good, actually it was due to the fact there were signs all over the place written in English.

(Obviously, I enjoyed my trip to Taiwan!)

Second, my computer broke. Yes, yes the life of my trusty (or actually not so trusty) DELL laptop came to an end. It was very frustrating at the end because it would freeze, delay when I was typing emails or using my Skype to communicate with my family...blah, blah, blah. (This was why was so M.I.A. for a while with emails and calling to those of you who complained, not to mention any names but, KURTIS.) So I decided that it was time to make the BIG switch over to MAC. (I think I just heard all the PC advocates let out a huge sigh!) Let me say that it was a good switch. I love my new 17" MacBook Pro. I had no problem adjusting to the slight differences in the keyboard or layout. The only thing my new computer lacks at the moment is, um, wait, NOTHING!

Third, winter finally ended in Japan and with the nice, slightly warmer weather came the Sakura (cherry blossoms)! Spring here lasts, oh a good month before the weather starts to get really warm and humid so I was out trying to take advantage of the "you still need a light jacket" weather (my favorite kind) and the beautiful cherry blossoms before it disappears. Here are some pictures to show you why the Japanese people love having "Hanami" (flower viewing events, most common is picnics under the trees), and one of the many reasons why I have come to love this country as much as I do.




(My dear friend, Urano Sensei and her niece Mitsuki)
(My favorite spot in Kyoto, the Philosophers Walk)

Well, that just about sums up what I have been up to in the past month and 13 days. I have a few more things to write about but I have to take a step away from my computer for a little bit to get some fresh air before I do...I love my SMALL apartment but gets a little tight in here sometimes. Till next time folks...