Where did I leave off on the last Jenna Taiwanese journey...Tainan...Yay...so after Tainan I traveled to the Yangmingshan National Forest which is right outside of Tapei (the big city). The area reminded me of Seattle a bit (very lush and green with rain and cooler / damper weather). Once again I was starving for more outdoor activity and fresh air and I found it in a very promising and beautiful way. Along my way to Yangmingshan I met a very nice Taiwanese woman named Charline and we really connected on a bus ride from Tainan to the speed train (i love the speed train). Recently I have come across some very nice Taiwanese people to help me along the way and nagivate thru the frustration of reading Chinese....:)many thanks to them all!!! Anyway, she lives in Tainan and we exchanged phone numbers to see eachother again. I have to go back to the speed train, what an amazing way to travel and a fantastic concept. The train stations are great and the closer you get near Tapei more people are English friendly and many of the people living (younger generation) love to speak English to you. There weren't any foreigners in the National Forest but I took some solo Jenna time at a Hotel that was right on the hot springs and soaked for a couple nights. The rooms were great!!! You had your own barrel of a tub that had the natural hot springs running thru to it and then there were private hot spring rooms below that had HUGE tubs. It would have been a great romantic place...:) And if you are lucky they even put funny condoms on your pillow with unique little packages (I think they either said, "Cat's Love" or "Honey Condom")...hmmmm LOL!!!!! These places are not cheap once again but the time spent was nice and I started to bond so much with the people who owned the Hotel they let me choose any room the next night and discounted quite a bit and I got two condoms on my pillow (what more could you want)..:) They must have thought I had an imaginary boyfriend or invisible man by my side...LOL!
My main goal was to also do a big hike in the National Forest and I found the gold at the end of the rainbow for sure. Trying to remember the name of the Peak I hiked....I think Mt. ...hmmmmm brain bubble. Anyway, a brilliant hike with beautiful lush forest all around and butterflies of so many colors. Along the way I was also greeted by the biggest snake I have ever seen in nature...WOW!!! I watched him or her intensly and the way they can just glide in a very graceful way. Funny thing is there are signs everywhere saying beware of poisonous wasps, snakes and centipeds...I wonder if that slithering friend was a poisionous one. Either way it was a cool snake and snakes are good luck to see anyway (they bring magic into ones life in the Native American belief). Hiking in Taiwan is different then what I'm used to and the best way to describe it is like doing a stair stepper times 10,000. I def. got the workout but in a more natural setting...:) The steps are beautiful! Most of them are made out of rocks and have grown bright vibrant green moss on the sides. When I finally got to the top it was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo windy but the sun was finally shining and the tall grass was dancing in the strong winds. Since the National Forest is just outside of the big city you could see all off Tapei and other mountain peaks, it was beautiful and once again Jenna was happy....:) Oh yes, one more little story. On my way down which was brutal on the knees I had a small thought of wanting to scream (not a shreaking scream but a deep scream from within)...know what I mean?...but I didn't and then just as I past an older Taiwanese man (by the way several older people hiking which I was amazed by...)he gave that same deep scream I'm describing...I couldn't believe it, it was like he was reading my mind. I came to a quick stop turned around with a smile and as his deep deep scream / call out to nature was climaxing his back was arched and his gaze was towards the sky...WOW!!!!!!! He looked at me and smiled from a distance and so I decided to give it a go as well......:) what freedom!!!!!! So if any of you have the need to do a deep loud call, I would highly recommend it for any kind of medicine in your life. Damn it felt good!
After my two days of relaxation and hiking I took the bus and train to Tapei and started my city adventure. Just to make a quick note, I really like Tapei and I would be happy teaching here as well. There is more of an English speaking community (still not a lot but more), cool cafes and restaurants, funny people to watch and so many things to do outside of the city (kinda like Denver) to get away from it all. I wish I had another week just to stay here and check areas out and then go do all the side trips outside of the city like go to Juifen and Jinguahsi where they make all the tea. By the way have I mentioned the fabulous tea?.....WOWZIWAKALAKA!!!!! The tea here is the best and I truly mean that, hands down!!!!!!! I'm not so hooked on the food (like Thai food better) but the tea is mind blowing. I don't even know where to begin and I could litterly spend a whole year just studying the tea (how it's made, what kinds, scents, how to make the special tea blends, etc....) and maybe I will in the future.
So here I am in Tapei. I did do a little shopping since I need clothing to teach and I'm really digging the jeans here and they even hem them for you right there...Love that since I'm a short pants girl. Ate at a great little Indian restaurant lastnight called Sababa and enjoyed a glass of vino (it's been a while). I would give anything to sit down with a bottle of good red wine with my chicas...:)
So, that is it for now and I must get going to go back to Yuanlin and collect my stuff and start the teaching thing....:) It's about time, eh? That whole work thing is overrated anyway....:)
love to all of you!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Following Your Instinct
Ni Hao! (hello in chinese)
I am starting to learn a few words belive it or not and my teachers are children that come running up to me. I will say it's funny at times because some of the Taiwanese peeps can look at me with fear and others look at me like a piece of chocolate.....;)
I have found a bit of Colorado in Taiwan lately (mountains and beauty along with some fresh air from the ocean). I had a rough start here in the beginning and from my last blog entry you probably figured that out. I decided to follow my instinct and look for other places to live or call home for a while. I'm sure there is beauty within Yunalin where I was supposed to live but it just wasn't my cup of Chinese tea....I need a little freshness and positive energy. And so, I started to cruise the website for other jobs and came accross a possibility in Kenting which is South. I contacted a school that just designed an "English Village School". They built an area that has a bus station, a coffee shop and other real life situations that students can practice their English. They will also incorporate outdoor classes (hiking, boogie boarding, surfing, camping, etc...) to help with vocabulary and real life skills etc...The guy that I contacted told me they didn't really have much for full time but I insisted on setting up a time anyway to check it out. I believe even if you start putting the vibe out the universe will usually grant you the wish (not always) :). And so, off to Kenting I go. Kenting is a very small little resort beach town and quite honestly I don't think I could live there for a year either but just breathing fresh air and seeing the ocean was medicine that Jenna needed. I had an interview the next day after arriving and was greeted by Vincent who spoke excellent English (phew!) and then proceeded to introduce me to Gina the principal. Gina didn't speak English but seemed to have a sweetness to her and Vincent was our translater (spelling?). Then another man entered named Peter (Taiwanese but excellent English again, 2nd phew!). To my suprise they had contacted Peter to also interview me with his school that him and his wife own. My interview ended up lasting a total of 6 hrs and at the end I walked away with a very peaceful feeling and realized once again that this adventure sent me to the correct people finally. It ends up that I won't be living in Kenting full time but in Pingtong (Pingdong) and working with Peter and his wife and then when the Village School needs extra help I will be taking the train to help with outdoor classes and other English learning enviornments. Another cool aspect with Peter's school is they are opening another one in a little town near by where I will probably get a flat and he wants to possibly hire me as a designer.....:). After spending the afternoon with Peter I felt like we already conected on a friendship basis and talked about everything under the sun. And so, my plans have changed and I will be headed South where it will be hot hot hot but better for the outdoor Colorado chica (ME). There is also a yoga studio right accross from the school (must be a sign).
I have been traveling since Monday and have plans to travel for a few more days just to check out Taiwan and find it's beauty. I did rent a push bike in Kenting and did a brutal but beautiful climb up to the National Forest. After NOT doing my regular cardio since January it was quite the challenge but I was smiling from ear to ear....:). Funny thing is when you are traveling in destinations where there are not any foreigners around and you see one you begin to get soooooo excited.....:). I was in 7-11 and in walked a "white man"....:) we both looked at eachother with the biggest smile. When your in the States you would find it very rare to walk up to a stranger and say would you like to have dinner tonight? OR would you like some company? OR how about some conversation? etc....but this is what you do when you are starving for communication in English and company. And so Lauras (said with rolling your tougne in a European way) was my savior and I was his. We grabed a Taiwanese beer and headed to the beach for the sunset and just talked, it was GREAT!!!!! We then came across another foreigner who I can't pronounce his name but he was indeed a character and loved to show us how to do the Flamingo (dance) in the middle of Kenting. We were all laughing until the wee hours of the night. The next day I was catching a bus with Lauras so I could head to Tainan and he was getting off in another little town. However, as we started to board the bus...............WELL...I thought we were both boarding the bus I looked up and no Lauras.............hmmmmThe bus doors started to close and I looked out my window. There was Lauras saying it was the wrong bus for him and so we laughed between the glass window and I blew kisses to say goodbye to yet another friend along the way. Funny thing is we never got contact info (e-mail etc...) and so I laughed wondering if I would ever see him again, probably not (the funny things about traveling). And so now I'm in the wonderful city or town of Tainan. Tainan is a great little historical place with a modern feeling. Many cafes and cool little temples all around. I could live here as well.
Sorry for that huge paragraph!!!!!
So all in all I'm starting to get my good vibe back but without a doubt I also realize that no matter where I live in Taiwan this will be a challenge. I have to remember (Yes Mark) why I am here and my life has been very easy and filled with some adventure the past several months. Time to teach some English and learn some Chinese.
Missing you all as always!
Jenna :)
I am starting to learn a few words belive it or not and my teachers are children that come running up to me. I will say it's funny at times because some of the Taiwanese peeps can look at me with fear and others look at me like a piece of chocolate.....;)
I have found a bit of Colorado in Taiwan lately (mountains and beauty along with some fresh air from the ocean). I had a rough start here in the beginning and from my last blog entry you probably figured that out. I decided to follow my instinct and look for other places to live or call home for a while. I'm sure there is beauty within Yunalin where I was supposed to live but it just wasn't my cup of Chinese tea....I need a little freshness and positive energy. And so, I started to cruise the website for other jobs and came accross a possibility in Kenting which is South. I contacted a school that just designed an "English Village School". They built an area that has a bus station, a coffee shop and other real life situations that students can practice their English. They will also incorporate outdoor classes (hiking, boogie boarding, surfing, camping, etc...) to help with vocabulary and real life skills etc...The guy that I contacted told me they didn't really have much for full time but I insisted on setting up a time anyway to check it out. I believe even if you start putting the vibe out the universe will usually grant you the wish (not always) :). And so, off to Kenting I go. Kenting is a very small little resort beach town and quite honestly I don't think I could live there for a year either but just breathing fresh air and seeing the ocean was medicine that Jenna needed. I had an interview the next day after arriving and was greeted by Vincent who spoke excellent English (phew!) and then proceeded to introduce me to Gina the principal. Gina didn't speak English but seemed to have a sweetness to her and Vincent was our translater (spelling?). Then another man entered named Peter (Taiwanese but excellent English again, 2nd phew!). To my suprise they had contacted Peter to also interview me with his school that him and his wife own. My interview ended up lasting a total of 6 hrs and at the end I walked away with a very peaceful feeling and realized once again that this adventure sent me to the correct people finally. It ends up that I won't be living in Kenting full time but in Pingtong (Pingdong) and working with Peter and his wife and then when the Village School needs extra help I will be taking the train to help with outdoor classes and other English learning enviornments. Another cool aspect with Peter's school is they are opening another one in a little town near by where I will probably get a flat and he wants to possibly hire me as a designer.....:). After spending the afternoon with Peter I felt like we already conected on a friendship basis and talked about everything under the sun. And so, my plans have changed and I will be headed South where it will be hot hot hot but better for the outdoor Colorado chica (ME). There is also a yoga studio right accross from the school (must be a sign).
I have been traveling since Monday and have plans to travel for a few more days just to check out Taiwan and find it's beauty. I did rent a push bike in Kenting and did a brutal but beautiful climb up to the National Forest. After NOT doing my regular cardio since January it was quite the challenge but I was smiling from ear to ear....:). Funny thing is when you are traveling in destinations where there are not any foreigners around and you see one you begin to get soooooo excited.....:). I was in 7-11 and in walked a "white man"....:) we both looked at eachother with the biggest smile. When your in the States you would find it very rare to walk up to a stranger and say would you like to have dinner tonight? OR would you like some company? OR how about some conversation? etc....but this is what you do when you are starving for communication in English and company. And so Lauras (said with rolling your tougne in a European way) was my savior and I was his. We grabed a Taiwanese beer and headed to the beach for the sunset and just talked, it was GREAT!!!!! We then came across another foreigner who I can't pronounce his name but he was indeed a character and loved to show us how to do the Flamingo (dance) in the middle of Kenting. We were all laughing until the wee hours of the night. The next day I was catching a bus with Lauras so I could head to Tainan and he was getting off in another little town. However, as we started to board the bus...............WELL...I thought we were both boarding the bus I looked up and no Lauras.............hmmmmThe bus doors started to close and I looked out my window. There was Lauras saying it was the wrong bus for him and so we laughed between the glass window and I blew kisses to say goodbye to yet another friend along the way. Funny thing is we never got contact info (e-mail etc...) and so I laughed wondering if I would ever see him again, probably not (the funny things about traveling). And so now I'm in the wonderful city or town of Tainan. Tainan is a great little historical place with a modern feeling. Many cafes and cool little temples all around. I could live here as well.
Sorry for that huge paragraph!!!!!
So all in all I'm starting to get my good vibe back but without a doubt I also realize that no matter where I live in Taiwan this will be a challenge. I have to remember (Yes Mark) why I am here and my life has been very easy and filled with some adventure the past several months. Time to teach some English and learn some Chinese.
Missing you all as always!
Jenna :)
Monday, April 20, 2009
Taiwan and Thoughts
Hello from Taiwan!
I haven't been writing much because my mind is a bit overwhelmed. My mind is whirling in circles with completely different emotions than I have had before for the past 4 months. The last 4 months consisted of freedom, happy thoughts (most of the time), meeting amazing people, experiencing amazing food and amazing culture and just dancing thru life with laughter and luck. Not to say I didn't experience a little culture shock, lonliness and just the need to see friends and family but I have reached the climax of complete culture shock! I say this with a smile but up until today I didn't even want to write about what I have been going thru. I'm painting a dark picture so allow me to explain and I will always try to find the beauty no matter what situation.
I told myself that I wasn't making any promises to myself or others. If for some reason my heart is not content wherever my wings land then there is always a possibility of flying home..:) However, most of you know, Jenna doesn't give up easy no matter what situation life brings. So with all that said don't worry, not coming home yet and not a complete whimp. Yunalin is the complete opposite from where my life has been for 14 years in the mountains. When I say opposite, I mean night and day, black and white, vanilla ice cream / chocolate ice cream.....:) get what I'm throwing down? Architecture very ugly, a lot of pollution (yummy), fruit and vegetables loaded with pesticides, a lot of trash hanging out, only one yoga place, no one speaks English (very few at least), all signs and menus in Chinese and without a scooter (I don't have one yet) you have no freedom or a way out of this small city / town. And so, I have analyzed my situation a bit and wonder why I take on such a challenge. You know one of the sayings with the Peace Core is "the toughest job you will ever love"...I'm starting to relate with that saying. :) I have no doubt that this experience will enrich me beyond belief and when I write my blog 6mo from now it will be interesting to compare. I do believe there is beauty in everything to a certain extent so I will challenge myself to find that and also remember how thankful I am to have a home in the mountains (well I don't have an actual home but.,.....) with beautiful friends and family. I can smell the fresh air, the greeness in the middle of summer, the flowing river which is protected from trash, the beautiful organic vegies / fruits and all the freedom that comes with speaking the language.
I did go to one class the other night and the students seemed to gravitate towards me. I think they were scared to death to see who the next teacher was. That have it easy with me!...:) They were 7th and 8th graders and seemed to know English fairly well. I also had one lady come yelling out of a restaurant and asked to teach her 3 year old....hmmmm this should be interesting. She was so adorable and I will look forward to that, I think but not quite sure how to teach a 3 year old. Privates pay fairly well though so, I'm hoping to get a few more, we will see. Starting to meet other foreigners but there are not many and most of them are really young. I'm hoping to connect with some teachers somewhat close to my age....;)
I will start training for the Dragon Races coming up soon in May. I guess we have a team and it's like a canoe or some type of boat and I will be a paddler...:) Anything to keep me exercising. I also have already looked into Kun Fu....:) so watch out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Today I somehow finally purchased a phone while doing it all in chinese and found the courage to to order food and a yummy tea. Along the way I ran into a puppet show in the rain and took a break while I listened to the puppet actor. Have no idea what they were saying but got the picture...:)
Tomorrow I will head out on the train to travel South. Going to a place called Kenting on the beach for 6-7 days. Once I get back I will be diving in to the land of teaching English!
I haven't been writing much because my mind is a bit overwhelmed. My mind is whirling in circles with completely different emotions than I have had before for the past 4 months. The last 4 months consisted of freedom, happy thoughts (most of the time), meeting amazing people, experiencing amazing food and amazing culture and just dancing thru life with laughter and luck. Not to say I didn't experience a little culture shock, lonliness and just the need to see friends and family but I have reached the climax of complete culture shock! I say this with a smile but up until today I didn't even want to write about what I have been going thru. I'm painting a dark picture so allow me to explain and I will always try to find the beauty no matter what situation.
I told myself that I wasn't making any promises to myself or others. If for some reason my heart is not content wherever my wings land then there is always a possibility of flying home..:) However, most of you know, Jenna doesn't give up easy no matter what situation life brings. So with all that said don't worry, not coming home yet and not a complete whimp. Yunalin is the complete opposite from where my life has been for 14 years in the mountains. When I say opposite, I mean night and day, black and white, vanilla ice cream / chocolate ice cream.....:) get what I'm throwing down? Architecture very ugly, a lot of pollution (yummy), fruit and vegetables loaded with pesticides, a lot of trash hanging out, only one yoga place, no one speaks English (very few at least), all signs and menus in Chinese and without a scooter (I don't have one yet) you have no freedom or a way out of this small city / town. And so, I have analyzed my situation a bit and wonder why I take on such a challenge. You know one of the sayings with the Peace Core is "the toughest job you will ever love"...I'm starting to relate with that saying. :) I have no doubt that this experience will enrich me beyond belief and when I write my blog 6mo from now it will be interesting to compare. I do believe there is beauty in everything to a certain extent so I will challenge myself to find that and also remember how thankful I am to have a home in the mountains (well I don't have an actual home but.,.....) with beautiful friends and family. I can smell the fresh air, the greeness in the middle of summer, the flowing river which is protected from trash, the beautiful organic vegies / fruits and all the freedom that comes with speaking the language.
I did go to one class the other night and the students seemed to gravitate towards me. I think they were scared to death to see who the next teacher was. That have it easy with me!...:) They were 7th and 8th graders and seemed to know English fairly well. I also had one lady come yelling out of a restaurant and asked to teach her 3 year old....hmmmm this should be interesting. She was so adorable and I will look forward to that, I think but not quite sure how to teach a 3 year old. Privates pay fairly well though so, I'm hoping to get a few more, we will see. Starting to meet other foreigners but there are not many and most of them are really young. I'm hoping to connect with some teachers somewhat close to my age....;)
I will start training for the Dragon Races coming up soon in May. I guess we have a team and it's like a canoe or some type of boat and I will be a paddler...:) Anything to keep me exercising. I also have already looked into Kun Fu....:) so watch out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Today I somehow finally purchased a phone while doing it all in chinese and found the courage to to order food and a yummy tea. Along the way I ran into a puppet show in the rain and took a break while I listened to the puppet actor. Have no idea what they were saying but got the picture...:)
Tomorrow I will head out on the train to travel South. Going to a place called Kenting on the beach for 6-7 days. Once I get back I will be diving in to the land of teaching English!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Let the water wash away the mud and welcome to Jenna in Taiwan
I have made it safely from the protesting in Bangkok to the land of Yunlin, Taiwan where I will land my wings for quite some time!
First I have to share the story of celebrating the Thai New Years. It's celebrated with a lot of water, mud, dancing and loud music everywhere. There are stands with every kind of squirt gun you can imagine....backpack micky mouse squirt guns, turbo squirt guns, small squirt guns etc.....and if you are dry you won't be for long. By the end of the night I was drenched and mudified all over my face. The mud symobolizes the past year and being drenched in water washed away that year and ready for the New Year. Thai people would come up to and gently smear the light colored mud on my face and with a gentle smile another one would pour a bucket of cold water to wash away. The streets were crazy and even the protesting was going on they continued to enjoy their Holiday and celebrate with laughter! I laughed for a solid two hours. The celebration went on for 3 days total and so the next day even though i stayed away from the crazy road me and my friend Manis still were drenched and mudified by young little ones.
As I got off the plane in Bangkok a lady asked where I was staying and the shock on her face let me know that maybe it wasn't the place to stay. I guess where I decided to stay just a day before I came is where are all the protesting was happening....:) and a few government buildings near. I took a chance anyway because it was recommended by a friend and in a quieter area. Once I got there I saw a few red peeps along the way and a block down were tanks (yes tanks...kind of wild to see when your not used to that) but the street was quiet and the Thai people went on with their lives with smiles. The place I stayed was lovely and I felt very safe (Tawez) and made a Thai friend named OM (good name) and enjoyed the "soup man" at night with a great sense of humor and smile that ignited with happiness. My shopping came to an end because the last day I was there most people were not going out and about because of the protesting or at least to certain areas. I have heard it's gotten worse and the thoughts of gun shots being fired is hard to take in. As I left for the airport yesterday at 5:00am the cab driver had a hard time finding roads to take because they were all blocked off and many army men were geared up and ready for the worst I guess. Anyway, it was interesting to experience and all in all I felt safe but these kind of situations can get out of hand obviously and I feel thankful to be safe.
So,all this time traveling I have wanted destinations without so many foreigners and well........and so I shall receive.....:) WOW! In Thailand and Indonesia so many travelers but when I got off the plane in Taiwan there was me and 4 others. I live in a town called Yuanlin and there is no English.....None!!!!! And so what I'm saying is be careful what you ask for because POOF this is what I asked for a destination where I have to dive into the culture, the people, the language etc....Here I come Mandarin! Jess and Michelle greeted me in a very lovinly way and will be here for a while to show me the ropes etc...there are a FEW other teachers and in time they will be my new goooooooooooooood friends....:) I plan to travelfor a few days soon to see a bit of Taiwan and then I will start teaching May 1st. Jess will be leaving May 4th and starting her journey back to the states.
I'm excited for this journey and have no idea where it will take me but I know it will enrich my life. There will be challenges and I can see that but I'm ready and open to the possibilities and welcome this path I am on. I think after 9mo I will be ready to come home and ignite my life again in the mountains.
Missing you all greatly and sending love from a far!
Jenna
First I have to share the story of celebrating the Thai New Years. It's celebrated with a lot of water, mud, dancing and loud music everywhere. There are stands with every kind of squirt gun you can imagine....backpack micky mouse squirt guns, turbo squirt guns, small squirt guns etc.....and if you are dry you won't be for long. By the end of the night I was drenched and mudified all over my face. The mud symobolizes the past year and being drenched in water washed away that year and ready for the New Year. Thai people would come up to and gently smear the light colored mud on my face and with a gentle smile another one would pour a bucket of cold water to wash away. The streets were crazy and even the protesting was going on they continued to enjoy their Holiday and celebrate with laughter! I laughed for a solid two hours. The celebration went on for 3 days total and so the next day even though i stayed away from the crazy road me and my friend Manis still were drenched and mudified by young little ones.
As I got off the plane in Bangkok a lady asked where I was staying and the shock on her face let me know that maybe it wasn't the place to stay. I guess where I decided to stay just a day before I came is where are all the protesting was happening....:) and a few government buildings near. I took a chance anyway because it was recommended by a friend and in a quieter area. Once I got there I saw a few red peeps along the way and a block down were tanks (yes tanks...kind of wild to see when your not used to that) but the street was quiet and the Thai people went on with their lives with smiles. The place I stayed was lovely and I felt very safe (Tawez) and made a Thai friend named OM (good name) and enjoyed the "soup man" at night with a great sense of humor and smile that ignited with happiness. My shopping came to an end because the last day I was there most people were not going out and about because of the protesting or at least to certain areas. I have heard it's gotten worse and the thoughts of gun shots being fired is hard to take in. As I left for the airport yesterday at 5:00am the cab driver had a hard time finding roads to take because they were all blocked off and many army men were geared up and ready for the worst I guess. Anyway, it was interesting to experience and all in all I felt safe but these kind of situations can get out of hand obviously and I feel thankful to be safe.
So,all this time traveling I have wanted destinations without so many foreigners and well........and so I shall receive.....:) WOW! In Thailand and Indonesia so many travelers but when I got off the plane in Taiwan there was me and 4 others. I live in a town called Yuanlin and there is no English.....None!!!!! And so what I'm saying is be careful what you ask for because POOF this is what I asked for a destination where I have to dive into the culture, the people, the language etc....Here I come Mandarin! Jess and Michelle greeted me in a very lovinly way and will be here for a while to show me the ropes etc...there are a FEW other teachers and in time they will be my new goooooooooooooood friends....:) I plan to travelfor a few days soon to see a bit of Taiwan and then I will start teaching May 1st. Jess will be leaving May 4th and starting her journey back to the states.
I'm excited for this journey and have no idea where it will take me but I know it will enrich my life. There will be challenges and I can see that but I'm ready and open to the possibilities and welcome this path I am on. I think after 9mo I will be ready to come home and ignite my life again in the mountains.
Missing you all greatly and sending love from a far!
Jenna
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Shop till you drop in Bangkok!
Today was a American day but in a Thai kind of way...:) I headed out on little Jenna field day trip to huge shopping malls in Bangkok. I decided to live on the wild side and figure out the bus system in the city. For those of you who really know me well, let's just say, a true Jenna adventure and with getting lost comes laughter in a abundance. One person says go that way and so you start walking and ask the next person just to make sure and they so go "THAT" way............opposite direction. OR...take bus 73 to 72 and another person says take 16...hmmmmmmm All in all one person got on the bus with me and told me when to get off and where to connect. And so my journey carried me to the grand malls of Bangkok and WOW...they don't mess around (shopping meca). I was expecting cheap cheap cheap and that wasn't the case but it was fun anyway and managed to hit some sales and have a cute and hip gay Thai man dress me.....:) They are all about cute t-shirts and jeans. I think I will have to venture elsewhere the next few days to find more. One reason I'm shopping is because I basically have nothing and need clothing for Taiwan. It's kind of fun to choose a new style (like being in the CIA) but add the Jenna zing.
I have to admit one thing on this day of shopping. I gave in to McDonald french fries, a starbucks late (yum) and the movies. The movie theatre was so amazinly nice, recliner seats and the ads / Thai commercials were fantastic!!!!! I saw "The Knowing" and it seemed to be a pretty good flick but considering I haven't seen a movie in a really long time any movie could be good.
Anway, my feet hurt and I have to go back out there....:) Ironically on this adventure I seem to be hitting all the New Years. Bali had their New Years when I was there and now Thailand is having theirs and I guess it's celebrated with a lot water......meaning I will be drenched with a lot of water at some point tomorrow. Should be fun, I think????
Protesting is going on with little red people all around but I'm staying away from those areas except for seeng it from the TukTuk's.
Anyway, a few more days here and then I will be traveling thru Taiwan before teaching.
Happy New Year from Thailand!!!!
Pictures coming soon, I promise!!
love
Jenna
I have to admit one thing on this day of shopping. I gave in to McDonald french fries, a starbucks late (yum) and the movies. The movie theatre was so amazinly nice, recliner seats and the ads / Thai commercials were fantastic!!!!! I saw "The Knowing" and it seemed to be a pretty good flick but considering I haven't seen a movie in a really long time any movie could be good.
Anway, my feet hurt and I have to go back out there....:) Ironically on this adventure I seem to be hitting all the New Years. Bali had their New Years when I was there and now Thailand is having theirs and I guess it's celebrated with a lot water......meaning I will be drenched with a lot of water at some point tomorrow. Should be fun, I think????
Protesting is going on with little red people all around but I'm staying away from those areas except for seeng it from the TukTuk's.
Anyway, a few more days here and then I will be traveling thru Taiwan before teaching.
Happy New Year from Thailand!!!!
Pictures coming soon, I promise!!
love
Jenna
Thursday, April 9, 2009
On my way!
Thought I would write one last blog before leaving the land of Bali Bliss! I have to say I have had a huge connection with Bali and I feel like I could still travel for another month here and still not see everything. Such a small place with a huge energy of happiness within the people.
I have a feeling I will even feel some tears as I leave Gandra's Home Stay and the family. I have stayed a total of 20 days with them and everytime I come back from a small journey to the ocean they welcomed me with comfort, flowers, incense, tea, fruit and most of all, beautiful smiles. I will also miss the other travelers that have planted their nest at Gandras especially sweet Max from Canada. Max has a heart of gold, can make some yummy Arak cocktails and can dance anyone under the table at the age of 70! I can only hope I'm dancing and smiling like her in my seventies....:) I have gone to two regae shows with her and 2 Balinese typical music concerts and the woman is an animal...:) She is just the cutest and I def. feel a connection with her. I have realized that I have become friends with a lot of older peeps on this trip. Not sure what it signifies but I think that in our society (USA) we forget that some of the most amazing people to just hang with are the older ones. If we can reach a balance with being a young child and being an older person then I think we can connect with life in a more spontaneous attitude and live life to the fullest..............Meaning, not worry or stress out about the stuff that really doesn't matter............................once again, "SIMPLICITY"!!!!
Anyway, sad to leave Bali but really ready to start my life in Taiwan and feel grounded a bit. I really miss all you people more than you know (friends and family) and can only hope to meet some friends in Taiwan that are as gold as all of you.
One more added highlight. I took a silver smith class yesterday and it was not only fun but interesting to go thru the process and see how much work is involved. I finally made a ring that I designed a long time ago....:)
Sending you all love from Bali and connecting soon in the crazy land of Bangkok one last time before heading to Taiwan.
xo
Jenna
I have a feeling I will even feel some tears as I leave Gandra's Home Stay and the family. I have stayed a total of 20 days with them and everytime I come back from a small journey to the ocean they welcomed me with comfort, flowers, incense, tea, fruit and most of all, beautiful smiles. I will also miss the other travelers that have planted their nest at Gandras especially sweet Max from Canada. Max has a heart of gold, can make some yummy Arak cocktails and can dance anyone under the table at the age of 70! I can only hope I'm dancing and smiling like her in my seventies....:) I have gone to two regae shows with her and 2 Balinese typical music concerts and the woman is an animal...:) She is just the cutest and I def. feel a connection with her. I have realized that I have become friends with a lot of older peeps on this trip. Not sure what it signifies but I think that in our society (USA) we forget that some of the most amazing people to just hang with are the older ones. If we can reach a balance with being a young child and being an older person then I think we can connect with life in a more spontaneous attitude and live life to the fullest..............Meaning, not worry or stress out about the stuff that really doesn't matter............................once again, "SIMPLICITY"!!!!
Anyway, sad to leave Bali but really ready to start my life in Taiwan and feel grounded a bit. I really miss all you people more than you know (friends and family) and can only hope to meet some friends in Taiwan that are as gold as all of you.
One more added highlight. I took a silver smith class yesterday and it was not only fun but interesting to go thru the process and see how much work is involved. I finally made a ring that I designed a long time ago....:)
Sending you all love from Bali and connecting soon in the crazy land of Bangkok one last time before heading to Taiwan.
xo
Jenna
Monday, April 6, 2009
Ubud and the Gili Islands
It's been a while since I have written so I will try and capture some highlights.
Ubud has been my home base for while and it's nice to go away and come back to what I call home for now. I have met so many wonderful people along the way and the latest was a couple from the Netherlands, Colete and Robert. They were staying at the same home stay and we all ended up going to the Gili Islands together. We were headed to Candi Dasa in Bali but when I got their the vibe wasn't happening. As with traveling the beauty is, you can change your destination at any moment. So.....we jumped on a ferry the next day and headed to the beautiful islands. WOW!!!!! It was amazing to be on the islands and walk around the whole island in an hour and a half. I spend 3 nights on Gili Air and two nights on Gili Meno and decided not to go to the big party island. Gili Air was amazing and so chilled out with a FEW good restaurants, beautiful beaches, happy Lombok peeps and cute little bungalows to make your life complete. Along the way we picked up Joe from the ferry and he joined our circle of "hanging out" in the Gili Air...:) He had just finished filming a movie in Jakarta and had an interesting life to share. We all went snorkeling on my last day in Gili Air before heading to the island of solitude (Gili Meno). The snorkeling was brilliant and I saw my first sea turtle, WOW!!!!!!!! Sea turtles are beautiful creatures and the fish were so amazing with so many colors. So, I said my goodbyes to Colete, Robert and Joe and headed to the land of isolation...i was dropped off on the island and at first their was nothing....hmmmmmm and then as I hiked in a circle a few people were seen and bungalows were found. The beaches were even more beautiful but if you dont like solitude or if your single and you don't want to be around lovers on their honey moon then you may want a different place....:) All in all it was good to just have Jenna time.
Robert and Colete are on quite the journey and so they may be my first visitors in Taiwan, crossing my fingers....:) So, took the boat back to Ubud today and have plans to relax and hang with the Balanise family.
I finally bought the plane ticket to Taiwan and will be heading out from Bangkok on April 14th.......here we goooooooooooooooo...:) First I will shop till I drop in Bangkok so I have clothing in Taiwan.
Miss all of you very much and always thinking how thankful I am for such beautiful friends and family.
love
Jenna
Ubud has been my home base for while and it's nice to go away and come back to what I call home for now. I have met so many wonderful people along the way and the latest was a couple from the Netherlands, Colete and Robert. They were staying at the same home stay and we all ended up going to the Gili Islands together. We were headed to Candi Dasa in Bali but when I got their the vibe wasn't happening. As with traveling the beauty is, you can change your destination at any moment. So.....we jumped on a ferry the next day and headed to the beautiful islands. WOW!!!!! It was amazing to be on the islands and walk around the whole island in an hour and a half. I spend 3 nights on Gili Air and two nights on Gili Meno and decided not to go to the big party island. Gili Air was amazing and so chilled out with a FEW good restaurants, beautiful beaches, happy Lombok peeps and cute little bungalows to make your life complete. Along the way we picked up Joe from the ferry and he joined our circle of "hanging out" in the Gili Air...:) He had just finished filming a movie in Jakarta and had an interesting life to share. We all went snorkeling on my last day in Gili Air before heading to the island of solitude (Gili Meno). The snorkeling was brilliant and I saw my first sea turtle, WOW!!!!!!!! Sea turtles are beautiful creatures and the fish were so amazing with so many colors. So, I said my goodbyes to Colete, Robert and Joe and headed to the land of isolation...i was dropped off on the island and at first their was nothing....hmmmmmm and then as I hiked in a circle a few people were seen and bungalows were found. The beaches were even more beautiful but if you dont like solitude or if your single and you don't want to be around lovers on their honey moon then you may want a different place....:) All in all it was good to just have Jenna time.
Robert and Colete are on quite the journey and so they may be my first visitors in Taiwan, crossing my fingers....:) So, took the boat back to Ubud today and have plans to relax and hang with the Balanise family.
I finally bought the plane ticket to Taiwan and will be heading out from Bangkok on April 14th.......here we goooooooooooooooo...:) First I will shop till I drop in Bangkok so I have clothing in Taiwan.
Miss all of you very much and always thinking how thankful I am for such beautiful friends and family.
love
Jenna
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