Hello,
This week has been a bit busier than usual as I've been subbing a little bit at Samin. But it's been a good experience. The three classes I've subbed have been good, the kids have responded to me and seemed to enjoy the lesson. Plus its been with older kids which helps build my experience up a little bit. I really do enjoy teaching and I think maybe when I get home, I might apply for PGCE and try and teach 7 - 11 year olds as I like teaching that age group. You can play games and have a bit fun than the more serious levels.
I leave Taiwan on the 26th of July now as I am going to spend a bit longer in Malaysia with my aunt. I am looking forward to it lots because it means I can relax and chill out and have a holiday before I go home.
I will miss some things about Taiwan and I'm going to try and come back in a couple of years time, maybe teach again but not in Taoyuan!! I realise there have been a number of things that have marred my experience. Not having many friends close by has been difficult as I like to have people to socialise with. The people in Taoyuan are very close minded, especially some of the people I work with. This has meant they haven't given me a chance, haven't bothered to get to know me and this is upsetting really. But I don't regret my decision to come here. I've enjoyed most of it. Plus the experience I have gained from this is incredible. It's no mean feat to live in a country half way around the world from all your friends and family for 6 months. Especially a country like Taiwan.
The food is a surprise, the driving is a surprise, the culture, everything. It's bizarre some of it really. Although I will miss driving my scooter and going to get a dan bing for breakfast. I will miss pork dumplings and some of the nicer Chinese food you can get here! The scenery when you escape from the city is beautiful but thats been one of the problems for me, living in the city! So maybe if I come back I'll try and go down south where the beautiful beaches are.
I've also started thinking about where it is I want to go next and I can't decide. I would love to travel around Europe, maybe interrail through the different countries. I'd also love to go see the Northern Lights or to Romania and do this photography course I've seen. I want to get more singing lessons again because I love singing. I want to finish my writing. Lots of things.
On another note, I went to see Transformer 2: Revenge of the Fallen and it was very good, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Tomorrow I'm going to a hot spring with some of the girls from training which will be nice. Hopefully next week I'm going to Juifen to buy some nice souvenirs and stuff. I've already bought my Mum and Gran a beautiful fan each. I just need to get some little things for my friends now.
Hm.
Will update again soon no doubt.
Love you all
Clare
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