Random Taiwan Things

It's been a busy week (not to mention outrageously hot.... 95 degrees and at least 50% humidity) with the newest guest to Taiwan! Sarah loves it so far! She's even worked out 2 times at the California Fitness near our house and loves it! I'm still using my foot recovery as an excuse but we're going tomorrow morning.

Today I finally made it to one of the Suppliers in Hsinchu (about 75 minutes by car). I was where Drew ate his Thanksgiving Dinner last year;) Meetings went well, had spicy beef and rice for lunch, enjoyed the air conditioning.....

I've posted some pictures of Sarah and my first couple of days in Taipei. Her jetlag is minor at this point, she's learned how to say "hello" (Ni-Hao) and "thanks" (shie-shie) already!

Plans for this weekend include visiting some of the nice memorials in town. Possibly some kTV (Karaoke) with a large group from work....

For Olympic preparations.... Taiwan is actually competing as "Chinese Taipei" (don't ask if you don't understand). Here is an explanation of the events we (yes, I said "we" since I'm part Taiwanese now) will be competing in. Main one will be baseball!! Interesting to see Tennis will be participated by Taiwan.

Going to Barbados anytime soon? Beware the world's smallest snake (smaller than a quarter) that looks uglier every time you look at it.

There is a String Bass recital (2 bass players) on Thursday of this week. Sarah and I have our tickets to attend! I will of course provide an analysis later this week! Not often do you get to attend a bass recital ANYWHERE, let alone in Taiwan. Sarah is VERY excited to attend her first bass recital with me.... or not so much. It is Valentine's Day in Taiwan on Thursday so this is how we are celebrating. I bought Sarah a new cell phone for her Valentine's Day present. No use for a shovel here!

Apartment For TWO!!

Sarah has made it safely to Taiwan! Her first day was VERY BUSY and she is currently napping on the couch. Not too bad for jet lag yet but we'll see what tomorrow brings! Thanks for all the prayers on her safe arrival! Have a good weekend!

Good News/Bad News

Good News: Sarah has successfully taken off from Los Angeles - next stop TAIPEI
Bad News: Still 12 hours away from getting her here

Good News: There was a total solar eclipse (not eClipz:) ) here in Asia (mainly in China) that's actually going on as I type this and like some of the early people in the US, I am watching it on TV/internet. You should watch the coverage of it though, someday I'd like to be able to see this thing in person.
Bad News: The sun has already set in Taipei... it sets at 6:30pm here so there's really no hope in seeing this one here

Good News: My stitches are 100% removed
Bad News: Still a little swollen but another week and I should be 100% normal on my foot. I'm about 90% right now.

Good News: I played Ping Pong today for the first time in a while and held my own against a work colleague
Bad News: the room was rather warm and I had to go back to my desk rather sweaty.... need to take a change of shorts/t-shirt to play pingpong in while at work.

Good News: The movie Goonies is just starting on HBO
Bad News: I wish I could record the Chinese translation of "DO THE TRUFFLE SHUFFLE" to share with all of you

Good News:This article from MSNBC on "8 Cool Attractions of the Future" is actually pretty cool for the skyscraper lovers or archetect lovers.
Bad News:The thrill of Taipei 101 will not be for long as it's passed by others for "tallest building"

Good News: I'm 1/4 of the way through the newest Stephen King book and it's pretty good.
Bad News: I still have some 450 pages left as it's a very long book and only out in hardcover. The other kids at work make fun of me carrying around such a huge book on the train, etc.

Good News: It's the weekend for ME!!
Bad News: It's still one day away for most of YOU!!

Plans for this weekend are pretty loose but I plan on showing Sarah the highlights of Taipei. Of course there should be some pictures next week to share with all of you!