I'm at the airport leaving in 3 hours. For some reasons I got here so early. I even went to the wrong terminal and still have 3 hours to wait. Well I'm good at killing my time so I have no problem with that. I still can't tell if these two months in Taiwan was long or short. I had a good time, that's for sure. It was very meaningfull as well. I will come back here soon. Thanks Taiwan! Wo ai ni!!
The alarm clock went on at 7 am. I wasn’t ready to get up. Took me 15 minutes to get up. Had a quick shower. Clean up the bathroom. I had an hour to pack. Went outside to see my piece for the church but it wasn’t there. For a moment I thought a security guy found it and took it somewhere. Got back inside and found the piece in the kitchen. They must have put it in last night.
They asked me to sign a paper to prove that I got money from them. Looked like that she couldn’t find the folder last night. The paper was handwritten.
They gave me a red small envelop and asked me to count. I told them that I would trust them and didn’t count instead I suggested that I give them some of the money. They said it was 23000gen which was too much to receive. They had been paying for me all the time anyway.
Then I realized that I my wallet missing. Well, I sort of knew but I thought it would be somewhere. Instead of panicking I just hoped that it’s in the car. Well I was thinking what it if it’s not there but YES it was. I guess they were amazed that I was so calm when I couldn’t find my wallet right before I had to fly. Ah well, I’m used to it fortunately or unfortunately.
We got to the station ok but didn’t have time to waste. While we were parking YC got off to buy a ticket for me. She thought it would be quicker and she was right.
When we got to the gate YC had my ticket and had Mos burger. She had bought it for me.
TBC
29/11/07
Wednesdat lastday at the church
well, it wasn't supposed tobe the last day but ah well..
Got up around 7am. Had a shower to wake me up. Had a piece of bread. Their home phone rang. Dad was coming at 8am to pick me up. Yuj said he can speak English a bit so we can have a conversation. I asked him where he had been but after that I was so tired and fell asleep. I saw banana field from the highway. Took a photo of it to show my sister. She couldn’t find “Taiwanese banana” while she was in Taipei.
I explained to him why I was taking photos.
We got to the church before 9am, had an early start. Some people were already there.
They were working on the puzzle and sticking them together. Helped them a little bit then moved to the other table and started with the special piece for the church. I had to finish making it no matter what.
The ladies left around 11am.
I kept working until noon and then went to the stationery store to get a spray. I went to the casher to pay. There were some people in the queue. The girl said something to me but of course I didn’t understand. She was saying “please come around” to the other register.
Went to a convenient store to get some lunch but they didn’t have much.
When I went back to the church, no one was there. I had no time to waste.
C came a bit before 3pm followed by YC. They were saying that they have some kind of presentation. I wasn’t sure what it was for, though.
YC’s parents were there too. He was saying that he had to be there three times today. They wanted to have a group photo and I was asked to get in, too.
I was getting hungry a bit. More people came after 4pm.
They all helped me to finish everything. It was great to see them working together. some teenagers put them on the Christmas light YC got. It took long but looked great. There was a problem with one piece and it wasn’t blinking as it should be. C went out to get a light and the priest fixed it. great job.
This priest was getting into folding as well. They were saying that they would keep making it even after I leave.
Stayed there until 7pm then said good bye to everybody. Couldn’t believe that I was leaving,though.
Got up around 7am. Had a shower to wake me up. Had a piece of bread. Their home phone rang. Dad was coming at 8am to pick me up. Yuj said he can speak English a bit so we can have a conversation. I asked him where he had been but after that I was so tired and fell asleep. I saw banana field from the highway. Took a photo of it to show my sister. She couldn’t find “Taiwanese banana” while she was in Taipei.
I explained to him why I was taking photos.
We got to the church before 9am, had an early start. Some people were already there.
They were working on the puzzle and sticking them together. Helped them a little bit then moved to the other table and started with the special piece for the church. I had to finish making it no matter what.
The ladies left around 11am.
I kept working until noon and then went to the stationery store to get a spray. I went to the casher to pay. There were some people in the queue. The girl said something to me but of course I didn’t understand. She was saying “please come around” to the other register.
Went to a convenient store to get some lunch but they didn’t have much.
When I went back to the church, no one was there. I had no time to waste.
C came a bit before 3pm followed by YC. They were saying that they have some kind of presentation. I wasn’t sure what it was for, though.
YC’s parents were there too. He was saying that he had to be there three times today. They wanted to have a group photo and I was asked to get in, too.
I was getting hungry a bit. More people came after 4pm.
They all helped me to finish everything. It was great to see them working together. some teenagers put them on the Christmas light YC got. It took long but looked great. There was a problem with one piece and it wasn’t blinking as it should be. C went out to get a light and the priest fixed it. great job.
This priest was getting into folding as well. They were saying that they would keep making it even after I leave.
Stayed there until 7pm then said good bye to everybody. Couldn’t believe that I was leaving,though.
Went to a night market to get some souvenirs. We ate dinner there, too. had noodles twice. I wanted to pay for them but it was impossible.
Got stone which glows in the dark. It was quite expensive and I wished that I had some more money.
They had interesting parking system. They park at the parking and some one checks who was there then they can pay at a convenience store etc, later. Sometimes no one checks so they don’t have to pay.
They got peal tea for me. I told them that I love it and often have it when I go to China town in Melbourne.
Got home and had to do my packing but my washing was still wet so I had to wait until in the morning. Talking to my sis on Skype and found out that I can text message to mobile phones in Japan. Why didn’t I try this when I got here..
YC had lost her folder and she was looking for it for a long time. C and YC were arguing. She thought it might be in my bedroom and looked for it too. It must have been very important.
I was spraying the piece outside of the apartment. There were emergency stairs so I did it there and left the window open cause it smells. Stayed up until 2am.
28/11/07
tuesday problem!
got up around 7am. Had a quick shower and did my washing.
9ish lest to mom’s to drop Ir. C went to work on the motor bike.
I thought we were going to the metal shop but the mesh was done and it was already in the car.
We got to the church around 10am. YC had already asked for a paperwork for extending my visa. There were some people waiting for me already. While she was talking to the people in the office I taught those ladies something new quickly.
YC and I went to an immigration office which was very close to the church. We were told to go to the other office. It was very close from there too. I had no idea what they were saying but I could tell that there were some problems. I asked YC if there was something wrong and she said yes. She said that she can not explain so she would call Cha to ask him to explain the situation to me. It didn’t sound good. She said sorry. I guessed that they couldn’t extend my visa. It was supposed to be easy according to them, though..
We went back to the church. We didn’t talk much in the car. I wasn’t angry but it was quite disappointing.
The office lady gave me extra 700gen for me. I had more receipt but I didn’t need to get more money.
YC left there around 11am. She seemed very uncomfortable. She was angry with them but couldn7t do anything. Told her that that if they can’t extend my visa I have to leave on Thursday cause that’s the day my visa expires. I know it’s not such a big deal to stay one more day but I didn’t wanna get in trouble.
I started to make cranes with the stainless mesh. Just wanted to see if it’s gona work. Used the biggest one first. It wasn’t too hard but too soft in a way. Used the smallest one and it was ok so I was relieved.
There were some people coming to my table but I didn’t feel like talking to people much well, it’s not that I talked to them all the time anyway. There were some sign books on the table and we didn’t have enough space so I moved to the other table near the entrance.
I’m not too sure if they have noticed that I wasn’t in a good mood but they sort of left me alone. I went to their table from time to time and checked it out though. They were working very hard. It became like a cultural centre.
Many people came out from a class and they came to see my work. Their bad habit is that they touch anything. The piece I was working on wasn’t completed and it was still fragile. I had to tell them not to touch.
The ladies left for lunch and I went out and got some take away food for lunch. It was another buffet but it wasn’t vegetarian so I had to be careful. I had found the shop on the way from the station the other day.
the ladies came back and worked with them. I wanted to tell them that I wouldn’t be able to stay there long anymore but I couldn’t.
got a phone call from Jeff. He was explaining what was going on. YW thought it was too hard to explain to me. I told him that it is not their fault but I was pretty annoyed. I told him that if they can’t extend my visa I have to leave on Thursday cause that’s the day my visa expires. He already knew that and had changed my flight. I was a bit surprised it was fully booked when I checked. I was hoping that they didn’t have to pay for that.
the ladies came back. There were more people. I had no time to teach, though. They were helping each other. I was working on the cranes and realized that one piece was missing. I was looking around but couldn’t find it. later this lady who I hadn’t seen before came back with the crane she made and said “ugly, ugly!” she was pointing the crane. I was warned a number of times that if I leave things they would disappear. When YC said that to me I said “but we are at the church..” and she said “yes, but we are in Taiwan”. Now I know exactly what she meant. Well, they mean well but they have no idea how hard t get this material. Often I have just enough so if one piece is missing I won’t be able to finish it.. It was too hard to explain so I told her not to take my stuff please. She got the message. I guess she just wanted to show off that she can make cranes but it wasn’t good timing.
I had to finish everything with in two days so I started to panic. I hate leaving without finishing but I probably have to. Some ladies stayed long too. we worked until 7pm.
The manager had to leave and couldn’t give me a lift. I said it’s ok but they were worried cause it gets dark and they thought it’s dangerous. This lady who gave me the gift said that she can drive me home but I knew it takes like 45 minutes and for her it’s gonna be nearly for two hours drive. I said it’s ok but they already arranged it and C had faxed the map to show how to get there. In the end I had to tell her that I couldn’t wait there until 9pm.
Walked to the station and got there around 8pm.. Got o the ordinary train which arrived after a delay of three minutes. Called C to tell them that I was catching a train. It would have been easier for them if I got a lift home from the church but I needed to get home before 9pm.
YC picked me up from the station. I said sorry that she had to pick me up and explained that I needed to get home early for getting my friend’s phone number.
Called Shi in Japan to see if I can stay at hers on Thursday. She didn’t answer the phone so I left a message.
I had to dry my washing which I should have done this morning. I wondered if it was going to dry by tomorrow night. But this morning I had believed that I was staying here longer.
I was about to check my e-mails and YC said that she had to go out for getting something for Ir and asked me if I wanted to buy something to eat. I said as long as she was not going out for me I would go. It was just around the corner. They use cars for just a short distance. Well she asked me if I wanted to get the take away sushi and I couldn’t say no. I knew it would be easier for her.
9ish lest to mom’s to drop Ir. C went to work on the motor bike.
I thought we were going to the metal shop but the mesh was done and it was already in the car.
We got to the church around 10am. YC had already asked for a paperwork for extending my visa. There were some people waiting for me already. While she was talking to the people in the office I taught those ladies something new quickly.
YC and I went to an immigration office which was very close to the church. We were told to go to the other office. It was very close from there too. I had no idea what they were saying but I could tell that there were some problems. I asked YC if there was something wrong and she said yes. She said that she can not explain so she would call Cha to ask him to explain the situation to me. It didn’t sound good. She said sorry. I guessed that they couldn’t extend my visa. It was supposed to be easy according to them, though..
We went back to the church. We didn’t talk much in the car. I wasn’t angry but it was quite disappointing.
The office lady gave me extra 700gen for me. I had more receipt but I didn’t need to get more money.
YC left there around 11am. She seemed very uncomfortable. She was angry with them but couldn7t do anything. Told her that that if they can’t extend my visa I have to leave on Thursday cause that’s the day my visa expires. I know it’s not such a big deal to stay one more day but I didn’t wanna get in trouble.
I started to make cranes with the stainless mesh. Just wanted to see if it’s gona work. Used the biggest one first. It wasn’t too hard but too soft in a way. Used the smallest one and it was ok so I was relieved.
There were some people coming to my table but I didn’t feel like talking to people much well, it’s not that I talked to them all the time anyway. There were some sign books on the table and we didn’t have enough space so I moved to the other table near the entrance.
I’m not too sure if they have noticed that I wasn’t in a good mood but they sort of left me alone. I went to their table from time to time and checked it out though. They were working very hard. It became like a cultural centre.
Many people came out from a class and they came to see my work. Their bad habit is that they touch anything. The piece I was working on wasn’t completed and it was still fragile. I had to tell them not to touch.
The ladies left for lunch and I went out and got some take away food for lunch. It was another buffet but it wasn’t vegetarian so I had to be careful. I had found the shop on the way from the station the other day.
the ladies came back and worked with them. I wanted to tell them that I wouldn’t be able to stay there long anymore but I couldn’t.
got a phone call from Jeff. He was explaining what was going on. YW thought it was too hard to explain to me. I told him that it is not their fault but I was pretty annoyed. I told him that if they can’t extend my visa I have to leave on Thursday cause that’s the day my visa expires. He already knew that and had changed my flight. I was a bit surprised it was fully booked when I checked. I was hoping that they didn’t have to pay for that.
the ladies came back. There were more people. I had no time to teach, though. They were helping each other. I was working on the cranes and realized that one piece was missing. I was looking around but couldn’t find it. later this lady who I hadn’t seen before came back with the crane she made and said “ugly, ugly!” she was pointing the crane. I was warned a number of times that if I leave things they would disappear. When YC said that to me I said “but we are at the church..” and she said “yes, but we are in Taiwan”. Now I know exactly what she meant. Well, they mean well but they have no idea how hard t get this material. Often I have just enough so if one piece is missing I won’t be able to finish it.. It was too hard to explain so I told her not to take my stuff please. She got the message. I guess she just wanted to show off that she can make cranes but it wasn’t good timing.
I had to finish everything with in two days so I started to panic. I hate leaving without finishing but I probably have to. Some ladies stayed long too. we worked until 7pm.
The manager had to leave and couldn’t give me a lift. I said it’s ok but they were worried cause it gets dark and they thought it’s dangerous. This lady who gave me the gift said that she can drive me home but I knew it takes like 45 minutes and for her it’s gonna be nearly for two hours drive. I said it’s ok but they already arranged it and C had faxed the map to show how to get there. In the end I had to tell her that I couldn’t wait there until 9pm.
Walked to the station and got there around 8pm.. Got o the ordinary train which arrived after a delay of three minutes. Called C to tell them that I was catching a train. It would have been easier for them if I got a lift home from the church but I needed to get home before 9pm.
YC picked me up from the station. I said sorry that she had to pick me up and explained that I needed to get home early for getting my friend’s phone number.
Called Shi in Japan to see if I can stay at hers on Thursday. She didn’t answer the phone so I left a message.
I had to dry my washing which I should have done this morning. I wondered if it was going to dry by tomorrow night. But this morning I had believed that I was staying here longer.
I was about to check my e-mails and YC said that she had to go out for getting something for Ir and asked me if I wanted to buy something to eat. I said as long as she was not going out for me I would go. It was just around the corner. They use cars for just a short distance. Well she asked me if I wanted to get the take away sushi and I couldn’t say no. I knew it would be easier for her.
After going home and ate my dinner so late I taught them one more traditional Kusudama and they loved it. I should have started to pack but still couldn’t believe that I was leaving that soon. I was pretty tired and fell asleep.
27/11/07
monday visa
we had a very late start today. I saw the unfinished piece on the table. He couldn’t finish assembling. I hoped that he didn’t spend much time on it.
We left home around 9:30am. Went to YC’s mom’s to drop IR. Chi went to work on motorbike
First we went to get the stainless net. I wasn’t sure if we were going to the son’s or his mom’s.
It was the son’s shop. We spent a bit of time to decide what to get. Asked him to cut it for us.YC had typed it on th computer. She is a designer indeed. I wasn’t too sure if I could trust him citing the net into square.
Went to the city council for extending my visa. We didn’t have to wait that long. After 20 seconds I could tell there was something wrong. YC. They said that we had to go to gansan council cause I am working there. She was asking some questions but it seemed a bit complicated. It might have been easier to ask Cha to write something but he was away and we couldn’t reach him.
We went to their office to work. YC asked me if I didn’t mind working there. I sort of wanted to go home but I knew it was gonna take 40 minutes so I said it’s ok. I was a bit worried about people coming to the church. They might be disappointed if I wasn’t there. So I asked YC to call the church to let them know that I wasn’t coming today.
We got to the office and YC called C. he came down and we went to get lunch. We had Mos burger again which I didn’t mind. It’s much better than McDonalds.
It was just like offices in Japan or America. They had partitions between the desks.
YC had to go somewhere.
The office was very quiet except the phone calls they get. There were two ladies there but I coudln7t even say hi to them cause they looked busy and didn’t even look at me. They were just sitting next to me though. This guy cam out from this door( I didn(t even notice that there was a door there) and noticed me. C introduced me and explained what I was doing.
He was very interested in and was observing for along time. They were discussing something about my work.
YC came back around 4pm. She had to go to a stationery store to get something and asked me if I wanted to come. I was very hungry so I thought I would be able to grab something if I go out and went out with her. When she asked me they were practicing saying “stationery store” so I said “sudien?” which is stationery store in Chinese. I don’t know how to say hospital but I know stationery store!
She was looking for a parking and realized that there is a 100 yen shop in the department store. It was good for the parking as well. We found good paper and bought heaps. I knew that I won’t be able to finish using them all but bought them just in case. She was buying something she needed too. It was a bit more expensive than Japan cause 100 yen should be 25 to 30 gen but it was 39gen there. Bought manicure cause I broke my nails.
Then we crossed the street to go to a stationery store. There were some good paper which I used for SL bridge but I didn’t think I had enough time to cut it so I decided not to get it.
We went back to office. I was looking for some food but couldn7t see anything.
Asked them how much longer we were staying there at 5pm. They said not long but we ended up with staying there until 6:30pm. Chi went home on the motor bike. He said that he would get some food for me but it was too much to ask. It was still raining. But I understood later that it was easier for him to get soe food cause it’s always so hard to find parking.
Went to YC’s mom’s to pick up Ir. She asked me to stay in the car so that we can leave quickly.
YC found a sushi shop on the way. It was takeaway shop and they make it after people ordering. They were not expecting that I don’t speak Chinese so they were looking at each other. YC came out from the car worrying. Bought two of them. They use Korean seaweed which Iva got the other day. She must have seen it somewhere.
Ate one of the sushi in a car then another one at home quickly. I thought that I can not waste my time for some reasons. Internet in my room
I showed YC how to assemble the pieces. It was like a puzzle. Told her it’s not easy and not to worry if she couldn’t. She wanted to try so hard so I made an example with the other pieces and said that she can follow the pattern. .had a late night
We left home around 9:30am. Went to YC’s mom’s to drop IR. Chi went to work on motorbike
First we went to get the stainless net. I wasn’t sure if we were going to the son’s or his mom’s.
It was the son’s shop. We spent a bit of time to decide what to get. Asked him to cut it for us.YC had typed it on th computer. She is a designer indeed. I wasn’t too sure if I could trust him citing the net into square.
Went to the city council for extending my visa. We didn’t have to wait that long. After 20 seconds I could tell there was something wrong. YC. They said that we had to go to gansan council cause I am working there. She was asking some questions but it seemed a bit complicated. It might have been easier to ask Cha to write something but he was away and we couldn’t reach him.
We went to their office to work. YC asked me if I didn’t mind working there. I sort of wanted to go home but I knew it was gonna take 40 minutes so I said it’s ok. I was a bit worried about people coming to the church. They might be disappointed if I wasn’t there. So I asked YC to call the church to let them know that I wasn’t coming today.
We got to the office and YC called C. he came down and we went to get lunch. We had Mos burger again which I didn’t mind. It’s much better than McDonalds.
It was just like offices in Japan or America. They had partitions between the desks.
YC had to go somewhere.
The office was very quiet except the phone calls they get. There were two ladies there but I coudln7t even say hi to them cause they looked busy and didn’t even look at me. They were just sitting next to me though. This guy cam out from this door( I didn(t even notice that there was a door there) and noticed me. C introduced me and explained what I was doing.
He was very interested in and was observing for along time. They were discussing something about my work.
YC came back around 4pm. She had to go to a stationery store to get something and asked me if I wanted to come. I was very hungry so I thought I would be able to grab something if I go out and went out with her. When she asked me they were practicing saying “stationery store” so I said “sudien?” which is stationery store in Chinese. I don’t know how to say hospital but I know stationery store!
She was looking for a parking and realized that there is a 100 yen shop in the department store. It was good for the parking as well. We found good paper and bought heaps. I knew that I won’t be able to finish using them all but bought them just in case. She was buying something she needed too. It was a bit more expensive than Japan cause 100 yen should be 25 to 30 gen but it was 39gen there. Bought manicure cause I broke my nails.
Then we crossed the street to go to a stationery store. There were some good paper which I used for SL bridge but I didn’t think I had enough time to cut it so I decided not to get it.
We went back to office. I was looking for some food but couldn7t see anything.
Asked them how much longer we were staying there at 5pm. They said not long but we ended up with staying there until 6:30pm. Chi went home on the motor bike. He said that he would get some food for me but it was too much to ask. It was still raining. But I understood later that it was easier for him to get soe food cause it’s always so hard to find parking.
Went to YC’s mom’s to pick up Ir. She asked me to stay in the car so that we can leave quickly.
YC found a sushi shop on the way. It was takeaway shop and they make it after people ordering. They were not expecting that I don’t speak Chinese so they were looking at each other. YC came out from the car worrying. Bought two of them. They use Korean seaweed which Iva got the other day. She must have seen it somewhere.
Ate one of the sushi in a car then another one at home quickly. I thought that I can not waste my time for some reasons. Internet in my room
I showed YC how to assemble the pieces. It was like a puzzle. Told her it’s not easy and not to worry if she couldn’t. She wanted to try so hard so I made an example with the other pieces and said that she can follow the pattern. .had a late night
26/11/07
sunday church
forgot to set the alarm last nigh. It was already 7:30 when I woke up. There wasn’t enough time for shower. They called a bit before 8am to tell me that they were picking me up. A bit after 8 they were here. I went down. Felt like I was staying in a nice hotel. it was Uw and her hasband two kids and her mom. They gave me breakfast. It was very interesting combination. Onigiri, (rice ball) and milk tea. Well, I like both but not together.. They seem to eat in a car so often. I tried to take a photo and mom was wondering what I was doing. They explained that I take a photo of everything. Told YW that I took a photo of the girls in the box last night. I asked them if it’s bad to work there but they said it’s not bad at all. I said if your daughter says that she wants to work there what they would say. They said it’s ok. I told them that we have lots of pubs in Japan. The girls work there sometimes don’t tell their parents what they are doing. They said it is totally different. People need to earn money so it is acceptable.
We got there before 9am. I decided to cut some paper while I was waiting for them. I had to do what I couldn’t do at home. The old priest said good morning and said that I can go to their mass. He asked me if I was a Christian. I said “no I am Buddhist”. YW was saying that they would introduce me to everybody but no one asked me to go there so I thought it wasn’t necessary.
There were some teenager waiting outside. Some were there last night. I taught those girls something new. They were pretty good and made them very quickly. There was a boy from last night. He was the only one who couldn’t finish the work. There were about 50 kids so one is not too bad I thought. I could have helped him a bit more though. However surprisingly enough, the boy wanted to do it again and he sat in front of me to try it again. He wasn’t clever but he tried so hard. Later, his grandfather came and said that he hates studying and has very poor powers of concentration but he really enjoyed the session which made me feel happy.
Went upstairs to check out what they were doing. The kids were about to do their performance. It was rap and dance. It was a bit strange to see “Chinese rap” by “Christian teenagers” at a “church”.
many people came out around 11am.
They wanted to take photos with me. I hate my photos taken but I couldn’t tell them so. Some kids asked ,e to write down my E-mail address.
They asked me if I wanted to go to the café we went when I met them the first time.
We went back to gaoshung for lunch. Mom suggested that we go to the Japanese restaurant near C’s. It was all you can eat. They said that we have to pay fine if we couldn’t finish eating what we ordered but still cheaper than paying for normal restaurants. They ordered so much and I said it’s enough so many times. The food wasn’t bad at all though. I was trying to pay for it but they wouldn’t accept it. oh well, I can never win there.
Went home a bit before 2pm. They dropped me at the apartment. Is was crying cause he wanted to play with me. Got on internet while I was working. I had 5 hours until they come home.
They called and said that they would be home at 7pm. They came home after 8pm.
He got take away fried rice for me. He said that we could go to a place to get “sumiyaki” later. I wasn’t sure what it was. I thought it was some kind of dessert. I told YC what “sumiyaki means in Japanese. She said it wouldn’t be that and we were wondering what he meant by that. YC said “omiyage!!” which means souvenirs in Japanese. We laughed a lot.
We didn’t go out and stayed at home. I guess they were too tired. Showed C how to assemble the pieces.
We got there before 9am. I decided to cut some paper while I was waiting for them. I had to do what I couldn’t do at home. The old priest said good morning and said that I can go to their mass. He asked me if I was a Christian. I said “no I am Buddhist”. YW was saying that they would introduce me to everybody but no one asked me to go there so I thought it wasn’t necessary.
There were some teenager waiting outside. Some were there last night. I taught those girls something new. They were pretty good and made them very quickly. There was a boy from last night. He was the only one who couldn’t finish the work. There were about 50 kids so one is not too bad I thought. I could have helped him a bit more though. However surprisingly enough, the boy wanted to do it again and he sat in front of me to try it again. He wasn’t clever but he tried so hard. Later, his grandfather came and said that he hates studying and has very poor powers of concentration but he really enjoyed the session which made me feel happy.
Went upstairs to check out what they were doing. The kids were about to do their performance. It was rap and dance. It was a bit strange to see “Chinese rap” by “Christian teenagers” at a “church”.
many people came out around 11am.
They wanted to take photos with me. I hate my photos taken but I couldn’t tell them so. Some kids asked ,e to write down my E-mail address.
They asked me if I wanted to go to the café we went when I met them the first time.
We went back to gaoshung for lunch. Mom suggested that we go to the Japanese restaurant near C’s. It was all you can eat. They said that we have to pay fine if we couldn’t finish eating what we ordered but still cheaper than paying for normal restaurants. They ordered so much and I said it’s enough so many times. The food wasn’t bad at all though. I was trying to pay for it but they wouldn’t accept it. oh well, I can never win there.
Went home a bit before 2pm. They dropped me at the apartment. Is was crying cause he wanted to play with me. Got on internet while I was working. I had 5 hours until they come home.
They called and said that they would be home at 7pm. They came home after 8pm.
He got take away fried rice for me. He said that we could go to a place to get “sumiyaki” later. I wasn’t sure what it was. I thought it was some kind of dessert. I told YC what “sumiyaki means in Japanese. She said it wouldn’t be that and we were wondering what he meant by that. YC said “omiyage!!” which means souvenirs in Japanese. We laughed a lot.
We didn’t go out and stayed at home. I guess they were too tired. Showed C how to assemble the pieces.
25/11/07
saturday- workshop at the church
There was a phone call and that woke me up. It was already 8am, first time I slept in. slept in?? 8am is not “sleep in” for me normally. Chi told me that there would be something at the church and I’d better go there at 5pm. She wrote down what it was. It was “funeral”. I had told them that there would be a wedding today so it was kind of funny. They told her that I was taking some photos of the flowers last night. I found out that they use white flowers for funerals. Well, how would I know? Chi came out and said the same thing. He said that they used white flowers for their wedding and people were all going 8“white flowers???” we decided to go to the stationary store to get some more special paper for tonight. that means we are not going out until close to 10am..should I eat my bread?? But they would have to feel bad that I’m eating plain bread without anything.. I was wondering that and it was time to leave.
They asked me if I wanna have McDonald or Mos burger. I said Mos burger of course. It’s much nicer and healthier. Told trhem how much my Australian students love mos burger. Some kids said that they wanted to go back to Nara to have mos burger. They had Japanese menu there. I told Chi that I would pay for this cause I’m supposed to get receipt for each meal I have! We had to eat so quickly cause the stationery store was close. I don’t really like eating in a car but oh well.
It was around 10am when we got to the stationery store. YC stayed in a car and C, Ir and I went to the store. Bought some more paper. Went back home a bit before noon. Someone called Mr.C. their friend wanted to have lunch. He asked me if I wanted to join. I said that we just ate some so it’s ok. C left around noon and came back home with the friends at 1 pm. He introduced me to his friends but I couldn’t talk to them much. I was just folding the paper while they were there. I have no idea how long it was but it was more than an hour for sure.
YW came to pick up Ir to take him to a dentist. I said that it’s so nice of her taking him to a dentist and they said it’s not for him but for IS, her son.
4 pm started to teach them something different. They were into it. Both YC and C are good at it. I knew they would because they are designers.
YW called them to say that it was already closed. 5pm Yw and the boys came back. She had to go somewhere and didn’t stay long.
We left there around 6pm. They asked me if I didn’t mind McDonalds. I asked them what the other options were. They said bakery so I said that I would prefer that. I thought they wouldn’t like to have bread for dinner though. We had to eat in the car again. They said sorry that they are always so busy.
Took a photo of the ladies in the boxes.
I thought that we were supposed to be there at 5pm but it started at 7pm. Cut some photocopy paper for practicing. I was told that there would be 16 kids coming tonight but soon I found out that it was 60 not 16. I tasked YC to cut some paper. They were sitting on the floor but they all started to get tables and chairs. They put microphones for us too. I said hi in English, Japanese and Chinese.
When was about to start my phone rung. I asked them to wait a sec. it was from my sis. She said that they were all at my parents and talking about Taiwan. Told her that wasn’t good timing. There were 60 people waiting for me.
They were all so keen and well behaved. Finished one piece and told them that they can try to see if they remembered how to make it. YW had finished cutting the paper by the time. While they were making it I was preparing for the actual pieces. I told C that if they are not good they might wanna practice a bit before they get the good paper but it’s hard to tell them that they are not good enough. I suggested that they can decide if they are confident. He told them to show me the piece and I had to tell them if they can get the good paper or not. I couldn’t tell them that they are not good so I said to everybody that they were all good but they can make it a bit flatter sort of thing. They all worked really hard to make it better. I was very impressed with them.
Asked the priest when we were supposed to finish. I should have asked that earlier. He said until 9pm. We had enough time to finish it off.
We left there around 9:30pm. On the way home C stopped at the box for me. I was taking a photo and they knew it cause I used a flash and I was holding a camera. I found out later that the girl said that they don’t want their photo taken there were some guys behind etc. I felt bad but he was just laughing.
We bought some drink there and went home. They asked me if I wanted the pearl tea but I already had the sport drink.
Got home and talked about tomorrow a bit. Showed C how to assemble the pieces. fell asleep before I was ready again..
They asked me if I wanna have McDonald or Mos burger. I said Mos burger of course. It’s much nicer and healthier. Told trhem how much my Australian students love mos burger. Some kids said that they wanted to go back to Nara to have mos burger. They had Japanese menu there. I told Chi that I would pay for this cause I’m supposed to get receipt for each meal I have! We had to eat so quickly cause the stationery store was close. I don’t really like eating in a car but oh well.
It was around 10am when we got to the stationery store. YC stayed in a car and C, Ir and I went to the store. Bought some more paper. Went back home a bit before noon. Someone called Mr.C. their friend wanted to have lunch. He asked me if I wanted to join. I said that we just ate some so it’s ok. C left around noon and came back home with the friends at 1 pm. He introduced me to his friends but I couldn’t talk to them much. I was just folding the paper while they were there. I have no idea how long it was but it was more than an hour for sure.
YW came to pick up Ir to take him to a dentist. I said that it’s so nice of her taking him to a dentist and they said it’s not for him but for IS, her son.
4 pm started to teach them something different. They were into it. Both YC and C are good at it. I knew they would because they are designers.
YW called them to say that it was already closed. 5pm Yw and the boys came back. She had to go somewhere and didn’t stay long.
We left there around 6pm. They asked me if I didn’t mind McDonalds. I asked them what the other options were. They said bakery so I said that I would prefer that. I thought they wouldn’t like to have bread for dinner though. We had to eat in the car again. They said sorry that they are always so busy.
Took a photo of the ladies in the boxes.
I thought that we were supposed to be there at 5pm but it started at 7pm. Cut some photocopy paper for practicing. I was told that there would be 16 kids coming tonight but soon I found out that it was 60 not 16. I tasked YC to cut some paper. They were sitting on the floor but they all started to get tables and chairs. They put microphones for us too. I said hi in English, Japanese and Chinese.
When was about to start my phone rung. I asked them to wait a sec. it was from my sis. She said that they were all at my parents and talking about Taiwan. Told her that wasn’t good timing. There were 60 people waiting for me.
They were all so keen and well behaved. Finished one piece and told them that they can try to see if they remembered how to make it. YW had finished cutting the paper by the time. While they were making it I was preparing for the actual pieces. I told C that if they are not good they might wanna practice a bit before they get the good paper but it’s hard to tell them that they are not good enough. I suggested that they can decide if they are confident. He told them to show me the piece and I had to tell them if they can get the good paper or not. I couldn’t tell them that they are not good so I said to everybody that they were all good but they can make it a bit flatter sort of thing. They all worked really hard to make it better. I was very impressed with them.
Asked the priest when we were supposed to finish. I should have asked that earlier. He said until 9pm. We had enough time to finish it off.
We left there around 9:30pm. On the way home C stopped at the box for me. I was taking a photo and they knew it cause I used a flash and I was holding a camera. I found out later that the girl said that they don’t want their photo taken there were some guys behind etc. I felt bad but he was just laughing.
We bought some drink there and went home. They asked me if I wanted the pearl tea but I already had the sport drink.
Got home and talked about tomorrow a bit. Showed C how to assemble the pieces. fell asleep before I was ready again..
24/11/07
friday- to the artist village
got up early for some reasons. It was still a bit dark outside but I could hear the sound of hitting golf balls. It’s kind of annoying that they do that so early in the morning and so late at night.
UY got up and told Che that she needed to use the car today. He asked me if I would mind getting on his motorbike. I said I had been on many times here so I’m fine with that. They got the spare helmet for me. Left at 8:20 on a motor bike. I don’t normally out my feet on the bike but I was a bit worry about my shoes (well, they are more like slippers) coming off. It’s a lot more crowded here and also it’s a bit long distance to the station. Got to the station around 8:40. I didn’t have any coins so I had to go to the convenience store to get some change. There was nothing I wanted there but I couldn’t ask for change so I got a bottle of passion fruit tea. Got on the express train so I got to Kansan a bit earlier today.
Went on the different way and found a stationery store. At the entrance I saw someone who looked familiar. He was looking at me, too. I realized that it was the manager from the church. He was looking for the clips to hang our works from the ceiling. He showed me the one he found and I said it’s ok. I bought some paper too. They had double sided paper and some other good stuff. I was checking out the Christmas list too but I thought I’d better ask YC or YW before I buy it. We walked out the stationery store and herd to the church. He bought some drink for us.
Three Obachan came. Taught them something new. They seemed so happy.
I decided to go out to get some lunch for break. There was a Japanese restaurant and it was
Talked to the Girl from the office. Asked her how she became Christian. I thought her family was but she said that she is the only one in her family. I was very curious and she told me her story. She was never confident for herself but since she met “Christianity” she got confident. It was very nice to talk to her. She wrote down everybody’s name so that I can call their name. I practiced a bit with her too.
Obachan came back with joy. They started the one I taught this morning.
Some left around 4pm. Obachan’s husband came to pick them up but he joined as well.
Another one came with paper.
YW called the manager there to make sure that I get lift to the artist village tonight. He asked me what time I wanted to go there. I said anytime he wants to go home but he had to stay until late tonight so it didn’t matter. I said 6ish then but took me a bit longer to finish and clan the mess.
left there at 6:20. I felt bad that he had to take me and go back there but he said he actually lives there so it’s Ok. After 20 minutes, we got to the village. There was a big truck in the middle of the road and we couldn’t go any further. We thought there must have been an accident or something. I was dropped there and he went back.
They were cutting the gate. I looked closely and realized that it was a Japanese gate for shrines. I took a photo. A guy came and told me something. I told him that I don’t understand Chinese at all. He was surprised and talked to someone else. I thought that he was saying that I wasn’t supposed to take photos there. He could speak English a bit and he said it’s ok.
There were some people there and they said that I can join the dinner but it was all meat and there was nothing I could eat. Also the artists I met the other day weren’t there. Right after that this non asian looking guy came and said hi. I introduced my self and found out that he was one of the artists staying there. We talked about 5 minuets and he told me to eat some. I told him that I don’t eat meat and we found out there was nothing without meat there, well, except noodles. It was my first time havinmg noodles without anything.
I showed him my work on my laptop. While we were talking everybody was gone. We were the only ones left there. I helped cleaning up the table a bit and remembered the time in SL.
He said he would check the train timetable for me. He was saying that he goes to bed early and gets up early everyday so I didn’t want to bother him too much. He was so happy to talk to me though. He said there was no one who he could talk as normal speed for three months. I still had half an hour so we went to his room and he showed me his work. He didn’t have a computer and the computer they had in the living room was used by this French guy he hated so we used my laptop to see his CD. I felt a bit funny going into his room and also he had to shut the door because of the French guy smoking. What he does with his work was very interesting. He gave me a lift to the station. He had a long hair and it was hard to be on the motor bike behind him but it was only for 5 minutes. When we got to the station we saw the train just leaving. Next train was coming in 13 minutes so it wasn’t big deal. We were talking about cultural differences and he said something when I was about to drink my tea from the bottle. I nodded when I had the bottle on my lips and got wet. He was laughing so bad. It was very nice talking to him. I would never see him again but it was precious 2 hours.
Waited for the train at the platform. I saw some dogs on the rail. They were trying to find some food there.
Called Mr C from the platform to let them know that I would get to gaoshung in thirty minutes.
Got picked up by YC. She thought that I would come home very late. I thought it’s too much to ask for them. Played with Ir a bit then went on Internet.
Talked about Chinese culture with C. it was very interesting. Went to bed 100am.
UY got up and told Che that she needed to use the car today. He asked me if I would mind getting on his motorbike. I said I had been on many times here so I’m fine with that. They got the spare helmet for me. Left at 8:20 on a motor bike. I don’t normally out my feet on the bike but I was a bit worry about my shoes (well, they are more like slippers) coming off. It’s a lot more crowded here and also it’s a bit long distance to the station. Got to the station around 8:40. I didn’t have any coins so I had to go to the convenience store to get some change. There was nothing I wanted there but I couldn’t ask for change so I got a bottle of passion fruit tea. Got on the express train so I got to Kansan a bit earlier today.
Went on the different way and found a stationery store. At the entrance I saw someone who looked familiar. He was looking at me, too. I realized that it was the manager from the church. He was looking for the clips to hang our works from the ceiling. He showed me the one he found and I said it’s ok. I bought some paper too. They had double sided paper and some other good stuff. I was checking out the Christmas list too but I thought I’d better ask YC or YW before I buy it. We walked out the stationery store and herd to the church. He bought some drink for us.
Three Obachan came. Taught them something new. They seemed so happy.
I decided to go out to get some lunch for break. There was a Japanese restaurant and it was
Talked to the Girl from the office. Asked her how she became Christian. I thought her family was but she said that she is the only one in her family. I was very curious and she told me her story. She was never confident for herself but since she met “Christianity” she got confident. It was very nice to talk to her. She wrote down everybody’s name so that I can call their name. I practiced a bit with her too.
Obachan came back with joy. They started the one I taught this morning.
Some left around 4pm. Obachan’s husband came to pick them up but he joined as well.
Another one came with paper.
YW called the manager there to make sure that I get lift to the artist village tonight. He asked me what time I wanted to go there. I said anytime he wants to go home but he had to stay until late tonight so it didn’t matter. I said 6ish then but took me a bit longer to finish and clan the mess.
left there at 6:20. I felt bad that he had to take me and go back there but he said he actually lives there so it’s Ok. After 20 minutes, we got to the village. There was a big truck in the middle of the road and we couldn’t go any further. We thought there must have been an accident or something. I was dropped there and he went back.
They were cutting the gate. I looked closely and realized that it was a Japanese gate for shrines. I took a photo. A guy came and told me something. I told him that I don’t understand Chinese at all. He was surprised and talked to someone else. I thought that he was saying that I wasn’t supposed to take photos there. He could speak English a bit and he said it’s ok.
There were some people there and they said that I can join the dinner but it was all meat and there was nothing I could eat. Also the artists I met the other day weren’t there. Right after that this non asian looking guy came and said hi. I introduced my self and found out that he was one of the artists staying there. We talked about 5 minuets and he told me to eat some. I told him that I don’t eat meat and we found out there was nothing without meat there, well, except noodles. It was my first time havinmg noodles without anything.
I showed him my work on my laptop. While we were talking everybody was gone. We were the only ones left there. I helped cleaning up the table a bit and remembered the time in SL.
He said he would check the train timetable for me. He was saying that he goes to bed early and gets up early everyday so I didn’t want to bother him too much. He was so happy to talk to me though. He said there was no one who he could talk as normal speed for three months. I still had half an hour so we went to his room and he showed me his work. He didn’t have a computer and the computer they had in the living room was used by this French guy he hated so we used my laptop to see his CD. I felt a bit funny going into his room and also he had to shut the door because of the French guy smoking. What he does with his work was very interesting. He gave me a lift to the station. He had a long hair and it was hard to be on the motor bike behind him but it was only for 5 minutes. When we got to the station we saw the train just leaving. Next train was coming in 13 minutes so it wasn’t big deal. We were talking about cultural differences and he said something when I was about to drink my tea from the bottle. I nodded when I had the bottle on my lips and got wet. He was laughing so bad. It was very nice talking to him. I would never see him again but it was precious 2 hours.
Waited for the train at the platform. I saw some dogs on the rail. They were trying to find some food there.
Called Mr C from the platform to let them know that I would get to gaoshung in thirty minutes.
Got picked up by YC. She thought that I would come home very late. I thought it’s too much to ask for them. Played with Ir a bit then went on Internet.
Talked about Chinese culture with C. it was very interesting. Went to bed 100am.
23/11/07
thursday
woke up many times cause I didn’t sleep properly. I had to dry my washing so I got out of my room and saw chi working on his computer already at 7am. I should have put my washing out last night cause Uy had made a room for me already. had my toast bread but not toasted cause they don’t have a toaster there.
They seem to eat out all the time. Got ready to go at 8:20. We started to talk about this project when we were about to leave. We should have done it last night but I was too tired. It was already 9 when we left home. got on the same train at 9:48. I had to run, though. Every time I get out of the station , taxi drivers say something to me. Cause I don’t understand I totally ignore them and I thought they might think that I have hearing problems. well, I do in a way..
Went through the market there but it was already finished. They were all cleaning up. Then found an alley so I walked through there too. Some workers were looking at me and I thought no one walks here.
The tables were back at the entrance at the church. Said hi to people in the office and started to work right away.
The obachan came then the other one came, too. they were working on
Had lunch. The girl from office came to see me. She said that I have to keep all the receipt for food and materials. I told her through someone who can speak English that it is too hard to keep receipt of everything.
The other lady came and she took everything home. I was trying to explain that we were making this for this church but it was too hard and I couldn’t say anything.
No one was there for awhile and I was working there by myself. After 5, YC and YW came. We talked about the projects a bit.
went back to gaoshung. I asked them about the ladies in the boxes. They are selling some drinks there but they are all wearing less or nearly nothing. They said that they sell Taiwanese tobacco.
Picked up Mr. C and we went to a restaurant to have pasta. YC and C took Ir to a dentist. So I had dinner with just YW. They came back when we were about to finish eating. They said that they can take some food home so that we don’t have to wait for them. I said that I didn’t mind waiting at all but I wanted to get some paper from the car so that I can use the time efficiently. Ir got my drink and cake. So C gave me his pudding for me. I found out that Cha called YW to tell her that I was scared of the letters in the room at the church. I told her it wasn’t like I called him to tell him so. He was overreacting. I thought that’s why he was calling the other day.
They had to go to the airport to pick up YC’s parents. They dropped me in front of the apartment. YC was going to come with me but I told them that I could go back to room by myself. Well, I was going to the wrong building and she had to come and tell me so. Oops. We always use the parking underground so I didn’t realize which building we were at. I was home alone. They told me to get relaxed and watch TV or something but I was too tired. I got online in the bedroom and fell asleep.
22/11/07
wednesday
got up before the alarm clock went on and hopped in the shower to wake me up. We had to leave a bit early today to go to the steel shop this morning. It was the mom’s and I wasn’t too sure which one was better. It is so hard to find the right material always. We spent half an hour explaining what I need. I asked them if they had any old newspaper to show what I’m planning to do. They finally got it but we decided to decide later because of the cost. It was a lot more expansive than we thought. left there after 9am and got to the station quarter past. Had 10minuets so I went to the 7eleven to get some breakfast. Got on 9:28 train which was the express one. When I got on some people were looking at the number so I wondered if it was all reserved seat. However I just couldn’t be bothered asking someone so I just pretended that I didn’t notice.
Walked different way today. There was a big chemist on the way so I got in to get a comb. I lost the one I had in Taipei. They were surprised that I couldn’t speak Chinese.
Went the alley to get short cut.
There was a beer factory and some people were loading. They looked at me suspiciously. I guess not many people walk around there.
When I got to the church, there were some people at the entrance. They were massaging people there.
They made a table clear for me to work in a office. I felt like I was having a detention at a school, having done something really bad. Then the Obachan who worked very hard yesterday came. She sat next to me to learn something new.
The girl brought lunch for me again. She said it’s not meat but I said I would bring my own cause I feel bad that they have to go out to get my lunch everyday. I had the one anyway. It was so big and took me so long to finish it.
The lady came back after lunch. She brought some drink for me. I wasn’t sure it I would like it but I did.
The other lady came and we worked very hard. They were joking around and having fun as well.
Worked until 5 pm.
Money
The manager wasn’t there today so I walked to the station. Left the church at 5:30 and got on the train at 6:06. It was an ordinary train.
Called C to tell him I would get to gaoshun around 6:30. I sort of like to be on a train to observe people. They have no idea that I don’t understand Chinese.
got there at 6:35. waited a bit for Mr. C to come. dropped my camera while I was waiting. I was glad that it was in the case. I know one day I’m gonna drop it and break it. got a phone call from Cha but the car came so I aid hi and bye.
We went to the shop we went last night. I wasn’t expecting much. There was a lady instead and she had no idea what we ordered. She asked a boy around the shop and he was sending a message to someone. He came back and said it’s not there. We saw the pile near the door which I was wondering if that’s what he got for us. It wasn’t good at all. I said no worries but C was asking the lady something. I thought it would be a waste of time.
the guy was on a hammock outside. It was sort f hidden and I was wondering who the boy was talking to. The guy said that I could talk to his mom on the phone. I said that’s ok cause I didn’t know what to say.
He insisted that I talk to his mom saying she is so good. I wasn’t sure what was good but I got on the phone anyway. His wife dialed for me. I just explained why I was calling and said it’s ok but she was apologizing so many times. It wads so brief but her Japanese was perfect like native speaker. I told the guy so and he was so happy to hear that. he was sorry that he couldn’t get what I wanted. Told him not to worry.
C wanted to get some duck so I told him that I would walk around to see if there is anything I can eat there. I found a craft shop so I wanted to go in but waited for C. saw him looking for me at the other side of road. I was waving but he didn’t notice me. I was gonna call his name but realized that I didn’t know how to call him. I was avoiding calling their names in case it’ sounds bad.
Called him with “Mr” and he noticed me. Told him that I found a shop for transparent string.
Went in seven eleven to get some food but I bought toast bread only.
C stopped by at this sushi train for me. I went in and said something in English and they freaked out. I thought I could just pick up the sushi which were going around but I had to order. Just pointed out what I wanted and had t wait a bit. What I didn’t realize was that they all come in two pieces. It was so much and they had to put them in two boxes.
We ate at home for the first time. Ir was so happy to see me. She said that he was calling my name all day.
He took some of my sushi. He didn’t want his own food.
She asked me if I wanted to do my washing and I said “YES!” Had a quick shower before washing.
I got internet connection in my bed room. fell asleep while I was online.
Walked different way today. There was a big chemist on the way so I got in to get a comb. I lost the one I had in Taipei. They were surprised that I couldn’t speak Chinese.
Went the alley to get short cut.
There was a beer factory and some people were loading. They looked at me suspiciously. I guess not many people walk around there.
When I got to the church, there were some people at the entrance. They were massaging people there.
They made a table clear for me to work in a office. I felt like I was having a detention at a school, having done something really bad. Then the Obachan who worked very hard yesterday came. She sat next to me to learn something new.
The girl brought lunch for me again. She said it’s not meat but I said I would bring my own cause I feel bad that they have to go out to get my lunch everyday. I had the one anyway. It was so big and took me so long to finish it.
The lady came back after lunch. She brought some drink for me. I wasn’t sure it I would like it but I did.
The other lady came and we worked very hard. They were joking around and having fun as well.
Worked until 5 pm.
Money
The manager wasn’t there today so I walked to the station. Left the church at 5:30 and got on the train at 6:06. It was an ordinary train.
Called C to tell him I would get to gaoshun around 6:30. I sort of like to be on a train to observe people. They have no idea that I don’t understand Chinese.
got there at 6:35. waited a bit for Mr. C to come. dropped my camera while I was waiting. I was glad that it was in the case. I know one day I’m gonna drop it and break it. got a phone call from Cha but the car came so I aid hi and bye.
We went to the shop we went last night. I wasn’t expecting much. There was a lady instead and she had no idea what we ordered. She asked a boy around the shop and he was sending a message to someone. He came back and said it’s not there. We saw the pile near the door which I was wondering if that’s what he got for us. It wasn’t good at all. I said no worries but C was asking the lady something. I thought it would be a waste of time.
the guy was on a hammock outside. It was sort f hidden and I was wondering who the boy was talking to. The guy said that I could talk to his mom on the phone. I said that’s ok cause I didn’t know what to say.
He insisted that I talk to his mom saying she is so good. I wasn’t sure what was good but I got on the phone anyway. His wife dialed for me. I just explained why I was calling and said it’s ok but she was apologizing so many times. It wads so brief but her Japanese was perfect like native speaker. I told the guy so and he was so happy to hear that. he was sorry that he couldn’t get what I wanted. Told him not to worry.
C wanted to get some duck so I told him that I would walk around to see if there is anything I can eat there. I found a craft shop so I wanted to go in but waited for C. saw him looking for me at the other side of road. I was waving but he didn’t notice me. I was gonna call his name but realized that I didn’t know how to call him. I was avoiding calling their names in case it’ sounds bad.
Called him with “Mr” and he noticed me. Told him that I found a shop for transparent string.
Went in seven eleven to get some food but I bought toast bread only.
C stopped by at this sushi train for me. I went in and said something in English and they freaked out. I thought I could just pick up the sushi which were going around but I had to order. Just pointed out what I wanted and had t wait a bit. What I didn’t realize was that they all come in two pieces. It was so much and they had to put them in two boxes.
We ate at home for the first time. Ir was so happy to see me. She said that he was calling my name all day.
He took some of my sushi. He didn’t want his own food.
She asked me if I wanted to do my washing and I said “YES!” Had a quick shower before washing.
I got internet connection in my bed room. fell asleep while I was online.
21/11/07
tuesday-got sick again!
got up and had a shower at 7:30. got ready to go by 8:20. got a message from Australia. My friend decided not to come to Japan which was disappointing but oh well. Got to the station and had to buy a ticket. It was a bit complicated but basically if the train is faster you have to pay more. So you need to check the timetable and see which one is coming, then pay for whatever it says. I had just missed the fast one so I had to get on the ordinary one which I didn’t mind. It took about 30 minutes to get there. It was about 15 to 20 minutes walk form the station.
I got to the church and saw a sign at the entrance. I could tell that they were having Japanese classes there. Beginner and intermediate classes. The manager said that he would introduce me to the teachers and the students. Went downstairs. Talked to a teacher a bit and I just said Hello to everybody and bowed. I got a clap just for that. went to the other class and did the same. They were clapping hands when I got in. the manager told them that I would be there for two weeks and they can learn if they want to.
Went upstairs and started to work. They gave me 3000gen for my food and transportation. I was glad that I didn’t have to go to the bank. I was running out of money.
People came out and some stayed to see what I was doing. Started workshop. I didn’t have any paper for practicing so I gave them the small paper which was a bit hard to work with. I was trying to tell them that they need to practice before they use the good paper but some people are taking paper home. Went into the office and got some paper to cut into square. I called Cha and asked to translate what I said and asked the girl in the office to write it down in Chinese. I said something like “please use this paper for practicing before using the good paper and don’t take it home” but the one she wrote was pretty short. I wasn’t too sure if she wrote exactly what I wanted to say. Well, I remembered the movie “lost in translation”
They stayed to learn Kusudama and seemed to enjoy it. we decided to have a class at 2 pm. Some went home but some stayed.
The girl in the office said that she got lunch for me. I said that I would buy it for myself but I wasn’t sure if they got the message. There was a plastic bag with noodles in it and also a plastic bag with soup in it. I put both of them in the paper cup and had bite. It was still hot. I had a bit more and went hmmm. Then found a little piece of meat in it. I wasn’t too sure if I should tell them but I didn’t know where I can take it. so told them that I couldn’t eat it. The guy asked me “are you vegetable?” I had to laugh and said I’m not vegetable but I am vegetarian well not really, I eat seafood”
One lady stayed all the way she hadn’t have lunch. Some people came back. They brought some food for me. I was trying to share that with everybody but they said no it’s all for me. There was a young girl who could speak English and Japanese. She translated what other said. She was quiet and I didn’t find out about it until then. She was great. There were about 7 people there. They all worked very hard. I told them to have a break but they wanted to keep going.
I wondered if any of them had string and needle with them and asked. Non of them had them but the lady who stayed all the way was leaving. She was saying that she would come back. I told her that she doesn’t need to go and get it if that’s what she was doing. She said no no and of couse came back with needle and cotton string. We made one which needed 36 pieces paper. They were all happy to see that.
At 4ish they all went home. I got ready to go home around 5pm. The manager said that he would give me a lift to the station. I said it’s okay but actually it was good cause I had my laptop and mesh which was quite heavy and I wasn’t feeling well.
Got on 5:35 train. Right before I got on the train Mr. C called. Told him that I was just getting on the train. He told me to me to wait back side of the station. waited outside but I wasn’t feeling well so I had to find a spot to sit down. There was a ..well I have no idea how you call it ..iron fence? in front of the post office.
He asked me how the day was and I said good but when he asked me what I wanted to have for dinner I had to tell him that I didn’t need dinner cause I had something which had meat in it and I wasn’t feeling well after that. he felt bad but I said it’s ok that happens often.
We went to the craft shop he knew. They sell buttons and strings only. Mr C asked what I wanted and told him anyway. The guy said that he doesn’t have it there but he can get it tomorrow. I really doubt it but I drew it anyway.
There was a street stall for some kind of drink. It was his wife’s favorite drink. He was buying so many. I tasted a bit and loved it.
Then went to another stationary store. It was hard to find a parking so I suggested that I would go to the shop and he can wait. He came in after 5 minutes. I found this interesting plastic paper which was on sale. I thought it would be good for Christmas lights. Bought 300 of them. C was buying something for himself too. then we went to sister’s. mom had cooked so he ate there.
I was playing with the kids and they loved me. I was folding paper while waiting for them. I wanted to get on line before 10 to talk to a friend. There are 3 hours difference between Taiwan and Melbourne. It ‘s a bit hard to talk online. It was already 10pm when we got home
Got on internet and gat a phone call from Cha. He had messaged me this morning and I replied saying “mission nearly impossible” he was wondering what it was. Had a chat with him a bit, telling him how hard it is to communicate with people etc.
Mr. C wanted to watch this cartoon after 12. we talked about global warming until the tv program started.
I got to the church and saw a sign at the entrance. I could tell that they were having Japanese classes there. Beginner and intermediate classes. The manager said that he would introduce me to the teachers and the students. Went downstairs. Talked to a teacher a bit and I just said Hello to everybody and bowed. I got a clap just for that. went to the other class and did the same. They were clapping hands when I got in. the manager told them that I would be there for two weeks and they can learn if they want to.
Went upstairs and started to work. They gave me 3000gen for my food and transportation. I was glad that I didn’t have to go to the bank. I was running out of money.
People came out and some stayed to see what I was doing. Started workshop. I didn’t have any paper for practicing so I gave them the small paper which was a bit hard to work with. I was trying to tell them that they need to practice before they use the good paper but some people are taking paper home. Went into the office and got some paper to cut into square. I called Cha and asked to translate what I said and asked the girl in the office to write it down in Chinese. I said something like “please use this paper for practicing before using the good paper and don’t take it home” but the one she wrote was pretty short. I wasn’t too sure if she wrote exactly what I wanted to say. Well, I remembered the movie “lost in translation”
They stayed to learn Kusudama and seemed to enjoy it. we decided to have a class at 2 pm. Some went home but some stayed.
The girl in the office said that she got lunch for me. I said that I would buy it for myself but I wasn’t sure if they got the message. There was a plastic bag with noodles in it and also a plastic bag with soup in it. I put both of them in the paper cup and had bite. It was still hot. I had a bit more and went hmmm. Then found a little piece of meat in it. I wasn’t too sure if I should tell them but I didn’t know where I can take it. so told them that I couldn’t eat it. The guy asked me “are you vegetable?” I had to laugh and said I’m not vegetable but I am vegetarian well not really, I eat seafood”
One lady stayed all the way she hadn’t have lunch. Some people came back. They brought some food for me. I was trying to share that with everybody but they said no it’s all for me. There was a young girl who could speak English and Japanese. She translated what other said. She was quiet and I didn’t find out about it until then. She was great. There were about 7 people there. They all worked very hard. I told them to have a break but they wanted to keep going.
I wondered if any of them had string and needle with them and asked. Non of them had them but the lady who stayed all the way was leaving. She was saying that she would come back. I told her that she doesn’t need to go and get it if that’s what she was doing. She said no no and of couse came back with needle and cotton string. We made one which needed 36 pieces paper. They were all happy to see that.
At 4ish they all went home. I got ready to go home around 5pm. The manager said that he would give me a lift to the station. I said it’s okay but actually it was good cause I had my laptop and mesh which was quite heavy and I wasn’t feeling well.
Got on 5:35 train. Right before I got on the train Mr. C called. Told him that I was just getting on the train. He told me to me to wait back side of the station. waited outside but I wasn’t feeling well so I had to find a spot to sit down. There was a ..well I have no idea how you call it ..iron fence? in front of the post office.
He asked me how the day was and I said good but when he asked me what I wanted to have for dinner I had to tell him that I didn’t need dinner cause I had something which had meat in it and I wasn’t feeling well after that. he felt bad but I said it’s ok that happens often.
We went to the craft shop he knew. They sell buttons and strings only. Mr C asked what I wanted and told him anyway. The guy said that he doesn’t have it there but he can get it tomorrow. I really doubt it but I drew it anyway.
There was a street stall for some kind of drink. It was his wife’s favorite drink. He was buying so many. I tasted a bit and loved it.
Then went to another stationary store. It was hard to find a parking so I suggested that I would go to the shop and he can wait. He came in after 5 minutes. I found this interesting plastic paper which was on sale. I thought it would be good for Christmas lights. Bought 300 of them. C was buying something for himself too. then we went to sister’s. mom had cooked so he ate there.
I was playing with the kids and they loved me. I was folding paper while waiting for them. I wanted to get on line before 10 to talk to a friend. There are 3 hours difference between Taiwan and Melbourne. It ‘s a bit hard to talk online. It was already 10pm when we got home
Got on internet and gat a phone call from Cha. He had messaged me this morning and I replied saying “mission nearly impossible” he was wondering what it was. Had a chat with him a bit, telling him how hard it is to communicate with people etc.
Mr. C wanted to watch this cartoon after 12. we talked about global warming until the tv program started.
20/11/07
monday -starting the new project??
woke up many times early in the morning.. I guess I was worried a bit..got up 7:30 and had a shower quietly. Don’t ask me how.. after 8am Mr.C was ready to go and he said that we can have breakfast and come back here. I told him to go to work straight after taking me for breakfast. So I got their key to come home. It was the place we had breakfast last week. I got sandwich and soymilk. He paid before I did, again. We got back to the apartment and he realized that he forgot something at home. So he had to go up to the 7th floor anyway. There was one extra tea well, this time it wasn’t my fault cause I didn’t order!
Quickly ate my sandwich and we left right after him.
We went to her mom’s to drop Ir. I didn’t get in there but their house was pretty big. Went to art supply shop first to see if there are any materials I can use for out side. It was hard to find a parking there so I went in there and she had to go around finding a parking. I wished that I could speak Chinese so that I didn’t have to look absolutely everything. I showed her what is potential. She was interested in this mesh sort of material. It was too small to use it for outside. She said that she knows some places where we can get bigger size of that. we bought this shiny paper witch has contact sheet just in case.
Then we went to this ironware shop. She called her husband to get this address but it was a bit tricky to find. The shopkeeper had a Siberian husky. He was very friendly. We found out that everything is quite expensive there. There were some thing cheaper but it wasn’t good to fold. I would be covered with my blood. The guy said that his mom owns a shop in the same street and she has more so we went there.
Some are cheaper but the one I thought it might be good was actually more expensive than her son’s. I couldn’t decide which one I wanted well I wasn’t too sure how much I need etc yet, so we didn’t buy anything there and just checked the prices.
then she took me to a stationery store. They had lots of Christmas ornaments. I bought some chiyogami paper. We had to walk a bit to the parking.
Went to her sister’s and had lunch there. They had home delivery packed lunch. Her place was on the 5th floor and didn’t have elevator. Mr. C came and joined us.
Then we went to the church. Dropped Isi, her son o the way. Their mom was working at this drink shop in the portable box near the university. He was a sleep so she just passed him to her mom.
I was pretty tired and fell asleep on the way. We got to the church and talked with the manager, priest there. I mean they were talking and I said Hi. The sisters had to go somewhere so I stayed and made something easy. Asked them if they had any needles and strings. The cleaner there brought beige colored string. some people dropped in.
They came back and we went to her parents’ to pick up Ir. on the way they bought this cake. Her parents were there and we went in to say hi. I wasn’t sure if they speak English so I didn’t talk to them much. I said “nice house” they said “thanks” we left there after 5 minutes and went to the sister’s. Then picked up Mr C.
They asked me where I wanted to go so I said just anything. Went to a Japanese restaurant. There was one near there but Mr. C didn’t like the place and went to other place. I took a photo as usual then the waitress came to tell us something. Well, we were not supposed to take any photos there. I had no idea what she was saying to him but he told me that she said so then he told her that she can tell me cause he doesn’t know how to say it. She had a bitter smile and didn’t say anything. I put my camera away. When we were leaving there I saw a sign “no animal, no photo, no something else..”. I should have checked.
Went to a stationery store near their place. There were some paper and I wanted to have a look but Mr.C was saying that he was going home with Ir by walking. I wasn’t sure why they wanted to go home so quickly. I realized that it smelled so bad. It was Ir. They needed to change his diaper. They were arguing a bit. I assumed that she forgot to bring a diaper and he was telling her off.
Went home and they got on Internet to check the timetable for me. It took long but they found out that I can just leave with Mr. C and get there around 10am. Went to bed early.
Quickly ate my sandwich and we left right after him.
We went to her mom’s to drop Ir. I didn’t get in there but their house was pretty big. Went to art supply shop first to see if there are any materials I can use for out side. It was hard to find a parking there so I went in there and she had to go around finding a parking. I wished that I could speak Chinese so that I didn’t have to look absolutely everything. I showed her what is potential. She was interested in this mesh sort of material. It was too small to use it for outside. She said that she knows some places where we can get bigger size of that. we bought this shiny paper witch has contact sheet just in case.
Then we went to this ironware shop. She called her husband to get this address but it was a bit tricky to find. The shopkeeper had a Siberian husky. He was very friendly. We found out that everything is quite expensive there. There were some thing cheaper but it wasn’t good to fold. I would be covered with my blood. The guy said that his mom owns a shop in the same street and she has more so we went there.
Some are cheaper but the one I thought it might be good was actually more expensive than her son’s. I couldn’t decide which one I wanted well I wasn’t too sure how much I need etc yet, so we didn’t buy anything there and just checked the prices.
then she took me to a stationery store. They had lots of Christmas ornaments. I bought some chiyogami paper. We had to walk a bit to the parking.
Went to her sister’s and had lunch there. They had home delivery packed lunch. Her place was on the 5th floor and didn’t have elevator. Mr. C came and joined us.
Then we went to the church. Dropped Isi, her son o the way. Their mom was working at this drink shop in the portable box near the university. He was a sleep so she just passed him to her mom.
I was pretty tired and fell asleep on the way. We got to the church and talked with the manager, priest there. I mean they were talking and I said Hi. The sisters had to go somewhere so I stayed and made something easy. Asked them if they had any needles and strings. The cleaner there brought beige colored string. some people dropped in.
They came back and we went to her parents’ to pick up Ir. on the way they bought this cake. Her parents were there and we went in to say hi. I wasn’t sure if they speak English so I didn’t talk to them much. I said “nice house” they said “thanks” we left there after 5 minutes and went to the sister’s. Then picked up Mr C.
They asked me where I wanted to go so I said just anything. Went to a Japanese restaurant. There was one near there but Mr. C didn’t like the place and went to other place. I took a photo as usual then the waitress came to tell us something. Well, we were not supposed to take any photos there. I had no idea what she was saying to him but he told me that she said so then he told her that she can tell me cause he doesn’t know how to say it. She had a bitter smile and didn’t say anything. I put my camera away. When we were leaving there I saw a sign “no animal, no photo, no something else..”. I should have checked.
Went to a stationery store near their place. There were some paper and I wanted to have a look but Mr.C was saying that he was going home with Ir by walking. I wasn’t sure why they wanted to go home so quickly. I realized that it smelled so bad. It was Ir. They needed to change his diaper. They were arguing a bit. I assumed that she forgot to bring a diaper and he was telling her off.
Went home and they got on Internet to check the timetable for me. It took long but they found out that I can just leave with Mr. C and get there around 10am. Went to bed early.
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