A day in Taipei isnt complete without a visit to the zoo and a ride up the famous Maokong Gondola 貓空纜車

My first day exploring my schools (and attempting to memorize the routes to get there and the Chinese symbols on the maps along the way!)

So I know it is 5am in America and no one is awake to read this but….I GOT MY NUMBER ONE CHOICE SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!

Landlords in the United States are not known for being especially nice. But here in Taiwan, ours is the absolute best.

These three experiences made me feel like I'm really integrating into Taiwanese life!

Visiting the aboriginal villages in Taiwan was an experience different from all other places I've been so far.

Today I rode a scooter from the first time, which was mildly terrifying...but I lived to tell the tale!

Hot pot is the coolest. You sit down and there is a hole in your table. They come put a big metal pot in there and it is filled with water.

Today was the first day of touring schools! In Taiwan's gift giving culture, we were greeted with gifts at each school...namely bubble tea.

We went to see Taipei 101. It is formerly the world’s tallest building and it is one of the most beautifully constructed building.

Today we had our first mishap. I locked myself out of my room! We ended up not having the keys to our own locks (oops!)

First day, DONE! After 18 hours on a plane and a two hour layover at the peak of morning, I arrived in Taiwan!

Today is Tuesday, July 29th…the day before I leave the US for 12 months to become a Fulbright ETA. I am excited. Slightly nervous...