Entry 1: Asia Survival Guide vs1.0

Hey guys!

Thanks to all who are checking out my blog for the first time! The idea has been in my head for a while but I've finally put it all together after four months of dilly-dallying (and adjusting to my new home, of course, but more about that later).

Before I go any further, some credits are due: much thanks to LISA for taking this awesome photo with her leftover cranberry from Thanksgiving. You are brimming with talent! check out her blog here for more photos. Also, to Andy L. from NLF back home who got me pumped about blogging and gave me oodles of good ideas. You are a genius. And to you back home who's reading because you're wondering what the heck I'm doing in Taiwan :) - I miss you lots! Thanks for checkin in, let's be in touch ok?

Ok, on to official business. After four months of making many cultural blunders and other wild experiences in Taiwan, I've decided to compile a list of helpful advice for anyone who would ever consider moving to Taiwan or any Asian country in the near future.(I wish I had something like this, that's for sure.) So if you signed the contract and bought the plane ticket already, here is what else you should know (in no particular order)...

(Winnie's) Asia Survival Guide vs1.0

1. Find out about local temperature before you come. I am freezing right now cause I thought Taiwan was more or less tropical. I was very wrong.

2. Always carry tissues. You never know what to expect when you go to the bathroom.

3. Speaking of toilet issues, being flexible is important, and I mean that literally. Squatties arn't for everyone, but practice makes perfect. :)

4. Don't pet stray dogs. They bite. If they are fornicating loudly in the streets, look away, walk to the other side of the street if necessary.

5. Carry hand sanitizer or some kind of nice smelling substance with you at all times. If you are stranded on a bus with sweaty teenage boys, you will thank me.

6. When meeting people for the first time, lose the sarcasm. It doesnt win you a lot of Asian friends. Unfortunately, they wont think you're funny, they will just take you seriously and then try to make you feel better (even though you were fine to begin with).
Ex. Me: the weather is just great today (while there's a thunderstorm brewing outside)
Local: yes, we've had better weather this time of the year usually. Would you like some cake?


7. That said, realize that you bring many non-Asian cultural norms with you wherever you go. Rethink your expectations and be conscious of your speech and actions. More than once I've put my foot in the mouth because I didnt take the other people's culture into consideration!

8. ALWAYS LET GRANDMA WIN AT MAHJONG. No exceptions. :)

9. Similarly, never talk politics with cab drivers that are actually driving you. People get very heated about certain issues and you dont want to be stuck in a car with them if it gets ugly.

10. Last but not least, dont go into a fit of self-hate or shock if you find yourself conforming to your surroundings. So when you hear yourself saying things like, 'Ok LA', or 'hAAllo'instead of 'hEllo', or gesturing victory signs in every picture, IT IS OK. Acceptance is vital to your survival. Enjoy it, in fact. The quirks about the strange yet endearing country might be the very reason why you came in the first place.

Be on the look out for Entry #2: Reasons why children should not name themselves...