Taiwan= Nakedness?? Not I...

So we arrive in Taiwan to the hotel around 9:30. It's a very nice area but the city seems much different than our previous stops. There definately is a lot more poverty here but also wealth, so pretty much the same through Asia. There is a "cultrual" activity that we always take part in during the trip with Linden. Last year was the night safari in Singapore, which I really enjoyed. This year we are able to go to hot springs in the mountains of Taiwan but on the bus Cathy announced on the bus that we were not able to actually sit in the springs but could walk around the national park. now had I packed sneakers, I would have been a little more inclined to go but since I only have heels and flip flops and sandals, I was not about to trek around the hills in any of the above. I got up and did emails and went for coffee while my lindenites traveled to the springs. I was checking email when I noticed on facebook a post from one of the guys on the tour that had gone to the springs. He said hot springs=nakedness. Yes, you read that right. THANK god I didnt go to the springs as they all had to go in NAKED!!!! I like everyone on the tour, but I sure as hell do not want to SEE everyone on the tour. The men were seperate from the woman and I guess all of the women did it and only 3 men went in. I was actually surprised when I learned who did not go in, but I dont blame them at the same time!! So, thankfully I did not go...it was really raining out anyway, it would have been relatively miserable.

We had a school visit in which we had to load a fast train for an hour and a half ride. Not being thrilled to travel 3 hours for a hour long college fair, we loaded the bus anyway. The train was neat/ It was fast, but still wasnt worth the long journey. When we arrived we were met by the counselor Leif who was very accomodating. The school was up on a mountain so we were able to take in some great scenery on the way. As we were approaching the school Leif told us what renovations were in progress. Ok, so schools here are nothing like American schools. There is a 5 star chain hotel being built, a shopping mall and what else? hot springs going through the hotel. Yes, more hot springs. We (the tour leader) agreed that next year we would look into staying at the hotel and doing visits in Southern Taiwan rather than in Taipei. Guess I will have to be more prepared! At any rate, the school visit was ok, we will be going back again next year. We have 2 visits on Monday and then another US fair which attendance is not expected to be stellar. So, we go to the hotel lounge and have a drink. I ate lasagna as I was starving..it was ok- nothing like home. I went to be around 10 as the trip is slowly catching up to me and sleep is not on my side. Well, the fair was also not on my side. I was not feeling well and after only 30 registrants, it made for 3 long hours. Off to bed I went. Oh, and I guess Linden paid 20,000 dollars for the venue...yes, that was American dollars. So, we get charged for basically a shit fair. Oh well, we now know that next year we will be staying in the hotel in I-Shou with the hot springs. Better start working out now! Ho Chi Minh City...here I come!! you know how you say I love NY?? Well, I LOVE HCMC!!!

More to come!
Miss