Finally here!

Wow! So far this trip has definitely surpassed my expectations. From adventure (surviving bumpy plane rides), to suspense (forgetting my passport), tragedy (having our plane delayed in LAX), and comedy (dancing on the bus anyone?)—this trip seems to have it all. The first leg of our trip to LA went smoothly, but mechanical difficulties delayed our next flight by five hours and ultimately caused us to miss our connecting flight to Taiwan. We were all relieved once they finally announced we would begin boarding and my first transpacific plane ride felt surprisingly quick despite it being 11 hours long.

Stepping off the plane in Narita Airport in Japan, we entered a white, sterile-looking hallway that was eerily silent. In addition, the airport was reminiscent of a hospital because so many people wore surgical face masks. While I realize it is not uncommon in Asian cultures to exercise politeness by wearing masks to avoid spreading illnesses, the shear number of people doing so took me aback. Fortunately, the hospitable hotel accommodations (including the stimulating bidet) provided an antithesis to the airport experience.

The unplanned layover allowed us to get some needed rest, but I was anxious to complete the final leg of our journey to Taiwan. The flight was turbulent and reminded me of a roller coaster ride at times, but we landed safely and I was relieved when it was over. Expecting to meet our host students in Hsinchu, it was an unexpected, but welcoming surprise to be greeted by our counterparts as we exited customs. You could feel the excitement in the air as we all rode together on a bus to Hsinchu to begin our new shared experience. Later, while walking through the hot humid air of the city, I realized that it was not an exaggeration when we were forewarned about Taiwan's tropical climate. The temperature isn't "Plano" hot, but more like "Houston" wet-and-sticky hot and it also allows for beautiful greenery to grow.

Our first venture was a culinary one and highlighted the fact that Hsinchu is known for its meatballs and noodles. We stopped at a local meatball factory and got firsthand experience making meatballs. Every trip to a new country should start with the feeling of cool, slimy pork paste in your hands—even with a gloves on. The activity was a fun and messy way to break the ice between us and the Hsinchu students.