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Words
by Shawn Allen
The
job is going really well and I am enjoying it loads. We
are not actually in Taipei but across the bridge in San-chong but
it only takes 10 minutes and costs 30p to get there.
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| Shawn
in his classroom |
The
kids are really great and
I love teaching them.
I am still trying to pick up the language which is becoming
a little overwhelming sometimes.
One
thing I miss about Ipswich, is going out to a pub for a drink. Both
Paul (my boss) and Emily (his girlfriend and my other boss) don't
drink! As I have not really met many other people to go out with
I still have not drank since I have been here! Can you imagine nearly
a month without alcohol!
The
only other things here which get me down a little is the language
barrier and the madness of the traffic. I
really would love to talk to some people but its impossible with
only body language. A lot of people know a few words in English.
I am learning Taiwanese at the moment because my teacher wants me
to learn the native tongue, but a lot of people speak Manderin which
concerns me. It's like having to learn French and English at the
same time!
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| Shawn
onboard a boat in Taiwan |
The
school bought me a bike so I can get places without having to get
the bus which was nice of them - although I am really apprehensive
about using it as the roads are a nightmare. Pedestrians do not
have a right of way. Crossings are usually ignored and it's like
being roadrunner. I have also never seen many scooters. Whole families
travel by scooter. The most I have seen is four people on one. Paul
has said he has seen five before!
The
plus side of things, and yes there a quite a few! I have never skated
so much in my life! Every
weekend we go out somewhere new and meet so many nice people. I
suppose I will get fit with all this exercise.
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| Shawn
skateboarding in Taiwan |
Even
though I am doing all this exercise I still don't sleep well because
it's quite loud with the traffic and other noises and the insects
snacking on me. Last night I went to sleep with a woolly hat on
because I kept hearing a mosquito near my ear -
- 27°C with a woolly hat on!
I
am getting to know the students well now and enjoying teaching.
It is a little strange being called teacher Shawn. I feel I have
responsibilities in my old age!
Keep
coming back to find out more from Shawn as he continues his new
job in
San-chong, Taiwan!
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