This is more writing related to research that I’m working on – I think I might also be including more posts like this here. I’ll tag them appropriately so if you’re interested in other aspects of my life instead, you can skip them. Originally, my goal going into this section of research was simply to …
It didn’t take long after my arrival in Taipei for me to realize that an umbrella is an essential part of everyday life. In the summer, they are great for helping cut down on overheating while walking in the sun. Sure – they also prevent developing an unfashionable tan, which can be touted as a …
Happy late Thanksgiving! Last week my family came to visit me in Taiwan, which was truly awesome. We all took a vacation to some places around the island, ate foods of total deliciousness, and generally had a good time. Also, upon reflection, I’ve now reached the point of more-time-abroad-than-ever before in my life. I don’t …
I apologize for the dearth of posts in the past few weeks. It has not been a lack of things to write about. I’ve been busy, but mostly I had no desire to sit at my computer any longer than I already am when I am working. This post is all about what I mean when …
The past week I was mostly busy with two things: working and hanging out with my parents. I could tell some stories on both fronts, but just going to keep this as a quickie update. Today’s topic shall be 7-Eleven. I would like to speak generally for every American who has ever come to Taiwan …
Of the challenges presented by traveling abroad, I’ve found that classic question of identity is still every bit a relevant and interesting. For example, the little cultural things I didn’t realize that I took for granted but are part of the way that I act: are these habits and viewpoints what make me who I …
This post is more than a week late for its topic, but it is too interesting to not write some about. Last week was October 10. In Taiwan, this is the National Day holiday 國慶日, commemorating the establishment of the Republic of China (ROC) which now governs Taiwan. For short, it’s often referred to as …
This is a gratuitous post about things that I have been eating.
As of yesterday, I think I can say that I am officially moved into my new apartment – my home for the next 10 months until the end of my Fulbright grant here. The semi-permanence is thrilling and also moderately troubling. I am already noticing downsides to the place, but I’m trying to quiet the …
Chinese culture has many traditions that are based on the lunar (and sometimes the solar) calendar and although they have now adopted the international standard of the Gregorian calendar*, these old traditions still surface in everyday life. Example 1: the fall moon festival (中秋節) was this Sunday. To be honest, even after celebrating it, I …