starting a new adventure...

So.... my time in Taiwan was wonderful and awesome, but it is now in the past. While I do miss it daily and want to go back soon, I'm ready for my new adventure in ESPANA!

Now that the preparations for my trip are actually happening, I think it's slowly beginning to dawn on me that I"M REALLY GOING TO SPAIN. AHHHHH.  I've paid the program fees, filled out numerous forms, received my renewed passport, and will be going to Washington, D.C on Sunday afternoon for the last component: the Spanish Visa. After I receive the visa, it's done. I'm going. For real.

I am so ready to be in a new place, meeting new people and experiencing a whole different culture. This semester could possibly be the best semester of my life...

AND I GET TO GO BACK TO ITALIA.
I'll be using this blog to update about the Spain preparations and my time in Spain.

So excited for this new adventure!

goodbye Taiwan... for now

So it's the last night here. I am feeling so many things it's kinda hard to figure out. This past month has been one of the best months of my life. And I know that sounds so cliche, but it's the only way I know how to describe my time here in Taiwan. I have come to love this country and feel at home here. I came to Taiwan as a tourist, as someone who really didn't see this country as "home." Yet, knowing that I have to leave tomorrow makes my heart ache just a tad.

Spent the day with my grandma today, helping her clean the kitchen and just spending time with her. I have the best memories with her, from being a little girl and having her live at our house in NC to this past month. I admire my grandma so much. Saying goodbye to her today was rough; she hugged me for a long time and as I was walking away, she said " please come back!"  I kept a strong face until I got into our taxi and had to watch her get smaller and smaller in the rearview. Then, tears.

I think back of how long it has been since I last was in Taiwan. It had been 6 years that I hadn't been to Taiwan and it makes me wonder, is it going to be that long until the next time? I can't go another 6 years w/o seeing my relatives. I thought I had little in common with my relatives that were an ocean away. I was so wrong. I have felt and experienced so much love in my short time here. I wish that my relatives were a mere 10 minute drive away, not a 20 hour flight.

My time here in Taiwan has been everything I thought it would be: amazing, a learning experience, wonderful. Words aren't enough to describe how I feel. All i know is that I'll be back soon. I can't forget that I have half my family living here. Family that I love so much.

Until next time, Taiwan. I'll be seeing you soon....

Love, Karen

Formosa- Beautiful Island

I now understand why the Portuguese decided to name Taiwan " Formosa."

I went on a day trip yesterday to Yilan, Taiwan with a family friend, aunt, and mom. It was really awesome to see parts of Taiwan that I had never seen before. 6 years ago, I only saw Taipei b/c my family didn't travel to other parts. This time, I've got to travel around Taiwan. awesomeeeee

We went to a place called "Peculiar Rock." It was breathtakingly beautiful. I didn't know places like this existed in Taiwan. I'm not one to usually like the mountains, but I have to admit that these were undeniably beautiful. This place was so incredibly peaceful; I felt like I could just sit on a rock for hours and just look at the ocean. 

Here's some pics: 

Next we stopped to take some pictures of some natural waterfalls. So lovely. 

Overall, a great day. Oh yeah! I met my future husband in a museum. He's pretty handsome, don't you think? tehehhehehe 

4 more days here :(    I'm trying not to think about leaving this amazing country. This month has been everything I hoped it would be. 

See you all soon. I love you guys! 

- Karen