Easter Update

Well, March has nearly come and gone almost and I realized I hadn't updated in a few weeks. So, here I sit in front of my computer, poised to tap out another entry. The last few weeks have been busy and chock full o' fun, so I'll get right to it. First on notable events was Corey's birthday which an unusual night here in Taipei. We set out with no particular plan in mind, but thanks to Corey's friend Bruce, we had transportation for the evening so we could get around more smoothly. That was pretty much what we did...drank beers inbetween different venues, but didn't really stop anywhere for too long so it was a lot of street drinking...cheers to Diana who played the alphabet game while balancing outside the shannon with me. Around 2:00 am, Corey called it a night and left us on his doorstep. We didn't really want to go in, but didn't know what else to do, so we went and got a few more drinks and decided to have something to eat. We ended sitting with these two Taiwanese guys who were also drinking, and they were very funny. Turned out that the one guy, who we named Macgyver as he didn't have an English name, was the brother of the restaurant owner and comp'd the whole meal...awesome! As we left our new found Taiwanese friends, we came across a smut peddling shop and went inside for a quick peek. We left only buying a pair of fuzzy, pink handcuffs which we gave to Corey as a birthday present. We knocked on his door, but he wouldn't let us in so I got it in my head to play some pranks. Let's just say that although funny at the time, it the jokee didn't think it was too funny, and I apologize.

Another social event on the March calendar was my former Chinese teacher Irene's birthday. It was a suprise party held @ a very hip bar called Chocolate& Love...if any of you decide to come here, we"ll go for sure...they specialize in Belgian beer and chocolate-flavoured cocktails and it's just a nice place for an after-work drink, or small get together. Enough plugging the place, she was surprised in the end and I got an invite to be in a talent competition on Saturday...not sure if I'm going or what I would do for talent, but I'll let you know if I go. St.Patrick's day was the same week but due to lack of coherent plans, funds and energy, I declined. Kind of sad, but I just couldn't do it this years...hope some of you made it out for a couple of green beers at any rate. The large part of the reason why we didn't do anything for St.Pat's was also due that we were on our way to see Grandmaster Flash @ Luxy. All I have to say is I didn't know really what to expect, but man I was blown away! It was an awesome set and worth the $8 heinekens. The crowd really got into so I have to say it was the best time I've had since being back from vacation.

Last week, Elisha and I got invited to judge a senior high school speech competition. The jist was pretty much 36 nervous, taiwanese, high-schoolers reading a passage that was timed. We had to make our judgements quick, but we managed to get through all of the students in an hour and 15 minutes. At the end of it, we were expected to say some comments, so we both stuttered and stammered our way through some encouraging feedback and most likely left the students thinking "hey, my english is better than theirs." They thanked us profusely, snapped some photos for the yearbook or something, paid us $80 for an hours' work and then sent us off with cash in hand and a box each of cakes....man, i love it here.

This past weekend was spent doing lots, but not the usual, beer-soaked mission. Friday night leesh and I went over to the girls' pad for some, ummm....herbal therapy and ended getting so relaxed by the therapy that we spent the night. Got up stupid early and caught the train home. Spent Saturday cleaning, errands, lunch. Later in the afternoon, Gus, Leesh and I went down to the anti-secession protest at the president's office which is like a 10 minute walk. Very cool and very glad I went...nothing like a million people showing up to protest something...just joshing, it was very interesting to be a part of something like this...people were stopping and thanking us for coming...people wanted to take their pictures with us so we did...we even signed autographs on a hat and a bandana...i know, I know...I was thinking it too...not again Ryan, that's why you moved away to Taiwan in the first place...to get away from those autograph hounds...it seems my reputation preceds me and i'm known here as well as home...sigh, it's a heavy burden, but somebody has to bear i s'pose...coming back down to reality for a moment the thing that i really appreciated hearing was this lady who is of Taiwanese descent, but an ABC or American-born Chinese...she was chatting with me while we were leaving the protest and she said "it's great to see foreigners out...i'm a foreigner too and this is my home, and if you live and work here you'll be affected too so it's great that you and your friends come out to show support"
Saturday night after the rally, checked out this place that sells turkish food and got ourselves filled up on kebabs. Came back home, popped in some movies and a few beers and that was Saturday. Sunday, went out for an Easter lunch with the crew and stuffed ourselves full on the culinary goodness that is Cafe Onion. Sounds a little weak, but it's hen hao chi and wo zui xi huan.

Taking a VISA run in a few weeks time and I'm a little indecisive as to where to go...the options are Kuala Lampur, Malaysia; Okinawa, Japan; Singapore, China; or Hong Kong, China. You can see my dilemma? K.L I've heard mixed reports about, but I think it's reasonable to say that all I would need is a weekend. Okinawa is a biiiitttt more money than I want to spend, and Singapore is a 4-hour flight.....Hong Kong I've already been too and love, but I don't want to do something over yet...anyway, I have a few more flights to price. Decisions, decisions, but any of them will do.

Well, I think once again I've managed to write a short novel, but that's what we've been up to kiddies...hope all is well wherever you are and I usually like to take a minute @ the end to give a special shoutout to someone so I'll take this opportunity to congratulate Ryan&Alycia and welcome to their new, beautiful baby daughter Leah...she's finally here! I wish you guys the absolute best and can't wait to see your little girl...well, i think that's it for shoutouts this time 'round so take care and talk to you soon.