A few memories not previously featured: Because I think I’ll go back and read this later, I want to remember how I felt right at the end of this year abroad. I want to document what I missed from America, and what I would miss from Taiwan after leaving. So here’s my best shot at … Continue reading →

I had a couple going away celebrations with friends before my departure. My first was one that Howard organized and hosted at his apartment, which was so sweet of him to do. (Thanks again, Howard!) Tammy, Howard, and I all went to pick up pizzas and drinks down the street and carried them back to … Continue reading →

Once I got back to New Taipei City, the preparation for “operation return home” was imminent. I did all of my laundry, and packed everything I wasn’t planning on wearing in the next week into a giant suitcase that I had lugged up the stairs last year. I rolled each item of clothing individually in … Continue reading →

The countdown to America was becoming more real every day. Besides traveling to nearby countries, another major Taiwan bucket list item of mine was visiting my host family from the TUSA scholarship four years earlier. We had stayed in touch a little bit, but I couldn’t leave the country without seeing them for at least … Continue reading →

The origins of the name “Langkawi” come from the Malay words for reddish-brown eagle, which I would have to assume was indigenous to the island when they were naming it. We had no idea what we were getting into the day we boarded that ferry from Penang. We got on the boat, and not long … Continue reading →

The next day, we started off at the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, the indigo-blue house mentioned in the last post. With 38 rooms, five granite-paved courtyards, seven staircases and 220 windows, it was a sight to see. A guide brought us around to each room of the house and divulged all the details and money that … Continue reading →

A little bit about Malaysia: slightly over 60 percent of people practice Islam, 20 percent Buddhism, 10 percent Christianity, 6 percent Hinduism, and 1 percent traditional Chinese religions. Malaysia has a very wide mix of ethnicities and ideas. Close to 70 percent of the country is comprised of native Malays, 20 percent Chinese, 7 percent … Continue reading →

I arrived in Kuala Lumpur and managed to order an Uber using the free airport wifi. My driver was incredibly kind, telling me all about Malaysia and recommending things to do. I didn’t know how Malaysians’ English would be, but my driver knew it perfectly. He even sent me a summary of all the places … Continue reading →

When we got back to Hanoi, we visited the Vietnam Military History Museum. It was interesting to see the war presented from the opposing perspective. In the museum they referred to it by different names, including the Vietnam War, The Anti-American War, and the Resistance War Against America. Inside the building they showed tools made … Continue reading →

We had to pack our bags the night before and bring everything with us for our overnight stay on the cruise ship. After a lot of researching the options, we settled on a 2-day, 1-night stay on Indochina Sails. A driver picked us up early and we embarked on the nearly 4-hour drive to Ha … Continue reading →