It has almost been a month since I blogged!! My God.....That's how busy I have been!!!! Was doing O level exam duties, which saw me waking up at 5am, leaving the house by 530am, taking a cab down to exams centre, and then back to school to carry out the exams, and then going back to the exams centre to return the papers. It was an insane period, for 3 whole weeks! I was so glad when it was over! Yes, yes, I get paid for this, but seriously, so much of a hassle....Urgh...Been doing this duty for two years in a row, so am hoping they give me a break next year.

And right after the exam duties, I flew to Taiwan for a band trip. The band hasn't been out of Singapore in a long time, so this year, I made it a personal goal to ensure that the band goes somewhere. I mean, the band works really, really hard, and they deserve a break. So we took a plane down to Taiwan, and seriously, bringing 40 kids is no mean feat! I was all over the place! But most importantly, the kids had fun, and for some of them, it was their first time out of the country, and on a plane so I was so happy to see them so excited. :) And it wasn't just a sight seeing trip. They had a band exchange with a Taiwan band there and they held a collborative concert and I have never felt so proud seeing my kids perform really, really well. :)

And how was Taiwan? Taiwan has never been one of my 'must go' places in the world, but of course, when it comes to travelling, I always take what is offered. :) It was an interesting place. I visited quite a number of places when I was there. My favourite place had to be the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, where exhibits of him and his journey in leading China to independece were shown. I was so fascinated, like a kid in a candy store. My band members were like...'Miss Khai, we are bored.' And I ended up telling them stories of Chiang and what he has done, and relating it to events in the world today. Perked them up a little. :) And the grounds of CKS was just stunning.

The shopping in Taiwan is not that fantastic. It's a cross between Chinese and Korean/Jap dressing. I don't like it. What did I buy when I was there? We went to Xi Men Ding (supposed to be really popular), and bought 2 pairs of shoes, and then at Shi Lin Night Market (I hated it here), 2 hats for my London/Paris trip and a shawl. Oh, and I bought a whole lot of Mochi. I had Taiwan dollars left so I didnt know what to do with them. So, Mochi it was. lol!! The Shi Lin Night Market is supposed to be this really famous night market, but it was insanely crowded! We made a mistake of walking past the food street, and OMG! People were packed like sardines! And the road stall vendors, set stall in the middle of the street, oblivious to the throngs of people swimming through as they continued cooking. Urgh...And of course, Taiwan is pork land. I have never seen so much pork in my whole life. While at the market, wafts of pork smell seeped through my pores, and hair, and face, and clothes...Urgh....I was traumatised. And food wise, I was so restricted! I was stuck eating nothing but vegetables!! I didnt dare touch anything else cos it all looks suspicious. So yeah, vegetables and more vegetable for 5 days straight. Needless to say, I had no constipation issues. Plus my clothes feel looser. lol!! See? I always see the positive out of every fiasco.

But the thing I hate most about Taiwan is the people! I don't know if they are Taiwanese, or tourists, but they are really boorish! Speaks loudly, spits everywhere. AND THEY KEEP PUSHING AND SHOVING!

Case Study 1: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
I was waiting in line to get in, got shoved in the waist by auntie in purple, who was trying to rush in. I was like 'WTF?' And ended up seating next to her, where she was devouring every single thing on the buffet table...AND LEAVING HER SCRAPS OF FOOD ON THE TABLE! Hello!!??? We are not in China here!! Of course, I lost my appetite so had a piece of bread and left.

Case Study 2: Exhibition at National Palace Museum
We were being guided by out guide into the museum, and as he was explaining about the exhibits, I was going closer to look at the artefacts, then bam! Someone's elbow hit my face. Who was that? Oh, another man, who in his excitement to see the same artefact, trying to shove me to get a better view. Not cool.

Case Study 3: Last day in Taiwan
I was rolling my luggage out of the hotel, going down the ramp. This man, was trying to overtake me (I didnt even know we were in a competition.Hmph.), and kind of pushed me , and I fell. Fell flat on my bum. Hard fall, not like a 'Oops I tripped' fall. The fall was so bad that I have a bruise on my back. Not cool at all.

So yeah, that is Taiwan for you. It was interesting and I think the country has a lot of potential, but the people needs more educating and class. Anyway, these are the pictures I took there. Not much taken, which is shocking as I always go crazy snapping when Im overseas. But with 40 kids, and trying to prevent myself from being shoved around, taking pictures were the least of my concerns.. :)

First night in Taiwan, the Lovers Bridge. 

 Our 2nd day. At the Confucious Temple.

 National Palace Museum.

 3rd day: Taipei Fine Arts Museum. Saw some nude paintings and pictures. Highly disturbing.

 Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

 The grounds of the hall. Beautiful.

 Martyr's Shrine. To commemorate those who died in the 1911 Revolution.

Last day: Walked around on our own. This was at the Taipei Bus Station.

 And with that, all my school duties are officially over for 2010 and it's time for my own holidays! Goodbye Singapore and hello LONDON AND PARIS! Till then!! Tata! :)