2012-07-12 taipei

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  • August 7, 2012 at 1:38 pm #22076
    Anonymous
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    I was very interested in touring Chuangtsun Vocational school. We hear so much about the rigorous academics of Taiwan; I wanted to see what the other tier of their two-tier system looks like. I was very impressed by the facilities here and the many accomplishments of the students. From the wonderful dance display, to the teacher quietly instructing two girls in the making of corsages, the school showed pride in its students and their accomplishments. I think I was only half-kidding when I asked if they were hiring.

    Of course, this was after a full day of being treated like a rock star. At several points during the day, I thought, "No one is going to believe this!" Perhaps the zenith of this feeling came during lunch, when interspersed around us at the table were some pretty high ranking government officials and other VIPs. I chatted with the man next to me, who was from the Minister's office and who represented North America in some capacity, about endurance sports such as high mileage cycling (him) and running (me). We also discussed education in Taiwan and exchange programs. When I got home, I found an email from him awaiting me. He wanted me to check out a couple of websites for marathons in Taiwan. I know it's not the same, but it felt a little like Bill Clinton letting you know where you could take sax lessons. Amazing.

    August 15, 2012 at 2:56 pm #22077
    Anonymous
    Guest

    My moment revolved around worrying about Mary's boyfriend with her, and yet having an incredible day full of outlandish adventures. I felt like Alice in Wonderland. The photo opps, the important moments, the conversations. I too, had an email awaiting me from one of the MOFA people. Very cool and cool people. How do you top a lunch like that?! Glad I was able to get a toast in, cuz I really meant it, after having met with the EPA office. Every meeting, every session, every gearing up for the next group was very meaningful. But. the photo is of Eddie...hahaha, cute, huh? early in the day

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    August 20, 2012 at 2:06 pm #22079
    Anonymous
    Guest

    It was an exciting day visiting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. That long conference table with our name tags placed accordingly made me feel very important, yet I must admit, a little intimidated. The dinner was impressive and the performance added a very nice touch to the evening.
    edited by ccable on 8/20/2012

    September 25, 2013 at 12:52 pm #22080
    Anonymous
    Guest

    Each day of the trip, it seemed like we couldn't possibly have another day as amazing as the one before... and yet we did. The vocational school was fascinating. We've really cut down on vocational training here in the US, but it seems like we would benefit from having more schools like this one. Once again, the students seemed so excited to see us. We started the visit with an incredible break dancing performance, and a highlight of the day was seeing Dylis' face when she got to chat with some of the incredible dancers. The teachers seemed proud of their work, and it was an exciting day for us.

    Our government visits were, as Robin said, amazing. Our little group of teachers was treated as though we were high-ranking dignitaries. There was no way we would ever be treated like that in Washington D.C. We had incredible access to government offices and officials, all of whom made us feel welcome. I can't put into words how extraordinary these visits were. Thanks to Clay and Venus -- and Jeremy -- for making these connections possible.

    September 25, 2013 at 12:52 pm #3927
    clay dube
    Spectator

    Folks,
    Please take a moment to share some thought about what you did, saw, thought, or felt on this day. Feel free to attach a photo from the day (or perhaps of something that you acquired and plan to use or share). We'd like everyone to say something about each day.

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