Sick with the flu

Last night was terrible. I had a fever and terrible body aches. I piled the blankets on and was shivering one moment, then kicking off the covers the next. I took 800mg Ibuprofen which eventually cooled me down enough to get a little sleep.

This morning my temperature didn’t feel as high, but I was exhausted, and my head had that feverish fog, and I still had the body aches. I was a little worried about pneumonia, but I didn’t have any other symptoms.

I went to the doctor this morning; he checked me over, determined that my lungs sounded clear, told me I had the flu, and prescribed a cocktail of medicines. Since I still had a fever he told me to stay home from work, and to wear a mask when around others.

So, here’s what the well-dressed flu victim is wearing these days.

Ugh, just writing this much has worn me out. Gonna go lie down.

Foreigners speaking Chinese and fun TV

When I had a TV, I used to frequently watch a show called 姐妹會 (Sisters Meeting). Although I didn't understand 98% of it, I loved watching the playful spirit on the show. I especially enjoyed seeing the non-native Chinese speakers, as they were an inspiration to me learning this difficult language. If these 外國人 (foreigners) can get to this conversational level of Chinese, then dammit, so can I!

Happily, I discovered that I can still watch this show, sans TV, thanks to YouTube. Below is an excerpt from one episode, where the girls are parodying Taiwan TV commercials.


More videos can be found by searching 姐妹會 on YouTube.

Missionary Rap by Barats & Bereta

In the past week I’ve seen many Mormon missionaries in Taoyuan. By ‘many’ I mean I’ve seen 4+ every day, instead of the 2 I may see once every couple of months.

Coincidentally, my favorite online comedy team, Barats and Bereta, just posted this little gem. Enjoy.

Tsaoling Historic Trail hike 草嶺古道

On Sunday, October 11, I took a hike that’s described in Lonely Planet this way: “If you can only do one hike during your stay in Taiwan, make it this one.” I agree.

Click below to see the photos and read the captions. I’m too lazy busy to write any more right now.

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Double Ten 雙十節 Holiday Dinner

Click on photos to see larger images.

My friends invited me to their National Day 國慶日 holiday dinner on October 10th (hence "Double Ten").

Here we are, toasting National Day.

Here are some of the dishes that we ate. View the album for caption descriptions.

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