A Book Store and Hot Pot
On Monday, I tutored in the evening. I taught all the kids there how to play 24, a math game where you are given four numbers and have to use each of them only once to reach 24. The kids all loved it and had a fabulous time playing. Thank you to my middle school math teacher for teaching me this game!
Tuesday and Wednesday passed according to routine.
During drama class on Thursday, Scotty and I were cast as the lead roles in my group’s play. From what I gather, I am playing the princess in this play which is a mix between Aladdin and Cinderella. While I find it funny my group mates picked the two foreigners to star in the show, I am excited for this opportunity to work on my language skills.
After class, Katie and I went to Decathlon, a sporting goods store. Although it took us an hour to get there, it was certainly worth it! I purchased a small backpack (for less than $7!) and we enjoyed looking around. On the way home, we took the shuttle train. Neither of us had ever ridden it before so it was exciting to learn how to use a new method of transportation!
Katie and a Fancy Decathlon Shopping Cart
On Friday, we volunteered at a middle school. I gave a presentation about baby traditions in my family. I shared how my parents named all of us (we all have pretty epic names if I do say so myself), my experiences welcoming a new sibling, and the Catholic tradition of baptism. The students then shared about baby traditions in Taiwan. I really enjoyed this chance to share my culture and learn about culture here.
On Saturday morning, I slept in. In the afternoon, I went to the main branch of the public library to study. It was packed because midterms for college are next week. I also stopped by a second hand book store. I found a copy of The Old Man and the Sea and The Magician’s Nephew in Chinese (each for just a touch over $1) so I bought both of them!
Second Hand Book Store
In the evening, my host family took me to an all-you-can-eat hot pot place. The food was delicious, especially the ice cream bar!
Japanese All-You-Can-Eat Hot Pot
On Sunday morning, I went to Mass. During Mass, there was a ceremony to welcome new members into the Dominican society at the Church. In the afternoon, I studied. I’ll be traveling the next two weekends so I am trying to get ahead on homework!