Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Harald's Taiwanese Summer Experience

Hello again! This week, we're doing something new and exciting. We're having a special edition of blog posts and we're bringing in a guest blogger! Our ex-ISS staff member, Harald Overa, has just returned to PLU after spending 7 months in Taiwan! Harald recalls his experiences and journey below:





Isla Formosa - The Beautiful Island

Where do I begin describing this amazing journey I had, together with my girlfriend Martine, in Taiwan from February until the end of August? Like this picture above, the adventure on the isla formosa was colorful, exotic, local and full of life.

Prior to departure in early February, neither me, nor Martine really knew what we had set out to do: live in another part of the world for 7 months without really knowing the language, the culture or anyone in the place we were visiting. If was frightening, but equally exciting.

Sitting at about 4000 feet is Jiufen, the city shown in the photo above. Jiufen is a picturesque city in the mountains north of Taipei. It is a very popular tourist destination as it is a unique representation of Chinese-style architecture combined with the extraordinary nature that gives Taiwan the nickname “The Beautiful Island”. 


One of the thing that surprised me was the big presence of buddhist religion and culture on the island. Seen by the photo below from Dharma Drum Mountain Monastery and National Park, there any many Buddha statues around Taiwan and the religion has a very big presence among the local inhabitants of the island.






It was very neat to be able to visit some temples around Taipei and the island. We really got a local sense of the culture and emerge ourselves with the local traditions and cultures. The photo taken below is from a famous temple on the west-side of the island in the town of Lukang (鹿港鎮). This is among the most famous temples in Taiwan and it has a very vivid historical aura about it when you visit. It really gave me a new perspective about what the buddhist culture and tradition was about.





The architecture of buildings around Taiwan was completely new to me, as I am used to wooden houses and a more maritime style from home in Norway. Below is the Chiang-Kai-Shek Memorial hall, it is a landmark in Taipei and a must visit spot for tourist visiting the island.




Needless to say, cold Norway does not have palm trees. It was very fascinating to live in a place that was very tropical, as seen by the trees at our campus, National Chengchi University below. The school had 18000 students and is the 2nd best university in all of Taiwan. It is located in the southeastern part of Taipei that has 5 million people. To say that going from 500 people in a Norwegian village to Taipei is a contrast is a massive understatement.


The photo below shows downtown Taipei and the famous Taipei 101. To live in a city that was so vibrant, full of time and a constant huzzle and buzzle was for me a very neat experience. There was always 24hrs restaurants, endless shops to find things and a lot of stuff to do. Compared to Norway, Taiwan had very cheap prices on food and drinks, as well as activities and shopping, at least the local souvenirs. The international brands had similar prices to the states and Norway,



One of the definite highlights from the trip has to be the food. Taiwan is a melting pot of Chinese cultures and the food was mind boggling in its variety, flavors and tastes. Needless to say, most meals contained rice or noodles, together with some small dishes like pork, chicken, beef or fish together with mixed vegetables. Thought it took some time, I am an avid user of chopsticks and I was quite successful in using them by the end of the trip.



To be able to go out of your comfort zone and experience loving somewhere where everything is foreign was equally challenging as it was rewarding. Looking back, I feel very fortunate that I was able to have this journey and I find it more rewarding when I know I came here through PLU`s study away programs. I would strongly recommend everything to travel or live abroad, it is a great experience and it really puts things into perspective. You will end up looking at your own culture in a whole new light and have a very unique outside-looking-in perspective about your culture and your values you have learned to know.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Remembering Summer

Happy Second week of School!

Some of you might dive right into your academic courses just like I do the first week of school. I know, right? One thing that I always do the first few weeks of classes is to reminisce about the break I just have and to wish that I could go back to the summer break.

Well, we know it is not possible so I would like to share some of my summer FUN. In the meantime, as you are reading through my blog, I hope that you can also reflect on the fun that you had during summer. Personally, I find it helpful to alleviate some of my stress.

Here we go: 

IMG_0522.JPGAt the beginning of summer break, me and my roommate Van ( also one of the blogger for our International Student Blog :) )  took a 4-day trip to New York City. We have taken advantage of the convenient transportation to get around Manhattan. One of the highlight of the trip that I was able to experience diverse culture in New York.  There were variety of cuisines that we could select from, and I have tried my standard of authentic cantonese food in chinatown in New york city. Being away from home for so long, having a taste of an authentic wonton noodle soup is valuable to me.  Exploring central park is another aspect that I enjoyed during trip to New York City. It actually gave us opportunity to take some time off citywalk. The skyscrapers were great but for someone who grew up in a big city, I prefer trees and mountains. Having been to New York City, it makes me appreciate the nature resource that we have in PNW.


IMG_0786.JPGSince Van has been away for a whole semester to study away, we have driven down to Portland to visit our other roommate, Michelle. It was fun when Michelle took us out exploring Portland city, and we stopped by the Rose Garden. At that time, it was around 37 celsius ( approximately 99 Fahrenheit). Before we headed there, we were wondering if the roses were able to endure the heat. Apparently they did, and for us, we just needed to keep ourselves hydrated.



Self-care tip during study and stress: KEEP HYDRATED  





IMG_1664.JPGIMG_1563.JPGAnother highlight of my summer was when my mom and sister came and visited me at PLU. I have shown them the beauty PNW. We went to Olympic National Park, and drove up to Hurricane Ridge. When we were at the bottom of mountain, it was rainy and foggy. We were concerned that we might not be able to see anything on the top. However, when we almost reached the top, we got a glimpse of blue sky, and when we got to the top, it was sunny up on the mountain. ( Always stay positive :) )  I also took them down to Oregon to visit the Rose Garden.

IMG_1280.JPG 
It was hard to say goodbye to two of the most important people in my life: my mom and sister. I am more than grateful that I have them in my life supporting me, making laugh and relieving my stress during my nursing school.

To wrap up:   Stay positive
                     Stay hydrated
                     Be appreciative of the supports that you receive
                     

- Camille


Monday, September 11, 2017

Have I ever ridden SLING SHOT

Have I ever ridden Sling Shot?
Yes I have ! ! ! 


On September 10,  I went to Washington State Fair with the international students who signed up for the ISS Event. I had a great time with those friends (Brian, Joe, Jun, Tiffany, Rene, and Yohei). I think it was the most exciting time of mine for last one year.  To be honest, it was my first time going to ISS trip. Although I have had several chances, I did not go because I had much things to study. That is my excuse all the time.  

I, as a person who have spent time primarily for study,  would like to tell you one thing that I realized on September 10, the historical day of my life. It is "Have Fun" and "Be Ready to Have Fun." I believe that academic success is very important to build strong basics and the ability of application, so it is necessary to study hard and learn as much as we can from the classes. However, it is also important to experience things other than classwork. Face new things, physically feel those, and challenge. It is always good to have some enjoyable times during semester to refresh. In that way, you may make new experience and memories. I got all these thoughts by riding a Sling Shot. How worthy the ride is!

Sling Shot is $35 per ride, but Worthy!







Greetings from the Washington State Fair!