The last few days

I'm on the school computer, online for the first time in a few days. Friday morning I attended the last of the training sessions, and the rep from the school, Billy (come on, I know that's not your real name) picked me up at NTNU. We went to lunch in Taipei with a friend of his, and then drove to Miaoli. It took about two hours, with one restroom break. TMI, but I conquered my fear of the squatty potty. Usually all the bathrooms have at least one "normal" toilet, technically designated for the handicapped, which is what I've been using. After a brief discussion with Billy: "I can use this one?" "Yes, but it's for physically disabled." "But I can use it?" "Yes." "Ok." "Wait, no it's for disabled." "Whatever, I'll use the other one." I didn't say I used the squatty potty, but I got brave enough to go into the stall. Enough said. I got to my apartment about 4, and met Suru, my host teacher. Suru took me to the grocery store on her scooter. On the outside, I was calm. On the inside, I screamed like Sheldon in the BBT driving episode. I wasn't really happy with my apartment at first, as evidence by some emotional text messages sent on Saturday. It's one room, which I'm ok with, but it was filthy, cobwebs everywhere, and the previous tenant's garbage was all over the place. I've been working on cleaning it up and possibly adding necessary furniture. I'll post pictures when I have internet access. Did I mention I don't have WiFi at the apartment. Between Europe and this week, I have determined I am truly a WiFi addict. Hello, my name is Allison and I am internet dependant... I stayed in all day Saturday, but did manage to do some laundry. I don't know how my clothes got clean, I just pushed buttons and hoped I wouldn't have to walk around in last clean outfit for 11 months. Sunday I ventured out because I was out of food. I found a sandwich shop, a bakery, and Family Mart. I also found Coca Cola and Pringles. At least now I know I won't starve. I walked through a lot of Tongxiao yesterday. I got a lot of curious looks. Hardly anyone speaks English, so I've been doing a lot of pointing and nodding. I walked through the traditional market, very interesting. You can buy live fish to take home and cook, and all kinds of food I couldn't identify. I felt bad because I saw three or four dogs just laying on the sidewalk, I felt bad, but then I realized it's so stinkin' hot even they don't want to move. I've been eating nothing but bread and sandwiches, because that's what I can order easily. Although I had lunch today at the school, chicken has never tasted so good, lol. Suru tried to call me several times, but I don't think the phone is working. this morning she came to my apartment and we got a stamp with my Chinese name on it from a sketchy looking shop. Next, to the bank to open a savings account, and then to the school. I don't know what my "Chinese" name is yet. They're working on fixing my Visa, because apparently my middle name is one letter off. Really, one letter? So we're going to work on the phone issue this afternoon, and go food shopping. Because there's a typhoon coming. I'm not worried, I'm on the fourth floor. I'll post video if it gets crazy.