We had another late start to the day as the earliest thing planned was to visit the university I’d be having my Chinese summer classes. It is located in the Daan District next to Daan Park, which is a very beautiful park. The orientation day was just to get our student ID cards, books, and to know our way around. They posted our names and classes on a wall to find. As I cannot read a thing, I asked what one of the columns meant. Turns out it was the level. The teacher and I were suprised as I was put into intermediate. Having taken no tests, we had no idea how I was placed there. I discussed with other staff how although my speaking level is of that class or higher, I wouldn’t be able to read or write anything but my name…..
In the end I switched to an easier class, but not the easiest. And swapped for the right books (we ignore how the people look a lil creepy).
Afterwards, we met up with a friend and had some lunch. She took us to a special restaurant that is run by students. These students are part of a cooking school nearby and are taught and help in the kitchen by chefs.
left: today’s special ; taro and beef stew. The taro made the stew thick and flavorful along with the beef. 6/10
center: egg & pork & veg, greens, whole seabass ; The egg&pork&veg was very good. You take a bit and roll it into a thin plain crepe like bread 7/10. The greens are some type of veg that was stir fried with some garlic and seasoning. Simple but tasty 7/10. The seabass is a whole fish that is prepped then deep fried. It is then covered in a sweet and savory sauce. This was my favorite of this meal. The fish was cooked nicely and still crispy 9/10.
right: dessert, honey water soup with a special type of jelly ; This jelly is an unususal type that is made from a certain plant. This plant naturally makes jelly when water is added. 6/10
After we walked around the area. Our friend was kind enough to stay with us for most of the day and showed me places to eat in the area as this is where I will be almost everyday (cuz of school).
Then in typical Taiwanese fashion, we grabbed a snack and drink.
left: crepes, one peanut butter chocolate banana, one grape and cream ; The peanut butter in Taiwan is more of a sweet kind compared to western ones. The cream is also not like western cream, but more closer to light fluffy custard. These crepes were also not the traditional French ones that are soft, but were crispy. Dare I say I prefer this style of crepe? 6.5/10
right: iced americano ; Many cafes in Taiwan are super cute with picturesque desserts and setting, this one is no different from the bright yellow to their cute little logo. Coffee was pretty dang good too. 8/10
On the way back, we got some groceries and I picked up some watermelon. Special watermelon.
YELLOW WATERMELON! As Taiwan is a tropical island, there are many many many delicious, sweet, and juicy fruits. This type of watermelon is less fibery and sweeter than regular red watermelon.
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