chopsticks

Well by now you may all know that Chinese people use the chopsticks to eat .They come in all colors and are made of various materials such as bamboo, ivory, wood, metal, jade, to name a few used to think that all over this countries in Asia they use chopsticks but find out I was wrong mostly the countries of Japan, china, Korea and Vietnam are the ones mostly using it. It can be seen in Thailand but not as much as those other countries with a high population of Chinese was also able to find out that there are few etiquette tips in this countries  such as the way you grab the sticks, don’t tap your chopsticks on your bowl, don't point your resting sticks towards others seated at the table, never use your chopsticks upside down, don't dip chopsticks in the soup bowl to get the contents from inside and there are many other things that you can learn from this below link since Japanese Chinese and Taiwanese might share a little similarities when it comes to table manners for chopsticks. Hope this can help you whenever you make a trip or are invited to a Chinese family for dinning.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chopsticks

Amazed

 I just found an article on bbc news that is related to a real animal called the armadillo’s never thought or even told by my grandparents that this animals are used for musical instruments as pointed out from this article’s only used to be told this was considered good game meat in many places around Belize. Well you can check the article and believe it’s not only these animals but also bird’s feathers.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-21436076

a window to food

food

Ever got yourself confused with some food looking similar to your favorite, appetizer or snack? Well that happened to me in the country of Taiwan, hhaa. tell what it is as some of you may be Hispanic or from other countries like Peru, Bolivia , Guatemala , Mexico or even Belize you may know that chicharones are considered a favorite snack in our countries. If you don't know what is chicharones actually it is usually pork rind = pigskin that is firstly seasoned and deep fried. So to tell you I got confused with the Tofu skin in Taiwan one day I thought that was Chicharones and then was told by someone that I was wrong.  I don't have the details on how this is prepared but when I first tried it tasted like chicken skin, no smell so I thought it is okay to eat. Let me show you how it looks like   :                                                                                                                                                                                                          

 This is tofu skin when i first saw it, to have a more clear look let me show you an image from google.

Now take a look at what is chicharones as shown in google images:

food

Food

Awhile stopping for some lunch I just remembered that wanted to share about 2 interesting things used as vegetable in Taiwan cuisine, the first one being the bean sprouts. I never thought this was eatable but once I came here I found out its okay, what a surprise. 

The second is the onion grass. As always being curious of things that are served to me and then asked a friend what is this green grass on my soup. Then was told its onion, and am like this is onion grass how come we can eat. It has no bad taste I usually see Chinese friends adding some to their soups.  by the way don't think they will give you the long grass as seen on the image it is mostly chopped into smaller particles.Therefore don't be afraid to try it won’t harm you. 

just a tip

A shared room

Just a tip for western girls who might want to ever share rooms with Asia girls’ .this is just based on my thoughts it might not take you much for some of you to get use to this different culture in Taiwan. Let me begin by saying that I have heard that Latin people tend to be loud but whoa don't be fooled that Chinese girls are not loud. They are mostly quiet during lectures but when meeting or discussing with their friends can be annoying. Another case is when you might want to share room with them like for example staying at boarding schools or for your first semester at college at its dorm. Bear in mind that you will have to cooperate with the loud voice in your rooms. You might say I would post some rules on the door for em to see, that might not be successful. Not sure what happens to them that despite they can read English they ignore such things. At most they are ages up to 21 and don't really behave like grownups . This might be that they spend most of their time at home or they think they are away from home and can do whatsoever or why not I don’t have the exact answer. However I have seen such cases at college that sometimes they ignore or pretend that there are other people staying in the same room and speak loud as an empty barrel .this sounds quiet rude for such a grown up person that ignores this things especially at a tertiary level. Other things that you might have to cooperate are that not all of em knows how to keep the room clean, make a group gathering without letting you know, play games and some forget their duty schedule. Well just wanted to share with some of you that might be interested in an exchange study program in Taiwan R.O.C. . Then by the time you come you won’t be having that much of a surprise.

learning discovery

learning discovery

A quick observation while being in the continent of asia.well I have been here for for a good while and sometimes get curious about different things regarding culture. Since I am just came to study however I have learned that one thing regarding the Christian religion in Taiwan. This came across because I have different classmates from places such as south pacific islands and Caribbean islands. From this classmate I found out that there is a difference when it comes to their religions. As I know those Christians that are non Catholics in Belize don't do certain things that this church people from this two places that I have mentioned. The first difference I noticed is that they go to clubs and also listen to music unrelated to their religion. Besides, they can also attend any party that has some alcohol since they have different friends that might not be from any church so to speak.

school curiosity

school as been quiet a good journey where i try to learn everyday going by.however am curious in knowing about my college environment due that its not in america.well last week there was a topic discussed what exactly should be worn at school in terms of foot wear.this topic was brought out since one of the university's in Taiwan has mentioned that students there should not wear sandals of any type. This matter came across because some students in that university were sandals while taking there graduation photos. Well there is no right answer to this issue, as banning students from wearing sandals during class hours, but if it is for such a special occasion then this as to be taken seriously.college students should know what to wear and remind themselves that they are in college . i believe that college there should not be any baby sitting. i say this because the very basic things have been taught during high school or junior institutes.then if colleges want to make it much easier and avoid such circumstances it is best to post in on their school policy.the last curiosity that has arisen is the way professors treat their students.there has been some occasions i have seen at college that students are treated at a high school level. there should not be any need to be embarrassing student among their fellow classmates.not sure if students in Asia or Taiwan especially are used to this learning environment. This could lead that students not concentrate well in class.i believe this creates a negative environment for other students trying to learn and even determines that the teachers lack etiquette .trying to have arguments with students is a very unprofessional way of communicating with students having a hard time understanding the teachers material. therefore the best thing is to have a meeting with that student giving the professor a hard time. then if the professor believes there is no time for such discussion he/she should write email or simply let the whole class know what exactly are the requirements for the homework.this avoids any argument among its students because college students are no longer at any secondary level to be baby sitting. i don't recall anytime in high school that a teacher has an argument with a particular student.college students should know what criteria and put their effort in completing with their task.then the professor should not do any yelling in class.an argument between a professor i do believe has a solution and the key is to communicate in a respectful way towards a student especially at a tertiary level.

what a surprise

http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/eat/readers-choice-worlds-50-most-delicious-foods-012321?page=0%2C2&fb_source=message

Today minutes before my class ended was amazed to get a news article regarding the most popular foods in the world.i quickly clicked and opened the link.i was surprised to see several of the dishes were from south east Asia where am currently living.the first country ranking number one and two popular foods are Indonesia. Not being a person born in south east Asia, i have come to learn that this continent has good food to eat. They vary from different places. Some for example Thailand is  a country that is known for its spicy food , however if you really want hot chili I highly recommend Indonesia food. A few times i have been to some restaurants and have seen the amount of chili that is added.it is really a lot and you must really be that type of person that likes spicy food.Thailand and Vietnam are not really that spicy compared to Indonesian food. I also have some experienced with the Vietnamese food. Once was invited to try some and there chili is more like sweet and sour.well its quiet interesting to have read and see that there are a lot of dishes from this continent. 

A discovery

A comparison with the reggaeton music in Latin America. Just the other day I was playing some music on you tube and came across with a song that captured my attention.. This singer is from the country of Indonesia .the curiosity immediately lead me to ask a friend, then to my surprise I was told that this music is quiet like the reggaeton because of the way they dance and  the status of this singers are not very high. As I know the regeaton singers are usually young people trying to bring something new and achieve some fame .then after getting some explanations I can  say that was surprised to find out how there are some similarities with this Latin America music and this famous singer from Indonesia .one of the facts being told is that this singers are not from the developed area . they are coming from the country side.

the video below shows the dancing movement being compared with the reggaeton.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhWjeCI7v_g&list=PLSURu5WeIr_Vr67WnZUZRknBgqfSomQLu&index=1&feature=plpp_video

Chinese songs

The other day was trying to fall asleep and found out that there are some Chinese songs that are quiet relaxing and make me fall asleep easier. I mean compared to a rock song or other hip hop songs in English. Sometime I tune to Chinese songs not only to fall asleep when am really tired but also to improve my Chinese listening skills. At first thought that Chinese people are too loud when speaking however am amazed that I can get songs from my friends that are relaxing.

convenient shopping in Taiwan

The convenient shopping in Taiwan. There are 3 most convenient stores in Taiwan that I usually end up buying on a lazy day not wanting to walk faraway. Their names are 7-11, family mart and high life. These three stores have almost anything you can imagine, from drinks, food and even can pay your bills .this stores are 24 hours for anyone wanting to get a break from your room or simply stop by and withdraw some money from the Atm. Most of the times I end up here to grab a coffee. Other people in Taiwan even go to make small business with their friends. They seat there as long as tables are provided and discuss about their issues. Regarding precise numbers I am not very sure but, can point out that these stores are like almost in every corner. To me they seem as any McDonald or burger king restaurant in the U.S.A.The prices here are quiet affordable therefore don't panic. Therefore friends don't forget if you ever come to Taiwan check these convenient stores and you will then know that they have quite a lot of services because this is the stores I first went while arriving Taiwan, due that was not quite sure what was okay to eat. 

As first time travelling to a new Continent where you are totally not familiar with what food to order and if its safe. Well fellows i have been amazed that Asia especially Taiwan is the kingdom to explore.food was the first thing i started to look for in order to survive in Taiwan.the above image shows one of the popular dishes in Taiwan known as "riwei" , this mainly consists of noodles, vegetables , meat and other seafood, take notice that it depends what you like to be in it. there is no limit as to what not to add. if its your first time then just try adding meat such as pork, beef, or some green leaves such as broccoli etc. Another tip is there are some option if you want to add soup or not, and if you come from Latin america don't panic there is some chili sauce as to add flavor .This food is found in small stores with a small stand , therefore its easy to spot as you walk down the streets.

food in taiwan

It has been very interesting to find a variety of food in Taiwan during my study period. on the above image you can see a famous dish from the country of Indonesia best known as "Satay".Satay is meat which is commonly known as barb Q in Belize, central america.Well satay is meat which is served with a sauce such as peanuts along with chilli. i strongly recommend this dish to friends or others that travel to Taiwan and around south east Asia. just found that i have 3 pictures of some more Indonesian style food. One of them is same as above Satay. the other two comprise of a chicken soup called "Soto Ayam" served with rice and the other is the typical curry rice . grasp a look all of them are great dishes stop by and try one if you are out in Indonesia or Taiwan.

ON the first image is the curry chicken is not same as the fast made in a box sold on the market.then on the second image is the satay and the chicken soup served in the 2 bowels.

just wanted to add a picture of how the BBQ  from Nigeria looks like. the image below on the foil is chili powder the meat in this case is beef. therefore the meat is covered with the sauce and then put on the small grill and cook it.

this small meat on the stick is Swaziland  style BBQ.It is unique since you can see it has the pieces of meat, sweet pepper and onion.

the most recent photo as viewed from how they really cook the BBQ in Indonesia.