I want to give hugs!!

busy streets of taipei
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Fourteen lonnggg hours later I am in Taipei.  I flew with China Airlines, which provided good food but very little space.  The staff on the flight wore vibrant purple tailored outfits that made our average Delta stewardess (sorry laidies) look like ragged old hags.

I sat next to an older Thai man who was very sweet, and lived up to all the characterizations and desciptions the travel books give.  Thai people are always smiling, lauging, helpful, optimistic and avoid negative topics.  I want to give him a hug!!  Touching is not ok over here, and something I have to adjust to ASAP.

as you can imagine i look like a GEM after traveling for 22 hours at this point

NEON crazy
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Nearing landing in Taipei was amazing, the place looks crowded and glows neon.  I could see individual streets and every building seemed to have a neon light attached.

After dealing with a little lost bag issue, I got out of the airport an hour and half later.  I was on the lookout for a driver with my name on a piece of paper!  (it is the little things that amuze me)...

But instead he recognized me and called me by name.  (What, is it the blondeness or 5'9''ness that makes me stand out?)  He was SO SO very sweet, telling me is was worried why I was taking so long!  Once again, I found myself resisting giving this cute old man a hug!  He went out of his way to be nice and accomadating, as I have found everyone here in  Taipei so far.

the Riviera = my savior!
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A sweet black BMW pulled up and I was off to a hotel for the night.  I felt special, but did not look the part (as you can imagine i look like a GEM after traveling for 22 hours at this point).

This nice night of sleep and special treatment is no mas after tomorrow- catch a 5 hour flight to Bangkok in the morning, then off to the coutryside to coach!!!

(I will attach the pictures when I have a chance)