How to get by with No Internet...

So far, the most frustrating part of my trip is not having access to a computer. My roommate and I didn't bring our laptops because we thought we would have regular access to a computer while we were here. We didn't plan for the unexpected so it has been a challenge to get things done. Here's a list of how I have gotten by:

• I used the business computer lab when it was open during the first full week of the program.

• I used the engineers computer lab

• I singned up for unlimited e-mail (sending/recieving) before I left the US. It cost less than $15 US and it was well worth it. I was able to e-mail my family to let them know that I was ok since I couldn't skype.

• I went to the Internet Cafe. My roommate Paulina and I stumbled in here today. What a life saver (the business and engineering labs were closed)! It cost only 20NT for 1hour or 50NT for 3hours. You can't beat that!

• Dig, Search, Climb, hang just right from the side of a building to get wifi...its well worth it! One thing my roommate and I did bring was an apple ipod touch. We're surfing the web like mad women when we can find a little wifi. You will usually see me with my ipod and my cell phone going at the same time. My cell phone has wifi capabilities so I can surf the web, text, and make phone calls for free with my cell phone. I LOVE MY BLACKBERRY!

Hsinchu Science Park (wed 7/14/28)

After our morning class we too a charter bus to visit Hsinchu Science Park. HSP is located about 45 minutes away from Chung-Li in Hsinchu, Taiwan.

Over 400 high-tech companies are located in HSP. Some examples are:

• Elan Microelectronics Corporation
• Logitech
• MediaTek
• Microtek
• Philips
• TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company)
• United Microelectronics Corporation
  
  

Rapid Transit Company and the Traffic Control Center

Today we took a tour of the Rapid Transit Company and the Traffic Control Center. We took a bus from Chung Li to Taipei which took about an hour with morning traffic.



Our first stop in Taipei was the Rapid Transit Company. We got to see the control center and the future developments of the metro system. We took a tour of the Traffic Control Center next. we watch a short video about the past, present and future of the Traffic Control Center.

The most interesting part of the trip was learning about the Easy Pass. You can use the easy pass to take the bus, rent a bike, pay your bills at the seven eleven, and so much more. I wish we had a convient system like that in the US.

After our morning tours, we met in The Q Square to eat lunch and go shopping. Once we finished, we took the MRT to Tamshui. We visited Tamshui Old Street, shopped at many vendor shops. ate local food, and visited traditional shops. We took a bus to Valentine's Bridge.


Bonnie told me about an old legend that if a couple walks across the bridge together, they will break up. You can see the beautiful mountains and local fishers loft at Valentine's Bridge. We took a boat ride back to Tamshui where we ate dinner.

bowling in taiwan

Good Times. Great Day!

At the arcade

So much for rest...

We were suppose to rest our first weekend so we could adjust to our new time zone ( Its a 13hr difference). We arrived on Thursday evening and by Sunday I was well adjusted and ready to sightsee. Luckily, some of our new friends and classmates took us out to enjoy Bowling, Baseball, Billards, and Darts. What an amazing day with my great new friends!