Life in Taiwan

So as many of you know, Jon and I were married on June 13! It has been an amazing two weeks. During that time we have taken a cruise to the Bahamas and have moved to Taiwan. I have to admit that I never would have imagined that my life would turn out the way that it has so far, but I'm so thankful that it has. We left for Taiwan on Wednesday June 24 from ATL and flew to LAX. Then from LAX we flew to Taipei on Malaysian Airlines for a 13 hour flight....lets just say that Benadryl becomes your best friend during a time like this! I never knew what to truly expect before moving here, and I tried to prepare myself the best I could. But in a situation like this, I don't think that you truly can until you get here and experience it first hand. Life is so different. The people are obviously different, the food is different, the standard of living is different, and even the way the air smells is different... (If your curious, it kind of smells like fish). Not too great when it 90F outside but I think I am adjusting as well as possible.
If anyone ever decides to move to Taiwan here are a few things first off that you might want to know before coming....

1. You might have to sleep on a rice mattress on the floor...this is very hard and your back will hurt. You will realize that this is quite a humbling experience and you will forever be thankful for the soft comfy bed that you have back in the states no matter the size.
2. You will not be able to find a normal toilet in a public bathroom. Let me explain...Taiwan is a country of 22 million people, but you will only find porcelein holes in the floor in any public restroom including McDonalds. I experienced this on Friday night and was scared to death.
3. You will experience the life of a true minority. I never understood it until now, but when you move to a new country like one in Asia you stick out like a sore thumb. Everyone stares at you since there are very few Westerners at all. It's almost impossible to find someone that speaks English, so most places you go you just have to wing it. We have found it helpful to walk around with some of the English teachers here...they know what they are doing for sure. There are a lot of signs written in English and Chinese but on the flip side there are just as many that you have no idea at all about. Its really hard when asking for directions. Jon and I have figured out that you might want to ask a teenager since most teens around here have had some kind of exposure to Enligsh whether it is English school or western culture.
4. You will appreciate the life that you had back in the States so much more, especially your home with a yard. You also realize how much you love your family. Honestly, its really eyeopening to me how you long to have that connection with them when your on the other side of the world. I always knew I would miss my family, I just didn't realize how much. (ps..I love you mom and dad and jordan)!
5. You get excited over little things like a McDonalds hamburger, seeing a Starbucks, or the Sogo which is exactly like our malls. Since moving to Taiwan, I have found many stores especially in Jhung Li that carry the same products that we have back at home like Listerine, Dove body wash and shampoo, Crest toothpaste, contact solution is everywhere and cheap. Pretty much if you name it they have it. Trust me when all you have is a rice mattress and four suitcases you appreciate even little things.
6. Finally, I have realized how much I truly love my husband. He is honestly my best friend, and I thought there was no way in this world that I could love him more. In a situation like this you realize that all you really have is each other. I told him the other day that I could not imagine doing this unless he was here. He has truly made this experience worth it. He has been so amazing, and I truly marvel at his patience, knowledge, and confidence that he has had in me during the few days that we have been here. He loves me for me, and doesn't try to change me. He excepts my quirky ways and loves me regardless. Coming to Taiwan has made me understand how life is not about things but its about each other. Your husband, wife, family, and friends are the things that make life worth living.