Taiwan!!
Hello friends! I hope you have been well and enjoying the beautiful fall color show. There is really nothing that rivals the collage of fall colors on the trees. My fingers are itching to capture it just thinking about it!
Recently I have picked up on the pace of my Chinese study, inspired by the visit of a Taiwanese friend. And as I was dutifully studying, it occured to me that it would be a good idea to deticate a post to my overall goal in raising money through my art right now.
At school, my Chinese teacher told all her students that we were invited go on a school-planned and supervised trip to Taiwan. I considered, but decided that it would be a much more immersive and rewarding experience if I planned and went on my own trip. Here is my rationale:
My sister Maggie also studies Mandarin; she actually inspired me to learn. By going on a trip I organize, she could come with me and we could have a very, very cool learning experience together, and we will have more reason to suport and encourage each other in the study of the language.
Also, if I go with my Chinese class, I fear that our Chinese-speaking guide and teacher will serve as a buffer to the culture, and it won't be completely immersive. I want to experience Taiwan! I want to talk to locals (or, at least, try) and see it the beautiful country without a group of English students and packed class schedule distracting me.
The trip will also be much more affordable if I plan and budget my own expenses. It will be a maturing, learning, fun, bonding, and thoroughly rewarding experience.
I am still sorting out the details of the trip (I will give updates!) but right now I know it will be in August 2024. We will visit Tainan and Kaohsiung amoung other places, and enjoy the amazing mountain scenery of east Taiwan and the signature local food, and stay a time with my local Taiwanese friend.
So, thank you for your support! Now you know what I am working toward and what you support me with. My earnings will go toward funding my trip. Happy Halloween and happy fall! See you again soon. ♡♡♡
Any questions? Find me at originalartbyem@gmail.com