#16 - comings and goings

It's hard to know what to write sometimes... especially when you want to say the truth. I don't want to sound cheesy or come across cliched, but moving to Kaohsiung, Taiwan has been one of the best things I have ever done in my short 23 years of life. I can honestly say that I have lived properly here; I have conquered some of my fears, I have witnessed beautiful lives come and go, I have been touched by the kindness of this country and its people.

 This is an experience I would recommend to pretty much anyone. I'd like to thank Matthew Meadows and Eva Hsu for introducing us to this remarkable country, and encouraging us to make our lives here. Lexus Lin, for taking us into his home with no hesitation and such warmness. Pauline Sho for lending us her phone so we could make phone calls to prospective employers and helping us find our apartment, and for so much more.

Since my last blog quite a lot has happened! Hannah (my lil sis) visited me for 2 weeks; which was bloody fantastic!

We mostly staying in Kaohsiung, where she met some of my dearest friends...

Yes Kaitlin, you're meant to wear shoes not hold them...

We also visited the Lotus Ponds on the most gorgeous day ever:

Yes I know, this does feel a lot like being back in England...

... where Hannah revisited her childhood

and generally loved it!

Next, we headed down to Kenting. We stayed in a little hostel for one night, and got up bright and early to enjoy the beach and the sun that the beach resort had on offer.

We got back from Kenting feeling relaxed, roasted and ready to party! The following Friday (her last weekend) we got the fast train to Tainan - Kaohsiung's immediate neighbour, to support Ed DJ at the famous Tin Pan Alley. We went with my friend Nicole. They became best buds!

Now you STOP taking pictures of me NOW!!

See??? Best buds!

 After recovering for some time... we visited Cijn Island - a 5 minute ferry ride from Kaohsiung's Gushan Harbour. We had another swim and Hannah bought a hat.

Hannah got back to the UK safely, with loads of amazing junk she had purchased on her adventures here and great great memories = ) please come again!

After Hannah left, life went back to normal... well apart from swimming 3.3 km across a lake!! That was awesome. I got really bad sunburn... but it was worth it! I turned 23

Thank you friends!!

Special thanks to the man I love

During September and October, we had some very cool visitors...

Kenting take 2!!

(starting far right) Mark, Heather and Bob.

Bike Tainan - the best hostel ever!!

Cheese anyone?!

Think you've had enough there Bob...

Lottery!!

So good to have you guys with us!! Miss you!!

I'm going to stop there... it's been an absolutely brilliant year and I will be back in the UK from the 7th of November to the 6th of January (we're coming back because we love it so much!!)

****BIG NEWS PEOPLE **** My band Rice & Pea are playing at Brickyard Beer Garden on the 3rd of November. Come find us in the park for beer, fun and other delights!!

Peas out xx