Admittedly feeling a bit lost and confused. Confused cause the reverse culture shock is insanely subtle. I thought it would be hitting me over the head. Some things that surprised me:

*There arent many more questions about teaching yet.

* The bathroom floor isnt wet

* My pizza slice was almost $3

* I can notice Mandarin on the streets.
This hostel is in North Beach,which is the Italian part of town. (Think good biscotti). And its right next to Chinatown. I impressed myself when I could notice thedifference between Cantonese and Mandarin on the plane yest.

* I am turning as many heads as I am. Did this happen before Taiwan

and I didnt notice.

* NO ONE is pointing and laughing at me everywhere I go

* I can order in full sentencese. I notice I am being overly polite in

the strangest of circumstances, just cause I can use full sentences,

and cause I am excited that I am understood.

What am I forgetting to talk about......dunno. But my cramps are killing me and I dont think Walgreens opens for another hour. Ibuprofen how I miss you baby!

The air feels different here. I cant put it into words (or can I) but its dryer and calmer. I think maybe the lack of traffic and general streete noise is what I am noticing. NO advertising buses blaring music and adverts. NO trash trucks teaching English. And NO scooter noise.

There is sort of a sad, "its over" feeling that I have. Sort of like the end of a bad relationship. Are there things I could have done to have made it better while I was there? Should I try again? Maybe I shouldnt have complained so openly and publically about Taiwan, cause now will people believe any good things that come out of my mouth?

But mostly I am just lost and confused. In limbo. Once I know if I am staying or going it will be better. But I am no longer used to taking advantage of a city where I can 1. find out what is going on easily and 2. understand any artsy/cultural thing I go to.

Oh, and my eyes did great yest during the killer flight! They are still a bit red (ok, a lot, but I had 4 hours of sleep), but there isnt the pain I expected from all the AC. And I did break into minor tears and it DIDNT hurt. Yippie. Heres to healing eyes and a (relatively) small bum(yes mine, I am back in the states now, haha)!

I noticed that you guys are drinking up this "I'm home" stuff up (209 hits yest!), so if you have any specific questions for me, fire away. Like I said, the internet access is free here. Not the fastest in the world and sometimes there is a line, but with my jetlag and screwed up body clock I should be able to snag some major online time!