Good morning from Taipei
5:30am.
It’s funny how different the trees are here. The leaves are thick and waxy and if they were everywhere you’d be in the jungle. You don’t think about the trees being different.
Berk and I got a taxi from the airport last night and made it to the apartment around 8pm, which (amen and hallelujah) does exist. Gerry, the roommate I corresponded with online also exists, but I’m less sure he is real. His chinese name is “Hydrolic Press” and he’s moving to Australia next month to become a miner. I haven’t met any other flatmates yet, so I can not confirm or deny whether they exist.
The weather so far is thick and hot, even at night. Every day this week has a high in the mid 30s and a low high 20s. Thankfully our rooms are airconditioned, though the rest of the apartment is not. My room is nice, it gets good light and looks out toward a billboard with two taiwanese business men crossing their arms and looking militant, like they’re ready to sue on my behalf. I can’t read it, but it feels like they would get along with Misney.
We walked for a little last night before Berk made the hike to his hostel (his lease here doesn’t start until July 1). According to Gerry, the city is safe like nowhere else he’s ever been. Motorists will leave their keys in their scooters and their scooters running in the street while they pop into shops. I believe him, but I’ve almost been smooshed by a scooter MarioKart style twice already.
Today, I think I just plan to explore! Though maybe after another hour of sleep…