I decided to do an end-of-the-semester student survey. This way, if there are any concerns and/or valid suggestions, I can address them now in the final month. A few comments stood out. I can't but gravitate toward this comment. "You're too young", said one student. Part of me wants to address this concern and help … Continue reading “You’re too young” – a valid critique?
Author: ubcjoe
Mr. Sun Returns!
A year of traveling the world comes to an end and I have to return to a normal working life at some point. Going back to my previous school, KCIS, seems like the most logical step, and, thankfully, they are happy to have me back! So it begins. School year 2017/2018. It warms my heart … Continue reading Mr. Sun Returns!
Stepping out of comfort zone – first dip into couple backpacking
We took a 1.5 hour bus ride from Santiago to the nearby and iconic city of Valparaiso, or Valpo as locals apparently call it. The journey was a comfortable with onboard bathroom. I was surprised at how quickly the bus entered what seemed like desert wasteland so close to the main city. With mountain ranges … Continue reading Stepping out of comfort zone – first dip into couple backpacking
Introducing for the very first time
Introducing for the very first time on this blog, Mr. & Mrs. Sun! Yes, Stella and I tied the knot end of last year. There was no ceremony, no banquet, not even an organized dinner with all family members present. WHAT? yes, you heard right. After much discussion between the Mrs. and I (gosh, it feels … Continue reading Introducing for the very first time
替代役 Finished!
- is a sentiment shared by many who has served in the alternative service in Taiwan. The experience is unique and once-in-a-lifetime. Though I'm sure there will be days when I'll look back in nostalgia and miss moments from this wonderful journey, today I shout with joy and glad to have completed this one-year journey. As a mandatory … Continue reading 替代役 Finished!
helping others, helping myself
I started my substitution military service full of inspiration. 6 months later, I finally sat down and started typing out an entry. I've had plenty of conversations with friends and family about the school here, what it's like to make the 3-hour trek from Taipei to the mountain at 1650m altitude. However, it's been difficult … Continue reading helping others, helping myself
替代役新兵訓練 - 成功嶺的鍛鍊與澄清湖的洗滌
一轉眼一個月就過去了。The past month is perhaps the most jam-packed month of my life. So much happened, so much to share. 成功嶺:worry, uncertainty, fun, adventure, new experience, military-like, summer camp, people from all walks of life, professional athletes, slightly annoying people, really annoying officers, getting yelled at for no reason, reflecting and learning the rationale, learning not to get … Continue reading 替代役新兵訓練 - 成功嶺的鍛鍊與澄清湖的洗滌
Oppa Panmunjom style
No, I didn't get to visit Gangnam. No, I didn't even go shopping at Insadong. No, I didn't check out the campus at the all girls university. But I did visit Panmunjom / JSA / DMZ between DPRK (North Korea) and ROK (South Korea). A very surreal experience, it's been a while since I got … Continue reading Oppa Panmunjom style
We are Seoul here~
After the MERS scare in July died down, we managed to plan a trip to Seoul before my eventual civilian service duty begins in mid-September (more on that later). My first time to the city, I came here with little prior knowledge and expectation. Sometimes it's better to see things for yourself. My last contact … Continue reading We are Seoul here~
Day 5 – Farewell. See you again?
This trip is different from all the past trips in that I'm here as extra support. As a result, I've been able to spend time thinking and reflecting. What a precious opportunity to be away from the hustle and the bustle and have time to read. Last night we had a ready-made camp fire and … Continue reading Day 5 – Farewell. See you again?