Recently I was able to get certified in PADI Open Water Diving – and my experience was like nothing I’ve ever done before! Here’s my retelling of it for anyone who’s curious. Also, check out my Youtube video of Diving at Orchid Island. The sun hid behind grey, menacing clouds; rain was coming, though I … Continue reading Scuba Diving
I’m back! After three long years, I’m back in Taiwan. It almost feels like a different life, as if instead of following the passage of time forward, I stepped out of my Canadian life and sideways into a Taiwanese one. The adventures began with a 12-hour layover in Turkey, during which I had originally … Continue reading Back on the Streets of Taiwan
Recently I sat down to write about my Top 10 memories of this year. Most of them were from Taiwan, as life has really calmed down a lot since I returned due to Covid (crazy to have so much free time! I'm getting really good at the Ocarina). Suddenly the memories started flowing out of … Continue reading 10 Memorable Days in Taiwan
some pickles I have with blanket advice taught at many Outbound Training sessions “Always say Yes, to everything”, they tell you in the trainings. No offense to Rotary, but this is not great advice. In principle, it makes sense, and in the first few months it is crucial; if you decline opportunities because you're tired, … Continue reading Rotary Trainings: What to Learn
A particularly dramatic retelling of my experience in the Taiwanese healthcare system, accompanied by my thoughts. Sweat dripped down my forehead. The hum from the car engine grated on my ears, and even the brightness of the day pained me. When I closed my eyes, I could feel every bump in the road shaking my … Continue reading Healthcare in Taiwan
https://youtu.be/wsiOY9mD-a0 In June, all the Inbound exchange students gathered in Hsinchu for a Chinese Speech Competition. I prepared for two weeks beforehand and won 2nd place (2nd only to Callie of course!! I have her to thank for it as she really helped me learn a lot of Chinese during those hours we spent in … Continue reading 2nd Place in Mandarin Speech Competition!
Rotary New Years Trip 新年快樂!!! For New Years, at least 100 exchange students went to Taipei to see the fireworks off of Taipei 101. I remember rebounds telling about this trip when I was still in Canada, and it felt like a lifetime away. Now I can't believe it's already behind me!! Yesterday, we started … Continue reading 新年快樂
Before you start reading, go watch my 4th Month in Taiwan video, and check out the bonus video of our trip to see the Christmas lights in Taipei. All my videos are available on my Youtube channel - click on the blue text to be taken to these videos. You can also look under the … Continue reading Hotpot and fancy shrimp restaurants (among other things)
Videos: August September October November December (for the rest of the videos, check out my Youtube channel) 2019. 12. 14 Christmas Lights in Taipei Beavertales Slides: Culture Fair Presentations: 1st Month 2nd Month 2.5nd Month 3rd Month 4th Month 5th Month 6th Month 7th Month About Taiwan (English)
What's a Beavertale, you ask? No, I'm not talking about the delicious Canadian dessert. District 7080 has Outbound exchange students write open letters home at 3 points in their year abroad. The letters, called "Beaver Tales", are posted on the District 7080 website. They act as a great memoir for us, an update for our … Continue reading Read Our Beaver Tales
YEPS is a new club giving university students opportunities to connect with youth (aged 8-14) and discuss topics that will prepare them for the future.
Hi! I'm a Canadian traveller here to share my adventures.
a guide to get you out of the city and into the hills
Learning through travelling
I went on exchange and thought, "Hey, why not write about it?" Want to read about my experience? Have questions you want answers to? Want to have a good laugh? You can find all that here! Enjoy! -A.
Serena Around the World 