Episode 6: On Realizations

“I didn’t realize…” the beginning of a phrase much used by my friends and I in Taiwan. Here are some examples they can be geography-related, food-related, massage-related. Perhaps it will give some insight into life here. I definitely learn something new everyday.

I didn’t realize the metro map wasn’t pointing north.
I didn’t realize there would be no maps.
I didn't realize my washing machine would be in Chinese.
I didn’t realize I shouldn’t have eaten that.
I didn’t realize that I just ate arteries.
I didn’t realize tofu could smell like that.
I didn’t realize booking a trip could be so hard.
I didn’t realize there would be so many people.
I didn’t realize one could get sick so often.
I didn’t realize there was red been paste inside.
I didn’t realize that tiramisu had cornflakes at the bottom.
I didn’t realize I’d have to stand on the bus for an hour.
I didn’t realize that the trains stop running.
I didn’t realize my leg could move like that.
I didn’t realize that spa didn’t exist.
I didn’t realize four people could fit on one scooter.
I didn’t realize one person, one cat, and one dog could fit on one scooter.
I didn’t realize dogs could ride on scooters.
I didn’t realize apples could be that big.
I didn’t realize grapes could be that big.
I didn’t realize oranges could be yellow and green.
I didn’t realize there would be no cheese here.
I didn’t realize the water at the hot springs would turn my ring orange.
I didn’t realize the movie wouldn’t have English subtitles.
I didn’t realize the visitor’s center would be 1 km. away from the park entrance.
I didn’t realize there was a bus to the visitor’s center.


Looking back on all the things we didn’t know, a friend piped in quickly "but think of all the things we realized now!" Way to stay positive! I had no idea what I was really getting into, and "I realize" that's okay. I might have to revisit this list and add more things later.