Moon Festival

Yesterday, I didn't have anything to do at school. Because a school time every Wednesday only until 12 o'clock. After having lunch time, students will go back home early. But, students from grade 6 ask me to join their activity (again) haha. So interesting! :D

After hard day for a week ago. We will have a holidaaaaayyyy!(finally). Taiwannese called this moon festival. What is moon festival? According to Wikipedia, Moon Festival/Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates three fundamental concepts which are closely tied to one another:

• Gathering, such as family and friends coming together, or harvesting crops
• Thanksgiving, to give thanks for the harvest, or for harmonious unions
• Praying (asking for conceptual or material satisfaction), such as for babies, a spouse, beauty, longevity, or for a good future

Traditions and myths surrounding the festival are formed around these three concepts, although traditions have changed over time due to changes in technology, science, economy, culture, and religion.

Cleaning Time^^

On Saturday we need have to go to school because next week will be long holiday, that will be a Moon Festival! And today also Kimo's schedule so we have to come early, 06.15 am is already on our way to school. It's about 07.45 am and children start to clean the school grounds. This is good way to build dicipline and good charateristics to them since now, as soon as possible for  people who live around have to make good impact to them.

Earthquake Simulation and Music Concert!

This second day at Beimen Elementary School, there's something happen with people here. It's around 08.25 the kids came out from school building after hiding from their table and gathered in front of school's yard. Some teachers using vest, and Mr.Chen from took a note how long it will take the kids to get on the field. It's such kind of earthquake simulation for children at school because in the past there's severe earthquake that damaged many buildings in Tainan. So, every beginning of the semester in Beimen Elementary School they do some earthquake simulation.

Taiwan is in a seismically active zone, on the Pacific Ring of Fire, and at the western edge of the Philippine Sea Plate.^[1] Geologists have identified 42 active faults on the island, but most of the earthquakes detected in Taiwan are due to the convergence of the Philippine Sea plate and the Eurasian Plate to the east of the island.^[1][2] Most of the earthquakes registered in Taiwan actually occur off the east coast and cause little damage, whereas smaller quakes beneath the island itself have historically proven more destructive. The first recorded earthquake in Taiwan was in 1624, the founding year of Dutch Formosa.^[3] Between 1901 and the year 2000 there were 91 major earthquakes in Taiwan, 48 of them resulting in loss of life.^[4] The most recent major earthquake was the 921 Earthquake, which struck on September 21, 1999, and claimed 2,415 lives. - from wikipedia.

First Day at Beimen Elementary School

Today is my first day come to Beimen Elementary School. Feel excited and curious what will happen when I already there. I have to  introduce myself around people here. So, I woke up at 4 am, waiting for Fajr praying time. I can decide where is the Qiblat for praying after asking Kimo (my host family in Tainan) the direction of sun rise because I still have to carry out my obligation as a Muslim wherever I am.

Kimo also gave me a breakfast during our way went to school after he bought it first from breakfast shop. That was odd for me because I usually eat rice/fried rice with hot tea every morning, then he gave a sticky rice with vegetables and pieces of chicken meat inside it (they know I'm not eating pork) and barley juice! (Kimo trying hard to explain to me about that juice haha). Barley jus was so special for me. Since that, I knew people in Taiwan eat a big portion of food everyday.

barley juice (left) and sticky rice (right)

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I love a new atmosphere in here. Not only students saw me and felt curious but also the teachers. Maybe because I am wearing hijab and this is their first time saw people like me at school. A short-

Touchdown Taoyuan International Airport

Hallo! Since last time I said I will go to somewhere, here is the place! But not the real place. I still have to go to Tainan, southern way from Taoyuan Taiwan.
After Jakarta, took a rest two days at my uncle's home, I was off to Singapore for one night alone without friend. (just had friend for speaking with a madam when I went to Changi Airport). You can guess I'm lazy to write anything last time haha. At Changi, I thought everything's amazing! I found flower garden in the middle of the airport with it's fish pond. And a place where many child with their parents use it to drawing, I've already tried! Haha.

flower garden (1)

flower garden (2)

this! my masterpiece! LOL

dinner at mc donal

There are many thing we can find, but last day I am so afraid and tired to go to another terminal. Sometimes, a-l-o-n-e is not a good word for you who wanna travel. Remember that! -___-

One night I spent in front of big tv at terminal 2 Changi, felt hard to sleep because many announcements from information division ;(

Taoyuan International Airport

Landing

I am definitely sure this is my first-super-amazing experiences in my life. I can't think how if my aunty didn't pick me up to HSR station form airport? (just a lil trouble in immigration at the airport cos I didn't fill the arriving form). I am so thankful for you God, you are always here beside me.