Zàijiàn Taiwan!

...That means goodbye :(

My trip home was uneventful. Actually, too uneventful. On the 12-hour flight from Tokyo to Minneapolis, I happened to be sitting in the only seat (on a full flight!) with a broken video screen and reading light. Sorry - no movie reviews this time! It was a rather boring flight with no movies and no light...at least Delta gave me 10k miles for the inconvenience.

I'll leave you with some of my final cultural observations:

-Everyone drives scooters. And scooters stop for no one. Be careful of them when you cross the street...

-Taiwanese people remember everything! The hotel staff remembered every guest's face, full name, and room number...and this was at a large high-rise hotel. And they are so hospitable. If you leave your room for even 30 minutes, your pillow will be fluffed, slippers and robe laid by your bed, etc. One time they knocked on my door asking if I'd like any chocolate. Freaky...they almost knew me too well! 

-Step aside U.S. "duck face." In Taiwan, it's all about the "sparrow face." For the perfect sparrow, open your eyes wide and purse your lips slightly (think like a bird waiting for food). For added effect, add a peace sign.

Sparrow face via kokatu.com

Sparrow face via Kat and Tyler (dressed as a banana)

Be on the lookout for my recommendations post soon!