Made it through alive!

OK, I don't mean to sound so dramatic, but yes, I made it through my first typhoon without a scratch. I believe that where I am located (outside of Tainan, somewhat in the country) it was not hit as hard as other places in Taiwan. Kaohsiung and other cities got really flooded, and there was more wind damage. My school (Tainan National University of the Arts) got a bunch of wind and rain, but no flooding. Electricity went out twice, many trees (young ones mostly) were bent over or snapped, debris all around, and many scooters were knocked over. But overall, it looked a lot like north Philadelphia on a daily basis (hey Philly!).

There was one funny thing that happened. I went to a friend's house for dinner, and as I was leaving at about 11:30pm, I realized I had left my raincoat and apartment keys back at the studio (1/8 mile away, not far, but far enough when it's pouring out). So I had no choice but to brave it out into the rain and wind to get my things. It was quite a fun adventure, I could not see with the rain in my eyes, I had to climb over trees and branches, and avoid slipping on the wet leaves and rocks. I finally made it to the studio, soaking wet and laughing my butt off. Yoshi was still at the studio, and after a little sympathy moment, he took my picture. So then I had to make it back to my apartment in the same crazy conditions. I did make it, went straight to my shower to switch into pajamas, and felt great to climb into bed. So I did get a bit of a cool adventure from it all.

OK, I'm headed back to my studio to work. It's always nice to hear the frogs as you walk the campus at night!