My arm/chest ain’t healed. I’m deformed. Probably should’ve had surgery. So much for that expensive healthcare. Haha Hope that neck heals quickly brother
Not a bad question at all, especially considering that you'll be reading it out loud. What I usually do before my book reviews is Google how to pronounce it or find videos on RU-vid where people use the name until I'm satisfied or stumped.
It's good so far. I'm not actually teaching until September and my coordinator convinced the director to let me do half days for August so I'm in at 8 and out at 12. Using this time to figure out what to do for the classes. Met the principal today and she seems nice. The school seems enthusiastic to really learn English which is a big plus and I'm more than willing to do my best for them. Having a place want you there makes a huge difference and I'm really glad to be back in an actual school again.
Damn, neck cut open! But good that you still checked. I think the healthcare system is way too good in Taiwan. It makes no sense but take advantage of it good sir🤣🇹🇼👍
can you do another (more) video(s) on being a late 30s early 40s guy living alone abroad? how is the lonliness? how easy was getting a gf? I know you do bjj classes but I'm wondering how hard it is to find a community there. As a 30s guy it seems impossible to me in the west now.
Well I can certainly talk at length on those subjects as I've felt bitterly the absence of community and loneliness during many portions of my life. Thanks for the request and I'll try to do some of these soon.
That’s good that you got a few opinions on what your condition could be. Having your neck cut open sounds scary. Thank goodness Flo helped you tremendously :) I could see how it’d be tempting to take advantage of the universal healthcare system. I thought a biopsy would just mean they’d scrape some skin off your neck, too lol. That’s probably good you didn’t end up getting surgery on your shoulder. I hope you can get to the bottom of this skin condition 🤞
Yes, I was quite surprised that I had signed up and jumped into a process that was much more involved than I thought it would be. But now that it's over and my neck seems to be healing well, I'm happy I went through with it. And yes, Flo made the entire ordeal bearable and her presence touched me dearly. Thank you as always Sis :)
@@ryfree Yeah, who woulda thought. Good thing it’s healing. That’s so wonderful. Flo sounds so sweet and caring :) She looked cute in that photo you showed in the video 🌸 Sure thing, bro :)
"It's better to be safe than sorry." I've pushed for tests/scans , even when Dr's couldn't find anything before. And I was correct - they found things on scans that other Dr's missed. Trust in Doctors, but verify. At least you don't have to worry about the cost. Imagine going through this in the US. Once a year, I visit Kuala Lumpur and get a full physical with blood work, Abdominal Ultrasound, Chest Xray, DEXA scan, uranlysis for about $150. It's worth it for piece of mind, and they often found things for people that US Doctors wouldn't test because of the cost. Health is wealth! Most cancers are treatable and curable if caught early! You wait because of anxiety and then you risk serious consequence. I have anxiety as well, but I try to surround myself with people to help, and medicate as needed. I'm glad you went through with it!
Thank you Ethan! You make some very excellent points. Health truly is wealth and going through with the process (even if temporarily painful) is better than the anxiety and uncertainty involved with avoiding it. Glad to hear that you found a place that offers you affordable services in that department. I'll keep Kuala Lumpur in mind should my situation change and I leave Taiwan. Much appreciated for your comment.
Last weekend, we were really busy, but I'm glad I could at least be there with you through it all. When she was cutting, I could feel your anxiety, and since I was worried about you and afraid of seeing blood, I looked nervous too. But I liked how you were still able to joke around at that moment. (On a side note, I think because I complimented that girl on how pretty she was, she took extra care and paid close attention while stitching up your wound. Lol I hope we can find out what the issue is at next week's follow-up and fully resolve it.
Well whether or not the doctor discovers a cure for my funny skin, I have to admit that your presence and help made the entire experience not only bearable but touching. Thank you again for being there throughout it all my dear. And yes, despite whatever is happening, a sense of humor and compliments go a long way lol.
Yeah I've heard good things about Taiwan's healthcare system. As a tourist, I also had utilized their public healthcare once in Alishan tourist area for a toenail infection. I was amazed that there was even a public clinic there. I went in, told the staff at the counter of my toenail infection, and the doctor came out to take a look and give his opinion. I told him I wanted to consider if I wanted treatment (antibiotic). I was stunned that I was not charged at this point. I was only charged after I was keen on getting the antibiotics and had to go into his room. It was very affordable too.
When I lived in Malaysia, I loved typhoons. Horizontal beating rain, like someone pounding on the shutters. The awesome power of it (even though several feet of rain would fall and everything would flood)
Here in canada, the town of Jasper is burning down, there has been 3 majors tornados here in Québec witch never happened before. And peoples deny the climate changes.
I totally see how it must’ve been weird leaving sunshine and then having to deal with crazy typhoon weather. That was a great idea to show us your rooftop so we could see a bit of what Taiwan is experiencing. It actually looks cool, but I see why mostly everyone is staying indoors. Also, your rooftop is really beautiful and modern. I’m sorry you’re going stir crazy in your apartment. That’s great that your girlfriend will be visiting you soon :) I dunno maybe you could try cooking something new next time your stuck at your place I hope you and your loved ones stay safe, bro 🫶
Thanks Diana! Yeah, I'm fairly lucky that my building didn't have any flooding and that my scooter managed to stay upright. When I went down the street this morning, I could see that not everyone was so lucky. Speaking of cooking, I made a delicious breakfast and used that green sauce that Monica got. And I brought some tortillas from home so plan on introducing my gf to breakfast burritos, lol. Hope you're doing well Sis :)
@@ryfree That’s pretty lucky. I’m surprised your scooter stayed upright in that powerful wind. I’m sorry to hear others weren’t as fortunate. I bet it was bomb! Monica will be happy to hear it’s getting some use :) Oh nice, that was a great idea. I hope she’ll love them! I remember getting the best breakfast burritos 🌯 in Whittier. Cali’s food is so much better than the food in Nevada.
You don’t like storm chasing I guess. When I lived in Taiwan we went out on typhoon days. Sometimes even to the beach. Loads to do and see on a typhoon day. No need to lock yourself up.
I haven't experienced such a big typhoon in a long time. If I were you, I would definitely want to go out or teach when returning to the city. Just count down a few more days, and I'll be there soon.
This typhoon is nonsense. I am moving up to Taichung on Friday to meet up with my coordinator and move into the apartment I've chosen. I'm praying the rains have subsided or stopped by then.
@@PsychoGemini Well I hope the weather is conducive for your big move. Congrats again and I can't wait to hear how your new life in Taichung treats you.
I just came from there. It’s 0625 on a Sunday on July 21. Drive through 7th street. Entrance gates were closed. Didn’t open till 0900. What other way is there to go in through?
@@mrabelone31 Man I'm sorry to hear that. Back in the day we had much easier access to hills but the authorities have slowly and surely eroded that access. It's been a few years, but there should be an unlocked entrance to the top of the trail at the end of Skyline Drive. Best of luck.
I know am like two years late on giving my thoughts/rant on this but I feel this explains how abuse in any form keeps occurring & shows me how we as people are products of a system that intentionally fails & has us hand on misery we have to other people we know in ways that we shouldn't & because we're so used to that we really lose sight on how we can handle it all rationally in good time
Nice talk. I worked the pre-school and cram school circuit for 12 years 1994-2006. I always enjoyed my work, but as I was approaching 40 I realized that I couldn’t keep up the volume of teaching I was doing anymore. I also had gotten burned out on teaching basic English. So I returned to the States (Hawaii), got certified as an English and later as a Psychology teacher, and have taught high school Language Arts and AP Psychology for the past 17 years. Grateful for my former life in Taiwan, where I really learned from daily hands on experience everything I know about teaching. Must be fascinating teaching in the public schools, which wasn’t an option until after I left Taiwan.
Congratulations to you for being able to make that transition back to the states (and Hawaii of all places). I've met a few older expats in Taiwan that wish they moved back earlier in their lives and now feel a bit trapped in their teaching gigs and Taiwan entanglements. For me, the public school system and what it has to offer is a good deal and I really enjoy my classes (for the most part). Hope all is going well for you my friend.
Nice presentation. I lived and worked as a roving English teacher in northern Taipei for 12 years, 1994-2006. At that time there were not yet opportunities for foreign teachers in public schools. I made quite a bit of cash, exhausting myself teaching 40-50 hours per week in three venues - morning pre-school, early afternoon private students, and late afternoon to evening cram schools. It was fun but something I found I couldn’t do past the age of 40, particularly after having two children. It’s great that there are now decent public school opportunities. If I had had such opportunities back then, I might have had a more leisurely life and not succumbed to the allure of exhausting myself for higher income.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me and my channel. I've often heard that the money used to be great back in the old days of teaching English in Taiwan and from your story, I can see that probably is correct. I'm 42 and often wonder how long I can continue teaching English but for now I find a really good work/life balance with the public schools (though the money is the best).
When I lived in Taiwan (U.S citizen) on study abroad last year, I remember feeling extremely safe. There was only one concern around last October where planes were in Taiwanese airspace, but I barley noticed if we are being honest. On top of that, I remember the concern from people at my internship as I was there when the Israel-Gaza conflict started that Taiwan could be next. I think a very valuable lesson I learned about news came from this time. In Taiwan, I heard from news and people that a "Night of Rage" was happening in the US, and that people were advised to stay home on a certain weekend because riots were occurring in nearly every major city. I worriedly called home and my family (who live near a large city) told me they had no idea what I was talking about and that such demonstrations didn't happen. I think in Taiwan the news about the US was dramatized, and in the US the news about Taiwan is often dramatized. This is why I ask my friends in Taiwan about the concerning news I learn in the US. I am planning on moving back to Taiwan in a year, trying to get an English teaching gig from Fulbright Fellowship, and I am not scared about the possibility of invasion from 中国 to 台湾 , albeit when I first saw the "Air Defense Shelter" signs in Taipei, I did get nervous.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me and my channel. I agree with you that the media (of most countries probably but at least the ones that I've lived in) often dramatize the news. I wish you all the best in securing your gig in Taiwan.
I read a bit! I mentioned I wasn't the best informed yet wanted to share the opinions of the locals I've talked to as well as what I've experienced personally on this topic. If you were looking for an analyst, you clicked on the wrong video.
I like how you shared all the local opinions as well as your own. Wow, their bootcamp seems so much more tame. I didn’t realize you lived so close to a military base. Your friend had a good point, but it’s good that your not letting fear rule your life. It’s crazy how you came back to the US for a short visit and the political climate has gotten drastically worse.
Thank you Diana! Yes, my friend's point really opened my eyes up to that scary possibility but I'll probably still lease my apartment for another year as I just don't want to start acting out of fear (unless I see some strong signs). But I forgot to mention that that friend was also eyeing my TV and furniture and asking me if she could have it if I had to flee to America. Oh what a funny woman lol. Yes, since I've returned I've been hearing both sides of the political spectrum spout their slogans at me and I'm kinda glad I'll be escaping it in a few days. Hope all is well with you and Corwin :)
@@ryfree Yeah, I think it’s too soon to do anything too drastic. Haha, trying to freak you out so she can have your stuff. Oh gosh, that’s not cool. Yes, you’re very lucky, lol 😆 I hope you have a safe flight back. Thanks bro! I hope you have a great rest of your week :)
If you have been to Israel, you should really enjoy Jeffrey D. Schwartz Community Center. A beautiful building with all the things a Jewish person would need to live a Jewish life. Pretty please do a video on this place when you are back in Taiwan.
Thanks for touching on this, Ryan! I’m an English/ Literature teacher from Eswatini, the only country in Africa that still staunchly supports Taiwan’s dream of absolute independence, and the one thing that’s made me particularly nervous about going to teach in Taiwan is the threat of a Chinese invasion. It’d be unfortunate to move there only to need to run out again as China launches its invasion. Do you notice much in everyday life there? Like, say, random drills and such?
Hello Irvin, thank you so much for watching and commenting. I had no idea that Eswatini supports Taiwan but that's great to hear. To answer your question, I do not notice anything out of the ordinary for 99% of the year but there was one time that everyone's cellphones received a warning about a 'missile' but it was later found out that it was a typo in the warning and there was no actual threat. So I've only been scared once. For the most part you won't even notice the tension with China unless you talk politics with people.
Life in Taiwan is good if you have a job that allows you to make a good living and that you enjoy. Also best healthcare in the world and beautiful country nature wise.
One of the most overestimated writers of all time. Really? What can one say about Aliosa's theological discussions with a 13 year old boy? What can one think about the ending of Brothers Karamazov, where Aliosa together with some pre-adolescent children (!) are happy and celebrate the coming of Last Judgement Day!... Seriously? Is this suppose to be good literature? In Dostoevsky there is always the following concept: All "good" guys get to be rewarded and all "bad" guys either commit suicide or go to prison or get crazy. Ivan Karamazov, the one that could have saved Dmitri's, his brother's, life, gets crazy one day before the court! And why? Because he is the "atheist" of the novel! Excuse me, but is there anything more p r e d i c t a b l e in whole literature? Do you want your literature to be predictable in that silly way? How can a healthy human mind accept this forced and totally disgusting solution? This is the most horrible, boring and kitsch author out there. Not even his language has anything to offer! Please, read him anew; don't let yourself repeating "what the world is saying". Fortunately, there are at last some critical voices on Dostoevsky on YT. One can find them.
@@ryfree Oh thanks! I appreciate your reaction! It's true, I cannot stand Dostoevsky - no way! May I make a suggestion of a great author, who writes about religion, God etc. but in such way that he succeeds not to be ridiculous and kitsch as Dostoevsky? Then please read Nikos Kazantzakis - Christ Recrucified, The Last Temptation of Christ, The Fratricides etc.
What about tattoos - I've got some tattoos on my arm that can be hidden with a sleeve. I've worn what was called 'sun sleeves' at my previous job to hide them and it was fine but I was curious about your opinion on that.
There are teachers with tattoos that work in the public schools here but I do know of one good teacher who a school really liked but they ultimately passed on hiring him because of his tattoos. He got a job at another school down the street though.
I'm really glad to finally see you in high definition. Hearing your perspective helps me understand that you sometimes feel a bit disconnected from society while living in Taiwan. I hope you enjoy everything familiar this month and get ready to face new challenges when you come back,and I'll always be here with you. As your viewer, I'm also interested in your progress or experiences learning Chinese. lol
@@Jin-9129 Well having you there in Taiwan helps me connect with the culture and deal with problems that inevitably come my way. You're a gem. Oh, a video about learning Chinese you say? Hehe not a bad idea. 😉
Hi Samke, congratulations on the interview. Make sure that you check the lighting and audio before the interview. You want to appear bright and the sound to be clear. Let them know Ryan sent you.
Hey thanks for sharing. I live in Toufen and you confirmed my experience when I filed taxes in Taiwan too. 90+ thousand NTD is a good amount to get back! I assume it’s from the standard deduction plus being in the country 183+ days, which reduces your tax rate to 5% total, meaning you get a refund on 13% of the 18% you paid all year.
I'm not exactly sure of the exact calculation but what you described seems about right. I'm glad your tax filing worked out easily as well. It makes suffering that high tax rate much easier knowing you get a chunk of change back eventually.
I'm not exactly sure how the calculations work but getting that chunk of change back makes suffering the higher tax rate much easier. Glad it worked out for you as well my friend.
It's great they cover the ticket. I'm assuming that you only get the money if you buy a ticket. I wonder if you would have went back to the U.S. if you had to pay a percentage. Would you consider staying in Taiwan over a future summer, or would you always want to go back? Teaching internationally too, I have really enjoyed summers where I haven't gone back to the U.S. and can just enjoy where I am at. But most expats I've worked with look forward to going back, I think . . . Would the school pay for language classes for you or anything like that?
Great questions! I actually didn't feel the need to head back to my home country and was hoping to use the airfare and travel somewhere more exotic. Then I looked at the fine print in the contract and it said I had to go back to the USA. I'm somewhat pragmatic so I couldn't let a free ticket go to waste so I decided to come back in the end. But I would like to use more of my vacation time to explore other countries and even Taiwan where I work and live. Luckily I should have 2-3 weeks in August free after I finish summer school and before the new school year begins. Language classes aren't included in the contract unfortunately but my coworkers are fond of helping me in that department. How are things arranged where you're at?
That's interesting it has to be your home country, but I guess that it makes sense on their end. We technically have a travel stipend, but it is just added to our end of year pay, so you get it whether you spend it or not. And no, we don't get language lessons covered, but in Africa people really, really love to help you learn. And formal language lessons once or twice a week are affordable even for someone on tight budget, like 9 dollars an hour. We didn't fly this year because it's expensive, but we are taking a bus to see another country very close to us. @@ryfree
@@nameuse11 Thanks for getting back to me, I found everything you said very interesting. I really like the idea of a travel stipend that you can use as you like. It's also great to hear that the locals are really friendly there. Wish you happy travels this summer. I'm sure a bus ride across Africa is quite the experience.
Good to see a new video from you Ryan. That is a very nice property your mom has there. You are totally right about the ease of interactions back Stateside compared to Asia along with the abundance of choices we have at our supermarkets. The Target near my brother's house in VA Beach where I was staying last year was a smaller one and even that one put every PX Mart to shame. I'm looking forward to starting over in Taichung next month after everything I've been through here in Tainan and I'm also nervous as hell since I haven't taught in a public school classroom in four years. I will say though, having done a day job at a middle school and interviewing at a local elementary school reminded me how much more comfortable I am in that environment compared to academies. Anyway, stay safe and enjoy the time back home.
Hey George, I'm glad I'm not the only one who recognizes these big differences between home and what we have in Taiwan. Yes, life here is quite a different kettle of fish compared to the expat teacher life in Asia. Being nervous about a new school and a new system is totally normal but you have enough past and recent experience to swim once the new school year starts and I'm sure you'll enjoy the atmosphere of the public school much more than the cram school gig you had previously. Really glad you got that all sorted out my friend and can't wait to hear about your experience there.
Thank you Ryan. I agree it's always a challenge adjusting to a new environment anywhere. But I'll always remember these words an old high school friend said to me that ultimately pushed me toward Taiwan back in 2020: "If you have to be on unsteady feet, at least do it somewhere you feel will be less toxic." I just wish I had gotten that chance four years prior but I am grateful to finally be here despite the difficulties.
@@PsychoGemini Oh yes, it's taken me a long time and many failings before old wise words finally sank into me. Would we do things differently in the past if we could? Probably. But let's be happy for where we are now and do our best in the future.
It’s good to see an update video, bro :) I’m glad you’re enjoying being back home for a bit. Lake Isabella and camping sounds fun. Did you have a good 4th? A dating video would be fun to see. That’s wonderful that things are looking promising in the relationship. Did you get to watch new episodes of House of the Dragon or will you wait to see it with your gf?
Hey Sis, we had a quiet 4th of July up at my mom's new house near Lake Isabella but I had more than enough fun camping with the boys. Okay, I'll make it a point to talk about dating in Taiwan. I just finished watching the third episode of season 2 and so far so good. Hope you and Corwin are doing well!
@@ryfree Ooh, that’s always fun to check out a new house. That’s nice that you guys had a mellow time. Cool, that’ll be entertaining I’m sure. A video on the tension between Taiwan and China will be interesting, too. Glad your enjoying it, too. We had to watch a Season 1 recap on RU-vid since we were feeling a bit lost. Thanks bro! He says thanks, but that we’re melting 🫠. I hope you and your family are well and staying cool :)
@@Diana_Free I would be lying if I said I haven't felt utterly lost watching season 2 as well. And as far as the melting is concerned, I'm in the high desert of California now and it feels like an oven every time I leave the house. Enjoy the AC my Sis :)
@@ryfree Hah, I’m surprised. Your memory is extraordinary. Oh gosh, that makes it difficult to be outside. The desert 🌵 is no joke right now. Thank you and you do the same, bro :)
I have a bachelor's in marketing, not for teaching - I was curious if it's still possible to teach at a public school if it isn't in teaching - thanks!
@@toddswanson2822 If only we had a party that didn't support the military industrial complex and reckless consumption. Just landed in Taiwan and am happy to escape the thick of US politics.
