Good news: I'm studying in Taiwan! Bad news: I live in the boonies...

[Brenda Shanahan]

Alright, I totally understand this feeling! Let me explain it to you:

• • Before going out: Wow, such a beautiful weather today! My mood is fantastic!
• • But the moment I step outside: I instantly become a soaked chicken, can't even crack a smile!
• • I study at National Chengchi University in Taiwan (locals call it "Cheng-Chi" for short).
  • • If I'm being poetic, the surroundings are super “untouched”, very close to nature.
  • • But the truth is, our school is actually built on a mountain! (FYI, some universities or scenic spots in Taiwan might be located on slopes, which differs from flatlands. This may prove challenging.)
• • Actually, I really do enjoy nature...
• • However! Attention friends, especially those planning a trip to Taiwan!
  • • Taiwanese weather, especially during summer, gets exceptionally humid and hot.
  • • For a university like ours that's built on a slope, just walking 20 minutes up the hill everyday would cause you to sweat like you've taken a shower, no joke!
  • • So, if you're going to Taiwan, especially visiting mountainous tourist areas where a lot of walking is involved:
    • • What about avoiding the embarrassment of appearing as though you haven't bathed? Wearing light, moisture-wicking, breathable clothes is a must.
    • • Bringing a small towel to dab off sweat, or having an extra dry T-shirt is a good idea.
    • • It's crucial to drink lots of water.
• • The only way that I see the brighter side of all this is by thinking I'm getting free aerobic exercise every day, plus losing weight!
• • #Taiwan #StudentLife #DailyLifestyleAtNationalChengchiUniversity #MountainWarning

[Kay Oberbrunner]

Sweetie, you should really consider getting a license and a scooter. Just watching you makes me tired!

[Mr. Philip Hudson]

Exchange students can't get a driver's license.

[Stacey Kulas]

Huh? Isn't there still a super cheap bus, like a one-dollar bus, that goes up the mountain anymore?

[Tracy Hoppe]

Yes, there is! But the bus has no AC and it's incredibly hot.

[Delia Jast]

You could get an e-bike. E-bikes don't seem to require a license; they're just more expensive.

[Misty Dare]

Oh, e-bikes are quite expensive over there, huh?

[Jeannie Parisian]

Bro! You're handsome; you'll have a girlfriend in no time. Get yourself a scooter!

[Lindsey Jerde DDS]

Haha, I don't have a driver's license.

[Florence Stark]

Think about Dong Hwa University in Hualien, kid, and count your blessings. At least your chats don't include stuff like, 'A Formosan black bear was wandering around campus last night...' – you know, those really 'wild' topics.

[Melinda Wilderman]

Was the black bear big? Does it attack people?

[Marc Price]

Look on the bright side, at least it's not endless stairs.

[Iris Marquardt]

There are dorms both up the mountain and at the foot. If he's living uphill... so many stairs await him We even have what we call 'Hero's Slope' (a notoriously steep climb)!

[Melinda Wilderman]

Nanjing University? Do people even need to go on exchange from there?

[Mr. Philip Hudson]

Bro, they're in Journalism and Communication.

[Robyn Monahan]

There's a bus, you know! And a shortcut too. Maybe you just don't know about it?

[Lula Schmidt]

You could try a bicycle or an electric scooter; that would be less tiring.

[Faye O'Conner]

Like this one.

[Dr. Mandy Walter-Reichert]

E-bikes (the pedal-assist kind) don't need a license.

[Hazel Brown-Stracke]

Actually, starting this year, you do! A new law just came into effect!