Job Discussion Forums

Finn76 · Joined: 07 Sep 2005 Posts: 29 Location: Mingxiong Chiayi

Hey,
I am a new arrival here teaching English at a High School near Chiayi city in Mingxong town. Can anyone give me any tips for meeting other native English speakers? (please do not read this as a chance to get nasty) Maybe Chinese language classes in Chiayi? Or any other social thing - pool, whatever. Thanks!

Zen-Poet · Joined: 08 Sep 2005 Posts: 16

Hello, Finn76.

I live in Chiayi City. Perhaps the best place to meet other ex-pats is the Golden Eagle (243 Chi-Min Rd., Chiayi City) There is also a group of us who play street hockey every Saturday afternoon, if that's something you are interested in. Its an international affair - there are several Canadians, a few Americans, a couple of South Africans, a Brit and even a few Taiwanese locals play with us.

Finn76 · Joined: 07 Sep 2005 Posts: 29 Location: Mingxiong Chiayi

Wicked. Thanks. I would def be up for international street hockey. I might watch the first one though - though I am an Aussie I am a completely unco one.

What time do you guys play and where?

surrealia · Joined: 11 Jan 2003 Posts: 241 Location: Taiwan

You should take a look at this page for ideas on places to go:

http://www.geocities.com/allhou/chiayiscene.htm

The most popular spots for native English speakers are Calgary, Capri and American Pie.

Aristotle · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1388 Location: Taiwan

Travel Warning for Chaiyi Taiwan

clark.w.griswald · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 2056

Zen-Poet · Joined: 08 Sep 2005 Posts: 16

Hi Finn76,

We start playing at about 4pm on Saturday afternoons during the summer and earlier in the winter. As for where we play, its a little hard to describe - might I suggest meeting somewhere and I can show you in person? Its quite easy to get to once you've been there but kind of hard to find the first time - not unlike trying to find Calgary (the pub in Chiayi, not the city in Alberta) for the first time...How well do you know Chiayi City, in terms of geography etc? Perhaps the easiest place to meet would be the train station.

There's also a group of people who play pool every Thursday night that I can put you in touch with if you'd.

The website that surrelia listed above is a little dated - for example American Pie is no longer in business - but is still a valuable resource; its one of the bookmarks on my computer.

Finn76 · Joined: 07 Sep 2005 Posts: 29 Location: Mingxiong Chiayi

Hey Zen,

As for how well I know Chiayi - not well, but I am typing this from the golden eagle after having walked around the park, so i am in the exploration phase.

Another mission for the day - after further exploration by foot and scooter is to end up at the Calgary - though I hear, as you said, it is tough to find. I'll give it a shot. ..

I'll be there at 5pm today (though prob earlier).

Would be great to meet as I am up for pool, hockey and tips on what to do and see. Otherwise, let me know another time or place and i will try and make it.

Ta for your help so far!

Finn

ramakentesh · Joined: 05 Mar 2005 Posts: 145

Is Chiayi a nice place to live in terms of scenery? Ive been told that it is by some, but others that is isnt particularly a stand-out in this area.
Cheers

Zen-Poet · Joined: 08 Sep 2005 Posts: 16

Hi Finn,

Glad to see you found the Golden Eagle. The owner, Olivia, is an outstanding woman and is a great help to us ex-pats. The staff is also very helpful as well.

I was just at Calgary last night but I'll stick my head in at around 5pm today - maybe we can have a beer or two.

Hopefully, I'll catch up with you there.

Finn76 · Joined: 07 Sep 2005 Posts: 29 Location: Mingxiong Chiayi

Hey Zen,

yeh - I am thinking after my 'research' I prefer the GE. Peggy is a sweetheart too. Maybe I got the wrong day / time at the Calgary, but I felt somewhat conspicuous ...

Back here at the Eagle for a post dinner g&t which is nice and cosy, like someone's home before riding back to Mingxong and the working week. Olivia is passing around sandwiches - so lovely!

Maybe I'll catch you later on somewhere, sometime. Until then, wish me luck as I think I am at 50/50 with the kids at school... this wk is make or break time, but I am going with the 'universal language of the well timed smile' philosophy...

Finn

Zen-Poet · Joined: 08 Sep 2005 Posts: 16

Hiya Finn,

I must have just missed you at both Calgary and the Eagle.

Tell you what, check your private messages and I'll send you my contact info and we can try to better organize a time/place to meet.

Failing that, I'm almost always at the Eagle on Friday nights after 930pm - if you're in town, stop in and we'll have a beer.

Good luck with the kids this week - I try to remember that when I was a kid, I wasn't all that fond of school either so I try to make my classes as much fun for the kids as I can. If you can make them laugh, you'll do alright.

Finn76 · Joined: 07 Sep 2005 Posts: 29 Location: Mingxiong Chiayi

Hi Ramakentesh,

I don't think I am the person to answer your question as I have only been here a week and live just outside Chaiyi in a smaller town. Also, I have not seen the rest of Taiwan so can not compare it to anywhere...

Finn

Dr_Zoidberg · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 1:22 pm Post subject:

Dr_Zoidberg · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 1:26 pm Post subject:

Hi Finn76,

Welcome to Chiayi! You can take my place at the weekly hockey game. I haven't played since I injured my ribs a couple of months ago.

The Eagle is definitely the place to meet other foreigners; it's better if you go Friday or Saturday after 9pm.

If you're into cycling, I'm looking for a cycling buddy.

Cheers!