這個學期快結束了，我剛決及其疲倦。我最近的努力學習，健康飲食以及運動習慣都讓我非常累，因此我感覺有點兒生病。
最近我發現了在中正紀念堂有一個跑步團，我覺得我想要成為成員。 辛虧，是免費的！他們每個週三在中正紀念堂的樓梯下集合，然後跑上跑下樓梯。在跑步之餘，他們還有在大安森林公園舉辦高強度訓練。這個團體的成員一半是外國人一半是當地人，這樣一來，這讓我有很棒的機會學習中文。運動後，他們常常一起去吃水餃或喝咖啡，而這些輕鬆的對話對於學習中文來說，和正式課堂一樣寶貴。
儘管今天生病了，我還是拖著自己出去到台北郊區參加電腦自適應中文測試。不過，這完全值得，因為我竟然考到了B2！這比上次的B1有很大的進步，雖然我的目標仍然是C1，但我對自己的進步感到非常開心。努力也許終於有了回報。
本週另一個亮點是和我媽媽的朋友及她的朋友們一起吃晚餐。他們都是長期居住在台北的外國人，以前在成都住了20年，而且中文都說得非常流利。聽他們分享自己的經歷真的很有趣，讓我親身體會到學習語言在你的生活如何加以機會，帶來意想不到的可能性，大開眼界。
除此之外，我八月即將開始的新工作已經展開了入職會議。我們開始討論簽證申請、必要的培訓證書以及其他後勤事務。目前，我還不確定培訓結束後公司會把我會派到哪個亞洲的城市去，但可以確定的是，我會先在香港待三個星期，然後前往新的地方。這種未知感讓我充滿期待！
最近，我培養了嚴重的壽司上癮。相較於歐洲，台北的壽司價格超級實惠，品質也不錯。我大概每週去吃一次，只花大約£8就能吃到撐。照這樣下去，說不定我得在對壽司過敏之前提早離開台北！
This semester is coming to an end, and I’m feeling absolutely exhausted. My recent efforts in studying, eating healthily, and maintaining a workout routine have all taken a toll on me, and as a result, I’m feeling a bit under the weather.
Recently, I discovered a running group at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and I think I want to become a regular member. Luckily, it’s completely free! They meet every Wednesday at the base of the stairs before running up and down them. In addition to running, they also hold high-intensity training sessions in Daan Forest Park. The group is made up of half foreigners and half locals, which gives me a fantastic opportunity to practise Chinese. After workouts, they often go for dumplings or coffee together, and these casual conversations in Mandarin are just as valuable for language learning as any formal class.
Even though I was ill today, I still dragged myself out to the outskirts of Taipei to take the computer-adaptive Chinese test. In the end, it was totally worth it—I managed to score B2! That’s a significant improvement from the B1 I got last time. While my goal is still to reach C1, I’m really happy with my progress. Maybe all this effort is finally paying off.
Another highlight of the week was having dinner with my mum’s friend and her circle of friends. They’ve all been living in Taipei for a long time and previously spent 20 years in Chengdu, so they speak fluent Chinese. Listening to their experiences was fascinating—it really opened my eyes to how learning a language can create new opportunities and bring unexpected possibilities into your life.
On top of that, my new job, which starts in August, has already begun onboarding meetings. We’ve started discussing visa applications, necessary training certificates, and other logistics. I still don’t know exactly which city in Asia I’ll be posted to after training, but I do know that I’ll be spending my first three weeks in Hong Kong before heading somewhere new. The uncertainty is thrilling!
Lately, I’ve developed a serious addiction to sushi. Compared to Europe, sushi in Taipei is incredibly affordable, and the quality is great. I’ve been going about once a week, and for just £8 I eat until I’m stuffed. At this rate, I might have to leave Taipei before I develop an allergy!
