I am licensed to drive a motorcycle.

Taiwan must be a great quasi-nation if they have deemed it prudent to issue me a motorcycle driver's license. We took our test today and I think I scored a Fulbright record-high on the written portion (97.5, passing is 85 and most people hover around this mark). A passing score is good enough to drive a 50 cc motorscooter, but it also qualifies you to take the driving test which involves driving a straight line for 25m in at least 7 seconds (aka balancing at slow speeds), before then looping into a narrow course that involves a traffic light, pedestrian cross and railroad crossing.

I had practiced for the test on a 100 cc scooter which is powerful but maneuverable, but, of course, as I was practicing on the course before the test, that scooter died and I had to learn to ride the big, beastly 125 cc scooter in a matter of minutes. It turns out that I must be a natural, though, as I passed my test on the first try (you have two chances on the balancing and the very lenient judge didn't seem to notice when I put my foot down on the other parts of the course...). Either way, I am now licensed to own and drive my very own scooter!

In other news, I also received my placement today! I will be living in Luodong which is just south of where I am living now, and working at San Sing and Shin Zhong Junior High Schools with my cooperating teachers, Candy and Cathy. At San Sing I will also be working with my new friend Angus, who has spent the last decade in the U.S. studying. He is currently working at the school as part of his mandatory military service and will be helping me with the English clubs.

Ok, must get some rest before the big day tomorrow: buying my scooter and moving to Luodong. I'm sad to leave Yilan and the great friends that I made here (a lot of the other Yilan people are staying here because their placements are close by), but I am excited to try another city and start my routine.