We had a long flight, from TPE to LAX, DFW, and ORD, and finally getting to IPFW on a 4hr bus ride.
Since the trip started at midnight, we were able to first see the stary night sky, the sunrise, and then, just before touch down in Los Angeles, the sunset again. Even though night is falling over LA, the amount of activity in the city was amazing. There were several hot air balloons floating near the airport. From the sky, they look like little orange fairies, gracefully and unhurried.
We were tired after such a long flight, but we were not at our final destination yet. There was still a long way to go to get from Chicago to Fort Wayne. We made a brief stop at an Japanese grocery store for lunch. The place was flooded with Asians. It felt strange to be there, knowing that we are already on the other side of the planet, yet surrounded by everything NOT American.
Continue on our way, we get a glimpse of the Chicago skyline from the highway. The city looks much less awkward from the ground. From the sky, she rose from the ground like a city in a desert. Her surroundings are flat compared to the immense height of the skyscrapers.
I was hoping that I can overcome my jet leg as soon as possible, but tiredness got the better of me and I slept the rest of the way to the school. We get to sort our things out as soon as we arrive. Our rooms are very nice. With two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and kitchen. After refreshing ourselves, we joined in the lobby to have pizza and coke for dinner. The volunteers who would be accompanying us throughout the weeks are great people. It was the first time that I met people near my age who share so much interests with me that is not Taiwanese. To exchange views with them was a great delight. I was sorry when the little party ends. Cannot wait to see them again next day.
