Let's Get Caught!

There's still so much to see.

[nnediz]

NEW BLOG NEW BLOG NEW BLOG

If you guys haven’t noticed, Tumblr is pretty dead and I have stopped posting for awhile now actually. If you want to keep up to date with me, I am still posting, but on a new blog now. Go there and check it out! 

It’s really not new..but its been up and running for 2 years now 😱

There, I have Taiwan-related things for I am currently still living here (for now) and some random stuff here and there. 

If you want, check me out on insta as well. 

[nnediz]

The wait is coming to an end

I know I haven't written here since June yadda yadda yadda. I know its been a while and I have been MIA. Check out my other blog here in the meantime. Get up to speed.

So I am still writing on this blog, but more of my personal stuff will go here.

Anyway

It's been an absolute STRUGGLE since I got to Taiwan. Everything I've been doing has been a waiting process. From traveling to Taiwan and obtaining my visa in Hong Kong: but realizing that I had the wrong one and holding off my travel plans till now, it’s been rough.

My last trip was back in August when I went to Hong Kong then to Hualian and those trips were so much fun! And that is that fun ended (well not really).

I've been wanting to go somewhere out of the country since then, but with troubles with my visa and learning to be a responsible adult prevented me from doing anything else if otherwise. But if you think about it, I don't necessarily have to have this particular visa to not travel anywhere, but just in case if l don't leave the country as often as I should, I could get in much messier situations in the long run. (Read more of info about why under My Story)

So when I got back in August, I didn't find out till September that I had to change my visa. So I waited till October and that's when I visited the hospital for my health check. Waited one and a half week later and received my documents. During this time, I also took new passport photos. The same day I picked up my health check, visited Counselor Affairs and applied for the Resident Visa. Waited another week and a half and picked up my passport. The same day, I went to the Immigration office and applied for the Alien Resident Card. From there, I have to wait 2 long weeks. After I receive this card, I can travel in/out of the country as I please.

So now you think is a good time to travel? Hah, think again. This time is around the same time the tuition payment is due. Can't afford them all. Super bummed.

I hope by December I will have it all together to go somewhere. Even if it’s for a weekend, I don't care. I just wanna get out of Taiwan for a bit.

[nnediz]

I am not ready?

10 days left and I thought I was ready? I have two major things to do before departure and I still haven’t even started. What am I doing? I’ve really been slacking these past few days. But let’s think about all of this for a sec. I have been in school for a good 4 years. The break is needed and the break starts now. Beyond that, I still haven’t really figured out what I will do in Taipei when I get there. For I have some spots that I will def hit up, but I need to sit down and curate a list for your girl needs to get organized. Remember that list I created? Let’s revisit it:

Build a computer for my mother

Visit Artechouse

Attend a Bicycle spinning class

Visit the Doctor

Visit the Dentist

Visit the Eye Doc

Obtain my Driver’s License?

Backup my files

Create Hair Product Mixture

Invest in Travel Credit Card??????

Buy a new camera???????

Update Website 

So as you can see, most of it is done. There’s like two with half strikethroughs for it's in progress 😅. There are more question marks on the two for it most likely won’t happen due to money concerns ahaha. And the spinning class is gonna happen sometime this week, I hope. My good friend of mine has also given me a blog to read about a black girl in Taipei and its quite funny, yet informative. She shares her dating advice along with tips on traveling to Taipei and other needs for black women. I’ve also been reading some other blogs of people living in Taipei like Edna who shares her experience living abroad since her college graduation along with this blog sharing her personal experience studying Chinese in Taipei. So I feel like I am mentally ready?

[nnediz]

I Graduated???

A few weeks later, but your girl has finally graduated! I made it. School was frying my brain and I was sick and tired of the administration, the people, the faculty…beyond over it. I was ready to leave as soon as I got back Fall 2016. But beyond that fact, I grew as an individual and picked up new skills and met tons of people in the past two years of undergrad, which I will never regret. Hopefully someday curate into something big, something cool. But nevertheless, its over, and I am very hype for the next chapter: T A I W A N. Click that link to see my new blog and read more on what I am doing there.

I will still be posting here, but I will dedicate this blog more to personal stories along with other random posts I decide to write along the way.

So get ready, for another long written post of adventures to come. I have exactly 3 weeks until departure and here are some things I need to accomplish before I leave:

Build a computer for my mother

Visit Artechouse

Attend a Bicycle spinning class

Visit the Doctor

Visit the Dentist

Visit the Eye Doc

Obtain my Driver’s License?

Backup my files

Create Hair Product Mixture

Invest in Travel Credit Card?

Buy a new camera?

Update Website

[nnediz]

Hey! I just finished watching your youtube video on applying for the chinese government scholarship! I know that they do this every year in my country and I'm waiting until the announcement for 2019. I just wanted to know, what are the chances of someone actually getting the scholarship? Because I've been dying to studying abroad and would love to study in China, but I don't want to get my hopes up and possibly waste time applying (I know it's a long process).

It’s hard to say for no one truly knows what are the odds of getting the scholarship. It can vary from country to country for at the end of the day, you’re applying through your country’s embassy who is nominating you for the scholarship. Each embassy has a quota on how many people they accept. They don’t normally say how many (some do) but I could not answer that for you. So when you do apply, ensure that you follow the directions on your Chinese Embassy’s website and read up on the forums here for better clarification.

If you’re applying for the language program, it seems like they accept just about everyone that applies (as long as you fill out the application correctly) due to the fact that people are going to just study for Chinese. As for others like the undergrad/masters/phd, I would assume the chances are quite low due to the competition not only between the individuals in your country but many others in other countries. 

For example, I heard the Chinese embassy in Nigeria is very picky and only take a small number of applicants so many people in Nigeria apply for the Confuscious scholarship instead. And I know in certain places, they require an in person interview before they accept anyone. 

It varies overall, but I wish you the best for next year’s application process!

[nnediz]

A bit random but I love phone cases. When I make those big purchases like a Jean Jacket or like an iPhone etc, I always find a way to add a personal touch to them. Whether its a patch, changing the color or simply adding accessories. When it comes to my iPhone, I am all about hooking it up with a case. I don't care so much about adding those thick Otterbox like cases, but more like some color, some style. I hate items with big logos on it or the cliche water in the case with glitter like no no no. I like simple solid colors, but I also like adding some unique design or drawing. Something that you wouldn’t normally see in the store.

Aliexpress comes hand and hand with my aesthetic. They carry a ton of phone cases and the best part about it, it's mostly free shipping on most orders and the cases are dirt cheap and many are quite unique with their own designs. I buy the cases varying from $2 to $5. Since they ship from China, they take awhile, but you won’t be disappointed once they arrive.

Pictured is one of my favourite cases which I’ve bought from Ali Express and to this day has gotten so many compliments. Like its simple, sleek and unique in style. Be careful with not all of the cases are made of good material, but if you want something different, yet don’t care too much about the quality of things, this is just for you.

[nnediz]

I absolutely love going to concerts/festivals/shows. Invite me to a show and I am there. Whether I know the artist or not, I am always down to hearing something new. There’s something about going and hearing the music live in the flesh creates a different experience for myself. Taking the time to actually hear everything and jamming, vibing for a great music high. I love it. I’m a relatively new concertgoer. My first show ever was @wearephenox right after I graduated from high school in 2013 at the @echo stage.  Once I went to that one, there was no turning back and I have been going to shows ever since.

Hands down, my favourite show ever to date was in Aug 2015, just a week before I did my big trip abroad. Never forget. I saw Janelle Monae and her entire crew from Wondaland. That particular summer, they came out with a collective ep called The Eephus (great EP btw). They were doing this “secret” tour across the country in 8 cities all for free. You just had to RSVP in time. Y’all, let me tell you…I never have seen such an energetic crowd and/or performance ever. And I am not just talking about the main singers, but the bandmates, the backup singers, the dances, like everyone was so in tune. You could tell the performers were doing this all for love.  And the crowd was wildin’. They received the music so well. You can tell that many of us have never heard of the majority of these artists but when I walked out of there at the end of the night, I was in absolute awe. I followed all the artists soon after and streamed all of their music. And ever since then, no show I have seen since then has topped that. Not even close.

Last few days in Cali, I saw Kung Fu Kenny accompanied DRAM and YG with these lovely ladies. It was absolutely amazing and I lost my voice and it was hella dry by the end of the night but it was a great show. Would 10/10 see them again any day.  

The last show I went to was back in October when I saw Goldlink and also found my new obsession, Masego. Did yall know that Masego is a radio host on one of GTA V radio stations?! Crazy but that show was amazing from beg to end. I need to see them again.

Some artists that I want to see, but hard to see due to the location includes 20syl (only plays in France), Epik High (mostly performs in Seoul and big cities in Asia), Deadmau5 (his ass never has shows in the US unless it's in like California or Miami)

It’s been 5 months since my last one and I am having some withdrawals. Probably won’t be going to any major concerts/festivals due to my upcoming travel plans, but if anyone knows of any small shows that I should check out in the month of May in DC, let me know and let’s go.

[nnediz]

Just riding

If any of you know me very well, you know that I love to go biking. Not like hardcore mountain biking, but just the casual, commute biking (with your occasional trail bike ride here and there) and wandering biker. Been doing it for quite some time now. A lot of times, I don’t make any plans. Just hop on my bike and ride wherever my heart takes me - my escape from home. Gives me the freedom to go off on my own and discover places. Riding also serves as a mode of transportation for me. But its also a faster way to scope out a neighbourhood and just to see the sights of everything without necessarily having to walk. And in turn, I build my endurance and save money from not having to take the Metro.

First started biking on the regular towards the end of my senior year of high school. If you are thinking of biking, I recommend you do it gradually. I lived a good 45 min (by bus/train) from school so like a good hour maybe even an hour and a half by bike (if you ride slow/take your time). To start off, I took the bus halfway to Gallery Place/Chinatown and rode the other way up that big ass hill on Georgia Ave up to Shaw/Howard area (I nearly died) and I just kept doing that. After a few days, I kept challenging myself more and more with riding all the way home (not too bad of a ride) and testing out my strength with some of the steepest hills in the city during those dreadful humid months (June-Aug).

But being in school makes it tough to bike. I leave my bike at home in DC for the weather is pretty bad for a fixie during those long winter months in PA. And during those long durations of being at school, I don’t work those muscles I use while biking, and I lost the strength over time. When I come back, I have to start over again. I almost never come home so my time with my bike is limited.

One thing to note, it's also important that one must eat before going on a ride. Our bodies burn a lot of energy while riding so it's important to fuel it with good, lean hearty but healthy food. I can recall too many instances where I was in a rush to leave and I start riding and realize that I forgot to eat. Eating is very important. Even if its just fruit, it comes a long way. One day, I ran out to grab something real quick, forgot to eat and I fell off my biking passing out on a bench in the middle of the park. Thank God tho for whatever reason, I had a squishy banana in my bag. Never felt so recharged in my life till I had my first bite. It was the best feeling..ever. I told myself never again after that occurrence. Also, during those hot months, stay hydrated esp on those long rides. It's essential :).

Back in November, went on a ride literally across DC going from errand to errand and I easily rode 20 miles that day. My legs felt like straight up noodles at the end of it all and I gave myself 2 days to recover before I got back on that bike.  

The highlight of my biking experiences so far was in Shanghai. And the very big difference between DC and Shanghai was my timetable. I was there for almost a year so I needed to invest in a decent bike. For whatever reason, bikes are super cheap in China. The price of one can be as low as $15 (but let me tell you those bikes look like someone shitted all over it, ran over by a car, and left if in the corner to rust) but hey they work so why not? THINK AGAIN. I went ahead and got it but that bike got stolen just 2 weeks after using it. Hah. Can’t say you’ve experienced life in China till your bike gets stolen. 2nd time around, I ordered a cheap fixie from their infamous website Taobao. I went everywhere with this bike. I biked to class (5 min vs. 20 min walking), across the street to eat, around the neighbourhood and even downtown (an hour ride from 五角场站 to 南京西路站)! Shanghai as a city is super flat so biking around was a piece of cake once you overcome the fear of riding/crossing the roads of thousands of drivers driving however without putting on their signals, crossing over 3 lanes w/o an indication, and the disregard for pedestrians crossing the road.  I even rode the empty and quiet streets at 3am with a friend around the university. But man, never ride long distances if the pollution is bad. I learned that the hard way when I rode downtown for the first time.

When I am at home, I typically ride at least 5 days a week averaging around 15 miles a day. Doesn’t matter if its freezing cold or hot sweating balls, I am out there, 🚴🏽‍♀️.

[nnediz]

Woot!

I got the scholarship! I am even more hype for my summer plans in Taiwan now.

I received the Global Ambassador Scholarship which exposes students to Taiwanese Culture and Language through cultural excursions, to home-stays, and even a language buddy. There’s still some time to apply. Applications close on March 31st so get yours in as soon as you can. This scholarship program is only eligible for US citizens. Also, if you don’t have a passport, go ahead and get one right now. Especially if you do hear the good news, you need to give yourself at least 6 to 8 weeks to get your passport in on time before departure.

In other news, I’ve also submitted my Taiwanese Huayu Enrichment Scholarship scholarship by mail. There’s still time to apply for this scholarship as well. Check out the online guidelines for details. The deadline is also March 31st and for this one, you have to mail in your documents. I am pretty sure the items have to be in their office by this date, not mailed by this date. Once you send in your items, wait a week and give them a call to make sure that they received your documents. Especially if items are coming from separate locations. They have a general info website here and if you’re applying from the US, you can learn more about the scholarship info needed here.

Good luck to everyone during this application season.

[nnediz]

...and this is why we don’t go to the hospital

Healthcare in the US sucks.

It really...just...sucks.

There’s this big influenza epidemic this year. This has been the worst flu season in like 8 years I believe and the ER rooms have been flooded with patients. 

But I don’t have the flu.

I have acid reflux and if you’re not familiar, its when your belly gets bloated, you hiccup nonstop and other symptoms like chest pain and what not. How it comes about, there are a variety of reasons as to why mostly with if you eat too much greasy food, eaten something different from your normal diet, etc. Its been a week I’ve had it and the hiccups and bloating have gone down immensely but that chest pain is still there and very uncomfortable. People keep telling me to go to the hospital but I hate going for:

Unhelpful

Long wait

Expensive

And that’s exactly what I got from it. I waited 4 hours to receive only a max of 10 minutes of actual face to face interaction with a doctor, a trash doctor, a higher dosage of the medicine I am currently taking, and a $100 copay bill.

I could’ve stayed home and suffered for all of this

[nnediz]

Over. It.

These past few months have been nothing but stressful. I am just way too involved. I am a Resident Advisor, a part of 3 clubs (exec board member of one) and I work part time (just 8 hours) and intern on the side for fun.

Shoot me now.

Why did I sign up for all of this? What was the purpose of me taking on all this responsibility in my last year? Is it because I don’t like to say no due to social pressure? Was it for the money (I ain’t gettting paid for any of this)? The experience? I need some answers. Even I myself can’t answer.

And attending a small school, comes with its perks, but also with its advantages. You know everyone. And I mean everyone on campus. Maybe you don’t necessarily know people by their name, but you’ve seen them at least once roaming about. And with my school being in a rural area, there’s not a ton to do. There’s like a solid like 50-100ish students who are actively involved on campus but a lot of students also don’t seem to care or have other interests. Many drive home or get off campus for the weekend or go out to the 3 bars we have in the town.

On top of all of this, I am in the process of preparing for my post graduate plans. Lots of exciting things will happen in the next few months but it all depends on the outcome of the scholarships I will be applying for. Read here if you’re interested.

Just 79 days left so I need to get my shit done, do well and get out. The time is right. I need someone to like come and do the remainder of the work for me. Or just give me the damn degree already. I feel like with the experience I have, I am more than qualified. Just give it to me. Please? Is that too much to ask for? I am so over school and I need to just get away.

I can just taste April 29th. So far yet so close. People always say that once I get out of school, that I will miss it. Honey, honey honey honeeeey. You don’t know me. I’ve already had a taste of the real world.

 I have lived away for school for the past 4 years

 I’ve always lived in a different state every summer since my freshman year of college on my own paying rent, using insurance to get my yearly checkups, etc 

I lived abroad on my own for a year

I feel like those experiences alone has prepared me for my next chapter. Not to say that I’ve seen it all, but I have seen enough to strengthen me for the next big move. Does it suck? Why yes, no doubt about that, but I am so ready to be out of here.

[nnediz]

How to Apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship

Finally, my second video is up! Learn how to apply for the scholarship is out! Check it out. Its a bit long, but detailed description on how to apply and study in China for free. Let me know what you think :)

[nnediz]

Thailand

One word. Relaxing.

This time I spent in Thailand was nothing short but amazing. This was my second time going and I absolutely loved it even more. I had a ton of more time in the country so I spent a lot of it just roaming around and just relaxing and soaking the sun.

The first 5ish days were hectic. Flew into Bangkok and from there flew to Koh Tao where we took our scuba diving courses. Quite a challenging yet rewarding experience for I am not a great swimmer nor am I comfortable with the deep water so I feel like with this experience, I really pushed myself beyond the boundaries of what I was capable of doing and it has opened my eyes to yet more a world out there of something different. And what made it fun was that we met up with my friend’s friend whose from the states but is currently traveling around the world and doing a lot of freelancing work. But not too long after, she found a love for Koh Tao and found a job as a Yoga Instructor. You go girl! So happy for her. Wishing her all but the very best.

From Koh Tao, we took a ferry to Koh Samui. And in Samui, it rained the entire time. Like the entire time. It wasn’t hard rain, but moreso little drops. The island is much bigger than Koh Tao, a bit more laid back. There’s not too much to do for things are quite spread out, but it was still nice. When I travel, I enjoy walking around and just seeing the spots hoping I run into a hidden gem. I like to have places that I want to go but I also don’t mind exploring on my own for a lot of expected things can come up and turn out fun.

Flew north to Chiang Mai. And before we get to Chiang Mai, can we talk about the Koh Samui Airport!!! Because its on an island, I guess half of the airport is inside but mostly its outside. Its looks almost like an indoor mall, but its outside. There’s a ton of storefront shops you can visit and they also have these platforms you can sit under for shade (well needed for it was raining pretty hard) and they knew I didn’t eat. The airport provides free snacks, yes FREE snacks. I was soo happy. You don’t understand how hungry I was. They had a few thai snacks that I wasn’t familiar with, but they had this ham sandwich, some juice, and water. I was in heaven.

I went solo in Chiang Mai, but it was awesome for I was on my own, I can do what I want, when I want and no one to hold me back. The city itself was super neat. Tons and tons of temples, lots of bomb ass food (per usual) and tons of great things to offer. There, I got to take care of elephants which was a very cool expereince. Elephants are pretty smart and they eat a lot! The younger kins were so playful esp when it came to bathing in the water. It was so cute. They all had some interesting personalities. I think it would be cool to volunteer for a few weeks hanging with elephants. Definitely gonna look into that in the future. I also ran into these two women from Las Vegas from this cheap city tour I went on. They were so sweet and down to earth. I really enjoyed them so much that I hung with them on the next day. We went to a night market and tried local Thai wine. It tasted pretty good. Students from the local university make the wine (amazing) and I believe each glass was like 50 baht (a dollar y’all). I was in heaven.

We flew to Singapore in which also rained the entire time we were there. We still had a nice time. WE had a very lavish dinner at a buffet in a hotel in the Sentosa area. Then went out to a club that we thought that it was Hip-Hop but just another shitty EDM club. Missed the countdown for i was too busy in the bathroom but you know, we still had a good time. Even though it was raining, it was crowded. There were tons of people out and my feet were killing me (damn you heels). Taking a taxi was impossible so we took a bus back to our hotel. It was crazy.

The following day, we went out to downtown area to the Marina by the bay where they have that amazing green lavish garden. Then, we went shopping and my friend was going ham in the beauty section for the items sold in Singapore are much cheaper than back home. And you know what’s crazy, from there we walked from downtown to our Airbnb in Geyland. 45ish minute walk (which I don’t mind). It was dark, yet nice and quiet and the weather was amazing.

Flew back to Bangkok where we ended our trip by meeting my friends that I met in China from my A+1班 class at Fudan. We had such an amazing time. Bittersweet moment and my friend really liked them. I was so scared that she wasn’t gonna click with them or say something crazy but man it was a good time! We had these amazing cakes, reminisced about our times in China, we even talked about bitcoin and the future of currency and investing along with lots of good laughs.

[nnediz]

Photography for Life

I’ve been taking photos for as long as I can remember. Back in the 7th grade, my father bought me one of those point and shoot Sony cameras for like $75ish dollars from Circuit City (RIP) and I went crazy. I would take it to school and take photos of everything. The hallways, classmates, the art in the bathroom stalls...you name it, I got it. When my aunt from NIgera flew into into America, I took so many of her (and I lost all those photos due to a computer virus RIP). Beyond that, I was in love with it. Around this time too, Facebook was just getting popular so a few people asked for a new profile picture. Sending them was the hard part for we didn't have smart phones around this time and some phones weren’t capable of sending/receiving pictures (damn you bluetooth).

But that spark came to an end when the camera somehow stopped work. I was so devastated. So I went through an almost entire period of high school where I took very little photos. We could not bring our phones into our high school, I didn’t have a camera, and iPods weren’t aloud either. So there’s that. But in my senior year, joined yearbook and was introduced to my first ever DSLR. Y’all, I did not know how to use that camera for my life 😆, but I was taking a lot of shots. Sports teams, events, friends, you name it. I felt so proud putting that yearbook together and saying "I took that."

Fast-forward to 2015, it was just days before I was flying to China, I bought a Refurbished Canon Rebel T3 off Amazon for $250 (mad cheap). That’s when everything changed. For the first few months, I took quite a few photos (not enough) but they came out pretty decent. Some good, others not so good, but it was all baby steps. I tried using online tutorials but with my VPN not working and step to step guide simply not being enough, I gave up. But then I met my friend who showed me some basic controls and how I can change the f stop, shutter speed etc. and that changed everything. My photos became like 2x better. Thanks! But I still was unsure of what I was doing to be honest.

So when I got back to the US, I took a Intro to Photography course and everything just clicked. She broke it down and really explained to my class how the aperature and shutter speed can affect your images and white balance affecting the color along with using it freehand vs tripod. This class really changed the way I view photography and taking photos. With that, it inspired me to pursue more of the hobby.

Nowhere near a professional, but its something that I love and enjoy doing on my free time.

[nnediz]

Winter Break Travel

For the past 2ish weeks, I traveled around Thailand and Singapore during my winter break which in all was super relaxing and just nice to get away and soak in 80 degree weather. A full writeup is coming up in the next few days :) In the meantime, check out my instagram for more up to date pics. 

[nnediz]

nnedi.me

My website is finally up! Check me out right here.

It showcases my photography from the past 2 years. Hopefully in the future I plan on attaching my graphic design work along with my moving my blog to my website. 

[nnediz]

Thanksgiving with a twist

My parents are so unfestive. Not to say that its a bad thing, but growing up and coming back from the breaks, I was so jealous to hear all the amazing stories for the things people would do with their families during Thanksgiving/Christmas time that I would resent them. But now looking back, it sucked but I also came to appreciate the things I have and not so much have this tangible concept of having things just for the sake of it.

And with that, I take on my own experiences and put more money doing that. That’s how I feel its supposed to be done.

But this Thanksgiving, my family invited over a pastor (who they met through our church) in which I have never met in my life. I am so MIA from home that I always come home surprised to the new things that they do. But to make matters short, he’s a priest but he’s Nigerian (just like ourselves) and they invited him over for dinner. He was so humbled by it for he has only been in the US for like 5 years now and he has never had a real Thanksgiving Dinner. So it was nice for him to come over and eat a mix of both Nigerian and American dishes along with share us stories about Nigeria in the current day and a lot of the things he experienced as a priest in both Nigeria and America. From arm robbers to drama in the church, the stories were interesting, different and never ending. We laughed and chatted for around 5 hours (because Africans love to talk) and it was time to go. Honestly it was a great time.

And what made it quite different this year compared to last year was that I didn’t have to cook! Took that Megabus home on Thanksgiving for them tickets were mad expensive. Whose paying $80 one way when I could pay $25 to come home the day of and not have to worry about cooking too?! ME.