My Home Sweet Home

People keep asking me what my apartment looks like, so I figured I would do a quick post to share.

Many schools often provide housing, which means that you would live on the school's campus. My school does not have on campus housing, so they provide me with a stipend in addition to my salary that is meant to go towards rent to subsidize the cost. In Taipei, there are a number of options you have in terms of living. You can share a large apartment with others, or you can live in a small place alone. I wanted to live alone, and I didn't want to worry about cleaning a big apartment. So, when I arrived to Taipei, my first mission was to find a place to live.

I was eager to find an apartment, and hoped I could do so right away. The agency that was helping me was kind enough to pay for my hotel until I found a place, so it wasn't like I HAD to find a place right away. The first 3 places we saw, I began to get nervous because none of them were anything close to a place I would live. I don't think I am too picky, but the thing with me is that I am definitely a "nester" and need to be 100% happy with my apartment...even if it is small. I also worried about my location. I knew I was in Taipei, but I wanted to find a place that was close to the MRT station (subway) and that also had access to some good western places to eat, along with other things to do. The places I had seen so far, just weren't okay with me! The bathroom was the thing that got me!! Most of the bathrooms I have seen in small apartments in Taiwan have a toilet, and then that area seconds as the shower. No door...no separation.

I know that Taiwan has cockroaches...trust me: I heard about them before I came. BUT I do everything in my power to make sure they stay out of my place. I don't even have a kitchen, and I clean this place non-stop. I also have a weekly spray session to make sure they don't try anything funny! I have seen only 1 cockroach and that was when I first moved in. I think not having food or a kitchen really helps. If there is nothing here for them to have...they won't come!

So my little apartment is very small, but cozy. It has no windows (which I thought would bother me, but it doesn't) but it has bright blue walls - which brightens it up. I have a large bed and a little couch with a coffee table. I have a flat screen TV, free internet, and it is a stone's throw away from the MRT. There is no kitchen, but I have a little fridge if I need it. I also have a kettle to boil water for tea. The bathroom is a regular bathroom with a nice shower! That was kind of the selling point for me! There is a washer right outside the unit, so I am able to use that as well, and then hang my clothes dry. I am really happy with my place, even if it is a glorified dorm room!