Reading the news has also helped me stay informed about current events in Taiwan, especially about the incoming typhoon. Balancing news, sports and school readings gives me a chance to learn about subjects both inside and outside the classroom.
This week, I played basketball with my friends at night when the weather was cooler. I am still working on improving my skills, but I got to practice dribbling, shooting the ball and getting more comfortable on the court. It was fun to exercise and spend time with my friends at the same time. I even played some pool, trying my best to aim accurately. I also tried playing ping-pong for the first time. I quickly discovered that it takes a lot of energy to keep up with the ball because it moves so fast. Even though it was tiring, it was exciting to try something new and learn a sport I had not played before.
One of the biggest news stories this week in Taiwan was Typhoon Champi approaching the island. Taiwan recently issued a land warning, as the storm brought worries about strong winds and heavy rainfall. With a typhoon approaching, it is important for people to prepare ahead of time rather than wait until the weather gets worse. People can prepare by stocking up on drinking water, ready-to-eat food, snacks, batteries, flashlights and necessary medicines. Charging phones and portable power banks is also important in case the electricity goes out. Since heavy rain can cause flooding and dangerous conditions, it is best to stay indoors. Living in Taiwan has helped me understand how important it is to pay attention to weather forecasts and be prepared for emergencies.
