In Taiwan, Everything is Easy

By Joshua Dent I play 3-4 guitar chords on my best day of my most amazing guitar work. I barely can hold a rhythm. And, I certainly don't know many different strumming patterns. It doesn't mean I don't love to play and honor and respect every person who does play. This kid will blow your mind away. http://www.shockmansion.com/2013/06/20/video-he-must-have-sold-his%EF%BB%BF-soul-to-the-devil-15-year-old-boy-absolutely-shreds-guitar-to-pieces/#.UcxLjSvyl-A.facebook

By Joshua Dent Welcome back to Taiwan. "Hey Mate, I do this awesome hypnosis called a past-life regression." That is what my Australian buddy Daniel said to me at the gym the other day. Now, I have a hunch that the average person's eyes aren't going to light up, and say "Cool, can you hook me up?" For me, it was an opportunity that I couldn't pass up. Daniel was fortunately not only nice enough to let me give it a try, but he also captured it on video for us. The hypnosis is very, very, light. We still made some interesting discoveries to help me work on teaching anxiety. I also attempted a brief little pow-wow with Jerry Garcia. Take a look at the video. http://danieltolson.com/inhaling-the-joint/ Thanks for Taiwan.

One Sexy Discovery "Incredible, Awesome, Amazing..." This is just a small plethora of the flurry of words that raced through my head when I discovered the newest Chinese learning tool called Sexy Mandarin. I was ready to do a back flip when my "language exchange partner" at the time mentioned how she stumbled on this website: http://www.sexymandarin.com/ . I instantly thought I struck learning gold. Overall Experience- I immediately logged on  my computer and went for a free trial lesson. My free trial lesson came with a delightful surprise of dealing with such a friendly, professional, and well-organized company in http://www.sexymandarin.com/ . I was extremely impressed by the overall experience. Teacher Dora's Physical Appearance As I said, I was really happy about the entire time I spent with Sexy Mandarin. I'd be lying if I told you pretty girls don't only make me happy, but motivate me to learn more. That is why I am g...

Why I Travel "The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." – St. Augustine Nine months ago, I lived on a beautiful 4 bedroom ranch with 2 acres of land in Phoenix, AZ. I gave that all up without hesitation for the name of travel and adventure. "Smile, Smile, Smile" Tonight, I am typing once again on the tiny foot stool-sized chair, and miniature desk in my very small Jhongli, Taiwan apartment. The only noise I can hear is the rattle of my ancient air conditioner that barely keeps the temperature tolerable. I am still feeling EXTREMELY fortunate I was given a gift yesterday about how precious life really is. I missed my 9:30 bus to a "river-tracing" destination of Wulai, and suddenly felt like the world was going to end. My face mimicked the face of when I was a 13 year old boy and my mom told me I had to turn off "Tecmo Bowl" to work on homework. I was pissed! It all worked out ok...

By Joshua Dent Best Dad Quotes "I'm not going to a GOD DAMN museum!" Author (Dale "Larue" Dent)- Josh's father Let's also not forget the strong emphasis my dad placed as he grinded his teeth together when he got to the word, GOD. It took him much longer to say the word GOD, than the rest of the sentence. Dad Highlight Reel This quote mentioned above would probably go on my own personal "Dad highlight reel." It was one of the funnier ones he used to say. We always knew it was coming as kids anytime he got within 100 yards of a museum. This is especially hilarious because I don't think anyone in the Dent family ever ONCE, even hinted at the fact that we wanted to go to a museum. He was still so intent on the fact that he would not step foot inside a museum. I know it is hard to even understand this level of intensity over something so trivial. But, this is my father and that is why we love him. ha! His irrational hatr...

By Joshua Dent   I was so proud to walk into a Chinese restaurant tonight with no pictures, English menu, or slurpees. (i.e, 7-11) and have a go at getting some decent Taiwan grub. I gave the waitress what I felt like a pretty was a very well-spoken statement in Chinese of "I would like the chicken please, and not very spicy." This 70 year old bag/waitress proceeded to act like I was speaking fucking Swahili after I gave my order. ... After my 4th attempt to repeat myself, I decided to go to the hand gestures. I gave what I thought were two very easy to understand signals, one for chicken, and one for not spicy. I even bocked like a chicken when I put my hands under my arms and pretended to flap my imaginary wings. So, what did the old bag do? She promptly returned to my table with a plate FULL of some of the SPICIEST, and shittiest BEEF (not chicken) I ever had. Hats off, Old Lady! You got me on that one! ha! Sometimes, it is harder than others to have a...

This is one of the most inspiring web sites I have ever seen. A globe and a credit card could be very dangerous after reading this one. http://www.roughguides.com/gallery/50-inspirational-travel-quotes/

Gun freaks would cringe at this idea. But, is it possible the US should follow Taiwan's lead? Have a read and let me know what you think. http://www.newsadvance.com/go_dan_river/news/danville/article_1ab9922a-b9db-11e2-af07-0019bb30f31a.html#.UZBohwrwzph.twitter The closest thing to a gun in 'The Taiwan."

By Joshua Dent WHAT??? "Taiwan, Why?" "Josh, You are going WHERE??" "TAIWAN??" "Don't you think you should know the language?!?" These were just a small sampling of the desperate pleas to get my attention before I left for "The Taiwan." They came from old bosses, family, and friends alike. I am certain I laughed them off, and shrugged my shoulders in my stoner voice with a prompt "It's cool man. I learned Spanish quick. I am sure I will learn Chinese." Learning Time I definitely came to Taiwan with a goal of being immersed as much as possible in the culture. This was to also include learning one of the world's most difficult languages. I got here with a fist full of apps on my I-phone and a box of 1990's style listen and repeat CD's. However, learning Chinese quickly seemed like an incredibly difficult task of where to even begin. Stubborn Ass To understand why I thought I could le...