Taiwonese?

I absolutely love other cultures. International students have a special place in my heart, and I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to getting to know my new conversation partner from Taiwan. Today we went up to the Map Room and she showed me where her family lived, where she went to school, and all of the best places to visit in Taiwan. I showed her how huge Texas is (14 times her island!), and all of the many places I've been in Texas (which still seemed like too few).

I also found out people in Taiwan speak Chinese, and China includes them as part of their country, though this is an ongoing debate. I want to visit there someday...

She didn't have any real questions for me today, but my favorite question from all of my past international friends has been, "What does the sign of quotes " with your fingers when you say a word mean?" It took me a while to explain that one, and I still don't think she completely understood. How do you explain something so common in your culture?

My other favorite questions:
What is a tee?
What is a cami?
Why do you name your cars?
Why do you leave blood in your meat?
What does "cute" mean?
What does "hott" mean?

And the list could go on...

Not only does this make me question why I do everyday things, but it also gives me a new perspective and often a laugh at our American funny quirks. I love it!