What to say? The weather has been good, if a bit muggy. Warm, but I think I'm used to it now.
On Saturday, Aaron and I and his two friends, Phoebe and Stacey, went to Cijin Island. I had rented a scooter on this day, so it was my first trip. The traffic on a scooter is as bad as I thought with little or no regard for the people around you. I curse....loudly, honk my horn and basically let people know that I'm not happy that they can't drive. Or, at least not drive the way that I want them to....
Cijin Island is an island in the harbour that has a real cool market and you can walk to the beach and run your toes in the sand. Very nice. Got to see all kinds of different things at the market, and the girls had me try many different things. I quite enjoyed it. We went by all these booths that were selling snacks. They called it beer food. Looked like tortilla chips to me.....until I tried it. Ugh. It was made out of fish and not crunchy.
But, once I figured out that EVERYTHING is made out of fish I was able to appreciate the different things a little more. They also dry some type of fish, grind it into a fine powder and use it for soups (I think) etc. Some of these had a very nice taste. I didn't buy anything. Oh wait. I found popcorn and bought that. Aaron bought peanuts.
We had a seafood dinner there that was fabulous. Here, in Taiwan, all types of seafood is very inexpensive and readily available. Fish is the game of the day, every day. I'm not hating this.
So, we got this fish and had it steamed. They serve it to you whole and it was delicious. I ate the eye. That's what they do, so I did it. It had no taste and was hard as a stone in the middle. At least I did it.
Later that day we went and bought my new camera. Stacey did some excellent haggling for me and got the price knocked down over $500NT. And, I got a bunch of free little things in there, too. I was happy with that.
The girls then came back to Aaron's and we cooked dinner for them. I made a ceasar salad and Aaron made some awesome chicken sandwiches. I think they were both happy to be eating "Western" food. Both the girls have lived outside of Taiwan, so are very familiar with our foods, etc.
On Sunday, Aaron and I went to the zoo. More importantly, we got to try out my new camera!
The zoo was pretty good. They had some animals that are indigenous to Taiwan and they were cool to see. The day was actually quite cool , only 15 degrees, so the animals seemed to be fairly animated. We killed the battery and took hundreds of photos.
This night, I made spaghetti for dinner. We couldn't find ground beef, so we used ground pork. Still tasted good. Blake, Aaron's roommate, had some with us and both the guys ate very large plates. Again, Aaron and I LOVE the food here, but it's nice to have something western for a change.
Yesterday I went up to Tainan City, which is the oldest city in Taiwan. My Lonely Planet guide had a walking tour of 12 temples, so I pretty much just followed that. Best of all, I only got lost once! Right at the end, too. I was dog tired and just wanted to get to the train. I turned right, when I should have turned left and ended up not at the train station.
Now that I have all these temples under my belt, I'm done with temples. I remember it was like that with the cathedrals and churches in Europe. Once you've seen some, you're done. They are beautiful, don't get me wrong, but because I don't truly know the significance of one god to the next, they don't really mean anything.
I did find a street vendor that was selling dumplings, so I had that for dinner. Again, very much like dim sum. Kari, you would LOVE the food here! I like that the vendors are inexpensive and good and fresh. Aaron has told me that the turn over in food is so great you'll never get anything that has been sitting for a while and possibly going bad. This has been my experience to date. Funny, but I wouldn't eat food at a street vendor in Mexico, but here it is the way to go.
While I'm walking about, I am getting stared at. Naturally. Not only am I white with blonde hair, I'm also 6' tall. I think they're pretty used to the white, but the height is what gets them. Yesterday, I saw a couple staring at me so I said hello. And the man smiled and said "So tall!". I agreed and carried on my way. I am tall in Canadian standards, here I'm a freaking giant! Oh wait, in Canada I'm pretty much a freaking giant, too...lol.
When I see people staring, I always smile and say hello, in Chinese. They always smile back and say hello. I think that my best defence it to just grab the bull by the horns and "own" it. I have to thank my friend, Joni, for this. I was quite nervous about being so different here and she just told me to stand up and own it. So, I do and it's working well.
That's about it for now. This weekend, Aaron and I are hoping to to to Taipei. However, it is a national holiday this weekend, so travel may be out of the question as the trains may be booked already. I'll just havee to wait and see.
Aaron's birthday is tomorrow and he's having a dinner tomorrow night which I will be going to. Hopefully, I don't have to foot the bill! On the Friday night he has booked a private room, or something, at one of his hangouts for drinking and dancing and whatnot. I'm not invited to that soiree! Can you believe it? I can't decide if I should feel crushed, or what.....
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Day 2/3 in Taiwan
My trip to Taiwan was uneventful. Thank goodness. All the stressing and packing and re-packing paid off because I was within my weight limits (barely) and all went well. I even got seats in the emergency exit rows where there is more leg room. That made me even happier!
I arrived in Taipei at about 0530hrs. Aaron had given me awesome instructions on how to get to the bus station, so I just followed his instructions and baboom, I was in the right place. Good thing because I don't think I was really prepared for how difficult it was going to be to navigate. It turns out that I really don't know any Chinese! Who knew?! I don't understand when it's spoken and I sure can't read it!
Thankfully, at the bus stop I met a lovely young lady that lives in Vancouver. Her family is from Kaohsiung, so had come home to visit. She verified that I was in the right line for the right bus.
So, bus to train station - NT$30
Train ride to Kaohsiung - NT$1330
Sign that said Car Kiss And Ride - priceless
The high speed train to Kaohsiung was fast and sleek. And, very clean. I was surprised how clean it was. In fact, I'm surprised how clean Taiwan is in general. Apparently, there is a job for people to pick up the garbage. So, they do. That doesn't account for the weird odor that permeates all of Taiwan. Or, at least, all of Kaohsiung. I thought it was a spice that is used in cooking, but Aaron's roommate, Blake, has informed that it is from the open sewers. I'm not sure if I believe him, but....
My first day here Aaron and I went to a noodle place to eat. I think that probably the funniest part was him and I getting on a scooter together. Two big white people on a scooter. That said, I have seen whole families on a scooter, and their dog, too.
The noodle dinner was good, and cheap. To eat out here is ridiculously cheap. And tasty.
On Tuesday I walked a few blocks away and found a street vendor for breakfast. I looked at the place and walked away, then returned. Aaron had told me of the place to go but I was unsure if this was it.
In any case, I decided that it was busy enough that I was going to try it. So I picked an egg omelet that had corn in it. That was all good until I had to pay and couldn't understand how much it was. Thankfully, a very nice lady named Cathy came to my rescue. She is from the city but has been living in the US for the past 5 years. After I paid she asked if I would like to sit with her. She's very nice and I was very thankful for her help.
It was very hot this day, 30 degrees C or so, and very humid. I walked around after breakfast for a bit, then returned to the apartment for a nap.
In the evening Aaron and I went to the night market for supper. Holy cow! So many people! Had wonderful chicken dumpling things (much like dim sum, Kari) and a chicken sandwich thing.
When we went back to the scooter there were some boys hanging around it. Not Aaron's scooter, just the scooters. Anyway, Aaron just walked up to them and pointed at his scooter and they pretty much scattered. Then they saw me behind him, and.....I don't know what they thought!
Aaron had to manhandle his scooter out of the pack. By that I mean he pretty much picked it up and put it down where he wanted to. We got on the scooter, and as we were leaving, I turned around and the boys were laughing and miming Aaron's picking up the scooter. I think they were in awe. I know I was.
The scooter traffic here is crazy, There are rules, but the people seem to think of then as guidelines only. Aaron wants me to rent a scooter (because I keep grabbing him when things get a little dicey and it scares him more), but I am unsure if I could actually drive one here. They just decide to do u-turns whenever they want. They drive on the crosswalks if it means they don't have to wait for the light. They drive on the sidewalks if there is less people. And, so on....
Today I went to a place called Lotus Pond. Very nice and very pretty. Surrounded by many temples that were gorgeous. This is part of what I've been wanting to see. It was amazing. Of course about half way around, my battery went dead on my camera. So, I bought postcards (you'll be getting some in the mail) and will go back to take my own pictures. I'm going to make Aaron come with me, too.
Oh. One other funny thing.....I went to this market. Kind of a convenience/mini grocery store. I stood at the door waiting for it to open automatically. It didn't. So, I started to slide it open, thinking that it didn't open by itself. The two girls in the shop came running over and pushed the button that opened the door. Duh. But, I couldn't read the instructions! When I got into the store I laughed at myself and they laughed at me. So, it was all good. The big Canadian girl didn't break the door.
I arrived in Taipei at about 0530hrs. Aaron had given me awesome instructions on how to get to the bus station, so I just followed his instructions and baboom, I was in the right place. Good thing because I don't think I was really prepared for how difficult it was going to be to navigate. It turns out that I really don't know any Chinese! Who knew?! I don't understand when it's spoken and I sure can't read it!
Thankfully, at the bus stop I met a lovely young lady that lives in Vancouver. Her family is from Kaohsiung, so had come home to visit. She verified that I was in the right line for the right bus.
So, bus to train station - NT$30
Train ride to Kaohsiung - NT$1330
Sign that said Car Kiss And Ride - priceless
The high speed train to Kaohsiung was fast and sleek. And, very clean. I was surprised how clean it was. In fact, I'm surprised how clean Taiwan is in general. Apparently, there is a job for people to pick up the garbage. So, they do. That doesn't account for the weird odor that permeates all of Taiwan. Or, at least, all of Kaohsiung. I thought it was a spice that is used in cooking, but Aaron's roommate, Blake, has informed that it is from the open sewers. I'm not sure if I believe him, but....
My first day here Aaron and I went to a noodle place to eat. I think that probably the funniest part was him and I getting on a scooter together. Two big white people on a scooter. That said, I have seen whole families on a scooter, and their dog, too.
The noodle dinner was good, and cheap. To eat out here is ridiculously cheap. And tasty.
On Tuesday I walked a few blocks away and found a street vendor for breakfast. I looked at the place and walked away, then returned. Aaron had told me of the place to go but I was unsure if this was it.
In any case, I decided that it was busy enough that I was going to try it. So I picked an egg omelet that had corn in it. That was all good until I had to pay and couldn't understand how much it was. Thankfully, a very nice lady named Cathy came to my rescue. She is from the city but has been living in the US for the past 5 years. After I paid she asked if I would like to sit with her. She's very nice and I was very thankful for her help.
It was very hot this day, 30 degrees C or so, and very humid. I walked around after breakfast for a bit, then returned to the apartment for a nap.
In the evening Aaron and I went to the night market for supper. Holy cow! So many people! Had wonderful chicken dumpling things (much like dim sum, Kari) and a chicken sandwich thing.
When we went back to the scooter there were some boys hanging around it. Not Aaron's scooter, just the scooters. Anyway, Aaron just walked up to them and pointed at his scooter and they pretty much scattered. Then they saw me behind him, and.....I don't know what they thought!
Aaron had to manhandle his scooter out of the pack. By that I mean he pretty much picked it up and put it down where he wanted to. We got on the scooter, and as we were leaving, I turned around and the boys were laughing and miming Aaron's picking up the scooter. I think they were in awe. I know I was.
The scooter traffic here is crazy, There are rules, but the people seem to think of then as guidelines only. Aaron wants me to rent a scooter (because I keep grabbing him when things get a little dicey and it scares him more), but I am unsure if I could actually drive one here. They just decide to do u-turns whenever they want. They drive on the crosswalks if it means they don't have to wait for the light. They drive on the sidewalks if there is less people. And, so on....
Today I went to a place called Lotus Pond. Very nice and very pretty. Surrounded by many temples that were gorgeous. This is part of what I've been wanting to see. It was amazing. Of course about half way around, my battery went dead on my camera. So, I bought postcards (you'll be getting some in the mail) and will go back to take my own pictures. I'm going to make Aaron come with me, too.
Oh. One other funny thing.....I went to this market. Kind of a convenience/mini grocery store. I stood at the door waiting for it to open automatically. It didn't. So, I started to slide it open, thinking that it didn't open by itself. The two girls in the shop came running over and pushed the button that opened the door. Duh. But, I couldn't read the instructions! When I got into the store I laughed at myself and they laughed at me. So, it was all good. The big Canadian girl didn't break the door.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
I "thought" I could pee standing up....
Today I decided to venture out into the world and use the pStyle. I thought that I had practiced enough and was quite adept at said product.
I was wrong!
I don't know why it didn't work this time. Was the nozzle angle incorrect? Was the "seal" not strong enough? Was the nozzle too short to get past my pants? All unanswerable questions. Because once your start to pee your pants, your logical mind leaves your body and you just start to do body contortions to try and reach the toilet. And, in my now considerable experience, said contortions make the matter worse. Oy.
Thankfully I had a change of pants in my car.
I was wrong!
I don't know why it didn't work this time. Was the nozzle angle incorrect? Was the "seal" not strong enough? Was the nozzle too short to get past my pants? All unanswerable questions. Because once your start to pee your pants, your logical mind leaves your body and you just start to do body contortions to try and reach the toilet. And, in my now considerable experience, said contortions make the matter worse. Oy.
Thankfully I had a change of pants in my car.
I can now pee standing up!
So, my friend Rhonda had been writing about this marvelous invention call the pStyle. Rhonda is my good friend that lives in Calgary and started the Calgary Outdoor Club. Through her, and the club, I was able to get outdoors and do lots of hiking and snowshoeing in the Rockies. I am forever indebted to her.
Anway, when I saw her writing about this pStyle thing I immediately did some investigation and found a site called Krista's Cups.
The pStyle is a device(?) that's made out of plastic and kinda looks like a wonton soup spoon. The idea is that you put the "bowl" next to your body, and the nozzle towards the toilet and just go. Easier said than done.
I would like to say that my first attempt was hit and miss, but in fact it was more miss than hit. So, after the aborted attempt, I changed my pants, washed the floor, cursed myself, and committed to trying it again.
Second time worked like a charm.
Third time.....not so much. Fourth time....worked like a charm. Fifth time....not so much. Sensing a pattern here? I was batting about 50% for a while, then gave up.
With my impending trip, I decided I had to get this thing mastered. There are quite a few squat toilets in Taiwan and I'm not too crazy about squatting. I saw a few on my trips to Europe, but was able to avoid them by deciding I just didn't need it that badly.
I've pulled out the pStyle again and have been dilligently practicing. It's amazing how hard it is to "let go". Mom did a good job in potty training, I guess.
Now that I've learned the correct positioning of said bowl, and the correct angle that is needed on the nozzle, I've been batting 100%!
The test will be this week. I'm going to take it outside and see how I do. The idea with this thing is that you don't have to drop your drawers and squat in the bushes (or over the squat toilet). I can see the benefit when camping, snowshoeing, fishing...everything! Isn't our greatest fear being caught with our pants down?
Anway, when I saw her writing about this pStyle thing I immediately did some investigation and found a site called Krista's Cups.
The pStyle is a device(?) that's made out of plastic and kinda looks like a wonton soup spoon. The idea is that you put the "bowl" next to your body, and the nozzle towards the toilet and just go. Easier said than done.
I would like to say that my first attempt was hit and miss, but in fact it was more miss than hit. So, after the aborted attempt, I changed my pants, washed the floor, cursed myself, and committed to trying it again.
Second time worked like a charm.
Third time.....not so much. Fourth time....worked like a charm. Fifth time....not so much. Sensing a pattern here? I was batting about 50% for a while, then gave up.
With my impending trip, I decided I had to get this thing mastered. There are quite a few squat toilets in Taiwan and I'm not too crazy about squatting. I saw a few on my trips to Europe, but was able to avoid them by deciding I just didn't need it that badly.
I've pulled out the pStyle again and have been dilligently practicing. It's amazing how hard it is to "let go". Mom did a good job in potty training, I guess.
Now that I've learned the correct positioning of said bowl, and the correct angle that is needed on the nozzle, I've been batting 100%!
The test will be this week. I'm going to take it outside and see how I do. The idea with this thing is that you don't have to drop your drawers and squat in the bushes (or over the squat toilet). I can see the benefit when camping, snowshoeing, fishing...everything! Isn't our greatest fear being caught with our pants down?
Sunday, 6 March 2011
Getting ready for Taiwan
At the ripe old age of 52, I have decided to have another adventure. I know....52 isn't old. But, sometimes it sure feels like it!
My son, Aaron, recently moved to Taiwan to teach English. He asks, fairly regularly, when I am coming over for a visit. He knows, you see, that in the past I travelled to Europe on my own. Therefore, he cannot see why I can't come there.
Truth be told, I have never had a desire to see Taiwan, or even that part of the world. I am not a "big city" girl, preferring small towns with few people and the ability to be in the great outdoors. I imagine that Taiwan is neither of these things and is, in fact, absolutely full of people.
As a 6' tall woman, I tend to not "blend" well. I have long blonde hair and a couple of attributes that I will not mention at this time. All my life I wanted to blend, but.....I cannot see myself "blending" well in Taiwan.
So, I decided on a Tuesday that I wanted to see Aaron. I booked the ticket that weekend, and am leaving a short three weeks later.
I have gotten the Lonely Planet Taiwan guide from the library and have been reading, and planning, madly. I am quite excited, now, about all the things there are to see and do. I am looking forward to hiking in bamboo forests, walking the beach in Kending, going to the Fireworks Festival in Penghu, and soooo many other things!
I have gotten the required vaccinations (beware the arm you get those shots in! My one arm was already sore, so I had the shots put in the other. That night I couldn't sleep on either side because both arms were sore! Not good planning.), bought the required medications, applied for the appropriate visa and am more or less ready.
My son, Aaron, recently moved to Taiwan to teach English. He asks, fairly regularly, when I am coming over for a visit. He knows, you see, that in the past I travelled to Europe on my own. Therefore, he cannot see why I can't come there.
Truth be told, I have never had a desire to see Taiwan, or even that part of the world. I am not a "big city" girl, preferring small towns with few people and the ability to be in the great outdoors. I imagine that Taiwan is neither of these things and is, in fact, absolutely full of people.
As a 6' tall woman, I tend to not "blend" well. I have long blonde hair and a couple of attributes that I will not mention at this time. All my life I wanted to blend, but.....I cannot see myself "blending" well in Taiwan.
So, I decided on a Tuesday that I wanted to see Aaron. I booked the ticket that weekend, and am leaving a short three weeks later.
I have gotten the Lonely Planet Taiwan guide from the library and have been reading, and planning, madly. I am quite excited, now, about all the things there are to see and do. I am looking forward to hiking in bamboo forests, walking the beach in Kending, going to the Fireworks Festival in Penghu, and soooo many other things!
I have gotten the required vaccinations (beware the arm you get those shots in! My one arm was already sore, so I had the shots put in the other. That night I couldn't sleep on either side because both arms were sore! Not good planning.), bought the required medications, applied for the appropriate visa and am more or less ready.
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