Everywhere!

Engrossed, engaged, experiencing, well  - without using the thesaurus to find those three E -words, this blog would have started with the word busy! Ha! This weekend I checked off seeing Chiang Kai Shek Memorial off my list, traveled to Tamsui, visited the historic Lin Family Mansion and Garden, and also visited the Sanshia Old Street Market!

On Saturday morning, my day began early. I went to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall Square with my exchange friend Maggie. We had both wanted to see this "must see" square in Taiwan. The square is a memorial for the once dictator of Taiwan. It is a huge square with one main building for his memorial and two big traditional Chinese buildings used for a museum and a theater. Many people come to the square to engage in Tai-Chi. I had wanted to see this spot in Taiwan for a very long time.  I am happy I was able to see it!

Later in the afternoon, I traveled up to Tamsui with my host parents and Rotary. In Tamsui we would be having a nice afternoon of biking along the Tamsui river. I really enjoy all the Rotarian's. They are so kind and make me laugh, which is great! The day was kind of gloomy, but we had an hour or so of good sun on the ride. Of course we made a lot of stops to take pictures - my day wouldn't be complete if we didn't! As we made it across to the other side of the river, it began to rain. However, the slightest bit of sun did shine through on one area of the mountain, which means a rainbow! The rainbow was the biggest one I think I have ever seen and it was amazing. I am not the kind of person that is obsessed with things like that, but, I would be telling you a lie if I told you I didn't keep looking back to see it or stop a few times to take a picture. We took a ferry back across the river and then played a little bike game when we got back. After, we headed to dinner at a seafood restaurant. There were so many  people together this day, so the best way to finish the day off was with a big communal dinner. I am always trying new foods on the weekend and dinner once again delicious! A great day and I am grateful to be part of it!

 

On Sunday, I had another early morning! I started the day off by going to the Lin Family Mansion and Garden with one of the Rotarian's daughters. The mansion and garden is one of the only left in Taiwan from the Qing Dynasty. There used to be many more, however due to government problems over the years, many were destroyed. It was a rainy day again, but to see the gardens in that way actually just feels right. I couldn't picture the place with sun. The Garden has so much family and cultural history.  This helps to capture the design aspect of both the Mansion and Garden areas.

We then met her mother and sister for lunch at at Thai restaurant. Thai food is always good! After lunch we took a bus to a place called Sanshia. In Sanshia, we visited the famous Sanshia Old Street Market. Brick buildings line the sides of one road, and there are many little food stands, stores, lots of people, and a whole lot to take in. It was neat! Thanks for a great day girls. It was fun to experience these specials places in Taiwan with you! I appreciate each of you and the time we spent together!

Overall it was two busy and great days! I am so happy I have people in my life who want to share a culture with me. I start language class this week at the university.  I am so exicted for this language immersion class!  I also have a very exciting weekend coming up. I cannot wait to share with you all! Hope everyone is doing well back in the states or wherever your travels are taking you next! More soon!

Anna