Feb 19, 05: Our first day in Taiwan and my fears of being lost in a foreign city are subsiding. We landed and managed to take the bus into Taipei, find our hotel, and learn the fundamentals of the subway metro. We saw a temple, a memorial, a night market and more, but what I'll remember most about Taipei is the full senses that it demands. Neon lights, unceasing audible warnings, and strange, but strong odors fill the city. I think of Mu-Shien.... I am exhausted.
Feb 20, 05: It has been days, but finally I slept well and feel refreshed this morning. Taipei is so busy. What started as a quiet Saturday morning at 7:00, we we first arrived grew into a vibrant hustling city by evening -- people everywhere. The night markets were exotic, unlike anything in the west. Filled with food galore prepared in strange ways. The smell that penetrated the air, as if to surround us, was like fish and curry. First it was unique, but over time, became mildly sickening and overwhelming. The temple was beautiful--the music, the candles, the lanterns, the prayers, the people gathering together--there voices (language) I could not understand. It would have been perfect had it not been for the incense, which smoke and smell at times I found overwhelming. The Buddhist temple, nonetheless, was beautiful.
Today it's Sunday -- a quieter day in Taipei. We went to the National Palace Museum and saw numerous scrolls, wood carvings, jade, and sculptures. Next, was shopping -- never ending stores --high rise buildings. Lunch was unique at a teahouse -- waffles and tea. After an afternoon nap we headed to Taipei City Hall to see the hundreds of lanterns in celebration of the Lantern Festival 15 days into the new Lunar year -- the Roster.
Feb 21, 05: The waterfront in Dansui was dissappointing. Rainy and cold -- the port was empty with few attractions. We caught the MRT then found Bus 26 which took us to the desserted waterfront. I was fearful that we wouldn't be able to get back, but luckily the route is frequently travelled. Next, we went to Bentou which was a great experience int he hot springs. Soaking in hot mineral water in the cold rain was fun.
Last night we lost our room at Hotel Royal Inn and moved to the Rosemary Inn - which was run down. It was dated, dirty, and cold. The mattress was like a box spring and hard to sleep on. It reminded me of days sleeping on the floor because it was so hard.
Feb 22, 05: We started a 5 day/4 night tour of the island. Today, most of the day was at Sun Moon Lake and the aboriginal culture. Now we are at Taiching. I am still preoccupied with MuShien. I can't wait to meet her. I am saddened that my father never had a chance to meet her. I also thinkg of him and how hard it must be on my mom to suddenly be without him after so long.
Another interesting fact about Taiwan is the bettlenut or bitternut. Young women often scantly dressed sell these snacks which are extremely bitter but provide a warmth in the body. It is a stimulant that many people use particularly in the rural and central part of Taiwan. The stands are everywhere! The tree looks like a palm tree but much smaller. It is a strange industry.
7-11 shacks for dinner. Again, I fall asleep so fast and anxiously await tomorrow. The weather is warmer and there is less rain. This city is older, but more neon lights surround the streets and create a deco atmosphere.
Feb 23, 05: We saw several sites enroute to Kaoshing, the 2nd largest city in Taiwan. Kaoshing is the main seaport and lacks the infrastructure (MRT) of Taipei--although one is being built now. We saw the peota in Ching Ching lake and the zig zag bridge. Prior to Kaoshing we stopped in Lakung -- a small town to see a duddhist temple with many interesting small markets with exotic foods.
At night, near our hotel we wondered to the lantern festival. There were tens of thousands of people swarming the river bed. Fireworks and shops and crowds were everywhere. The show was lasers, water fountains, and projected colors followed by music and fireworks.
Feb 24, 05: Today we went to Kenting National park. It took about 2 hours to get there. Climbing the huge volcanic rocks, seeing the ocean, and the lush vegetation was fascinating. We saw a water buffalo and a family of monkeys. The lighthouse was also interesting. South, the weather was much warmer and humid. At night we walked about 5 blocks to the open markets. We ate at a hot pot -- simple Japanese style meal. Again, the late night with so many people, and exotic foods, under neon lights -- strange smells.
Feb 28, 05: I couldn't stop thinking about tomorrow. I fell asleep watching movies--my family all of us together. Now, I am awake feeling there is too much to do. Tomorrow, we meet her for the first time.
