The Comeback

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I spent about 5 days in Shiacarl Guesthouse (aka ITH in English) during this Chinese New Year. The weather was great. Though it rained for a couple of days, it was sunny and warm most of the time, unlike wet and rainy Taipei. The laid-back lifestyle there is contagious. So I could totally relax and enjoy my short vacation.

Well, it’s long history between me and Shiacarl/Green Island. Two summers ago, I had the chance to do help exchange with Shiacarl. When I first stepped out of the ferry, I felt like I was in Bali. People there have really dark skin due to long periods of time outside. And some of them holler at tourists for business. Other than that, Green Island is tranquil and the natural scenery is stunning. Every picture I take is awesome, even with my digital camera and not-that-great photography skills. At daytime, the sky, the clouds and the ocean are picturesque. Different shades of blue mesmorize me. The best thing is I can always have a good sea view from inside Shiacarl. At night, I can lie down on the lying chairs just outside the porch and appreciate countless stars and the Milky Way.

As for Shiacarl itself, I love working with the host family -- three brothers and the oldest one’s wife. They are very friendly and eager to share everything they know about Green Island with me, such as the history, the species, and people. Last summer, I went there and did help exchange with Shiacarl again because I really like Green Island and the host family. But I have to confess that I also had a secret crush on the middle brother, who’s now my bf. Okayyyyy. Not so pure intention.

This time I went there to visit him and help out a bit. It was Chinese New Year, so we had hot pot for dinner with the guests, celebrating the most important festival in Taiwan together. Everyone was happy and seemed to gain quite a few pounds after the feast.

Now my CNY vacation is over and I’m back in Taipei City, far away from Green Island. But I’ll definitely go there soon.

What a happy new year!!!

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