Escape to the Mountains

First of all, let me apologize for my lack of communication! The computer I had broke, and I must send it back to America, where it will have a better home :) Therefore, my internet time is very limited, especially because my back won't let me sit for more than half an hour :( I also lost a lot of the pictures (saved on the computer) that I had planned to use to publish a blog in November. I have been thinking about all of you though, and there are so many things I wish I could share with you. This will have to do for now...

Earlier this month, Nicole, Faijou, and I joined a lot of the Taiwanese teachers on our "staff field trip." We ventured into the mountains in Nantou, Taiwan to this area known as Ching Jing farm. What a treat it was to breath in the clean, cool air! Sometimes I forget how polluted the city I live in is. It felt so cold in the mountains, but I think it was only about 50 degrees. Yes, I am being spoiled yet again by a warm winter.

The trip began with a 7:45am meeting, then we piled onto the chartered bus. It was such a nice bus, and I was all set for a relaxing sleep, when all of a sudden a microphone was passed around....yes, they sang karaoke at 8:00 in the morning! I couldn't believe it. At first I thought, "This is so cool. They have a TV, with lyrics, and everything." After half an hour of listening to Chinese songs, my mind had changed. Needless to say, I did not get much sleep during the hour and a half long musical. At least I can laugh about it now :)

On the way to Nantou, we stopped at the Earthquake Museum, which was established in memory of the 2,000+ victims of the September 21, 1999 earthquake. It was a beautiful museum, with some very moving exhibits and photographs. I was fortunate enough to have my boss's daughter translate for me. After the museum, we headed for lunch, and I was hungry! When we arrived at the restaurant, my friend Christine said, "I have some bad news for you. This lunch will have a lot of dishes with mushrooms." A lot was an understatement - every dish except for the overcooked shrimp had mushrooms! I felt like such a picky foreigner, not partaking in the meal, but I don't like mushrooms :( At least I had shrimp and rice, and the dinner we had later that evening was amazing! It was traditional Chinese cuisine from the Hunan province, where I must visit now :) After dinner we were able to shop a bit then see an aborginal singer perform. Then it was off to our cozy room in the rustic hotel.

The next day was another early one, with breakfast at 7:45. After that we headed to the actual farm to see the "sheep show." We drove even further up the mountain, and I saw some of the most amazing views I have ever seen! At the sheep show, we walked around the mountain until we reached the viewing area. There were so many people there to see the show! I had heard that tourist areas in Taiwan were extremely crowded, but I had no idea how crowded. Since the sun was shining brightly, I left my group and huddled with the Taiwanese tourists in the shade of the only tree near the stage. It was an interesting experience watching the sheeps being herded by the dog, but I won't be attending sheep shows again. I felt bad for the poor little sheep who were paraded around for our viewing then released into the crowd of people. After the show, I even saw people trying to get on the sheeps' backs to ride them!

Our last meal in the mountains was at the famous hotel, which was nice. After that, my coteacher Pauline and I enjoyed some lattes at the local Starbucks (yes, they are everywhere!) Then I sat on the hillside, writing and breathing in the clean air before boarding the bus again. I was so sad to descend that beautiful mountain, but at least I was able to enjoy the views for two days. Now, I am a lot more excited about traveling around Taiwan for Chinese New Year (end of January.) There is so much to see on this beautiful island!

Side note: Christmas is approaching, and I am feeling pretty sad that I won't be with my friends and family. I have made some wonderful friends here, but they are no substitute for all of you. I will miss you dearly, and I wish all of you a very happy Christmas :)

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