Bus Trip Pics #2

Dan Green gives our mascot Dama the bird a good looking over. 

Light House in Kenting.

Green Island Paradise. 

Bike ride in Taidong. 

Mountains encircling the bike route. 

Taking pictures at Taroko National Park. 

Bus Trip Pics #1

Sun Moon Lake

Night Market

Boxes of fruit at the Night Market

Pets for sale at the Night Market. 

No Shirt No Shoes No Problem? 

Dragon Boat Festival.

Dragon Boat Festival

Traditionaly, Chinese Dragon Boat Festival is on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. The 2011 Dragon Boat Festival will be on June 6th in calendar. It is one of the traditional festival in China, which has more than 2,000 years of history.

The festival commemorates the patriotic poet Qu Yuan (340-278 BC), who lived in Warring States in history of China. He was a scholar who served in the government of the King of Chu in approximately 300 B.C. He was a loyal subject and minister to the King for many years. He had great favor because of his faithfulness, but because of the favor he had with the king the others in the government began to plot to rid themselves of this man. So they trumped up a charge of conspiracy against the king. The king bought into the conspiracy charge and had Qu Yuan removed from his position in the government and exiled from his homeland. As you may imagine this caused a bit of distress for Qu Yuan. He used his talent for poetry to write a number of angry poems about his exile, the damage to his reputation, the loss of his homeland and the people of that homeland. Finally, in a state of depression, in the year 278 B.C. at the age of 37, he threw himself into the river with a huge boulder clasped to his chest and drowned.

The local people, recognizing his righteousness, ran to the river to find him. They took out Dragon Boats to search for him under the river. They also threw a type of Rice Dumpling, called Zong zi into the water so the fish would feed on these rather than Qu Yuan's body.

Many traditional customs and activities are held on the specified day by the Chinese people around the world. Among these customs are dragon boat racing, eating zongzi, wearing a perfume pouch, tying five-colour silk thread and hanging mugwort leaves and calamus.

On to the Next one

Milk tower stacked to represent Taipei 101. 

Tofu at a traditional Taiwanese market. 

Pig head anyone? 

Fruit stands are in abundance. They offer cheap prices and fruits only grown in Taiwan. The fruits pictured behind the apples are litchi and are in season now. 

This box was bought from a roadside vendor. The round balls are made from "little rice" that is smashed together  until it forms a jelly like consistency. Afterwards these balls are rolled in ground peanuts. 

Take notice to the jade peanut hanging of the side of the phone. Charms like these are  more than common in Taiwan. Most phones look naked without some sort of charm. 

Pictures Worth A Million Words

A pig leg rests on the back of a motorcycle. The 95 degree heat didn't deter  anyone from setting down though. Who knows maybe they were trying to cook it. 

After eating curry for lunch for one week, my friends and I decided  咖哩 had the best curry. So I made him a certificate that is currently hanging in his shop. My stomach was strongly opposed to a weeks worth of curry and I haven't had the chance to go see it since. 

Red Bean Cake's are delicious.  Two pieces of cake with a thick layer of Red Bean paste in-between is one of my favorite delicacies. 

The variations of fruit here in Taiwan are incredible. Local fruit stands and fruit vendors selling from trucks offer incredibly low prices. Pictured here is a "Korean Apple" which tastes something like a mix in-between a pear and an apple. 

The ever popular drink stands offer a wide selection of teas mixed with different milks, fruits, and extracts. Pictured is  the fruit tea. 

Another famous drink from the drink stands. Pearl Milk Tea. One of my favorites.  Tea, Milk, and tapioca balls, all mixed together for a unique experience. Usually everyone's first impression of Pearl Milk Tea is negative. The entire drinking and chewing thing turns people off. Then after a week or so the consumer usually starts to crave it. After the second round there is no stopping them.  

This is "small rice" mashed in a bowl. I had the opportunity to make this special dish. The process includes mashing "small rice" until it become sticky and almost liquid. In the end it changes colors. Then it is rolled into small bite size pieces and served with ground peanuts and honey. 

The award winning vegetable curry. If my mom found out that I eat  eggplant and broccoli she would either jump for joy or smack me because I put up such a fuss eating those veggies back in the States.   

The Weekend Adventures Number 1

About three weekends ago one of my good exchange student friends had a birthday. However unlike most birthday celebrations this year she held a party. This was the first time I had actually spent time at someone else's house instead of meeting at a park, restaurant, ice rink, or  movie theater. I felt like I was back in the United States, with pizza, M&Ms, and marshmallows. The most unique aspect of the party was the cooking competition. The "winning" categories included grossest, most creative, and most delicious,  with prizes including stickers, and sponge bob undies. The guests were separated into teams before hand and let loose to shop for ingredients. Some of the creations that turned out were yogurt cake and fried rice those who were going for the gross category made sushi with marshmallows and stuck fish eyes in chocolate cake. My team decided to try and create the ever popular dish called curry. Popular doesn't do curry justice though, I have a friend who claims its the best food ever. If I could compare curry to an American dish I would say gravy and potatoes (but better); curry is usually served over hot white rice and has the same gravy and potatoes affect. With curry on the mind my team headed out to the Indian Spice whole sale market and picked up our essential spices including cardamom pods, coriander powder, and cayenne powder. While cooking up our chicken korma our competition kept on coming into the kitchen to check out what was smelling so good. The answer was butter, oil, chicken, yogurt, onions, garlic, and spices. The celebration was good and the food better.

Take me out to the Ballgame

Baseball Game

Baseball Game

Tea Picnic

Taiwan's North Coast

Can you see the dragon? 

 "I Love Sushi" 

Run Run Run

Last Sunday I found myself on the starting line of a marathon looking across at two men from Kenya. I decided a little earlier in the year that studying abroad wasn't hard enough. So I convinced my friend that we should run a marathon. In all honesty our training was rather poorly planned and had to be changed around all the duties required by us as exchange students. In between nasty weather, sickness, and trips, we were able to get a few two hour runs and a couple 20 mile runs. 

The marathon was....well it was a lot of running. There really aren't any big hits or last minute goals in marathons. There were plenty of rest stations, that included water, sponges, sports drinks, bananas, and crackers which are known as cookies here. Needless to say I was severely disappointed after I discovered my marathon energy fuel was salty and not sweet but sweat has to be replaced.  At the start of the Marathon my friend Dan and I claimed to be having the most fun and believe me when I say we were. We didn't have a time goal, and in fact our main objective was to finish. After about 10 miles the race "stopped being so much fun" however it still wasn't challenging or torture. At the 18 mile mark things started to look a little ruff and thats when we hit our wall. Legs started to cramp and energy levels dropped. Luckily the race had started early in the day because the sun decided to make a surprise appearance that day. Unfortunately Dan and I both forgot sunscreen. We both ended up with red arm sleeves and pink cheeks the next day. 

Upon reaching the last mile of our marathon it became clear that we were going to finish. Ending in high spirits we both raced across the finish line giving out hoots and hollers. After finishing our we received our  medals, towel, and lunch box. Lunch was good and ending in with a time of 4 hours and 50 minutes wasn't reason for disappointment but rather a reason to celebrate.  Watching and running with world class marathoners was a pleasure and a thrill. The man who finished first ran a 2 hour 18 minute marathon! 

All that running and sun tired me out, and after hobbling home and rising in the shower, I passed out on my bed for several hours without moving an inch. I woke up and cooked some fried rice for dinner, which was delicious. With a full belly and tired legs I was ready for a good nights sleep however that never came, and for some odd reason I had my first night of poor sleep in Taipei. 

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runnin

My friend Dan da Man and me after the marathon. 

On the Road Again

The weather in Taipei has cleared up and today it was actually hot. It felt wonderful, and recently life has taken some more turns. A little less than a week ago I found myself changing families again. I knew it was coming yet I didn't want it to happen. I had grown into a great relationship with my second host family. Memories of my time spent at the  何's house are many and none of them spoiled. 

In between the hectic school weeks and travels I would often sit at home with my host mother and just read and talk to her. At breakfast we would start with coffee, as the day moved on we would change our drinks to different cups of tea, each new beverage brought about a new conversation and in the silent spaces the words in our books would keep us company. Towards the end of my stay I realized I hadn't learned how to cook a single dish my host mom prepared and this devastated me because, she is the best cook I know. I'm not exaggerating, she could cook and I loved it all. So towards the end of my stay she taught me how to cook green veggies, tofu, and some pork dishes. I should have learned more and I find it hard to believe that I now prefer my lettuce cooked and my pork with an inch of fat surrounding it.

My host father would wake me up everyday and so kindly make me breakfast. To start it was odd, and I was really uncomfortable because I think the last time somebody made me breakfast on a regular basis was when I was in the third grade. On the sunny weekends he would take me out to the country side for bike rides, letting me blow of some steam while taking in the more scenic side of Taiwan at the same time. For my bike trip, he was the one who made sure my bike was in order and the one who lent me biking shorts. 

After packing all my belongings we took some family pictures outside by the blooming cherry blossom trees. My new host family is nice and my living quarters are great too. My new host parents are busy people and put in a lot of work. I usually share my dinners with my new host grandmother who loves to watch me eat, and reminds me that the food here is better than it is in America. There's no fooling her either, when I caught a cold this weekend she wanted me to take medicine. I generally put of taking medicine but she insisted and she knew I was going to try and skirt out of it. 

I would like to thank the  何 family for all that they have done for me. They didn't just house me and feed me, they took me in as their own and gave me a family. I hope one day I can give them as much as they gave me. Thank you  何 family. 

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Green Island

The past weeks have brought some surprises including a glimpse at the sun. I still find myself in class day dreaming of my days in Taidong for Chinese New Year. The last weekend I was there seven of my friends and one of their host mom's took us out to the Green Island.  The coral reefs and tranquil blue water surrounding Green Island that usually attracts tourists seemed to have a paradoxical affect. The island was devoid of hoards of tourists and tourist shops, which meant it was my kind of island. Still rugged around the edges the only mode of transportation on Green Island is motor scooters. Without hesitation my friends and I all claimed to be skilled scooter drivers. Unfortunately my scooter lacked brakes, a tragic fault that latter led to one of my fine memories on the island. The island itself is relatively small and only takes an hour to get around.

The one hour boat trip to the island left the only foreigners hysterical and ready to be sick. Nestled in the middle of the enclosed seating area my friends and I witnessed the first casualty be escorted to the back of the boat with a bag over her mouth. That was just the beginning and soon everyone to our left and right were getting sick which included a dog that happened to spill his treats on his owners foot. With poor air circulation the boat started to smell worse than any farm I've been on. After that terrifying hour we were ready to get started since our time was short. 

Our day started off with a tour to all the sightseeing spots which included a prison used during Taiwan's White Terror. After touring the island, soaking in sunlight and enjoying our new freedom of motor scooters we started to prepare for the coral reef. Even a wet-suit couldn't keep me from freezing while I was in the mild Pacific Ocean. The reef was incredible and the colors of the fish eye-popping. A short ride on the motor-scooters left us back where we started. A photo-shoot with a lonely goat sounded like a great idea at the time until it turned out it didn't appreciate me or the camera and chose to pursue the closer of the two. Escaping any scrapes or bruises then, my luck would soon run out. 

On a scooter ride my friend was at the wheel and about to pull out from the parking position. Instead of heading for the road he was directed to hit a tree. Mistaking the gas for the gas for the breaks we increased our speed towards our undesirable definition while I screamed his name at increasingly high and loud intervals. 

Seconds later we were both of the motor scooter and the road, frazzled my friend attempted to pull the unwilling scooter onto the road only to give it a rush of gas and send it out into the middle. Spilled oranges from under our scooter's seat spilled everywhere adding effect. 

This was the first of several attacks on my well being by this certain friend of mine.  After some kicks to the stomach and kicking in a bathroom door he was kind enough to wake me up with his drool for our early morning outing. At four in the morning I found myself rubbing my eyes wondering why I didn't sleep more. My friend from Ecuador nervously paces as we try to find the missing scooter keys which are found in the Texan's cowboy boots. Our band of exchange students and single host mom venture out to the other side of the island under the banner of stars that are never present in Taipei. Our eastward destination places in perfect position to view the rising sun, and I couldn't be more comfortable in the toasty warm hot springs with my friends from around the world. 

For now though I sit in class and dream of stars and sun while I watch Taipei's constant rain drip down the classroom windows. 

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jlpane2930@gmail.com 

Here Comes the Sun

Chinese New Year

Last Tuesday I found myself eating glutinous rice balls for breakfast before going to school. Unfortunately that marked the fifteenth and  last day of Chinese New Year. The year of the Rabbit started with a bang, well actually plenty of them. I can't remember a time when I didn't hear fireworks. I was fortunate enough to get out of rainy Taipei and spend my New Years in the sunny countryside of Taidong. The people were friendly and curious, the air was fresh and there was vast amounts of space! Taidong felt the closest to home since I've been in Taiwan. Chinese New Year was also the first vacation I've had in Taiwan.

Before the New Year started I assisted my host mom and siblings in cleaning the house. A trip to the loval supermarket brought in endless amounts of sweets and delicacies. Food was prepared and incense was lit then set in-front of the family alter. Then came the making of dumplings, from scratch! We cut the meat, diced the cabbage, and rolled the dough. After a large feast with the family I felt tired and headed for the sack. Soon enough I was shaken from my slumber. Apparently if one sleeps before midnight on New Years Eve. they shorten the lives of their parents. I felt horrible because I was out for the count by ten, so I guess I owe someone an apology. The night included a gambling game and then fireworks at midnight marking the start of the New Year.

The next day we headed out to my host mother's parent's house. Located right by the ocean it was extremely scenic, and relaxing. The day included more eating, fresh baked bread, Vietnamese coffee and of course some karaoke. The next day I rose early to catch a nice sunrise only to find myself traveling the streets of Taidong in dim lighting and creepy silence. My only companion was the jerk chicken I bought the night before and a cup of coffee. Needless to say I scared myself to death. After asking an old man the way to the top of the mountain I intended to climb I received a response that suggested I wasn't welcome. Determined as ever I clamored on and after stumbling on a tomb I found my way to the top. The sunrise was shrouded by clouds and was extremely anti-climatic, but I did receive warm words from a Taiwanese man who assured me that the United States is Taiwan's friend.  

Taidong

The fish head I ate.

Me and the fish boat

Lion dance. 

Pictures part 2

Burning paper money for the ancestors. 

Lantern with wishes written on it, about to be sent to the heavens.

Our Lantern 

Chinese New Year Day 1

The Year of the Rabbit came in with a bang. Which means there were more fireworks than usual. I was fortunate enough to spend my week in the beautiful town of Taidong. Where the sun was always shining and the weather was just right. Before New Years Eve my temporary host mom had me and my three temporary host siblings clean the house. After scrubbing some of the windows and supper I was taken to the hotel across the street for an Indigenous dance show. Ironically it was the hotel I stayed in while I was biking around the Island. After watching the energy filled dance, the natives offered to teach those willing to learn. My host mom volunteered me  without hearing my words of protest, although I must say I did underestimate my ability to learn native dances. After the dance they brought forth cups of little-rice-wine which was actually a lot better than rice-wine.

Chinese New Year Pictures