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.