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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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