Hanging out with the aboriginal dancers at Alishan (central Taiwan)
Sister Ponds, Alishan
The oh-so-famous sunrise at Alishan
Alishan is so pretty, full of forests and mountainous landscapes.
Hiking through the forests of Alishan where we met up with some local Taiwanese military men.
(famous elephant trunk wooded structure in the distance)
We are such high altitude, that we surpassed the low lying clouds. Isn't this picture pristine with it's sun rays hitting the mountain tip ever so majestically? Pure love.
Candid shots of forestry gallivants...
The fellas riding the train up to the beloved sunrise...so, yes, this shot was at the wee hours of morn.
I thought this was awesome, because while we were relishing in the Alishan sunrise, surrounded by Asians of course, me and Erin received a tap on our shoulders. This cute, short little Asian girl asked if she could take a picture with us...notice her height...we are even crouching down...it was one for the books.
We hosted the first Berhan 4th floor sing-along/skit festival. My group, those adorned with scarves on their head (Whitney, Lien, myself and Erin) chose the dance moves of the aboriginal dancers, the soundtrack "Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas and the mysterious disappearing Houdini Lien, who is so small, she fit inside the suitcase, and was definitely a magical surprise later on in the performance. Hands down, awesome show. Random is as random does.
By far...my favorite picture. Not only is this the Chinese character for the city I live in (Fengyuan), but its' classically chic. Rugged, fierce, lovable.
Harry Potter!!! In case you were wondering, I was able to see this before it hit the United States...so, I think I am allowed to brag about my excitement. P.s. I thought it was well addressed. I love HP.
A choice, beloved little pagoda gazebo. Quaint.
My 12 year old students...stories to come, trust me.
My elementary students...8-9 years old. They earned a party, in which we had snacks of all sorts, which definitely entailed some Taiwanese edible treasures...good thing I brought ice cream! My students had such a blast; we played the Taiwanese edition of Monopoly (is that legal?), and drank ice cream floats (with Coke)..not sure if I like that. Anyway, it was such a fun, relaxing day.
We found it...an American supply restaurant/store....it's owned by a man from New Zealand, who has lived in Taiwan for 20 years. He opened this restaurant which houses so many American food treasures (baguette sandwiches, artisan breads, refried beans, salsa, etc.) all of which are not found normally found in grocery stores here. So, we packed our bags full of ingredients and special American delicacies.
Erin, Allison and me being awesome on the bus ride home from the Feng Chia night market in Taichung. I hooked myself up with some awesome finds. I super love night markets, because everything is so cheap. My face screams of bargains, eh?
My first Asian baseball game. Japan vs. Netherlands...
Japan won!! Way to represent Asia baseball playoffs!!
Here we are at the exciting baseball game playoffs!
(Jake and Ariel and me)
Taichung, the land of dreams. This had to be documented. Buying my ticket for the train.
Possibly another favorite picture of mine. Of course, this is my favorite relaxing spot. Welcome to the WeIN Lounge, hosting its' tasteful Volcanic Magma drink, and platter of Taiwanese salts and sweets.
I am a regular, quite simply. And of course, their motto.. "we create life, in your life." Chinglish at it's finest.
Taichung. Epic. Sepia. Hot.
Me and Erin in front of some false advertising...you might think we are in Taipei...not true.
We are in Taichung, which is about 2 hours south of Taipei.
We just finished a relaxing day, sipping on some Volcanic Magma drinks and platters at the WeIN Lounge in Taichung. This lounge will be missed dearly.
Saying goodbye to my dear friends at La Tresse restaurant in Taichung.
L: Jana and Kevin Hogan
R: Ariel and Jake Andersen
Weird is as weird does.
Look, it does exist. A Taiwanese Thanksgiving dinner!
NT$2900!!
P.s. If you aren't surprised, they obviously DON'T celebrate Thanksgiving in Taiwan, but with all the globalization and becoming westernized, many traditions are adopted into their culture.
Look Mama, I made caramel corn to give to my friends who were leaving Taiwan!
Due to my mama's mad baking skills, it, of course was delicious!!
"A little sweet treat for the ride"
So hot. Botanical Gardens, Taichung.
Botanical lush glories garden. This big leaf represents all things ginormous or otherwise epic in life.
Live it up. Big is as big does.
Everything is out of order, because it has been MONTHS since I last blogged, so..I have included bits of all glories to keep the devoted reader interested. Enjoy!