第十七天: Day 17 // Exploration of Hualien

After a morning tour, it was time to check out :( 

I was quite sad because the place was very beautiful and I wouldn't have mind staying there for many weeks :)

Me and Katherine

第十落天: Day 16 Part II

We took a 45-min trail around the mountains, where much of the marble and unique gems can be found and extracted. As we walked, I could see these huge rocks with smooth surfaces by the river. It was like pebbles you found on the beach but the size of houses.

第十落天: Day 16 // New Adventures

We said goodbye to Toy who left 5 in the morning to go back to Bangkok. The weekend had gone by too fast but we joked that the whole lot of us would one day appear in front of his door and go "SURPRISE!"

Half an hour later we left for the train station for a family trip to Hualien, the northeastern part of Taiwan. It was time for another adventure.

第十五天: Day 15 // Toy's Last Full Day to Play

It was a little sad today knowing that Toy would be leaving soon. Time had flown by but it was such good memories here in Taiwan.

I caught the boys cuddling in the morning

第十四天: Day 14 // More Surprises + Eating

Such busy days! We marvel at the many friends that came to Taiwan - it seemed that the best time to come was now! Everyone was in Taiwan!

This morning we were back to Aquatic Addiction Development but this time with Mark and Rae as Ayi takes us around the open air market. The salesperson was kind enough to hold up the huge crab for us to take a picture!

第十三天: Day 13 // Surprises

If you've been wondering why I haven't been blogging, this is the reason why....

SURPRISE

(I had a hard time embedding the video so you'll have to click on the link above. It's kind of embarrassing... I have to explain why it was so overwhelming because after he left, we all assumed we wouldn't be able to see him for years (long story). )

But our friend who we haven't seen in a year completely surprised us! Well, the two other sneaky boys have been scheming about this for a while now. 

The day started as normal. Despite the distance, Eric and Mark seem to be on the same wavelength regarding wardrobe:

第十二天: Day 12 // Napping-the-Day-Away

Remember the famous pineapple cakes that everyone loves?

Well, Mike was dropped off at 7:30 to the ChiaTe (which is the time it opens) and there was already a long line. We had checked last night at 9:30 (which they close) and there was a HUGE line so we thought no one would be there by the time it opens. We were wrong.

Mike waited for 90 mins in line. We came back at 8:30 thinking we were keeping him waiting but nope, lo and behold he was still in line. So crazy! Eric says it's never been like this but looks like they've become very popular. Hope they expand!

After picking Mike up, we headed home, packed things up and drove to the airport. It was time to say goodbye to Mike and Dawn =*( The kiddies were going home! But see you two soon in the States! 

第十一天: Day 11 // Hellos and Goodbyes

For this lovely day, Eric and I headed to Tienmu to meet up with Rachel and Mark (Dawn and Mike were off to an adventurous trip to the beach). 

First stop was McDonalds since I was wanting a Big Mac. Eric "sang" (more like read) a song and won a coupon for a free Big Mac. Unfortunately we'd have to use it at a different time to get the burger. Nonetheless, we munched while watching a grandmother with three young girls.

第十天: Day 10 // Ohana Hangout

When I woke up this morning, I was so excited because today was the day the six of us in Taiwan would be reunited (Mark, Rae, Mike, Dawn, Eric and I). It was going to be such a good day!

Reunited at last!

第九天: Day 9 // Ximending Night Market

今天很忙可是好晚

This morning will be the most memorable morning. On this important day we found a scale. And on this important day, we realized how fat we were.

It all started with Mike finding the scale. Before that, we were sharing stories of eating-too-much-but-it-was-so-good, my-family-making-me-eat-even-though-I'm-full and I'm-full-but-I-didn't-refuse-so-that-I'm-not-rude.

第八天： Day 8 // Reunion inTaiwan

Happy Sunday!

Today was an exciting day since our friends from the US were coming into Taiwan: Mark & Rae from Seattle and Dawn & Mike flying in from Shanghai. We hopped onto the bus and rode down to Tienmu where we would be meeting the fiancees Mark and Rae. 

We were a bit early but we waited at Takashimaya for Mark and Rae. 

第七天: Day 7 // Family Time

Good morning!

Today I went with Amy Ayi to the fresh market. Whereas Huang Shu Shu can go in and out of the market in 30 minutes, Amy Ayi, Donut and I spent 90 minutes at the market. I got to see a bit more of the market and revel in the culture of Taiwan and food. We bought a ton of things and brought back bags and bags of food home. 

At this stall, there was a long table of seafood and people surrounded the area browsing though the selection. I felt almost as if I was at an auction because customers were waving money and shouting their requests at the same time, hoping that he would tend to them first.

第六天 : Day 6 // The biggest-shrimp-ever and 101

早安

Today after breakfast, we left with Huang Shu Shu back to the Fresh Market. Eric's dad loves shopping for fresh fish at the market and it is his favorite thing to do when he's back in Taipei. The trip is usually always speedy. First stop is the fish inventory!

第五天 : Day 5 // Maokang Mountain

"Maokang Mountain" Means 'No-Cat Mountain'

Day 5 started off with a very relaxing morning and an afternoon nap, yet the day would prove to be one of my favorite days.

We visited Eslite Bookstore in Taipei, which I could practically live in since it was a beautiful bookstore with wooden floors and modern decor. There was even a fancy cafe/restaurant at one end of the floor. The bookstore was full of people sitting at tables and on the sides at the aisles reading. The best part is that the Eslite Bookstore is open 24/7 ! Guess I really could live there :)  

第四天 : Day 4 // Fresh Market

早安! Good morning!
It's time to go shopping! 

We headed out to the busy streets of the fresh market filled with vendors, shoppers and yes, even tour groups. It was an exciting place to be at 9 in the morning! 

The experiences here in Taiwan has definitely made me miss being in Thailand. There's lots of similarities between the two countries but at the same time, Taipei feels more organized and less chaotic than the busyness of Bangkok whether it was shopping, driving or taking public transportation.

The last few days have been a great experience. People still come up to me speaking chinese, which is ironic. In Thailand, no one ever thinks that I'm Thai (*tear*) yet here everyone assumes I'm Chinese-speaking. How's that Tara? :)  

第三天 : Day 3 // Yangming Mountain III

Our next stop was to the second Yangmingshan National Park. Eric and his family had not been back to this park for over ten years and were eager to re-experience it. When we arrived there, there was a long beautiful shelter. 

第三天 : Day 3 // Yangming Mountain II

Yangmingshan National Park

After lunch we continued our drive up the mountains to see the Yangmingshan National Parks.

Arriving at the Yangmingshan National Park to see the geyser.

第三天 : Day 3 // Yangming Mountain

我饿了: I'm hungry!

We drove about half an hour up to Yangming Mountain, maneuvering through tight curves and numerous motorbikes, to find this little famous restaurant that serves local Taiwanese food. It has been around for about 20 years, which is as long as Eric's mother has been going there. 

This is the sign with the restaurant name, which I cannot read but I can give you their telephone number (or is it an address??): 

第三天 : Day 3 // National Palace Museum

Birth of Taiwan...

Chiang Kai-shek left China with his remaining Kuomintang army in flee of the Communists, who had victoriously won the civil war in 1949. Though they had lost the battle, Chiang Kai-shek and his fellow comrades took with them the treasures of the nation. Filling a battleship with national treasures, they sailed off to the island of Taiwan. The wealth they brought along now rest in The National Palace Museum.

The National Palace Museum holds over half a million articles of ancient artifacts that date back to the Neolithic Age. Over 8,000 years worth of history from calligraphy, dated paintings, rare documents, jade carvings and - believe it or not - palace furniture ranging from jewelry boxes to beds. 

We arrived early in the morning along with a handful of people. But by the time Huang Shu Shu, Eric and I left the first exhibition room, the hallways were filled with tour groups from Mainland China and Japan. All you could see down at the bottom lobby were people, people, people. This is what you call 人山人海 ("People Mountain People Sea"). 

國立故宮博物院 : National Palace Museum

第二天 : Day 2 // Memorial Buildings in Taiwan

• Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The days are starting to blur together but these are the pictures from yesterday's evening trip to Taipei's Memorial Halls in tribute to Sun Yat-sen, the national "Father of the Nation", and Chiang Kai-shek who was the first term president for the Republic of China in Taiwan. 

First stop at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. Quite a bit of people coming in and out and to my surprise there was a group of around 20 practicing hip hop by the entrance doors. 

Kite-flying outside as well as lots of cute dogs and kids running around!

第二天 : Day 2 // Random Exploration

As I mentioned yesterday, Taiwan has been raining for the last few days. This has resulted in flooding and mudslides in some areas outside of Taipei.

Watch this video from yesterday's incident that we watched on tv: Crazy Taiwanese Mudside 2013

Puts things into perspective, huh? I'm going to remind myself next time I get stressed that at least I'm alive and well!

I was quite sad that the week's forecast was rain since I pretty much packed only dresses and shorts and owned one pair of lonely tights in my suitcase. Thinking about Ps. Lao's testimony of praying for the snowstorm to stop in Japan, I quickly let God the Father know that morning that as much as I loved the cooler weather, it would be very wonderful of Him to let the sunshine come out sometime sooner =)

Lo and behold that at the end of the evening, Eric's father 爸爸 was checking the weather on the ipad and called out (in chinese) "You came at a good time, looks like it's great weather this week!"

What? I just checked that morning on arrival that it's rain all week yet by the time I checked my phone in the evening there was not a trace of rain for the whole week. No clouds but pure sunshine for the next day to boot. I was floored. 

I must say God really boosted up my faith from that incident. At the time of my prayer, my faith said it will only rain for two more days and then lots of sunshine! but God's faith was I hear my child. Sunshine? Done. 

第一天 : Day 1 // Landing

你好!

Once the wheels hit the runway, I was overjoyed! Not that I had been anticipating for months to come experience Taiwan in all senses - most of all taste - but that I could finally stretch my legs and ease my sore bottom after the 12-hour flight. 

We landed 5 in the morning where I almost got detained (not really but pretty close) and found the day to be cloudy and rainy. Eric's mother and older brother picked us up at airport.

The rest of the day was a daze for this sleep-deprived, caffeine-running duo. But here are some highlights and definite non-highlights.

Non-Highlight:

• First mosquito bite after getting out of the car from the airport - BOOOOO to you! Killed it immediately though - YAY! 

• Rain. Lots of rain, though I didn't mind it :) Unfortunately forecast said rain for a week :( 

Highlights: 

• Family Tea Time:  Meeting all the aunts, uncles and cousins from Eric's dad's side.
• Huang Yeye and Nainai, who are by far the cutest grandparents I've ever met! (Mine would count too but in my lifetime there was only one grandma who was alive). 

Grandpa is 97 and Grandma is 95 years old but they are pretty strong! They eat by themselves and I'm amazed to watch them use their chopsticks and pick out what they want - talk about fine motor skills! But the cutest thing must be how much Grandpa loves and cares for Grandma. Grandma is in a wheelchair and isn't as strong as before but Grandpa will sweetly pass over plates of food that are out of her reach to her, take off her towel bib, give her medication and gruffly tell her to eat it but, most of all, always linger around to make sure she is doing well or to see what she's up to. I can't express in words how thoughtful Grandpa is towards Grandma but it is the cutest thing.

The entire Huang clan - or Empire as Eric likes to call it - are adorable. They all love to make faces and do silly things to Grandma even Eric's father who rubbed his hair against her face to show her how wet it was outside. But in comparison to their ages, we really are kids to Yeye and Nainai.

I didn't take too many pictures since I was a little shy around his family to go all out with my foreign tourist syndrome but here's a few from Tea Time at a Japanese buffet. It was so beautiful there and so good! I will say I have had 4 meals since I've arrived here and skipped dinner because I was too full...

 再见!