Well, I am back in Canada, and back at work to pay for this amazing trip. There are a few things I need to do,
1) Add pictures of final few days in Taiwan
2) Re-order my posts so that readers can start at beginning of trip
3) Sort the thousands of pictures into a coherent storyline,
4) Start planning my next escape.
Friday, 1 January 2010
It is not if, but a matter of when
Down to the last few days, and while I thought there would be no more adventures in Taiwan. It was too early to send out the fat lady. I have to thank Dave for this opportunity to add to the adventure.
I have to say that this event was certainly less painful than the last time Dave and I were involved in a vehicular accident. There was no hospital visit, no ride in the back of a police car, and most importantly no damage. Of course we were riding two different scooters, and Dave's only involvement, was hearing the crash and sliding scooter, (not mine but the other guys).
I still don't know why the guy drove close enough so that his mirror (or handle bar) went under my right arm, but he did. I think he might have felt he had to be in my line of travel, and I should have let him in, BUT even if I was so inclined to let him in, it was pretty much impossible. All I know is that I felt a tug, (or pull) on the inside of my forearm, and then I heard a crash and sliding scooter behind me. I stopped the scooter and drove back to the intersection to make sure there were no injuries or damage. The guy was not injured and his scooter appeared to have no new damage and it started so all was good from my perspective. He on the other hand probable felt I was at fault, but.....
I have to say that this event was certainly less painful than the last time Dave and I were involved in a vehicular accident. There was no hospital visit, no ride in the back of a police car, and most importantly no damage. Of course we were riding two different scooters, and Dave's only involvement, was hearing the crash and sliding scooter, (not mine but the other guys).
I still don't know why the guy drove close enough so that his mirror (or handle bar) went under my right arm, but he did. I think he might have felt he had to be in my line of travel, and I should have let him in, BUT even if I was so inclined to let him in, it was pretty much impossible. All I know is that I felt a tug, (or pull) on the inside of my forearm, and then I heard a crash and sliding scooter behind me. I stopped the scooter and drove back to the intersection to make sure there were no injuries or damage. The guy was not injured and his scooter appeared to have no new damage and it started so all was good from my perspective. He on the other hand probable felt I was at fault, but.....
Sunday, 20 December 2009
What goes around, comes around
HONG KONG: 2 THUMBS UP. I am sure I could have spent another week in Hong Kong, visiting historic buildings and shopping locations. However, I will have to save them for the next visit. I definitely understand why Hong Kong is synonymous with shopping and food, although I did eat a few meals in my room at the WiFi Hotel, after a long day of sightseeing.
I was going to keep the Octopus card as a souvenir of my trip, but I found out when taking the metro that I was unable to use the card if a negative balance existed on the card, (a final breakfast at McDonald's) put me in the hole. Even though the card allows for a negative $HK 30, (there is a $HK 50 deposit), you can not use it, if you are already in the hole, and since I still had to get to the Airport I had to add more money to the card. but I was able to get a refund (less a $HK 7 service charge).
I was told that the Hong Kong Airport was a shopping mecca, and let me tell you that if you somehow managed to avoid buying a Coach Handbag, or Gucci watch (real not copy), you can blow the remainder of your Duty Free Allowance and pick up a real bargain. HOWEVER, remember I spent my duty free allowance in the guys toy store, "Exclusive" on the peak.
I wondered why my self check-in boarding pass did not give me a gate, but I guess this was because my flight was almost an hour late. Fortunately, I had fully charged my HP Netbook, and was able to upload and tag my pictures using Flickr uploadr.
Well, I realized when I walked boarded the plane, that I was not going to get an extra wide seat, but I would be stuffed in with the other passengers, and I mean stuffed. There were 8 (2 - 4 - 2) seats across, and I was in the one of the two middle seats in the set of 4 seats. While I was a little cramped, I feel sorrier for the two people who were sitting beside me, (I wonder what they were getting paid back for). I am glad that I already had lunch at Popeye's chicken, since I am sure I would have knocked my seat mates unconscious trying to eat my meal. I did have to try out the cup-holder, so I did have some orange juice and some tea.
Finally, back to Kaohsiung, and another trip through immigration, (I think I have my passport number memorized), and I have filled a page up with stamps. It has finally cooled off here, so much so that we have closed the majority of the windows in the apartment. I have also experienced my second building shaker. This time the building seemed to move in an counter-clockwise motion and for around a minute, minute and a half. Enough time that I actually thought about trying for the ground floor.
PS: I decided to figure out what "monetize" meant, so this is why I decided to drop as many brand names as possible, and maybe I can pay for my next travel adventure. r Maybe a North American road-trip, or Back pack through Europe.
I was going to keep the Octopus card as a souvenir of my trip, but I found out when taking the metro that I was unable to use the card if a negative balance existed on the card, (a final breakfast at McDonald's) put me in the hole. Even though the card allows for a negative $HK 30, (there is a $HK 50 deposit), you can not use it, if you are already in the hole, and since I still had to get to the Airport I had to add more money to the card. but I was able to get a refund (less a $HK 7 service charge).
I was told that the Hong Kong Airport was a shopping mecca, and let me tell you that if you somehow managed to avoid buying a Coach Handbag, or Gucci watch (real not copy), you can blow the remainder of your Duty Free Allowance and pick up a real bargain. HOWEVER, remember I spent my duty free allowance in the guys toy store, "Exclusive" on the peak.
I wondered why my self check-in boarding pass did not give me a gate, but I guess this was because my flight was almost an hour late. Fortunately, I had fully charged my HP Netbook, and was able to upload and tag my pictures using Flickr uploadr.
Well, I realized when I walked boarded the plane, that I was not going to get an extra wide seat, but I would be stuffed in with the other passengers, and I mean stuffed. There were 8 (2 - 4 - 2) seats across, and I was in the one of the two middle seats in the set of 4 seats. While I was a little cramped, I feel sorrier for the two people who were sitting beside me, (I wonder what they were getting paid back for). I am glad that I already had lunch at Popeye's chicken, since I am sure I would have knocked my seat mates unconscious trying to eat my meal. I did have to try out the cup-holder, so I did have some orange juice and some tea.
Finally, back to Kaohsiung, and another trip through immigration, (I think I have my passport number memorized), and I have filled a page up with stamps. It has finally cooled off here, so much so that we have closed the majority of the windows in the apartment. I have also experienced my second building shaker. This time the building seemed to move in an counter-clockwise motion and for around a minute, minute and a half. Enough time that I actually thought about trying for the ground floor.
PS: I decided to figure out what "monetize" meant, so this is why I decided to drop as many brand names as possible, and maybe I can pay for my next travel adventure. r Maybe a North American road-trip, or Back pack through Europe.
Thursday, 17 December 2009
Where is the line up?
Another go, go, go type day. After looking at the Walking Tour suggestions, the Lonely Planet Hong Kong & Macau Guide book, and a map of Hong Kong Island, I arrived at a plan that would allow me to catch all the highlights, and get a little fresh air and exercise. The first stop was the Noon Day gun, (I was a little early and while I could have taken a tour of the harbour on a boat, I decided to "Griswald" it. However, as the experience starts with the first step, getting to the gun was pretty amazing. I know you should never follow someone you just met down an alley, but hey it was 11:30 in the morning. Anyway, to get to the gun you have to take the World Trade Centre Subway. Well what the guide books never said, (or I skipped over) is that the entrance to the tunnel is not in the main lobby, but rather on the side of the building and you have to walk through the steam tunnels to get to the other side of the road.
After this, I figured I would shoot to the end of the Island see the Western Building, and then work my way back to the hotel. Well I forgot to visit one of the must see's close by the Gun, and I don't think I will get a chance to see it, unless I get an early start and visit it before I head to the airport. The other parts of the walking tour were less eventful, but I am glad I spent some time in India getting used to steep stairs and walkways. While the climbs would never challenge the residents of Shimla, I am glad the incline on the stairs was gentle. I do have to add one suggestion to travelling. If you find a washroom, use it. You may not need to, but use it anyway. I have never had so much difficulty finding washrooms, as I have on this trip. I guess I must not be used to the placement strategy, or signage.
I will also not complain about the incense in Church again. I am pretty sure, but if you want to get around the smoking ban, open up a temple. I am glad I was outside walking around, as I had a chance to get rid of the smoke smell on my clothes. I did not light any prayer sticks, or strike the bell and gong, or even burn any ghost money, but I think I got a little bit of the temple experience.
I also realized that I am now a tourist. I took an escalator up the side of the mountain, for no other purpose, that it was suggested in the walking guide book, as one the longest covered escalators in the world. I may have stopped before the end, but I could not see another set when I turned back. I think I left some other tourists back a level or two. Normally, escalators are not a problem, but they were one directional, so every one I took up, I had to walk back down.
After a few more sites, some which are closed to the public, (military to prevent un-authorized access), so I only took pictures, I figured that I had better wrap up my side trip (Leisurely Garden Stroll I don't think so). However, when I started back, I realized that across this one street and probably up a few stairs, there existed another "Walking Tour Highlight", and if I did not cross the street and check it out, I would alway wonder exactly what I missed. Well, I found a place to sit for a bit, and grab a light snack. The sandwich was fresh, since the guy made it while I was waiting, and I even think he cut the crusts off the bread.
In truth, today was focused around filling in my day around a trip on the Peak Tram. It was perfectly safe, but a little weird to be looking out the window and seeing the face of a building at a 45 degree angle to the one you were heading. It was definitely worth the money, and the view from the restaurant and observation deck were amazing. I did force myself to stop taking pictures of the skyline, and just absorb the fact that I was on the Peak Observation Deck in Hong Kong. I have to add my "Two-Thumbs" up, to this recommended tourist event, and not only because of my excellent dinner at Bubba Gumps Shrimp Joint, with a view of Hong Kong.
I did run into a couple of other Canadians, sure glad I bought the Official Canadian Olympic Sweatshirt to wear. I am sure that I added to the image of Crazy Canucks as I was waiting for the return tram in my sweatshirt and shorts, while the other passengers were bundled up. I have to admit that it was cool, probably only 12 degrees, but still shorts weather.
I realized that I was in trouble, when I asked the sales guy, if they had gadget, and he grabbed this box off the stand and took me to a darkened area of his shop. No, it was not one of those type of stores. He showed me this little portable projector, and it works with a many of the other NEEDED gadgets I already have, can you say PSP. Needless to say, he hooked him a customer. Yep, I bought a few NEEDED items, but in my defence, I did not know I needed them until I saw them. It is a good thing I am on my way back to Taiwan tomorrow and I only have 5 hours in the Tokyo airport on my way back to Canada in a couple of weeks, otherwise I would probably be over my duty allowance. Oh well, I will be a good boy when I get back to Canada.
After this, I figured I would shoot to the end of the Island see the Western Building, and then work my way back to the hotel. Well I forgot to visit one of the must see's close by the Gun, and I don't think I will get a chance to see it, unless I get an early start and visit it before I head to the airport. The other parts of the walking tour were less eventful, but I am glad I spent some time in India getting used to steep stairs and walkways. While the climbs would never challenge the residents of Shimla, I am glad the incline on the stairs was gentle. I do have to add one suggestion to travelling. If you find a washroom, use it. You may not need to, but use it anyway. I have never had so much difficulty finding washrooms, as I have on this trip. I guess I must not be used to the placement strategy, or signage.
I will also not complain about the incense in Church again. I am pretty sure, but if you want to get around the smoking ban, open up a temple. I am glad I was outside walking around, as I had a chance to get rid of the smoke smell on my clothes. I did not light any prayer sticks, or strike the bell and gong, or even burn any ghost money, but I think I got a little bit of the temple experience.
I also realized that I am now a tourist. I took an escalator up the side of the mountain, for no other purpose, that it was suggested in the walking guide book, as one the longest covered escalators in the world. I may have stopped before the end, but I could not see another set when I turned back. I think I left some other tourists back a level or two. Normally, escalators are not a problem, but they were one directional, so every one I took up, I had to walk back down.
After a few more sites, some which are closed to the public, (military to prevent un-authorized access), so I only took pictures, I figured that I had better wrap up my side trip (Leisurely Garden Stroll I don't think so). However, when I started back, I realized that across this one street and probably up a few stairs, there existed another "Walking Tour Highlight", and if I did not cross the street and check it out, I would alway wonder exactly what I missed. Well, I found a place to sit for a bit, and grab a light snack. The sandwich was fresh, since the guy made it while I was waiting, and I even think he cut the crusts off the bread.
In truth, today was focused around filling in my day around a trip on the Peak Tram. It was perfectly safe, but a little weird to be looking out the window and seeing the face of a building at a 45 degree angle to the one you were heading. It was definitely worth the money, and the view from the restaurant and observation deck were amazing. I did force myself to stop taking pictures of the skyline, and just absorb the fact that I was on the Peak Observation Deck in Hong Kong. I have to add my "Two-Thumbs" up, to this recommended tourist event, and not only because of my excellent dinner at Bubba Gumps Shrimp Joint, with a view of Hong Kong.
I did run into a couple of other Canadians, sure glad I bought the Official Canadian Olympic Sweatshirt to wear. I am sure that I added to the image of Crazy Canucks as I was waiting for the return tram in my sweatshirt and shorts, while the other passengers were bundled up. I have to admit that it was cool, probably only 12 degrees, but still shorts weather.
I realized that I was in trouble, when I asked the sales guy, if they had gadget, and he grabbed this box off the stand and took me to a darkened area of his shop. No, it was not one of those type of stores. He showed me this little portable projector, and it works with a many of the other NEEDED gadgets I already have, can you say PSP. Needless to say, he hooked him a customer. Yep, I bought a few NEEDED items, but in my defence, I did not know I needed them until I saw them. It is a good thing I am on my way back to Taiwan tomorrow and I only have 5 hours in the Tokyo airport on my way back to Canada in a couple of weeks, otherwise I would probably be over my duty allowance. Oh well, I will be a good boy when I get back to Canada.
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Buy copy watch, hand made suit, shirts, ....
Today was spent closer to the hotel, just across the bay in Kowloon. While I have been in cities where they have had amazing and world quality museums and art galleries, today was the first time I have ever spent an entire day touring museums and an art gallery. Of course this could have been because of the free admission offered on Wednesday's, but I like to think I was expanding my cultural base.
While at the start I really tried to stop and read the little notes and pause with each display. I quickly realized that my style was more "hit and run", and not so much a detailed connoisseur. Think Clark Griswald in the Louvre. I do admit that I enjoyed the Hong Kong Museum of History and Hong Kong Science Museum, were a lot more interesting than the Hong Kong Museum of Art.
Even though not a lot of display interested me at the Art museum, they had a couple of areas that I felt were good innovations. They had a couple of areas where you could attend a workshop on painting, or pottery. However, the best workshop was where you had to write a story about a number of painting, and they put the stories with the painting. I think I may do the same with a few of my photos. You could also spend a little time and make some snowflakes for Christmas.
I do agree with the lonely plant that the two other museums are must sees in Hong Kong. While I am not sure how much normal admission is, I do feel that they are a good deal, but if you can pick your time, spend Wednesday touring the museums. I think the science museum would appeal more to the hands on visitors. There were lots of displays were you could test your physical fitness, house of mirrors, How things work.... If I may borrow a movie review technique, "Two thumbs Up"
I also walked the Golden Mile, and after a few blocks, you have to get used to saying "No Thanks", "Nope", or eventually just hand gestures, and Don't slow down. When I got up this morning, the Breitling had stopped at some point that morning, but for some reason I shook it and it started to work, so I decided to wear it for the day, but I kept my Wal-Mart Coleman watch strapped on my back pack so I would have the correct time, just in case. The Omega still appears to be keeping time, but how long this will last I can not say. I hope my being less generous with the Buddhist monk yesterday, does not come back and bite me on the "butt".
I did manage to catch the Symphony of lights along the avenue of stars. WOW, let me say it again, WOW. I am not sure if there is additional lights because of Christmas, but it was pretty spectacular. This is one of my "Must see's", but once again, my camera quit before I was ready to come back to the hotel, maybe tomorrow I will come back early and recharge the camera. I guess trying to light up the city with my little flash, sure eats up the batteries. Well, live and learn.
While at the start I really tried to stop and read the little notes and pause with each display. I quickly realized that my style was more "hit and run", and not so much a detailed connoisseur. Think Clark Griswald in the Louvre. I do admit that I enjoyed the Hong Kong Museum of History and Hong Kong Science Museum, were a lot more interesting than the Hong Kong Museum of Art.
Even though not a lot of display interested me at the Art museum, they had a couple of areas that I felt were good innovations. They had a couple of areas where you could attend a workshop on painting, or pottery. However, the best workshop was where you had to write a story about a number of painting, and they put the stories with the painting. I think I may do the same with a few of my photos. You could also spend a little time and make some snowflakes for Christmas.
I do agree with the lonely plant that the two other museums are must sees in Hong Kong. While I am not sure how much normal admission is, I do feel that they are a good deal, but if you can pick your time, spend Wednesday touring the museums. I think the science museum would appeal more to the hands on visitors. There were lots of displays were you could test your physical fitness, house of mirrors, How things work.... If I may borrow a movie review technique, "Two thumbs Up"
I also walked the Golden Mile, and after a few blocks, you have to get used to saying "No Thanks", "Nope", or eventually just hand gestures, and Don't slow down. When I got up this morning, the Breitling had stopped at some point that morning, but for some reason I shook it and it started to work, so I decided to wear it for the day, but I kept my Wal-Mart Coleman watch strapped on my back pack so I would have the correct time, just in case. The Omega still appears to be keeping time, but how long this will last I can not say. I hope my being less generous with the Buddhist monk yesterday, does not come back and bite me on the "butt".
I did manage to catch the Symphony of lights along the avenue of stars. WOW, let me say it again, WOW. I am not sure if there is additional lights because of Christmas, but it was pretty spectacular. This is one of my "Must see's", but once again, my camera quit before I was ready to come back to the hotel, maybe tomorrow I will come back early and recharge the camera. I guess trying to light up the city with my little flash, sure eats up the batteries. Well, live and learn.
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
Where were the Life-vests, and would they replay the safety video.
Well, my week in Hong Kong started out excellent, no problems getting to the Airport from my buddies place, and it seems that with a multi-entry visa, everytime you arrive in the country your 60 days starts all over. This was minor compared to getting assigned to 18A, or also know as the last row in 1st class. It must have been the recent shave and shower that managed to snag me this seat.
Well, getting to the main island from the Airport did involve one snag. You need to purchase a different ticket (token, pass) to ride the other trains that don't go to the airport. Finally, this was solved, and I arrived at my hotel later than planned, but in one piece and without anymore hic-cups.
In order to make the best of my short stay in Hong Kong, I decided to spend one day in Macau, and today was it. After a somewhat late start, I managed to get on the Star Ferry to go to Kowloon, and then walked to the China Terminal to take the Hydro-foil to Macau. I am glad I decided ahead of time that I was not going to get a suit made, and I was on a time-line so I had a built in excuse for the way there, not so much on the way back. I think I found where little boys from the Taj Mahal end up using their skills.
Well, after clearing another set of customs, and running the gauntlet of "private tour guides", I caught a bus to the farthest site, and planned on walking back. Well, I made it to the A-Ma Temple and Marine Museum. After a few quick pictures, I started my hike back. Well I have to admit that I needed a proper map, and not the tourist map, since not all roads are marked, and I did not really want to stay too long in this area looking at a TOURIST map. In any case, I made it to a touristy area, (signs pointing the way to important locations). So I managed to see and photograph a few of Macau's Must see spots, Ruins of St. Paul.
However, just as I was about to start walking back to the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal (about 2 KM), it started to rain, so like the rest of the tourists, I sought shelter in the archway of the ruins. I wonder how often these doors have seen the huddled masses seeking shelter. However, this delay cost me some daylight. I think if I had a proper map (paper or GPS) I would have risked a walk in the rain and dark back to the terminal, but since I only had a 4 hours to catch the last ferry, I decided to get a bite to eat and hail a cab. Well, both were easier said than done. The place I stopped for food, (deep fried chicken (I think)), was pretty slow and I think I probably missed a cab or two at the taxi stand, but the little TV above the till, was showing this shops claim to fame (for a show of some kine, an actor purchased Egg-tarts and then traded the tarts for a buskers guitar so he could woo his lady friend who left their wallet at the stand. See it took a long time for my order to come). Then for a while I was worried that there were no more taxi's but eventually two showed up, one someone stole before the stand, and the other one was going off duty, or she did not want to take any passengers. Third time's a charm, I made it to the terminal, and decided that since I was not going to gamble, the least I could do was take some photos of the lighted casinos, and Sky-line.
Then onto the ferry, well after using the wrong bathroom, (how come no stand-ups), and buying Cashews and a Coke Zero for $40, I caught the ferry back to Hong Kong. I realized something was up once the announcement came on that due to weather we would not make our scheduled arrival time. At some point I realized that I should have paid more attention to the safety video, instead of trying to take pictures of the casinos out the window. It now made so much sense, why they were hauling lots of garbage out of the ferry in Macau, lots of little white bags. There was also a pretty big crew waiting for us in Hong Kong, but I don't think they were really needed, but I could be mistaken.
Well, I managed to avoid the hand made suit sellers and Rodex sellers on the way out, and I figured they would be gone. HA, let me say it again HA. Well, lets just say that don't make an offer if you are not willing to pay it. So far so good, they are still keeping time.
Well, getting to the main island from the Airport did involve one snag. You need to purchase a different ticket (token, pass) to ride the other trains that don't go to the airport. Finally, this was solved, and I arrived at my hotel later than planned, but in one piece and without anymore hic-cups.
In order to make the best of my short stay in Hong Kong, I decided to spend one day in Macau, and today was it. After a somewhat late start, I managed to get on the Star Ferry to go to Kowloon, and then walked to the China Terminal to take the Hydro-foil to Macau. I am glad I decided ahead of time that I was not going to get a suit made, and I was on a time-line so I had a built in excuse for the way there, not so much on the way back. I think I found where little boys from the Taj Mahal end up using their skills.
Well, after clearing another set of customs, and running the gauntlet of "private tour guides", I caught a bus to the farthest site, and planned on walking back. Well, I made it to the A-Ma Temple and Marine Museum. After a few quick pictures, I started my hike back. Well I have to admit that I needed a proper map, and not the tourist map, since not all roads are marked, and I did not really want to stay too long in this area looking at a TOURIST map. In any case, I made it to a touristy area, (signs pointing the way to important locations). So I managed to see and photograph a few of Macau's Must see spots, Ruins of St. Paul.
However, just as I was about to start walking back to the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal (about 2 KM), it started to rain, so like the rest of the tourists, I sought shelter in the archway of the ruins. I wonder how often these doors have seen the huddled masses seeking shelter. However, this delay cost me some daylight. I think if I had a proper map (paper or GPS) I would have risked a walk in the rain and dark back to the terminal, but since I only had a 4 hours to catch the last ferry, I decided to get a bite to eat and hail a cab. Well, both were easier said than done. The place I stopped for food, (deep fried chicken (I think)), was pretty slow and I think I probably missed a cab or two at the taxi stand, but the little TV above the till, was showing this shops claim to fame (for a show of some kine, an actor purchased Egg-tarts and then traded the tarts for a buskers guitar so he could woo his lady friend who left their wallet at the stand. See it took a long time for my order to come). Then for a while I was worried that there were no more taxi's but eventually two showed up, one someone stole before the stand, and the other one was going off duty, or she did not want to take any passengers. Third time's a charm, I made it to the terminal, and decided that since I was not going to gamble, the least I could do was take some photos of the lighted casinos, and Sky-line.
Then onto the ferry, well after using the wrong bathroom, (how come no stand-ups), and buying Cashews and a Coke Zero for $40, I caught the ferry back to Hong Kong. I realized something was up once the announcement came on that due to weather we would not make our scheduled arrival time. At some point I realized that I should have paid more attention to the safety video, instead of trying to take pictures of the casinos out the window. It now made so much sense, why they were hauling lots of garbage out of the ferry in Macau, lots of little white bags. There was also a pretty big crew waiting for us in Hong Kong, but I don't think they were really needed, but I could be mistaken.
Well, I managed to avoid the hand made suit sellers and Rodex sellers on the way out, and I figured they would be gone. HA, let me say it again HA. Well, lets just say that don't make an offer if you are not willing to pay it. So far so good, they are still keeping time.
Thursday, 10 December 2009
What exactly is a Temple district, We have to get on that bridge, or Two Sparrows in a Hurricane
As my last blog highlighted there were not as many "interesting" things about Taiwan. Although, the swarm at a light during rush hour, reminds me of Delhi, but I was in the group. In the words of my friend, Watch out for those "Yellow B*(&SRDS", and I think he forgot to add a warning about the "Blue #&(*?". Yes, the taxi drivers and delivery vans, sometimes (lots of times) decide to drive (or park) in the scooter lanes, arrrgh.
This does not mean it was not possible to find ways to entertain myself. It just meant we had to look harder. Well, it seems that university degrees, careers and adult responsibilities do not eliminate childishness. Yes, it is true, while bonds mature, most men will fight it as much as possible, or we hide it really well.
Well in addition to the "MUST DO" Night markets, there are lots of little markets all over the place. One such excursion was the Dry Market, kind of like a trip to Bulk Barn, but with a bunch of stuff that you may or may not recognize. We stuck to the tried and true, pistachios, cookies, and dried fruit. I am sure we could have bought some dried squid, but I was not sure what would happen if we re-hydrated them in water. Maybe next time.
Even though I tweaked my back, this did not mean we could not take some harmless pictures at few of the temples in the temple district. I don't think we offended anyone, but just in case, I put some money in the fortune telling dispenser and if I can find a translator, I will see if I should start paying more attention to all the chain emails I get, Especially, since I have probably burned up any slack and understanding I may have been born with. Lets Ride.
I knew you could get fresh seafood in Taiwan, (it is an island nation), but I did not realize exactly how fresh, until we travelled to Cijian Island across the harbour. We may have just missed the dinner rush, as evidenced by all the dirty tables, but we did manage to get served. Even though, I am sure they were panicking a little before their "English" speaker came and helped out out. I think the fish that was swimming in the tank, would have preferred for her to be on break, but... This was also my first opportunity to visit a black sand beach, and see some of the damage left by the various typhoons.
After a few weeks of NOTHING, it was time to once again get on the scooters and tour around the island. Since we were planning on visiting Kenting, it was probably a good idea to scout out the route. Well, it seems that damage did not only happen on the Eastern side of the island, but also inland. Specifically, one span of the bridge we needed to cross was missing, and we could not get onto the other bridge that crossed the river, (although in low tide it looked more like a marsh). Well fortunately, Dave did figure out how to get on the other bridge, so our trip to Kenting was a go.
I have to admit the scenery was amazing, the ocean on one side, and the mountains on the other side, we had pretty good weather on the way out. As we got closer to our destination (Dave and I took the scooters, and Shannon and Liam caught the bus), Dave mentioned that the wind was a little tricky, and I foolishly thought, sure, I will pay attention. WTF, he did not mention that it was like a hurricane, in that the wind changed direction every second. and at times it seemed to stop the scooters in their tracks. Suddenly, all I could think about were Sparrows in a Hurricane, what a ride.
Well eventually we made it to Kenting, (think Clear Lake, Wasaga Beach, Myrtle Beach, or any other summer city get away), surf shops, beach wear, and plenty of nice sheltered beaches. Of course it was kind of weird to see down filled parkas, wet suits, and flip flops (on the same person). Well the clouds rolled in, just as we arrived in town, and checked into the hotel, but it was still nice enough to sit on the balcony and do a little reading. Of course, I am sure that there may have been a few strange looks, as I sat in my shorts and tee-shirt reading a book. Especially, since I was a westerner who was not consuming massive quantities of beer. I guess stereotypes are tough to maintain the world over.
The next day started off windy and over-cast, and the idea of riding back to Kaohsiung on the scooters in hurricane like wind, (well for a Canadian, anyway) did not seem like a good idea. Fortunately, the sun came out, so we only had to worry about the wind. It was a good thing we had a tale wind for part of the trip, because we did manage to cut the actual travel time on the highway to just over three hours, Unfortunately, a minor GPS glitch caused a 60 minute detour, and once again I regretted not getting the model with an electronic compass. (Which way is North?). Finally, something recognizable, and we were back to the apartment. We expected that Shannon and Liam would have been home for a couple of hours already, since they left at roughly the same time, and were not restricted to a safe speed of 70 KM per hour. BUT, I guess they caught the "Milk Run" version of the bus from Kenting to Kaohsiung.
This does not mean it was not possible to find ways to entertain myself. It just meant we had to look harder. Well, it seems that university degrees, careers and adult responsibilities do not eliminate childishness. Yes, it is true, while bonds mature, most men will fight it as much as possible, or we hide it really well.
Well in addition to the "MUST DO" Night markets, there are lots of little markets all over the place. One such excursion was the Dry Market, kind of like a trip to Bulk Barn, but with a bunch of stuff that you may or may not recognize. We stuck to the tried and true, pistachios, cookies, and dried fruit. I am sure we could have bought some dried squid, but I was not sure what would happen if we re-hydrated them in water. Maybe next time.
Even though I tweaked my back, this did not mean we could not take some harmless pictures at few of the temples in the temple district. I don't think we offended anyone, but just in case, I put some money in the fortune telling dispenser and if I can find a translator, I will see if I should start paying more attention to all the chain emails I get, Especially, since I have probably burned up any slack and understanding I may have been born with. Lets Ride.
I knew you could get fresh seafood in Taiwan, (it is an island nation), but I did not realize exactly how fresh, until we travelled to Cijian Island across the harbour. We may have just missed the dinner rush, as evidenced by all the dirty tables, but we did manage to get served. Even though, I am sure they were panicking a little before their "English" speaker came and helped out out. I think the fish that was swimming in the tank, would have preferred for her to be on break, but... This was also my first opportunity to visit a black sand beach, and see some of the damage left by the various typhoons.
After a few weeks of NOTHING, it was time to once again get on the scooters and tour around the island. Since we were planning on visiting Kenting, it was probably a good idea to scout out the route. Well, it seems that damage did not only happen on the Eastern side of the island, but also inland. Specifically, one span of the bridge we needed to cross was missing, and we could not get onto the other bridge that crossed the river, (although in low tide it looked more like a marsh). Well fortunately, Dave did figure out how to get on the other bridge, so our trip to Kenting was a go.
I have to admit the scenery was amazing, the ocean on one side, and the mountains on the other side, we had pretty good weather on the way out. As we got closer to our destination (Dave and I took the scooters, and Shannon and Liam caught the bus), Dave mentioned that the wind was a little tricky, and I foolishly thought, sure, I will pay attention. WTF, he did not mention that it was like a hurricane, in that the wind changed direction every second. and at times it seemed to stop the scooters in their tracks. Suddenly, all I could think about were Sparrows in a Hurricane, what a ride.
Well eventually we made it to Kenting, (think Clear Lake, Wasaga Beach, Myrtle Beach, or any other summer city get away), surf shops, beach wear, and plenty of nice sheltered beaches. Of course it was kind of weird to see down filled parkas, wet suits, and flip flops (on the same person). Well the clouds rolled in, just as we arrived in town, and checked into the hotel, but it was still nice enough to sit on the balcony and do a little reading. Of course, I am sure that there may have been a few strange looks, as I sat in my shorts and tee-shirt reading a book. Especially, since I was a westerner who was not consuming massive quantities of beer. I guess stereotypes are tough to maintain the world over.
The next day started off windy and over-cast, and the idea of riding back to Kaohsiung on the scooters in hurricane like wind, (well for a Canadian, anyway) did not seem like a good idea. Fortunately, the sun came out, so we only had to worry about the wind. It was a good thing we had a tale wind for part of the trip, because we did manage to cut the actual travel time on the highway to just over three hours, Unfortunately, a minor GPS glitch caused a 60 minute detour, and once again I regretted not getting the model with an electronic compass. (Which way is North?). Finally, something recognizable, and we were back to the apartment. We expected that Shannon and Liam would have been home for a couple of hours already, since they left at roughly the same time, and were not restricted to a safe speed of 70 KM per hour. BUT, I guess they caught the "Milk Run" version of the bus from Kenting to Kaohsiung.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
