Day 13 ~ Hakka Cultural Park

Liudui Hakka Cultural Park:

Bamboo

The Umbrella Pavilion will be finished in December

Lunch at Donggang Restaurant

These wraps were really good!

Kenting:

Water activities at Houbihu:

When we arrived we had to put on a wet suit, water shoes, life jacket and goggles. Backing out was not an option.

Snorkeling:

Having attempted snorkeling unsuccessfully several times before, I was apprehensive about this particular activity. I shouldn’t have been because it was a peaceful, serene experience .We were driven to a destination point and were shown how to clean our goggles and then how to breathe. I was ok with that part because I had done that before. It’s the next phase that has always given me problems, the part where you have to put your face in the water and breathe through your mouth. I usually panic and fail. This time was different because I was told to look forward with my face in the water instead of looking straight down. After a couple of attempts I was ok with it. The next step was to get in the water and try out my new skill. We lined up in a row and then formed a V with the guide pulling us at the vertex. I was happy to do this in baby steps because for the first time I was successful at snorkeling and it was amazing. The beauty and life that can be observed below the water’s surface is amazing. It’s like being in the middle of an aquarium except you are on the inside instead of observing from the outside. The quietness below the water surface is amazing, the only thing you can here is your own breathing. It is serene. Thanks to Dr. Peng and Tracy our tour guide for helping me to overcome my aversion of snorkeling. Sometimes you have to be forced to do certain things. Given a choice I know I would not have gone on this excursion so it’s a good thing I wasn’t given one.

Yay! We did it!

Kenting Street:

The bus drove us to Kenting Street which is like a night market with street vendors and shops but this one had the added attraction of arcade games and carnival type games where you can win a prize. I actually preferred this over most of the other night markets we have been to because it wasn’t so crowded. The quality of the goods was pretty decent and they had a good variety with good prices. For dinner Pat, Sean, and I went to a restaurant because we didn’t want street food.

Cemeteries

Because usable land is scarce in Taiwan, burial can be extremely expensive so most of the cemeteries are farther south and away from the larger cities. It is best to be buried with a mountain behind you and facing the ocean. I know it's a little strange to take pictures of cemeteries but I find it intriguing how different they are from the cemeteries in the states.

Day 12 ~ Jade Yacht Shipbuilding Company

Jade Yacht Shipbuilding Company:

Jade Yacht is a fairly new company having been founded in 2004. We were privileged to be able to visit Jade Yacht today where we viewed a video and then listened to a presentation by Memphis, one of two sons of the owner Hans. I believe the video we watched can be accessed at: http://www.youtube.com/watchv=Hi3vJuAi24Q.

There is no doubt that the people at Jade know how to build an exquisite vessel, "capable of leisurely global cruising." A feature that sets Jade Yachts apart from the rest is the steel-aluminum construction that is used throughout the vessel which is much stronger than fiberglass. With a lifespan of 30 years versus the 10 year lifespan of fiberglass, it offers "safe, reliable, luxurious sailing."

At Jade, they know their customers work hard to create a particular lifestyle for themselves. They give the client a vision of how their product will enhance this lifestyle. Selling a yacht that costs $40-$60 million requires a particular strategy. Memphis used a story about hunting goats to illustrate how this can be accomplished through vision, strategy, and strategy formulation.

After the presentation we went on a tour of the shipyard where a yacht was being built. I think he said the yacht they were building will sell for $40 million. That's a lot of money to spend on a boat that can't transport any more than 12 people. Our visit ended with a tour of the family yacht. I have only included one picture because my pictures do not do justice to the awesomeness. Watch the YouTube to experience it for yourself.

For more information on Jade Yacht, visit http://www.jade-yachts.com

We were treated to a delicious 10 course meal from the people at Jade Yacht.

Lunch with people from Jade Yacht

Taking a break on a hot day for some shaved ice which was absolutely delicious:

Is this all for me?

The beach was closed because the first typhoon of the season is on course to hit southern Taiwan and as a result it was really windy.

Day 11 ~ Presidential Office, American Chamber of Commerce

Presidential Office Compound:

The Presidential Office Compound is equivalent to what the White House would be in the states.

Do you notice anyone missing from this picture?

Arrianna and I were not allowed into the Presidential compound because we were wearing sandals that had no back. I was even semi professionally dressed and had my passport but it didn't matter. It never occurred to me to check my footwear and I could have easily worn enclosed shoes if I had known. I was grateful to be able to sit in the coffee shop instead because I didn't get much sleep last night.

President and VP Artifact Museum:

American Chamber of Commerce:

Day 10 ~ Free Day ~ Hsinchu

Today is a free day so I am going to Hsinchu to visit my goddaughter Rebecca. Rebecca has lived in Taiwan since June last year and she loves it here. She teaches English and recently signed a contract to teach for another year so although I know she is greatly missed by her family, I am glad to know she lives in such a wonderful place.

I left to see Rebecca around 10:30am this morning and I have to admit that I'm a little nervous about getting there and back mainly because I don't have a cell phone to use.

I'm currently on the HSR headed to Hsinchu to see Rebecca. We are currently traveling 226 km/hr so it will take about 1/2 hour to get there. I walked a short distance from the hotel to the MRT station and took the MRT to the Main Station in Taipei. Thank goodness some students reminded me to use the brown line when I come back home. The MRT system is very easy to use as well as efficient but you have to pay attention to what colored line to use. At the Main Station I got a ticket for the HSR but the girl must not have understood me because she gave me the wrong ticket but somehow through the grace of God I got on the train and will actually arrive early. A nice girl let me use her phone so I called Rebecca to let her know.

Rebecca and me

Tea Eggs

Every time I walk into a 7-Eleven here I smell a particular smell that I haven't been able to distinguish until today when Rebecca and I went to a 7-Eleven and she bought a tea egg. I have seen them before but didn't know or want to know what they were. Rebecca apparently gets one almost every day and likes them. I'll take her word for it that they are good.

It was so nice to be able to spend time with Rebecca today. I have not seen her for several years so there was a lot of catching up to do. I never would have thought when she said she was moving to Taiwan that one day I would actually get to visit her. I only wish her mom, my best friend/cousin Jan, could have been with us. Kayla (my daughter) is leaving for China today and will be in Taiwan by the end of the week. I hope she gets to see Rebecca too.

I decided to take the regular train back to Taipei which took a little over 2 hours. The train station was right in Hsinchu so I wouldn't have to have Rebecca take me back to the HSR station. I rode on the back of her scooter from the station to Hsinchu and it was quite an exciting ride. Rebecca is a good driver and I must admit that it really was fun, but one scooter ride was enough for me.

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms and although I missed being with my kids today I was really happy to be here in Taiwan. I was really happy and proud of myself for getting to Hsinchu and back without getting lost.