"When patterns are broken, new worlds emerge."– Tuli Kupferberg

A re-assessment of my current surroundings

What can I say? It's been a pivotal weekend during my time in Asia. A much needed re-evaluation of my experience here and current outlook.

Most of you know that I'm quite ready to come home. I've been homesick for a while now, especially since many of my Canadian friends have already headed home to start new and exciting lives. I felt like I was in a rut and even though I realized that I only had two months to go until I could come home, it seemed like a huge amount of time.

I very recently moved to a new apartment as our lease was up at 315 Fujian Lu. Now, being much closer to my school is wonderful and my new place is very homey. It'll be a nice place to stay while I finish out my days in Taiwan.

But enough about the humdrum details of my depression....(ha! drama always makes a story more interesting). Let's just say that after this past weekend, I've "snapped" out of it. Simply put, I just experienced a fantastic five day holiday that has managed to re-charge my batteries and my appreciation for Taiwanese people and their culture.

On Friday it was the Lunar Festival. A particularly special time in Chinese culture as it celebrates a full moon and the lore that surrounds this occurence. This holiday is not unlike Thanksgiving in that it focuses on bringing the family together and feasting! Traditionally, extended family gather to enjoy a sumptious BBQ and special moon cakes. Listen people, I realized something very important this weekend: we Canadians have no idea how to have a proper BBQ! At home there is typically one or two types of meat. Well, in Taiwan, we had close to over 10 different kinds! Shrimp, chicken on a stick, fish cakes, chicken hearts, chicken butts (yes, I tried one, it was OK), steak, lamb chops, squid, clams, fish balls, pork, and sausage. Then there were the roasted vegetables: local mushrooms, corn on the cob, a mysterious yet delicious vegetable that roughly translates to "beautiful legs of a woman", and even a flower plucked from a nearby tree! Anything that was remotely BBQ-able was tossed on the heep! We feasted for hours and finished off the meal with local moon cakes (flavoured with red bean, green tea, or pineapple) and the delicious pomelo fruit which I like to describe as a cross between an orange and a grapefruit.

I was invited to this Lunar Festival BBQ by my student and his wife: Tom and Jachi. It was held in a small community outside of Kaohsiung at a very traditional family home. After eating for what seemed like hours (and probably was), we went for a walk to see the other BBQ's. Everyone was out in the streets, cooking up a storm and lighting firecrackers (another Lunar Festival tradition). Because we were in a more remote part of Taiwan, I got many looks and some children even shouted: "Waiguoren!" ("Foreigner" in Mandarin). There wasn't a cloud in the sky and we were able to see the full moon. What a night!

The following morning I headed to Taipei with my boss and friend, Vivian. She invited me to join her for a brief visit to her hometown and although I've been to Taipei twice before, it was a very different experience seeing it with a local. We took the train and stayed at her auntie's house the first night. Her aunt and uncle live in a very old part of Taipei which is on the same street as a traditional market. Vivian took me for a walk and we bought chicken feet, fish cakes, shark, papayas, and guava fruit. Her aunt made a fabulous dinner for us which included over 8 different dishes! Afterwards we relaxed in front of the TV and drank tea from Alishan (Tomek and I visited this national park in May).

The next morning we headed to the mountains just outside of Taipei. Her mother, who is only 52 and has six children, lives in a very remote area which is surrounded by Buddhist shrines and farmland. Here, I met many of Vivian's family members including two sisters, one brother, their spouses, and children. It was a gorgeous and mild day. I took a stroll on a little path and sat under a tree, just enjoying the mountain air and serenity. It was good to be in a natural environment again. At times it is hard to remember that Taiwan is beautiful, especially when you're driving around the city for days on end.

We had a massive lunch in which there were over 12 different dishes. All of the food was so tasty and Vivian's mother is a wonderful cook. After a few hours of walking, napping, and playing, the family fired up the BBQ which lasted well into the night. Afterwards, Vivian, her two sisters, and I went to a large night market in Danshui. The crowds were huge and there was so much to see. I think that this is one aspect of Taiwan that I will definitely miss: the convenience of everything! Night markets are open until 3 am!!!!

After sleeping at her sister's house, we spent the following morning relaxing before heading out to downtown Taipei for lunch and shopping. My mission was accomplished: I found some gorgeous knee-high leather boots for under $70 CAD! Can't wait to wear those puppies!

Finally, I caught a bus back to Kaohsiung and enjoyed the luxury of the Aloha bus company. Tea service, blankets, personalized TV's, and chairs as big as lazyboys! The five hours ride only cost $24 CAD!!! Last night was my friend Cindy Wu's birthday party. So many celebrations!

On my final day of the five-day holiday, I am relaxing!!!! I feel much better and am looking forward to taking it all in before I head home. Our lives are truly what we make of them. When will I be in Taiwan again??? Likely never! I feel inspired to go exploring through the city on my mornings off. There are so many things yet to be seen.

love and warmth,
Rach