An Anniversary

It's December in Perth, Ontario. Outside my window I see a wintery scene; an icy lake, trees heavy with snow, the colourful warmth of the rising sun and a stillness which permeates throughout. I AM HOME!

It has been one year since my return from Asia. Very recently, I've actually started to miss the hustle and bustle of crowded Taiwanese streets. The excitement was palpable and the desire to explore was insatiable.

It has taken me this long to realize how much I miss Taiwan, although it is wonderful to be back in Canada. I find myself thinking of the steamed buns, tea stands, conversations in broken English with Taiwanese friends, dumplings, night markets, scooter rides, hilarious attempts at speaking Mandarin, and yes, the grime. Sometimes I even miss the grime.

Being away from home certainly put things into perspective. I realized, and still realize, how absolutely fortunate we are to live in this beautiful, free, and expansive country. I deeply appreciate our culture and inclusiveness.

I can honestly say that traveling provided me which knowledge, strength, flexibility, adaptability, meaningful cross-cultural moments, and insight. It has also given me the inner peace to settle down and create a good, wholesome life here in Canada.

p.s. ..."Oh Canada our home and native land...."

Lunar Festival Weekend in Taipei, October, 2006

So, now I'm all updated. I guess I figured that I'm coming home very soon and that I should put in one last effort before packing it all up. Another chapter is coming to a close! I hope you enjoy the shots!

If you can't see this clearly, double click the image to get a close-up. Believe it or not these are roasted chicken feet. They loved them here! This is a huge treat. I tried a little bite and it wasn't too bad! The first step is to remove the claws, just so you know.

 

On the first night in Taipei we stayed at Vivian's aunt's house. One street over there was a traditional market that has been in business since Vivian was a child. It was a nice trip down memory lane. This is a picture of a hot pot vendor. Many of these items consist of frozen fish that is formed into various shapes.

 

A close-up of some hot pot delights. I believe that these are made of re-constituted fish meat. Yikes!

 

A freakin' huge grasshopper. Look at the size of this thing. It wouldn't even move when Ellie and Fiona (Vivian's daughters) began poking it with sticks.

 

Some local fruit which I will greatly miss once I return home: korean pears, dragon fruit, and sweet, sweet papaya, my new favorite. I have decided that I will eat papaya everyday until I come home.

 

I took a little walk around Vivian's mother's home and saw some incredible scenes. This temple is literally in seclusion. Looks like a nice place to find some peace eh?

 

Vivian's youngest daughter, Fiona.

 

Vivian and her sister BBQ'n at their mother's home in the mountains that surround Taipei. I've never seen so many different types of meat in one place, seriously I'm not exaggerating. Around this time of year (Lunar Festival weekend) it is very popular to BBQ and light firecrackers. Two days before I went to another BBQ with my Taiwanese friends, Tom and Jachi.

 

In Taipei with Vivian and two of her sisters.

 

Bali, Indonesia, Summer, 2006

Below are just a few images from Bali, Indonesia. It was great to go through the pictures again. We certainly had an amazing time and enjoyed the culture. I am reminded of just how laid back everything was. Oh! How I miss that compared to hectic Taiwan!

Out for lunch with Tom, Jachi, and some of their friends at Splendor restaurant in Kaohsiung. You can tell that I've been influenced by Taiwanese fashion: just look at my dress!!!

 

Our first stop in Bali was Kuta beach. It is a famous surfing location and I had to capture a shot of the boards, they're everywhere. I proud to say that after a short lesson, I stood up and rode in a few waves myself!

 

Rachel and Kathy in some traditional Balinese balik sarongs and waist sashes. Most local women that we saw still wear these clothes (although with much more conservative shirts). The view is from our hotel balcony.

 

A view from our traditional fishing boat ride in Padangbai. A fisherman took us out for a brief but very exciting snorkeling adventure (sharks were present!)

 

Padangbai, Bali.

 

Early one morning I took a walk around our homestay in Padangbai. I climbed two flights to the roof and discovered some beautiful scenery.

 

Padangbai, Bali. We just laid on the beach and enjoyed some massages that day.

 

A procession of worshipers on their way to the hillside temple in Padangbai, Bali.

 

Yes, this is how they sold gas! We saw stands like these all over the island!

 

A vendor selling fresh fruit at the Ubud market. Many of these I had never tried before and they were delicious!

 

A statue inside of a Balinese temple. Flowers surrounded him.

 

We saw these bamboo offerings everywhere throughout Bali. Businesses and homes would place them outside of their doors every morning.

 

Chilli peppers in a market in Ubud, Bali.

 

 

Singapore, Summer 2006

"The Merlion": the most recognizable structure in Singapore. We saw this image on the country's currency and its stamps. It is a mythical creature and a symbolic mix between fish and lion.

I love this shot! Singapore is proud of its multiculturalism.
Singapore's cityscape. You can see the Merlion in the distance.
Our hostel in Little India for about 13 bucks CAD per night, which included breakfast. Notice how colourful everything is! One of the most cheerful neighbourhoods I have ever visited.

Below is a collection of images from Little India. We visited a Hindu temple, ate fantastic Indian food off banana leaves, and took many strolls throughout this small yet condensed area.