Sunday, June 18, 2006

Taiwan. Week 2 (6/13~6/18) I had a chance to visit Eslite Center located in Shin-Yi District near Taipei 101. It's a great place to shop (although you may not find the best bargain there), read, or just enjoy some afternoon tea. The selection were great and everything were well categorized. What's interesting was that they even have a section exclusively devoted for collections that are written in Simplified Chinese (²). One of the books I read was a history on the railway systems in Taiwan, it sure brought back a lot of great memories. (FYI: I love looking at trains and railway systems) The book talked about there were a lot of stories took place on the trains of Tamsui Line, there were also a lot of couples fell in love on Tamsui Line. I still remembered riding on the Tamsui Line with my family as a kid and just loved it..... Now, a lot of couples fell in love on Tamsui Line???!!! Now there's one more execuse for me to take the MRT-- Tamsui Line. My dad also took me to Tien-Lai for hot spring. It was really nice and relaxing. We took a short hike to the origin of the hot spring. The smell was strong, but it smell was wonderful and had a lunch at a wonderful charming family restraunt nearby. I must say the highlight for this week was the brief encounter with the Mustardseed Mission team in MRT's Taipei City Hall Station. As I got off the train, I saw two women who appearantly looked like Ah-Sun (Joy) and Winnie. Then I took a closer look and... WAIT! It is THEM! Then I saw Janice, Ivy, Sandy, Henry, Lay-Lay, and Pin-Pin. A historical moment indeed! We took a picture right on the platform. What a small world!

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Taiwan. Week 1: Reacquaince (6/2~6/13) It has been a little more than 1 week since I arrived in Taiwan. I will try my best to write a weekly update every Friday or Saturday; Taipei Time. The first week has mostly been reacquaint with some relatives and familiarize the area. The memorial service on June 6 was small but emotional. It was a good day to reflect on what I remembered the most about Ah-Gong, as well as remember the man that he has always been. Few days after I arrived, I caught a cold. The good news is that I am much better now and have then gain back my appetite.... I have not ate a lot during this past week because of the cold, and felt really tired during the day, on top of trying to get rid of my jet lag. The internship will began at the end of this month, but I have been doing some errands with dad so I can get some idea of a real "working person" lifestyle.