劍湖山


Monday morning 7:30, I found myself heading to 劍湖山. The bus ride was not so quick with a hired tour guide feeling the need to talk most of the way ... microphone in hand.

We hit a few rest stops along the way. The first stop on the tour was at a restaurant high up in the hills. We questioned the tiny windy roads in this big out of place bus. Coffee was a specialty around these parts. The restaurant first served us coffee mayonnaise salad ... it was alright, a little plain. Next came coffee ham and coffee sausage. I didn't dare to try. The third dish proved promising ... chicken with coffee beans and tea vinegar. After that, bamboo with no coffee, thankfully, and also tofu with who knows what. It was very bland, but seemed a healthier option than the coffee sausage and ham. Still to follow were deep fried mini fish and squid that was bound to have been caught in the stream one could see below. One thing I've learned about small mountain restaurants is that you're never sure what you'll get.

I recall one time, an order of chicken wings was placed. They consisted of baby chicks that were cut in half ... the heads weren't even removed. I remember my friend picking up one of my wings and opening the beak begging me not to eat it. Can you say instant loss of appetite? Anyway ... off topic.

Next stop was for cake and coffee ... funny that. All one really wanted to do was be at the water park. We waited there in the hot sun for what felt like hours until the rain came. Finally ... in the rain ... we were off to the hotel. Upon arrival, the rain had become torrential and the parks were closed. With just over an hour to kill before dinner ... because we hadn't just eaten ... we were free to wander the hotel. It wasn't overly interesting.

Dinner was buffet style but one could hardly be hungry. The elderly man next to me, a parent of my coworker, ate four FULL plates of food. Not sure where he put it!

The evening followed with one very expensive beer at a transvestite show. Unfortunately pictures weren't allowed to be taken. The best shot of the night would have been of the two, um, ladies dressed in thongs, small bras, boas and (excuse the language) fuck me boots ... two kids about 6 and 8 sat directly in front of the pole they were dancing around. They were staring up and whispering amongst themselves. One couldn't help but wonder what was coming out of those mouths.

After the show, we went to a Russian circus. It was alright ... entertaining at best. A flying car ride followed which was nothing to write home about so I won't. Most of the seats were broken which made one wonder what the rest of the park was going to present.

A long island ice tea in the hotel lobby and then it was off to bed for me. The next morning was buffet breakfast and I was pretty excited. There was bacon and eggs and pancakes, although no syrup or ketchup. There was honey and hot sauce so it all worked out.

The park was quite fun and I'm sure the pictures will speak for the rest. Check it out. The link on the right. Click it.

Fun, Fun ...

New Photos ...


Sunday was spent climbing more rocks ... a few new photos have been added into the album on the right. I found myself at the same place, so there aren't so many new things to shoot. I did do my highest climb to date. Was I scared? Yes. It was a long way down looking over that edge.

Whoops ...





Would that be snakes or snacks?! It's truly hard to say in this country ... anything goes!

Typhoon 韋帕


I received a message from my principal at 9pm stating tomorrow is a typhoon day ... no school! I ran out to the grocery store as I once again found myself with an empty fridge. Fortunately for me, the shelves were stocked! The place was a zoo ... it's as if the city is shutting down for a week ... unbelievable.


It's been a windy wet day. I picked up scrabble over the weekend ... guess it was a good time to do so. I'm seeing friends, food, booze and scrabble in the plans for tomorrow ... I love unexpected days off!

Monday September 10th, 2007


The tenth of September ... how is that possible? Summer is certainly on its way out. It gets down to 25C° at night now ... makes for some cool breeze through my apartment.

I found myself out rock climbing again this Sunday. The drive was quick, it took just over an hour. It's a beautiful ride along the coastal highway. I have posted another page of photos in my rock climbing album on the right.

Click the link ...

tgif ...

Friday September 7th, 2007

We had a pretty good shake last night here in Taiwan. I'm not sure if it was the shaking or the cats tearing out of my room that woke me up. The quake seemed to last for about 15 seconds. Nothing knocked over in the house, although the quake was threatening it. There's nothing in the news as of yet ... it happened last night at 2am. Measuring at 6.6, there's bound to be something. I will keep my eyes posted!

Tuesday September 4th, 2007


The weekend turned out to be hot and sunny. It was busy with a birthday party, a going away party and a trip out to 龍洞. I'm not having much luck finding any English information about 龍洞 (long2 dong4) meaning dragon cave. It is on the Northern Coast of Taiwan and it's known for rock climbing, diving and snorkeling. A fantastic place, indeed!

I've posted a new photo album on the right. Check it out if you have a moment and as always ... enjoy!