To celebrate the end of Ramadan we got 3 days holiday. I took the whole week off and went to Taiwan! My Dad met me there and we had a full schedule. The day I arrived we had dinner w/my Dad’s 4 brothers. It was great to hear old stories and eat real Taiwanese food and pork! That night we went to a new spa owned by my Mom’s friend from school. It was not too far from Taipei and was the perfect retreat. The rooms had a simple modern Asian flavor including tatamee mats and slippers. They have 2 spa areas, one outside with several different small pools each with a particular herb and temperature. And one closed off for men and women separately…no swim suits required. Needless to say I tried all the different pools! The next day we had lunch at an outdoor place in the mountains. For lunch one of the dishes was pig small intestine…so gross. What can I say, they love eating every part of a pig (or any animal for that matter). The next day we tried to go to the National Museum but it was closed! Instead we toured my Dad’s old high school and the botanical gardens. Was a lovely relaxing day and I got to eat my favorite pot stickers! The following day my aunt and uncle took us to two nearby towns where they make wood statues (mostly of Buddha) and pottery. Sounds boring but they were very cute towns and great places to shop for local crafts. It really satisfied my need (yes, need) to shop. Next up was a 70km (return) bike ride from Taiwan University to Danshui. My uncle retired and has taken up biking as one of his hobbies…well is more than a hobby for him. He has biked around Taiwan several times including once while the President was campaigning…in case he fell or something. It was probably my favorite day of the trip. The bike trails in Taiwan are impressive so it was a safe way to get out of the city hustle. I was amazed to see the variety of people riding bikes and exercising in Taiwan. They’re really a fit bunch of people. I consider myself pretty healthy but these people put me to shame. I should have figured considering the athleticism of my parents and grandparents. After the trip I was incredibly exhausted and sore all over but my 60+ yr old Dad seemed to have no issues aside from a sore bum! Was really fun and something different.
The next two days we spent in a small town south of Taipei where my Dad’s cousin lives. It is also near a big giant Buddha statue…not very exciting especially w/o my camera. We learned a few Taiwanese traditions and some tai chi from his cousin. The retired people in Taiwan really know how to keep themselves busy! I also saw the “house” where my Dad was born…is more like a little shack now. I’m so lucky I grew up in the US.
We got back to Taipei in time for a big fancy dinner with aunts and uncles from both sides. They say Americans are loud but my goodness this restaurant was loud and our table was no exception! It was the perfect last dinner (plenty of pork on the table too) before the long flight to Doha.
Am now back to life as usual in Doha…no more short working hours or stuffing my face w/pork (am actually thankful…I really over ate all week in Taiwan). At least I have one thing to look forward to…
Ankur is coming back on Nov. 1!!!!!!! :)
-Gen
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