From internet to reality... WWOOFing in Taiwan

5th March is my day to my first experience to WWOOF in an organic farm.
The two months of dwelling in the internet reading, signing up, contacting and liasising with the hosts in Taiwan and Japan, welfare and social organisations in Pakistan and Palestine...it is now materialising.

In the bus from Taipei to PingTung (Southern Taiwan), I plugged on my earphone and listened to the music in my MP3. My first time, listening to my MP3 during my stay in Taiwan. 

Read the book I brought from Singapore, 'Journey is Destination' 無期途行 by Xiao Jian Zhong. He is a Malaysian who worked in Singapore's Film & TV production company, 360. He graduated from a university in Taiwan majoring in filming. The author's challenges are way beyond my experience. He cycled from Singapore to London, 12 countries in 532 days. I share some of his sentiments .... especially his sentiments before leaving his family and friends. Most of the authors of some travellogue wrote about their sleepless night before embarking on their year-trip or long solo travelling because of excitement. I thought I was one of those odd ones who feel emotional leaving  my family and friends. In particularly so, causing much worry to my mother, nonetheless. She always support my decision despite her own concerns. This, too was shared by Xiao Jian Zhong. 

Journey is Destination' 無期途行 by Xiao Jian Zhong

Bus Journey * Beautiful fish farms along the way, near the coast

Arrived in Ping Tung train station and Vincent, the owner of Siang Yuan Organic Farm came and picked me to his house. Along the way, Vincent started sharing a little about himself and shared how to distinguish the rows of ping-lang trees and coconut trees. Taiwan has lots of ping-lang trees and a favourite snack among many man. A coconut tree is obviously taller and its leaves are longer and fuller.

Finally, after days of anticipation, I stood at the doorway of the farm. Vincent, articulate and friendly, introduced me to another WWOOFer, Li Juan and her 15 year old daughter Irene.This was a pleasant surprise and honestly, I was glad.

All my life, I am concerned about how people will accept the taciturn side of me. WWOOFing in this organic farm with Vincent and his wife, Sally, I felt right at home instead. Li Juan and Irene are just as amiable.

They made me felt welcomed immediately, Sally passing me the bedsheets, sleeping bag and blanket. As I will be sharing the room with Li Juan and Irene, I decided to use the mattress on the floor. I sleep with the mattress on the floor back in Singapore and it has always been my preference. Li Juan is Taiwanese but had been staying in New Zealand for more than ten years. Mother and daughter will be settling in Germany in a few months time. They busied themselves with pulling out the foldable mattress, covering it with the bedsheet, making sure I got the basics met.

Like an animal searching for its territory and settling in it, I too tend to have this instinct, locating my sleeping area, unpacking some of the daily neccessitites.

Interestingly, my Chinese name is Su Juan as how I use it to liase with Vincent on the internet. Very close to Li Juan. And her daughter is Irene, which is the name I use back in Singapore. When both Irene and I looked up when Sally called, 'Irene, ...', they decided to call me Da 'I' and the teenage Irene Xiao 'I'. ~_<

By 2.30pm, I was off to the farm, following Li Juan's guidance, put on a nice pair of magenta rubber boots, gloves and a hand sickle and started cutting the thick bushy weeds growing around the cabbages. 

My essentials * rubber boots, gloves and a hand sickle

Corn seedlings * Li Juan and Xiao 'I' planted different seedlings a week ago, before I came... They are growing nicely

Opening a metal door behind the house and this is what I am greeted with...

For the next one hour, I tried my best but still felt the progress too slow. I was still at almost the same spot. Vincent patiently came forward and demonstrated and did it in such a quick sturdy swift! 

"Dig into the soil, slice and pull, hear the zi zi zi sound of slicing.... there you go..."
Great, so this is how it should be. I tried again to imitate and found myself moving from the original spot. Weeding is not as easy as we have to dig into the soil and slice off the roots of the weeds. Most have long roots either messily coiled up with other weeds or have roots firmly implanted. Weeds are obstinate and stubborn plants. Roots have to be removed or they will grow again very speedily.

The surrounding was serene, with chirping of the birds, occasional invasion from Lucky the hyperly-excited dog and the zi zi zi sound of the sickle slicing off the weeds. Jiao Chan the farm cat with caramel coloured fur, strolled lazily to where we were working and laid herself comforatably among the weeds. 

It became quite therapeutic after a while. The sun was shining but gently on us and it was really quite a bliss. Work can be a bliss if our hearts and minds are enjoying the process of it.

Day 1 * weeding, weeding, weeding

This is Irene & Irene, Da 'I'  Xiao 'I'

Su Juan (that's me) & Li Juan, and of course Jiao Chang, the aloof cat

I still looked raw and fresh as a 'farmer' here

At about 5.30pm, the gongs on the bell in the Chinese temple nearby travelled with the cooling breeze. 'That's our bell for finishing work.' Vincent said with a smile.

Walking back to the house, Li Juan brought me to the land infront, planted with tomatoes and some lemon grass. She plucked a lemon grass for me and I tied it into a knot and placed it at my pillow. Lovely and refreshing fragrance which can help prevent mosquitoes.

My first dinner with them is filled with lively conversations and laughters among each other. I am naturally a quiet person and most of the time, I listened to others and soak in the positive and lively vibes amongst these nice people. After a while, as I warmed up to them, it got better and the whole dinner affair was a very homely one. Sally is one great cook, resourcefully looked for different recipes and prepares tantalising meals for us. It is not difficult to understand why all the WWOOFers commented so well on her cooking in the guestbook.

I couldn't believe how comfortable I settled in here, with the work, with the people and with the daily routine. It deepens my conviction that the people that surround you make an  impressionable impact no matter where you are. When surrounded with the richness of Mother Nature, one's innate good nature is compelled to shine.

In the fantasy world of Jimmy and the real world of Xi Han Er

Things cropped up during my stay in Taiwan. My mother and Daniel's family are to come Taipei for a short tour. It is heaven's will it is not to be as little Olivia popped with a chicken pox on her back and so starts the NO Taiwan tour for them.

Someimes what we wished and hoped for may not happen. That's what life is. Always full of unexpectations. Such situations often make me down but gives me opportunities to learn to be positive and look forward. Need not be major, but little incidents in life, especially durring my travels have taught me to take things as it is and not be too rigid. Let it be, come what may!

So back in Taipei for one day to collect my main backpack from Flip Flop hostel, I went to Xi Gang MRT station. Just for these....

Jimmy's illustrations * Famous Taiwanese illustrator and novelist

Turn left....

Turn Right...

I was totally thrilled and loitered in the station for a while, taking in every little actions and expression in each character. Thank you, heavens.

Next, I took the Mrt on the same east line to Guo Fu Ji Nian Guan Station. Mission is to look for Xi Han Er pastry shop. The food and beverage business run with the service and bakery skills of children and adults with intellectual disability and down syndrome.

I was served by this tall young man when I made my payment at the counter. It is obvious he is different when he starts speaking. I am however impressed by how he caculates the total costs and even corrected me when I was trying to take the exact amount.
Bought a collection of freshly baked biscuits to bring to Vincent and Sally, the owners of the organic farm in PingTung where I will be WWOOFing. At the end of the day, I felt it was a fulfilling day and it helps overcome some blues in Taipei.

Be focused and dilligent, make effort to smile and be happy, in everyday.

Delicious cookies and pastries done with love, sincerity and determination by children and adults with special needs

Cypress trees in AliShan

Alishan is well known for her cherry blossoms. My time there was not timely as it was raining and fleetingly cold. Befriended Zheng You, a Taiwanese lady from Taipei who's in ChiaYi on work assignment. She decided to stay in a hostel and stay over the weekend.

Most travellers will pass by Chia Yi to reach AliShan, which is two and half hours away.
I decided to stay in Chia Yi as there are only hotels in AliShan and I am not too keen about staying overnight there for the sunrise. I have somehow mellowed in what I hope to achieve in my travel. Whatever and whereever I go, any encounters with the locals or people mean much more... Of course, to be in the midst of nature's phenomenon like the phases of sun rising or setting, that will be like a bonus gift if I would witness one.

Alishan was extremely cold, below 10 degrees as it was higher upland. The cherry blossoms were not in full bloom when I was there. I was not disappointed as I have witnessed fuller blossoms in YangMing Shan. Alishan's cherry blossoms are best in mid March. One of my happiest moments in AliShan despite the on-off rain is to be walking in forest of cypress trees. The whole forest was misty, making the walk even more dreamlike. Cypress trees there are old, ranging from 100 to two thousand years old. 

This is just one rare tree with such rich blossoms in AliShan

The forest of cypress trees. We have to respect nature's ecology here, where plants and animals live and grow without human interference. Silence is respect to these grand trees.

At ChiaYi

In certain locations in AliShan which attracts more visitors because of a 2000 year old cypress of some strange tree formations, they were filled with tour-guided groups of Chinese. So the forest was filled with shouts, loud vocals and deliberate shouts of some songs (chinese shan ge). I suggested to Zheng You to take a trail with less people but it would means some climbing is needed. Zheng You is not into hiking but she complied and I moved ahead of her, following a path up into another forest. As expected, there was no one. I cherish that moment with the forest. She's not being disturbed, and she too gave me the peace and calmness I long for. I was comforted just being with the tall sturdy cypress trees. Gingerly taking every breathe of the fresh cool air so generously provided by the trees, my spirit was lifted despite the dampness and little raindrops. 

I did not finish the almost 4 km trail as I did not want to have Zheng You following me despite her discomfort in trekking. The hour just walking and being in the presense of these trees, though I hope for more, I am grateful. As we descend, human shouts zoomed from nearby. 'The forests have been disturbed.' I remarked and just smiled.

It was memorable enough for me..and I look forward to more forest trails in Japan, where some of the places I will be WWOOFing in are near or among the forests.

Assemble! Backpackers is the hostel recommended by Jade, the very helpful owner from Taipei's FlipFlop Hostel. I am so lucky to be staying there. It's immaculately clean and tidy, with some funky colours and decorations from different countries. The young couple who owns this 8mth old hostel are the nicest people I've met in Taiwan. Marcus and Vicky will look into every of my needs, placing an extra warm purple fleece blanket on my dorm bed when they saw me shivering after a day of scooter riding with Zheng You. Such gestures shown without being asked touched me. 

The day after AliShan, Zheng You invited me to join her on her rented scooter and travel to other smaller towns in ChiaYi. Her mission is to collect stamp chops in specific shops or visitor's centre in each small town. This stamp-chop collection is quite a craze among a group of Taiwanese. It was cold riding the scooter as the air in Chia Yi during those days turned cold again. Managed to 'scoot' to a handful of small towns. We did not get to stay and explore this town which breeds oysters. We do manage to savour some nice oyster dishes at a popular stall. 

There was a few times we took the wrong routes and hence spent longer time.
The way back, I was shivering on the scooter. Zheng You has to catch the 7pm train back to Taipei.

I had some nice chatting time with Marcus and Vicky during my last night got to watch 'Lemon Trees' and Israeli film from Marcus wonderful collection of DVDs. No mainstream movies but truly a film-lover, he watches many art-house of indie films from overseas. I was all by myself in the common area and slept late that night. What a bliss to have such privacy and feeling at home.

Before I left ChiaYi, I felt a punge of unwillingness. I hope to be able to come back here again, to stay in this hostel again and to explore ChiaYi at a much slower pace, with my family or friends. In one of my conversations with Marcus, he explained why backpackers hostel in Taiwan operate in such low profile, almost in a discreet manner. There are no large sign with the name of the hostels I have stayed so far in Taiwan. In fact, none at all. In Taiwan, the government has not set or agreed upon the regulations in setting up hostels. Only hotels or Ming Su are allowed, with higher rates, and regulations to follow.

Pan Zi * Fatty the cat. She was a stray adopted by Marcus & Vicky. They love him a lot and called him Pan Zi as he had a huge stomach when they first found him

Many of my friends mistaken hostels as Ming Su in Taiwan. The owners of backpackers hostel have travelled and learned about the demand for such hostels for budget travellers like us. Hence, the gradual springing of such accomodations. All done disceetly.

I shall be sharing my first WWOOF experience ... as I am already on my third day here in Ping Tung. And what a wonderful experience it has been... till then, take care, all my loved ones. ~_~

Scenic HuaLian . . . and a fellow Singaporean

Ａｆｔｅｒ　ａｌｍｏｓｔ　ａ　ｗｅｅｋ　ｉｎ　Ｔａｉｐｅｉ，　Ｉ　ｔｒａｖｅｌｌｅｄ　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｅａｓｔｅｒｎ　ｃｏａｓｔ　ｏｆ　Ｔａｉｗａｎ，　ＨｕａＬｉａｎ．

Ｉｔ　ｉｓ　ａｂｏｕｔ　３ｈｏｕｒｓ　ｔｒａｉｎ　ｒｉｄｅ．　Ｔｈｅ　ＴＲＡ　ｔｒａｉｎ　ｏｆ　Ｔａｉｗａｎ　ｉｓ　ｑｕｉｔｅ　ｏｎ　ｔｉｍｅ　ａｎｄ　ｃｌｅａｎ．　Ｉ　ｏｆｔｅｎ　ｒｅｌｉｓｈ　ｔｒａｖｅｌｌｉｎｇ　ｔｉｍｅ，　ｏｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｔｒａｉｎ　ａｎｄ　ｂｕｓｅｓ　ｅｓｐｅｃｉａｌｌｙ．　Ｉ　ｆｅｅｌ　ｌｉｋｅ　ａ　ｔｒａｖｅｌｌｅｒ．．．ｗｉｔｈ　ｍｙ　ｂａｃｋｐａｃｋ，　ｓｏｍｅｔｉｍｅｓ，　ｗｉｔｈ　ｍｙ　ｓｈｏｅｓ　ｏｆｆ，　ｌｅｇｓ　ｆｏｌｄｅｄ　ｕｐ　ａｓ　ｉｔ　ｃａｒｒｉｅｓ　ｍｅ　ｔｏ　ａｎｏｔｈｅｒ　ｎｅｗ　ｄｅｓｔｉｎａｔｉｏｎ．

Ｉ　ａｍ　ｎｏｔ　ａｆｒａｉｄ　ｏｆ　ｌｏｎｇ　ｊｏｕｒｎｅｙｓ．　Ｉｎ　Ｉｒａｎ，　Ｉ　ｔｒａｖｅｌｌｅｄ　１２　ｈｏｕｕｒｓ　ｂｙ　ｂｕｓ　ｆｒｏｍ　Ｓｈａｒｉｚ　（ｓｏｕｔｈｅｒｎ）　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｃａｐｉｔａｌ，　Ｔｅｈｅｒａｎ．　Ｉ　ｒｅｍｅｍｂｅｒｅｄ　ａ　Ｂｒｉｔｉｓｈ　ｂａｃｋｐａｃｋｅｒ　ｆｒｏｗｎｅｄ　ｗｈｅｎ　ｈｅ　ｌｅａｒｎｅｄ　ｏｆ　ｍｅ　ｔａｋｉｎｇ　ａ　ｂｕｓ　ｉｎｓｔｅａｄ　ｏｆ　ｆｌｙｉｎｇ．　Ｈｅ　ａｄｖｉｓｅｄ　ｔｏ　ｐａｙ　ａ　ｂｉｔ　ｍｏｒｅ　ｆｏｒ　ｃｏｍｆｏｒｔ．　Ｔｏ　ｍｅ，　ａ　ｒｅａｌ　ｔｒａｖｅｌｌｅｒ　ｔｒａｖｅｌｓ　ｂｙ　ｌａｎｄ　ｏｒ　ｓｅａ　ｉｆ　ｐｏｓｓｉｂｌｅ．．．　ｏｎｌｙ　ｔｈｅｎ　ｏｎｅ　ｃａｎ　ｓｅｅ　ｍｏｒｅ，　ｔａｋｅ　ｉｎ　ｍｏｒｅ　ｖｉｅｗｓ，　ｅｎｃｏｕｎｔｅｒ　ｉｎｔｅｒｅｓｔｉｎｇ　ｃｈａｎｃｅｓ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｔｈｅ　ｌｏｃａｌｓ．　Ｔｒａｖｅｌ　ｌｉｋｅ　ｔｈｅ　ｌｏｃａｌｓ　ｄｏ．．．Ｎｏｔ　ｍａｎｙ　ｌｏｃａｌｓ　ｉｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｃｏｕｎｔｒｉｅｓ　Ｉ　ｈａｖｅ　ｔｒａｖｅｌｌｅｄ　ｃａｎ　ａｆｆｏｒｄ　ｄｏｍｅｓｔｉｃ　ｆｌｉｇｈｔｓ．　Ｔｈａｔ　ｉｓ　ａｌｗａｙｓ　ｍｙ　ｃｏｎｖｉｃｔｉｏｎ　ｉｎ　ｍｙ　ｔｒａｖｅｌｌｉｎｇ．　Ｍａｎｙ　ｔｉｍｅｓ，　Ｉ　ｅｎｃｏｕｎｔｅｒｅｄ　ｒｅａｌ　ｉｎｔｅｒｅｓｔｉｎｇ　ｅｖｅｎｔｓ，　ｓｕｃｈ　ａｓ　ｂｕｓ　ｂｒｏｋｅ　ｄｏｗｎ，　ｓｏｍｅ　ｐａｓｓｅｎｇｅｒｓ　ａｃｔｅｄ　ｕｐ，　ｓｏｍｅ　ｊｕｓｔ　ｓｈｒｕｇｇｅｄ　ａｎｄ　ｒｅｍａｉｎ　ｃａｌｍ；　ｂａｂｉｅｓ　ｃｒｙｉｎｇ　ｉｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｎｉｇｈｔ　ａｎｄ　ｐａｓｓｅｎｇｅｒｓ　ｔｒｙｉｎｇ　ｔｏ　ｓｏｏｔｈｅ　ｔｈｅ　ｂａｂｙ．．．　ｓｍａｌｌ　ｔａｌｋｓ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｔｈｅ　ｌｏｃａｌｓ，　ｂｅｉｎｇ　ｏｆｆｅｒｅｄ　ｏｒａｎｇｅｓ　ｏｒ　ｏｔｈｅｒ　ｆｒｕｉｔｓ　ａｎｄ　ｓｗｅｅｔｓ　ｂｙ　ｔｈｅ　ｌｏｃａｌｓ．．．　ａｌｌ　ｔｈｅｓｅ　ｌｉｔｔｌｅ　ｅｎｃｏｕｎｔｅｒｓ　ｈａｐｐｅｎｅｄ　ｉｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｍａｎｙ　ｌｏｎｇ　ｂｕｓ　ｏｒ　ｔｒａｉｎ　ｒｉｄｅｓ．

Train ride to Hualian

Train ride to Hualian

Ｕｐｏｎ　ａｒｒｉｖｉｎｇ　ｉｎ　ＨｕａＬｉａｎ，　ｔｈｅ　ｆｉｒｓｔ　ｔｈｏｕｇｈｔ　ｗａｓ，　’Ｓｏ　ｆｅｗ　ｐｅｏｐｌｅ．．．’

ＨｕａＬｉａｎ　ｉｓ　ｗｅｌｌ　ｋｎｏｗｎ　ｆｏｒ　ｉｔｓ　Ｅａｓｔｅｒｎ　Ｃｏａｓｔ　ｆａｃｉｎｇ　ｔｈｅ　Ｐａｃｉｆｉｃ　Ｏｃｅａｎ　ａｎｄ　ｏｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｏｔｈｅｒ　ｓｉｄｅ，　ｌｉｎｅｄ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｍａｇｎｉｆｉｃｅｎｔ　ｍｏｕｎｔａｉｎｓ．　Ｓｈｅ　ｉｓ　ａｌｓｏ　ｗｅｌｌ　ｋｎｏｗｎ　ｏｆ　ｔｈｅ　Ｔａｒｏｋｏ　Ｇｏｒｇｅ．

Ｔｈｅ　ｆｉｒｓｔ　ｄａｙ　ｈｅｒｅ，　Ｉ　ｓｐｅｎｔ　ｔｉｍｅ　ｗａｎｄｅｒｉｎｇ　ａｒｏｕｎｄ　ｔｈｅ　ｓｔｒｅｅｔｓ，　ｇｅｔｔｉｎｇ　ｌｏｓｔ，　ａｓｋｉｎｇ　ｄｉｒｅｃｔｉｏｎｓ　（ａｓ　ｕｓｕａｌ　ｆｏｒ　ｔｈｅ　ｂｌｕｒ　ｑｕｅｅｎ）　ｗａｎｔｉｎｇ　ｓｏ　ｍｕｃｈ　ｔｏ　ｇｏ　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｃｏａｓｔ．　Ｉ　ｗａｌｋｅｄ　ａ　ｌｏｎｇｅｒ　ｗａｙ　ａｎｄ　ｃｈａｎｃｅｄ　ｕｐｏｎ　ａ　ｑｕｉｅｔ　ｌａｎｅ．　Ｉ　ｓａｗ　ａ　ｍａｎ　ｃｕｔｔｉｎｇ　ｂａｍｂｏｏｓ　ａｎｄ　ｄｒｉｌｌｉｎｇ　ｏｎｅ　ｂａｍｂｏｏ　ａｔ　ａ　ｔｉｍｅ　ｏｎｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｓｉｄｅ　ｏｆ　ｈｉｓ　ｎｏｏｄｌｅ　ｈｏｕｓｅ．　Ｉ　ｓｔｏｐｐｅｄ　ｂｙ　ａｎｄ　ｃｈａｔｔｅｄ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｈｉｍ．　Ｈｅ　ｗｅｎｔ　ｕｐ　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｍｏｕｎｔａｉｎｓ，　ｃｕｔ　ｓｏｍｅ　ｂａｍｂｏｏｓ　ａｎｄ　ｂｒｏｕｇｈｔ　ｔｈｅｍ　ｈｏｍｅ　ｔｏ　ｃｈａｎｇｅ　ｔｈｅ　ｏｌｄ　ｂａｍｂｏｏｓ　ａｔ　ｔｈｅ　ｓｉｄｅ　ｏｆ　ｈｉｓ　ｈｏｕｓｅ．　Ｈｅ　ｅｖｅｎ　ｓｈｏｗｅｄ　ｍｅ　ｈｏｗ　ｈｅ　ｐｒｅｐａｒｅｄ　ｔｈｅ　ｂａｍｂｏｏｓ　ｓｏ　ｔｈａｔ　Ｉ　ｃａｎ　ｔａｋｅ　ｐｉｃｔｕｒｅｓ．　Ｉ　ｅｎｊｏｙ　ｓｅｅｉｎｇ　ｉｎｇｅｎｉｏｕｓ　ｗｏｒｋ．　

the man and his tool

the quaint noodle house along the quiet lane

Ｉ　ｃｏｎｔｉｎｕｅｄ　ａｆｔｅｒ　ｗｉｓｈｉｎｇ　ｈｉｍ　ｇｏｏｄ　ｌｕｃｋ　ａｎｄ　ｋｅｐｔ　ｗａｌｋｉｎｇ　ｔｉｌｌ　Ｉ　ｓａｗ　ｔｈｅ　ｏｃｅａｎ．

Empowering waves ...

Calm water at the other end

Ｏｆｔｅｎ　ｔｉｍｅｓ，　Ｉ　ｆｅｌｔ　ｅｍｏｔｉｏｎａｌ　ｗｈｅｎ　ｎｅａｒ　ｔｈｅ　ｓｅａ，　ｍｏｒｅ　ｓｏ　ｗｈｅｎ　ｆａｃｅｄ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｔｈｅ　ｏｃｅａｎ’ｓ　ｇｉｇａｎｔｉｃ　ａｎｄ　ｅｍｐｏｗｅｒｉｎｇ　ｗａｖｅｓ．Ｉ　ｓａｔ　ａｔ　ｔｈｅ　ｂｅａｃｈ　ｔｉｌｌ　ｎｉｇｈｔ　ｆａｌｌｓ．　Ｔｈｅ　ｍｏｏｎ　ｗａｓ　ｏｕｔ　ｔｈａｔ　ｎｉｇｈｔ　ａｎｄ　ｍａｋｅｓ　ｍｅ　ｆｅｅｌ　ｒｅａｌｌｙ　ａｔ　ｐｅａｃｅ．　Ｏｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｗａｙ　ｂａｃｋ，　Ｉ　ｒｅａｌｉｓｅ　ｉｔ　ｉｓ　ａｌｒｅａｄｙ　ｑｕｉｔｅ　ｄａｒｋ　ａｎｄ　Ｉ　ｃａｍｅ　ｂａｃｋ　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｎｏｏｄｌｅ　ｈｏｕｓｅ　ａｇａｉｎ．　Ｉ　ｓａｗ　ｔｈｅ　ｗｉｆｅ　ａｎｄ　ｏｒｄｅｒｅｄ　ａ　ｂｏｗｌ　ｏｆ　ｎｏｏｄｌｅ　ｓｏｕｐ．　Ａｔ　ｏｎｌｙ　ＮＴ４５，　ｉｔ　ｉｓ　ｓｉｍｐｌｙ　ｏｎｅ　ｏｆ　ｔｈｅ　ｂｅｓｔ　ｎｏｏｄｌｅ　ｓｏ　ｆａｒ．　Ｎｏ　ＭＳＧ，　ｒｅａｌ　ａｕｔｈｅｎｔｉｃ　ｈｅｒｂｓ　ａｎｄ　ｓｏｍｅ　ｂｅｅｆ．　Ｔｈｅ　ｗｉｆｅ　ｉｓ　ａｍｉａｂｌｅ　ａｎｄ　ｗｈｅｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｍａｎ　ｒｅｔｕｒｎｅｄ，　ｃｈａｔｔｅｄ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｍｅ　ａ　ｌｉｔｔｌｅ　ｍｏｒｅ．　Ｉｔ　ｉｓ　ａ　ｑｕａｉｎｔ　ｌｉｔｔｌｅ　ｓｈｏｐ．　Ｉ　ｗｉｌｌ　ｐｏｓｔ　ｔｈｅ　ｐｉｃｔｕｒｅ　ａｎｏｔｈｅｒ　ｔｉｍｅ　ａｓ　ｔｈｅｙ　ａｒｅ　ｉｎ　ｍｙ　ｈａｎｄｐｈｏｎｅ．

Ｍｙ　ｉｎｔｅｒｎｅｔ　ｔｉｍｅ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｔｈｅ　ｉｎｔｅｒｎｅｔ　ｃａｆｅ　ｉｓ　ｒｕｎｎｉｎｇ　ｏｕｔ．．．

Ｂｕｔ　Ｉ　ｈａｖｅ　ｔｏ　ｓｈａｒｅ　ａｂｏｕｔ　ｔｏｄａｙ，　ｍｙ　ｌａｓｔ　ｄａｙ　ｉｎ　ＨｕａＬｉｅｎ．　Ｉ　ｔｏｏｋ　ａ　ｂｕｓ　ａｌｌ　ｔｈｅ　ｗａｙ　ｏｕｔ　ｔｏ　ＳｈｉＴｉＰｉｎｇ，　Ｓｏｕｔｈｅｒｎ　ｏｆ　Ｈｕａｌｉａｎ　（２　ｈｏｕｒｓ　ｒｉｄｅ）　Ｗｈｅｎ　Ｉ　ａｌｉｇｈｔｅｄ，　Ｉ　ｗａｓ　ｗｅｌｃｏｍｅｄ　ｗｉｔｈ　ａ　ｖａｓｔ　ｐａｄｉ　ｆｉｅｌｄ　ｊｕｓｔ　ｆａｃｉｎｇ　ｔｈｅ　ｓｅａ．

the padi farm at the coast of ShiTi Ping

the mushroom made of stone and wood...this padi farm owner is different

the Tin-Man overlooking the farm * some character this padi field

Ａ　ｙｏｕｎｇ　ｍａｎ　ｗａｓ　ｐｕｓｈｉｎｇ　ａ　ｍｅｔａｌ　ｗｈｅｅｌ　ｉｎｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｐａｄｉ　ａｒｅａ，　ｗａｖｅｄ　ａｎｄ　ｇｒｅｅｔｅｄ　ｈｉ．　Ｗｈｅｎ　ｈｅ　ｌｅａｒｎｅｄ　Ｉ　ｗａｓ　ｆｒｏｍ　Ｓｉｎｇａｐｏｒｅ，　ｈｅ　ｗａｓ　ｅｘｃｉｔｅｄ，　ｃｌａｉｍｉｎｇ　ｔｈｅｒｅ’ｓ　ａｎｏｔｈｅｒ　ｖｏｌｕｎｔｅｅｒ　ｆｒｏｍ　Ｓｉｎｇａｐｏｒｅ　ｗｏｒｋｉｎｇ　ｉｎ　ｔｈｉｓ　ｆａｒｍ．．．

Ｉ　ｆｏｌｌｏｗｅｄ　ｈｉｍ，　ｗｈｉｌｅ　ｈｅ　ｒｏｌｌｅｄ　ａｎｄ　ｐｕｓｈｅｄ　ｔｈｅ　ｍｅｔａｌ　ｗｈｅｅｌ　ｏｎｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｆｉｅｌｄ．　Ｉ　ｍｅｔ　ｔｈｉｓ　Ｓｉｎｇａｐｏｒｅａｎ　ｌａｄｙ，　Ｊａｎｅｌｌｅ．　Ｓｈｅ　ｉｓ　ｏｎ　ａ　４－ｍｔｈ　ｃｙｃｌｉｎｇ　ｔｒｉｐ　ｏｎ　ｈｅｒ　ｏｗｎ　ｉｎ　Ｔａｉｗａｎ．　Ｓｈｅ　ｈａｓ　ｂｅｅｎ　ｃｙｃｌｉｎｇ　ｈｅｒｅ　ｆｏｒ　１　ｍｏｎｔｈ．　Ｓｈｅ　ｃａｒｒｉｅｓ　ａ　ｃａｕｓｅ，　ｔｏ　ｓｐｒｅａｄ　ＮＯ　Ｖｉｏｌｅｎｃｅ　ｍｅｓｓａｇｅ　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｐｅｏｐｌｅ　ｓｈｅ　ｍｅｅｔ　ｉｎ　Ｔａｉｗａｎ．　Ｓｈｅ　ｉｓ　ＷＷＯＯＦｉｎｇ　ｉｎ　ｔｈｉｓ　ｐａｄｉ　ｆａｒｍ　ａｓ　ｉｔ　ｉｓ　ａｌｏｎｇ　ｈｅｒ　ｐｌａｎｎｅｄ　ｃｙｃｌｉｎｇ　ｐａｔｈ．　Ｓｈｅ　ａｌｓｏ　ｓｕｇｇｅｓｔｅｄ　Ｉ　ｃａｎ　ｖｏｌｕｎｔｅｅｒ　ｔｏ　ｔｅａｃｈ　ａｔ　ｔｈｅ　ｍａｎｙ　ａｂｏｒｏｇｉｎａｌ　ｖｉｌｌａｇｅｓ　ｉｎ　Ｔａｉｗａｎ．　Ｔｈｅｙ　ｎｅｅｄ　ｔｅａｃｈｅｒｓ．　～＿～　Ｗｅ　ｔａｌｋｅｄ　ａ　ｌｉｔｔｌｅ　ａｂｏｕｔ　ＷＷＯＯＦ　ａｎｄ　ｈｅｒｓｅｌｆ．　Ｓｈｅ　ｔｏｏｋ　４ｍｔｈｓ　ｕｎｐａｉｄ　ｌｅａｖｅ，　１００　ｄａｙｓ　ｂｅｆｏｒｅ　ｈｅｒ　ｂｉｒｔｈｄａｙ．　Ｔｈｅ　ｌａｓｔ　ｄａｙ　ｏｆ　ｈｅｒ　ｊｏｕｒｎｅｙ　ｗｉｌｌ　ｂｅ　ｈｅｒ　ｂｉｒｔｈｄａｙ．　Ｉ　ｒｅｓｐｅｃｔ　Ｊａｎｅｌｌｅ’ｓ　ｇｕｔｓ　ａｎｄ　ｈｅａｒｔ．　Ｗｅ　ｗｉｓｈｅｄ　ｅａｃｈ　ｏｔｈｅｒ　ｔｈｅ　ｖｅｒｙ　ｂｅｓｔ．　Ｉ　ｆｅｌｔ　ｓｏ　ｈａｐｐｙ　ｔｈａｔ　Ｉ　ｗｉｌｌ　ｂｅ　ｏｋａｙ　ｎｏｔ　ｇｏｉｎｇ　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｓｅａ　ａｔ　ａｌｌ．

Ｉ　ｍｅｔ　ｔｈｅ　ｏｗｎｅｒ　ｏｆ　ｔｈｅ　ｆａｒｍ，　ｒｅｄ－ｆａｃｅｄ，　ｗｉｔｈ　ａ　ｃａｐ，　ｖｅｒｙ　ｓｍａｒｔ　ｆａｒｍｅｒ　ｌｏｏｋｉｎｇ．　Ｈｅ　ｗａｓ　ｗｅｌｃｏｍｉｎｇ　ａｎｄ　Ｉ　ｍａｎａｇｅｄ　ｔｏ　ｓｎａｐ　ｓｏｍｅ　ｐｉｃｔｕｒｅｓ　ｂｅｆｏｒｅ　Ｉ　ｇｏ．　

Ｔｈｉｓ　ｅｎｃｏｕｎｔｅｒ　ｍａｋｅｓ　ｍｅ　ｌｏｏｋ　ｆｏｒｗａｒｄ　ｔｏ　ｍｙ　ｃｏｍｍｉｎｇ　ＷＷＯＯＦ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｔｈｅ　ｆａｒｍ　ｉｎ　ＰｉｎｇＴｕｎｇ，　Ｔａｉｗａｎ　ａｎｄ　ｔｈｅ　３ｍｔｈｓ　ｉｎ　Ｊａｐａｎ．　Ｊａｎｅｌｌｅ’ｓ　ｈｏｐｅ　ｆｏｒ　ｈｅｒ　ｔｒｉｐ　ｔｏ　ｓｐｒｅａｄ　ｔｈｅ　ｍｅｓｓａｇｅ　ｏｆ　ｎｏｎ－ｖｉｏｌｅｎｃｅ　ｉｎｓｐｉｒｅｄ　ｍｅ．　Ｉ　ｓａｗ　ｈｅｒ　ｂｉｋｅ　ｉｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｏｒｇａｎｉｃ　ｃａｆｅ　ｎｅａｒｂｙ，　ｗｈｅｒｅ　ｔｈｅ　ＷＷＯＯＦｅｒｓ　ｉｎ　ｔｈｉｓ　ｆａｒｍ　ｓｔａｙ　ｔｏｏ．　Ｏｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｂｉｋｅ　ｉｓ　ａ　ｆｌａｇ　ｐｒｏｍｏｔｉｎｇ　ｎｏｎ－ｖｉｏｌｅｎｃｅ　ｉｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｗｏｒｌｄ　ｕｎｄｅｒ　’Ｈｏｐｅ　Ｇａｒｄｅｎ’．

ShiTiPing * the young man who greeted and waved to me, brought me to meet my fellow Singaporean traveller

Janelle, the Singaporean lady who i WWOOFing in this farm. She is one brave and inspiring woman, cycling on her bike alone, in Taiwan spreading the message of non-violence

working hard at the farm

janelle's bike and the non-violence message she is spreading under Garden of Hope

 exploring ShiTiPing on foot * walked into a cemetry unknowingly

always find cemetry a very tranquil & peaceful place

one walks on it with some respect...

barber shop , but closed

lalang * lovely sway

ShiTiPing, a place of mountains and the sea

harbour

Light a wish...

24th February is the 15th Lunar day of our Chinese New Year.

In Taiwan, it is marked with lighting up Kong Ming Teng, with wishes written on all sides of the lantern, light it and send it up to the sky. The wishes are supposedly sent to the sky to reach heavens so that they can be heard...

I took a train from Taipei Train Station and arrived in ShiFen, in PingXi. PingXi is about an hour and a half hour away from Taipei city. The rail along the different small stations in Ping Xi has their own characteristics. ShiFen is the little old town that Taiwanese go to have their lanterns relased all together. This will only occur at 6.30pm in the evening. When I reached ShiFen, there was already a dragon queue of Taiwanese waiting to get a number and a free lantern so as to enter the big activity space in the evening for the mass release.

Many other Taiwanese however prefers to just purchase the lantern at the stalls in ShiFen and have them written, lighted and released almost anywhere possible. I bought a purple one (most cost 100 NT about S$4.50) from a shop at a corner. I was very engrossed in penning my wishes with the chinese brush, wishing for myself to have a safe trip, for my mum and all my siblings, nieces and nephews to be healthy, peaceful at home and that the young ones will do well in the studies and the even younger ones to grow up fine.

Then for all friends, to have their dreams comes true. Peace and happiness to everyone..

I enjoyed the process of writing with the chinese brush, my wishes... while the lady boss of the shop started a heated argument with another man about the space outside the stall... I continued to write with a smile in my heart. The 2 men in the shop are not too professional in having my picture taken before I　ｐｕｔ　ｕｐ　ｍｙ　ｌａｎｔｅｒｎ．　Ｔｈｅｙ　ｄｉｄ　ｎｏｔ　ｅｖｅｎ　ｏｆｆｅｒ　ｔｏ　ｔａｋｅ　ｐｉｃｔｕｒｅ　ｏｒ　ｔａｋｅ　ｔｉｍｅ　ｔｏ　ｔｕｒｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｌａｎｔｅｒｎ　ｓｏ　ｔｈａｔ　ａｌｌ　ｗｉｓｈｅｓ　ｃａｎ　ｂｅ　ｔａｋｅｎ．　

Ｔｈｅｙ　ｓｅｅｍ　ｔｏ　ｂｅ　ｉｎ　ａ　ｈｕｒｒｙ．．．　Ｓｏ　ｍｙ　ｌａｎｔｅｒｎ　ｗａｓ　ｌｉｇｈｔｅｄ　ａｎｄ　ｗｅｎｔ　ｕｐ　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｓｋｙ．．．　ｕｐ　．．ｕｐ．．．ｓｏｍｅｏｎｅ　ｃｈｅｅｒｅｄ　ｆｏｒ　ｍｅ．．．ｔｈｅｎ　ｖｏｏｍｍｍ．．．　ｉｔ　ｇｏｔ　ｃａｕｇｈｔ　ｏｎｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｗｉｒｅ　ｂｅｃａｕｓｅ　ｏｆ　ａ　ｓｔｒｏｎｇ　ｗｉｎｄ　ａｎｄ　ｂｕｒｎｅｄ．　Ｒｉｇｈｔ　ｉｎ　ｆｒｏｎｔ　ｏｆ　ｍｙ　ｅｙｅｓ．．．Ｔｈａｎｋ　ｇｏｏｄｎｅｓｓ　ｎｏ　ｂｏｄｙ　ｉｓ　ｈｕｒｔ．

Ｉ　ｗａｓ　ａ　ｌｉｔｔｌｅ　ａｆｆｅｃｔｅｄ．．．ａｎｄ　ｋｅｐｔ　ｗａｌｋｉｎｇ　ｔｈｒｏｕｇｈ　ｔｈｅ　ｎａｒｒｏｗ　ｒｏａｄ　ｌｉｎｅｄ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｆｏｏｄ　ｓｔａｌｌｓ　ｔｉｌｌ　Ｉ　ｒｅａｃｈｅｄ　ｔｈｅ　ｓｈｏｐｓ　ａｌｏｎｇ　ｔｈｅ　ｒａｉｌｗａｙ　ｔｒａｃｋ．　ＳｈｉＦｅｎ　ｈａｓ　ｉｔｓ　ｂｅａｕｔｙ　ｈｅｒｅ，　ｔｈｅ　ｓｈｏｐｓ　ａｒｅ　ｌｉｎｅｄ　ａｌｏｎｇ　ｔｈｅ　ｔｒａｃｋ　ｏｎ　ｂｏｔｈ　ｓｉｄｅｓ．　Ｗｈｅｎｅｖｅｒ　ｔｈｅ　ｔｒａｉｎ　ｉｓ　ｃｏｍｉｎｇ，　ｓｏｍｅｏｎｅ　ｗｉｌｌ　ｓｈｏｕｔ　ａｎｄ　ｅｖｅｒｙｏｎｅ　ｗｉｌｌ　ｓｃａｔｔｅｒ　ａｗａｙ　ｆｒｏｍ　ｔｈｅ　ｔｒａｃｋ　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｓｉｄｅ　ａｎｄ　ｗａｔｃｈ　ｔｈｅ　ｔｒａｉｎ　ｐａｓｓ　ｂｙ，　ｓｍｉｌｅｄ　ａｎｄ　ｊｕｓｔ　ａｄｍｉｒｉｎｇ　ｔｈｅ　ｇｒａｎｄ　ｏｌｄ　ｌａｄｙ．

Ｉ　ｓａｗ　ｍａｎｙ　ｍｏｒｅ　ｓｈｏｐｓ　ｓｅｌｌｉｎｇ　ｌａｎｔｅｒｎ．　Ｍｏｒｅ　ｐｒｏｆｅｓｓｉｏｎａｌｌｙ　ｒｕｎ．　Ｔｈｅ　ｍｏｏｄ　ｉｓ　ｇａｙ　ａｎｄ　ｌｉｇｈｔ．　Ｔａｉｗａｎｅｓｅ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｔｈｅｉｒ　ｆａｍｉｌｙ，　ｙｏｕｎｇ　ａｎｄ　ｔｒｅｎｄｙ　Ｔａｉｗａｎｓｅｓ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｔｈｅｉｒ　ｆｒｉｅｎｄｓ．．．ａｌｌ　ｈａｖｅ　ｔｈｅｉｒ　ｗｉｓｈｅｓ　ｗｒｉｔｔｅｎ　ａｎｄ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｔｈｅ　ｈｅｌｐ　ｏｆ　ｔｈｅ　ｓｔａｆｆ，　ｈａｄ　ｔｈｅｉｒ　ｐｉｃｔｕｒｅｓ　ｔａｋｅｎ　ｏｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｔｒａｃｋ，　ｔｈｅｎ　ｌｉｔｅｄ　ａｎｄ　ｌｅｔ　ｇｏ．．．．　Ａｌｌ　ｏｆ　ｔｈｏｓｅ　ｌａｎｔｅｒｎｓ　ｈｅｒｅ　ｗｅｎｔ　ｕｐ　ｓｍｏｏｔｈｌｙ．　Ｉ　ｗａｓ　ｔｈｒｉｌｌｅｄ．．．ｓｍｉｌｉｎｇ　ａｇａｉｎ．　～＿～　Ｗｈａｔ　ｓｔｒｉｋｅｓ　ｍｅ　ａｂｏｕｔ　ｔｈｅ　Ｔａｉｗａｎｅｓｅ　ｈｅｒｅ，　ｔｈｅｙ　ａｒｅ　ｎｏｔ　ｒｏｗｄｙ　ｐｅｏｐｌｅ　ｅｖｅｎ　ｔｈｏｕｇｈ　ｉｔ’ｓ　ａ　ｆｅｓｔｉｖｅ　ｓｅａｓｏｎ．　Ｐｅｏｐｌｅ　ｗｉｌｌ　ｃｈｅｅｒ，　Ｂａｎ！’ｏｒ　’Ｇｏｎｇ　Ｘｉ’ｗｈｅｎ　ａ　ｌａｎｔｅｒｎ　ｗｅｎｔ　ｕｐ　ｓｍｏｏｔｈｌｙ．　Ａｌｌ　ｗｉｓｈｅｓ　ｗｅｌｌ　ｆｏｒ　ｅｖｅｒｙｏｎｅ．　Ｉ　ｓｏａｋｅｄ　ｕｐ　ｔｈｅ　ｐｏｓｉｔｉｖｅ　ｍｏｏｄ　ａｎｄ　ｇｏｔ　ｍｙｓｅｌｆ　ｌｉｆｔｅｎｅｄ　ｕｐ　ａｇａｉｎ．　

Ｍｙ　ｗｉｓｈｅｓ　ｗｉｌｌ　ｄｅｆｉｎｉｔｅｌｙ　ｂｅ　ｈｅａｒｄ　ｂｅｃａｕｓｅ　Ｉ　ｗｉｓｈ　ｔｈｅｍ　ｗｉｔｈ　ａｌｌ　ｍｙ　ｈｅａｒｔ．　Ｔｈａｔ’ｓ　ｒｅａｌｌｙ　ｗｈａｔ　ｍａｔｔｅｒｓ．

 

Ｙｅｓ！　Ｍａｙ　ｙｏｕｒ　ｗｉｓｈｅｓ　ｃｏｍｅ　ｔｒｕｅ！

Ｉ　ｈｏｐｐｅｄ　ｏｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｔｒａｉｎ　ａｎｄ　ｗｅｎｔ　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｏｔｈｅｒ　ｓｍａｌｌ　ｔｏｗｎｓ　ｏｆ　ＰｉｎｇＸｉ　ｂｅｆｏｒｅ　ｒｅｔｕｒｎｉｎｇ　ｔｏ　ＳｈｉＦｅｎ　ｔｏ　ｗｉｔｎｅｓｓ　ｔｈｅ　ｍａｓｓ　ｒｅｌｅａｓｅ　ｏｆ　ＴｉａｎＴｅｎｇ　（ｌａｎｔｅｒｎｓ）．

Ａ　ｂｉｇ　ｃｒｏｗｄ　ｈａｓ　ｇａｔｈｅｒｅｄ　ａｔ　ｔｈｅ　ｍａｓｓ　ａｒｅａ．Ｉｔ　ｗａｓ　ｓｔｉｌｌ　ｎｏｔ　ｔｏｏ　ｎｏｉｓｙ．　Ｉ　ａｍ　ｊｕｓｔ　ａｍａｚｅｄ　ｂｙ　Ｔａｉｗａｎｅｓｅ，　ｋｅｅｐｉｎｇ　ｃａｌｍ　ｍｏｓｔ　ｏｆ　ｔｈｅ　ｔｉｍｅ．　Ｓｔｏｏｄ　ｆｏｒ　ａｌｍｏｓｔ　ａｎ　ｈｏｕｒ　ｂｅｆｏｒｅ　ｔｈｅ　ｌｉｇｈｔｓ　ｗｅｒｅ　ａｌｌ　ｏｆｆ，　ｔｈｅ　ｈｏｓｔｓ　ｓｔａｒｔｅｄ　ｉｎｔｒｏｄｕｃｉｎｇ　ｔｈｅ　ｅｖｅｎｔ，　ｓｏｍｅ　ｄｒｕｍ　ｐｅｒｆｏｒｍａｎｃｅｓ　ｌａｔｅｒ，　ａｎｄ　ｔｈｅ　ｍｏｍｅｎｔ　ｃａｍｅ．　Ｉ　ｗａｓ　ｓｔａｎｄｉｎｇ　ａｔ　ｔｈｅ　ｆｅｅｔ　ｏｆ　ｏｔｈｅｒ　ｐｒｏｆｅｓｓｉｏｎａｌ　ｐｈｏｔｏｇｒａｐｈｅｒｓ，　ｅｌｅｖａｔｅｄ　ｏｎ　ｌａｄｄｅｒｓ　ａｎｄ　ｓｔｏｏｌｓ．　Ｔｈｅｒｅ　ｗｅｒｅ　ａｂｏｕｔ　２０００　ＴｉａｎＴｅｎｇ　ｔｈｉｓ　ｙｅａｒ　ｆｏｒ　ｔｈｅ　ｍａｓｓ　ｒｅｌｅａｓｅ．　Ｔｈａｔ　ｖｅｒｙ　ｍｏｍｅｎｔ　ｗｈｅｎ　ｔｈｅｙ　ａｌｌ　ｗｅｎｔ　ｕｐ，　Ｉ　ａｌｍｏｓｔ　ｔｅａｒｅｄ．．．　Ａｌｌ　ｔｈｅｓｅ　ｌａｎｔｅｒｎｓ　ｃａｒｒｙｉｎｇ　ｗｉｓｈｅｓ　ｆｒｏｍ　ａｌｌ　ｉｎｄｉｖｉｄｕａｌｓ，　ｓｉｍｐｌｅ　ｗｉｓｈｅｓ，　ｓｉｌｌｙ　ｗｉｓｈｅｓ，　ｓｉｎｃｅｒｅ　ｗｉｓｈｅｓ．．．　ｔｈｅｙ　ａｌｌ　ｍｕｓｔ　ｈａｖｅ　ｍｅａｎ　ａ　ｌｏｔ　ｔｏ　ｅｖｅｒｙｏｎｅ．．．　Ａｔ　ｓｕｃｈ　ｔｉｍｅ，　Ｉ　ｗｉｓｈ　ｍｙ　ｆａｍｉｌｙ　ｏｒ　ｆｒｉｅｎｄｓ　ｗｅｒｅ　ｔｈｅｒｅ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｍｅ．

Ｔｈｅ　ｒｅｔｕｒｎ　ｔｏ　Ｔａｉｐｅｉ　Ｃｉｔｙ　ｗａｓ　ａ　ｊｏｕｒｎｅｙ　ｏｆ　ｃｒｕｓｈｉｎｇ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｔｈｅ　ｃｒｏｗｄ，　ｉｎｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｔｒａｉｎ，　ｓｔａｎｄｉｎｇ　ｔｈｒｏｕｇｈｏｕｔ　ｔｈｅ　ｒｉｄｅ．．．ｉｔ　ｔｏｏｋ　ｍｅ　ａｌｍｏｓｔ　３　ｈｏｕｒｓ　ｔｏ　ｒｅａｃｈ　Ｔａｉｐｅｉ．　Ｉ　ｗａｓ　ｅｘｈａｕｓｔｅｄ　ｂｕｔ　ｗａｓ　ｈａｐｐｙ　ｆｏｒ　ｔｈｅ　ｗｈｏｌｅ　ｅｘｐｅｒｉｅｎｃｅ．