Day 17

Started the day at the Pao-an / Dalongdong Temple, which is over 200 years old. We watched as people asked the gods for answers to questions by dropping pieces of wood and leaving offerings of food & incense. A few of us asked questions. We’ll let you know how it turns out.

Lunch was with the Rotary Club of Chihshan. This is a young club of just 10 years, but full of fun and enthusiasm. We had a wonderful western lunch and enjoyed the visit. Of course flags were exchanged.

We went on to the Taipei Arena, which we found out is owned by the government. Sports in Taipei do not have the strong following that they have in the states, so the arena is used mainly for concerts and official events. The new president will be inaugurated at the arena on May 20, 2008. We also toured the ice rink. It was quite pleasant escaping the heat inside the rink building.

Another afternoon of Chinese tea followed and we again enjoyed different varieties. After tea we stopped by the Rotarian owned store “Free East” and had fun trying on clothing fashioned by Taiwanese designers with art by Taiwanese artists. What talented people! Ask to see the pieces Joni bought.