Our day began with a 4:00 A.M. wakeup call so we would have plenty of time to make our 7:20 A.M. flight back to Charlotte, NC. Even with all of our gifts and purchases, we were able to get our bags packed and stay within the designated weight requirement.
On each of the three legs of the flight the planes were full, so we did not have any additional room in which to stretch out. We managed to get through having to deplane with all belongings twice during the flight and were only 10 minutes late arriving in Charlotte.
We were greeted by friends and loved ones, and will now adjust to the jetlag and get back to our routines in Charlotte. This trip however will have a lasting influence on our lives, and we will be forever changed by it.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Day 29
According to the lunar calendar, it is Buddha’s birthday. There was a parade and thousands were expected at a celebration at the Liberty Hall in central Taipei.
Today is also our last full day in Taiwan and designated as a “shopping day”. The team all made plans with their free time. Some met with host families, while others enjoyed the city alone - but with an increased familiarity that has been gained over the past four weeks.
In Taipei, massages are thought of as a requirement for good health. Some foot massage parlors are open until 1 or 2 A.M. so residents can drop in to relieve stress. Most hair salons include scalp massages when clients get shampoos. Many of the team members were treated to massages by their host families.
In the evening there was a “Farewell Party” held for the team. Attending the party were host families, day hosts, the District 3520 Outbound GSE Team, and other GSE sponsors and helpers. Performances were provided by both the outbound & inbound teams and included the “Chicken Dance”, which seems to be a big hit in Taipei. Each member of our team also talked about their experiences in Taiwan over the past month and had the chance to thank everyone for their hospitality during our visit. Everyone has been so warm, welcoming and generous that thank you does not seem like enough to say for all that they have done to make our trip so memorable. We will never forget how they made us feel at home.
We were each given a tea set and loose tea so we could prepare tea Chinese style once we returned to the States. What a beautiful parting gift!
Hugs were exchanged and tears were shed as everyone reminisced. We will truly miss all of our new friends. We love Taiwan!
Today is also our last full day in Taiwan and designated as a “shopping day”. The team all made plans with their free time. Some met with host families, while others enjoyed the city alone - but with an increased familiarity that has been gained over the past four weeks.
In Taipei, massages are thought of as a requirement for good health. Some foot massage parlors are open until 1 or 2 A.M. so residents can drop in to relieve stress. Most hair salons include scalp massages when clients get shampoos. Many of the team members were treated to massages by their host families.
In the evening there was a “Farewell Party” held for the team. Attending the party were host families, day hosts, the District 3520 Outbound GSE Team, and other GSE sponsors and helpers. Performances were provided by both the outbound & inbound teams and included the “Chicken Dance”, which seems to be a big hit in Taipei. Each member of our team also talked about their experiences in Taiwan over the past month and had the chance to thank everyone for their hospitality during our visit. Everyone has been so warm, welcoming and generous that thank you does not seem like enough to say for all that they have done to make our trip so memorable. We will never forget how they made us feel at home.
We were each given a tea set and loose tea so we could prepare tea Chinese style once we returned to the States. What a beautiful parting gift!
Hugs were exchanged and tears were shed as everyone reminisced. We will truly miss all of our new friends. We love Taiwan!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Day 28
Today we had our last road trip to the ceramic town of Yingge, which is a half hour drive from Taipei. Our visit started with a tour of the Yingge Ceramic Museum, where we learned about the long history of ceramics in the region. Hands-on demonstrations were included.
After a tasty lunch of sushi at Grandma Sushi, we went to the famous pottery center of Yingge and shopped at the numerous pottery stores. The stores contained lovely pottery crafted in the region. After spending four weeks in Taiwan, everyone was eager to have souvenirs, particularly tea implements and other items that will help us remember the wonderful meals and tea sessions we enjoyed during our stay.
After afternoon tea, we traveled to Sanshia for more shopping in the lovely Old Street area. Although it was raining, as it has been for 4 out of 5 of the past days, the team enjoyed browsing though the many stores that included numerous Taiwanese crafts. (Did we mention that this is the rainy season in Taiwan?) We ended our visit to Sanshia by visiting the Tsushih Temple. The temple is famous for its carved stone columns. Some of the main columns took craftsmen 80 years to complete. It is a truly magnificent sight.
After a tasty lunch of sushi at Grandma Sushi, we went to the famous pottery center of Yingge and shopped at the numerous pottery stores. The stores contained lovely pottery crafted in the region. After spending four weeks in Taiwan, everyone was eager to have souvenirs, particularly tea implements and other items that will help us remember the wonderful meals and tea sessions we enjoyed during our stay.
After afternoon tea, we traveled to Sanshia for more shopping in the lovely Old Street area. Although it was raining, as it has been for 4 out of 5 of the past days, the team enjoyed browsing though the many stores that included numerous Taiwanese crafts. (Did we mention that this is the rainy season in Taiwan?) We ended our visit to Sanshia by visiting the Tsushih Temple. The temple is famous for its carved stone columns. Some of the main columns took craftsmen 80 years to complete. It is a truly magnificent sight.
Day 27
The team began the day with a visit to a historical Taiwanese residence that is approximately 180 years old. The one level structure included many symbolisms including vases, turtles, bats and books. The home had both public space that included a courtyard and altar area and private space that included the family living quarters. Unattached structures included a schoolhouse, which again showed the importance of education to the Taiwanese even almost 200 years ago.
Our final Rotary presentation and exchange of flags were held at the An Ho Rotary club. We enjoyed the fellowship of the club and especially liked the vocal renditions of Harry Wu. What a voice!
The afternoon was spent leisurely at the presidential residence. We strolled through the beautiful grounds, the herb garden and had tea at the café.
Our final Rotary presentation and exchange of flags were held at the An Ho Rotary club. We enjoyed the fellowship of the club and especially liked the vocal renditions of Harry Wu. What a voice!
The afternoon was spent leisurely at the presidential residence. We strolled through the beautiful grounds, the herb garden and had tea at the café.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Day 26
We are down to a handful of days left for our visit to Taiwan. This day started at the National Taipei University of Education, which houses the Chinese Language Education Center. The team sat in on a Mandarin Chinese class that was being taught to Rotary Youth Exchange students. It was interesting to see the progress that these Latin American students have made in just two months. We were next treated to the Performance of Achievements, and works by a group of 16 students from Thailand who had just completed a 6-week course in language and culture at the university. The visitors were paired with Taiwanese student teachers during their stay.
Lunch was at the Yie-shian Rotary club, an all-female club that is in its 7th year. Each team member received a cake in celebration of the birth of one of the member’s grandchild. This exchange of food (cake or rice) is a Taiwanese custom. Flags were exchanged, and a group photo taken.
The afternoon was spent at the Miramar Ferris Wheel.
Lunch was at the Yie-shian Rotary club, an all-female club that is in its 7th year. Each team member received a cake in celebration of the birth of one of the member’s grandchild. This exchange of food (cake or rice) is a Taiwanese custom. Flags were exchanged, and a group photo taken.
The afternoon was spent at the Miramar Ferris Wheel.
Day 25
A day of formal visits starting with the Presidential Office Building. We were unable to take pictures of this structure, which is over 100 years old and was built by the Japanese. It houses an archive of important documents taht starts with 19 Japanese rulers and ends with the current Taiwanese president.
We had a short visit to the Eslite Book store. It is renown for its size and for being open for 24 hours. The team enjoyed perusing the many titles and was able to purchase books that were in Mandarin Chinese with English translations.
The Fuling Rotary Club hosted our lunch. We have enjoyed giving our presentations to the clubs and now know many members from previous encounters. Of course, Rotary flags were exchanged.
We traveled to Danshui Street, which is north of Taipei and on the coast. The team visited Fort San Domingo, which was from the time that the Spanish and Dutch inhabited the island of Taiwan. We also toured the former British Consulate building.
After tea at a local café, we walked along the waterfront and enjoyed the ocean view. Unfortunately, it was too late to take the ferry across the harbor.
We had a short visit to the Eslite Book store. It is renown for its size and for being open for 24 hours. The team enjoyed perusing the many titles and was able to purchase books that were in Mandarin Chinese with English translations.
The Fuling Rotary Club hosted our lunch. We have enjoyed giving our presentations to the clubs and now know many members from previous encounters. Of course, Rotary flags were exchanged.
We traveled to Danshui Street, which is north of Taipei and on the coast. The team visited Fort San Domingo, which was from the time that the Spanish and Dutch inhabited the island of Taiwan. We also toured the former British Consulate building.
After tea at a local café, we walked along the waterfront and enjoyed the ocean view. Unfortunately, it was too late to take the ferry across the harbor.
Day 24
Today we had another road trip north to the coast and Dhrma Drum Mountain. When we were almost there, our van died. It was the same van from last evening. We waited on the side of the road for an hour while a substitute was sent. We will make sure we don’t get in that other van again!
We reached Dhrma Drum Mountain late, and saw an introduction video before lunch. Dhrma Drum is a Buddhist temple and training center in Chan Buddhism under spiritual leader Master Sheng Yen. Our lunch was modest, silent, and men & women ate separately. Afterwards we toured the facility, which was built in 2005 and is still growing.
Our afternoon was spent at the Juming Museum, home to an outdoor sculpture garden that houses works by the museum’s namesake. Juming became famous through his series of works entitled “Tai Chi”. He has various other life-sized series throughout the large extended garden area and also inside.
Motor Scooters are everywhere in Taipei and are the preferred mode of transportation for most students and workers. Many drivers wear masks when driving to protect themselves from fumes. (Many pedestrians also wear masks.) Scooter drivers are fearless and take advantage of every small opening to gain ground. It is amazing there aren’t more accidents.
We reached Dhrma Drum Mountain late, and saw an introduction video before lunch. Dhrma Drum is a Buddhist temple and training center in Chan Buddhism under spiritual leader Master Sheng Yen. Our lunch was modest, silent, and men & women ate separately. Afterwards we toured the facility, which was built in 2005 and is still growing.
Our afternoon was spent at the Juming Museum, home to an outdoor sculpture garden that houses works by the museum’s namesake. Juming became famous through his series of works entitled “Tai Chi”. He has various other life-sized series throughout the large extended garden area and also inside.
Motor Scooters are everywhere in Taipei and are the preferred mode of transportation for most students and workers. Many drivers wear masks when driving to protect themselves from fumes. (Many pedestrians also wear masks.) Scooter drivers are fearless and take advantage of every small opening to gain ground. It is amazing there aren’t more accidents.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Day 23
The team visited the Longshan Temple, which is approximately 270 years old and located in one of the oldest areas of Taipei. We learned that Longshan has both Buddhist and Doa altars, and was built for the people. Our visit was on the first day of the lunar calendar, so many people crowed the temple to pray to the various gods represented at the many altars.
We learned that, in the past, residents went to the temple to get prescriptions for ailments; therefore, herb vendors were located nearby. The team visited some shops that carried herbs, and that were just around the corner.
We had lunch at another local Taiwanese restaurant, and preceded to Deihua Street where we visited shops that specialized in dried fruits, vegetables and unique items such as dried shark fins.
Our afternoon visit was at the offices of the Taipei County Building. The team was given a tour of the offices, which includes a kindergarten for the children. The government offices are centralized here to provide one-stop-shopping for the residents of Taipei County.
We made an unscheduled stop at the office of PDG Trading, where we sat in for a demonstration of a new water filtration system. Water purity is as much a concern for the people who live in Taipei as it is for those who live elsewhere.
On the way back to our drop-off point our van died in the middle of the road. Since we weren’t far away we took taxi’s back.
We learned that, in the past, residents went to the temple to get prescriptions for ailments; therefore, herb vendors were located nearby. The team visited some shops that carried herbs, and that were just around the corner.
We had lunch at another local Taiwanese restaurant, and preceded to Deihua Street where we visited shops that specialized in dried fruits, vegetables and unique items such as dried shark fins.
Our afternoon visit was at the offices of the Taipei County Building. The team was given a tour of the offices, which includes a kindergarten for the children. The government offices are centralized here to provide one-stop-shopping for the residents of Taipei County.
We made an unscheduled stop at the office of PDG Trading, where we sat in for a demonstration of a new water filtration system. Water purity is as much a concern for the people who live in Taipei as it is for those who live elsewhere.
On the way back to our drop-off point our van died in the middle of the road. Since we weren’t far away we took taxi’s back.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Day 22
Hualien is on the east coast of Taiwan between the mountains and the ocean. After breakfast we visited the Tzu Chi Foundation headquarters and toured the building. Next door ia a hospital that provides free care to the people of Hualien.
We went a few miles north to see the birthplace and spiritual home of Tzu Chi. The nuns that live in the compound with Master Cheng Yen support themselves by selling goods that they make. All donations to the foundation go to the schools, hospitals and disaster efforts that Tzu Chi becomes involved with as they perform good works.
The team had a short trip to the beach. The coast was very rocky, and we were unable to swim because of the strong currents. We spent the time relaxing and enjoying the fresh ocean breeze.
We ate a lunch of fresh fish dishes at a roadside cafe, and then stopped at a studio that showcases jade carvings. Some of the pieces were carved from the local granite that is available in Taiwan.
We proceeded home along the coastal highway, which offers magnificent views. It was five hours before we returned to Taipei.
We had a delicious at a unique restaurant that had a modern industrial look to the place. It was a nice end to a great long get-a-way weekend.
We went a few miles north to see the birthplace and spiritual home of Tzu Chi. The nuns that live in the compound with Master Cheng Yen support themselves by selling goods that they make. All donations to the foundation go to the schools, hospitals and disaster efforts that Tzu Chi becomes involved with as they perform good works.
The team had a short trip to the beach. The coast was very rocky, and we were unable to swim because of the strong currents. We spent the time relaxing and enjoying the fresh ocean breeze.
We ate a lunch of fresh fish dishes at a roadside cafe, and then stopped at a studio that showcases jade carvings. Some of the pieces were carved from the local granite that is available in Taiwan.
We proceeded home along the coastal highway, which offers magnificent views. It was five hours before we returned to Taipei.
We had a delicious at a unique restaurant that had a modern industrial look to the place. It was a nice end to a great long get-a-way weekend.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Day 21
Our wake-up call was at 3:30 A.M. so that we could join the monks and nuns of the Chung Tai Chan Monastery for morning prayer, which consist of ½ hour of chanting, ½ hour of meditation in lotus position and another ½ of chanting. It was a different experience, and everyone felt honored to be a part of it.
Breakfast followed, and then we were given a special tour of the monastery, which included parts not open to the public. Some of the team felt that it was a truly auspicious occasion.
We began a long road trip across the mountains that took us to a height of 10,000 feet above sea level. The roads were narrow at spots, and the vistas were breathtaking. The pictures hardly capture the beauty and grandeur. The team even had the opportunity to cross a suspension bridge over one of the gorge areas. Everyone did it!
We arrived in Hualien on the pacific coast and had a dinner of dumplings & beef noodles. Afterwards we attended a presentation of dance by the Aboriginal Cultural Center. JP was chosen to play the part of the groom in a reenactment of an Aboriginal wedding ceremony, and Lena & Jennifer joined in the dancing.
Breakfast followed, and then we were given a special tour of the monastery, which included parts not open to the public. Some of the team felt that it was a truly auspicious occasion.
We began a long road trip across the mountains that took us to a height of 10,000 feet above sea level. The roads were narrow at spots, and the vistas were breathtaking. The pictures hardly capture the beauty and grandeur. The team even had the opportunity to cross a suspension bridge over one of the gorge areas. Everyone did it!
We arrived in Hualien on the pacific coast and had a dinner of dumplings & beef noodles. Afterwards we attended a presentation of dance by the Aboriginal Cultural Center. JP was chosen to play the part of the groom in a reenactment of an Aboriginal wedding ceremony, and Lena & Jennifer joined in the dancing.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Day 20
The team spent the night in lovely cabins at the Youth Activity Center near Sun Moon Lake, where we also had a wonderful meal of Shabu Shabu (meats and vegetables that you cook in a hot pot yourself).
We began the day at the Syuanzang & Syuanguang temple before hiking 570 M to the Cihen Pagoda built by Chiang Kai-shek as a memorial to his mother. From the 9-story tower we had a wonderful view of Sun Moon Lake. We next visited the Formosa Aboriginal Cultural Village, where we tried on native costumes, drank oolong tea and learned about the native tribes of Taiwan. We also learned about some native cures involving moose antlers and deer embryos.
The mountain lake is beautiful and we had a chance to tour it by boat before lunch. Along the way we stopped at the Tutingzai temple and Lalu Island, which had been devastated by the 1999 earthquake. Afterwards we found a local restaurant and ate an incredible lunch.
We then proceeded to the Chung Tai Chan Monastery, stopping along the way at a winery for ice pops. At the Buddhist monastery we registered and were given a bus tour of the grounds. A senior monk, who prepared us for what we will see at the monastery over the next 18 hours, joined us for an organic vegetarian meal.
Today was a day of LOHAS (Life of happiness & slow).
We began the day at the Syuanzang & Syuanguang temple before hiking 570 M to the Cihen Pagoda built by Chiang Kai-shek as a memorial to his mother. From the 9-story tower we had a wonderful view of Sun Moon Lake. We next visited the Formosa Aboriginal Cultural Village, where we tried on native costumes, drank oolong tea and learned about the native tribes of Taiwan. We also learned about some native cures involving moose antlers and deer embryos.
The mountain lake is beautiful and we had a chance to tour it by boat before lunch. Along the way we stopped at the Tutingzai temple and Lalu Island, which had been devastated by the 1999 earthquake. Afterwards we found a local restaurant and ate an incredible lunch.
We then proceeded to the Chung Tai Chan Monastery, stopping along the way at a winery for ice pops. At the Buddhist monastery we registered and were given a bus tour of the grounds. A senior monk, who prepared us for what we will see at the monastery over the next 18 hours, joined us for an organic vegetarian meal.
Today was a day of LOHAS (Life of happiness & slow).
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Day 19
Last night we partied with District 3520’s conference committee, who were celebrating a successful District conference. There was food, drink, dance and karaoke. What fun!
Hit the road early today heading to Sun Moon Lake. Enroute we stopped at the Lien Cheng Saxophone Museum in Houli. Saxophones have been made there for over 60 years and are a family tradition. We spoke with the grandson & granddaughter of Chang Lien Cheng, and learned that of his four great granddaughters each plays saxophone and intends to follow in the family business of producing exquisite instruments.
We had lunch along the way, and stopped at the 921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan. The Museum opened on the 5th anniversary of the 1999 quake, and is used to provide the public and schools with realistic earthquake education and teaching materials. The 7.3-maginitude earthquake caused much devastation in central Taiwan.
Made a quick stop at a roadside shop to sample "Beetle Nuts." They use scantily clad young girls to attract the buyers. "Beetle Nuts" cause a warming effect and slightly numb the mouth. Some locals use it a lot despite the fact that it turns your teeth and mouth red.
A short stop at the Wen Wu Temple followed. The temple suffered damage from the quake, and it took 4 years to rebuild some of the buildings.
Hit the road early today heading to Sun Moon Lake. Enroute we stopped at the Lien Cheng Saxophone Museum in Houli. Saxophones have been made there for over 60 years and are a family tradition. We spoke with the grandson & granddaughter of Chang Lien Cheng, and learned that of his four great granddaughters each plays saxophone and intends to follow in the family business of producing exquisite instruments.
We had lunch along the way, and stopped at the 921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan. The Museum opened on the 5th anniversary of the 1999 quake, and is used to provide the public and schools with realistic earthquake education and teaching materials. The 7.3-maginitude earthquake caused much devastation in central Taiwan.
Made a quick stop at a roadside shop to sample "Beetle Nuts." They use scantily clad young girls to attract the buyers. "Beetle Nuts" cause a warming effect and slightly numb the mouth. Some locals use it a lot despite the fact that it turns your teeth and mouth red.
A short stop at the Wen Wu Temple followed. The temple suffered damage from the quake, and it took 4 years to rebuild some of the buildings.
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