About Me

My photo
Yilan, Taiwan
I just returned back to the States after 11 years in Taiwan with my daughter. Taiwan is an excellent base for us explore Asia, while living in relative (gun free) safety, while benefiting from a cheap and efficient national health care system. The people are amazing too. I have Taiwanese friendships that are 20 years old and I'm always making new ones! My coworker here in CO is from Taiwan.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

What I Eat, What I Cook

Taiwanese  always ask me if I eat out or cook. I mostly cook, but lately w/ my busy schedule (Z's after school dance, swim, music + friends+ my Wed night Latin Dance) we sometimes are rushed for time. Monday we don't come home til 730pm, T and Thurs we don't go go home til 830, sometimes 9. So I eat out maybe 40% of the time.

Tostadas with pintos. (Corn tortillas from Trader Joes when I went to LA).

My kitchen is always stocked with the basics: fresh eggs, milk, bread, yogurt, cheese (mostly sharp Cheddar, grated Parmesan, and mozzarella sticks for Z). When I am flush I will have creme fraiche, brie or feta. I always have a bottle of red; organic Spanish wine is cheap and decent tasting. I also always have honey, brown sugar, molasses (the last dregs of a bottle and haven't been able to find any since), pure maple syrup, organic Stevia from the States (thanks Dad), pure peanut butter, sesame butters, olive oil, flax oil, coconut oil, milk butter, various vinegars (apple cider, balsamic and rice), mirin, seaweeds, and a few emergency jars of tomato puree. I also have Thai red and green curry, Indian masalas and coconut milk.

I love to bake but seeing as its just two of us I end up eating most of it, so I rarely do anymore.


Sticky cinnamon raisin buns, heavy on the cinnamon.

Taiwan  is a garden of Eden with amazing year round fruits. Fruits deserve its own blog. I am a big fan of fruit shakes. My freezer always has frozen blueberries (Z's favorite), mulberries from the neighborhood and there always seems to be bananas and pineapple, so between these and whatever is in season, fruit shakes are fun. I prefer the silky thick body of the avocado with mango and maybe some berries. Z loves papaya alone  (papaya milk is popular with kids here) or with banana and pineapple. We both adore red dragon fruit it has such a special flavor and the ruby red color is gorgeous.

Fruit shake with red dragon fruit.
 When I do cook, its something around beans or pasta. I'm a bean fanatic, I have green lentils, red lentils, chickpeas, white beans, pintos, black beans, refried pintos, and kidney beans. I have a variety of Italien pastas and mostly all of it is whole wheat. I do have Asian noodles, 10 grain noodles, buckwheat (great cold in summer), thin brown rice glass noodles, and sometimes I buy fresh handmade noodles in the morning traditional market, which comes in all sizes and sometimes colors.

I always have some flour tortillas in the freezer and a variety of grains, brown rice, millet, buckwheat (not technically a grain), couscous, barley, and purple rice (ugu fan, mixed grain, which wild rice and black rice). Recently I came across some polenta.

Polenta and Kidney beans with broccoli cheese sauce and roasted root vegs.

With these staples, I buy fresh, seasonal veggies, fish, shrimp, chicken, sometimes pork and Black Angus beef from Carreforre that is grass fed and hormone free.

When I eat out, its  at the local Vietnamese place (beef pho) or baguette something, lunch box with not so healthy white rice and fried veggies, I do like stinky tofu (also not so healthy deep fried), and I go to the buffets that serve the purple rice (ugu fan).  On Saturdays I meet my language exchange partner at McD's so our kids can play in the indoor playground. This means I munch on Z's french fries and I have a coffee.

 The longer I live here the more I am learning to cook with Chinese "medicine" (all food is medicine really), which means using goji berries like raisins. My Friday night language exchange and I always talk food, she is a great cook and I learn a lot about cooking Chinese food from her. She always brings me baked goodies from her ladies church group (often green tea cookies, lemon cheesecakes, fresh breads). Poor me had to be a taste tester two weeks in a row, of  different fresh breads, I am so spoiled sometimes.

Giant Woman's "Boulder" Bike For Sale

 I thought I should sell my bike. It just takes space in my apartment.

 The sad reality is I hardly have or had time to ride the wonderful trails that weave in and around Anping. I had my moments, but Z is getting too big to sit in the back and she really needs to gain her street biking confidence. Also, I could use the cash. January is my big Sumatra trip, and Feb is always a hard month (lower pay from previous 2 weeks off+ taxes back up to 20% again).


If I do hit the trails its on my rollerblades (she has a pair too.) So if you know anyone who wants a high quality woman's mt bike, all terrain fat wheels (great for Anping's rough roads), give me a holler. It would make a fab Christmas present.

The Giant price tag was 10,000NT, my friend came along and they gave me a slight discount. I would sell for 8000NT as its like new, original tires and includes kid seat and lock.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Dream Blessings of Bodhisattva Bishop

The night before last I had this incredible dream, short and simple.

 I was at a gathering (typical dream setting for me) and people were saying "the Bishop is here, the Bishop is here!" and I was like "who?" And my faceless friend  told me, "ya this Bishop was the dude behind Pope John Paul II." And on the wall I saw a black and white photograph of this guy as a younger man with John Paul II. Then suddenly here comes the Bishop, a much older version of the photograph, shorter with the shrunkenness of very old age and he was smiling sagely. He hugged me and when he did, his spirit, mixed with the Holy Spirit lifted me up, I literally was lifted off the ground, I felt such tremendous duminus strength coming from such a fragile old body. Immediately I started to cry as I felt such unspeakable peace. And then he blessed me further, he anointed my forehead and made the sign of the cross on my forehead and recited something short in Latin (I forget it now). I felt such supernatural Peace and Love. I am not even Catholic.

 I honestly believe this Bishop exists, or once lived and that God's Presence, prayer, Divine forgiveness are not constricted to space and time, death, and also not constricted by denomination.

I received that blessing and dream, the Grace in it to undeserving me. Such a gift! Especially lately been dealing with some people who are Grinches, anti-Christian, anti-God, the spirit of anti-Christ, so strong around Christmas time. Some of the common battles during this season are either full on hate of God and believers, depression from unmet family of origin issues, or the charming form of materialistic/excessive gift giving.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Japanese Hydrogenated Water Available

What do you think of when you hear "oxidation"? If you are thinking along the lines of decomposing rot, degeneration, decay, aging, and deterioration than youre right on. So whats the cure? Think back to Chemistry, the first element, the most abundant element in the universe, the one with only one proton and one electron--that's right Hydrogen.

So here it it: if you want to get your hands on IZUMIO hydrogenated mineral water, state of the art from Japan, patened contact me. The only way to purchase is to become a member or have a member sponsor you. "The hydrogen dissolution rate of IZUMIO is the highest level available in today's manufactoring and technologies." I happen to be a member. You pay by month or 6 months whatever you prefer and they will ship it to you (free shipping, 30 packets of the hydrogonated water.) Its great for people with compromised immune systems, the elderly, athletes, those who are fighting premature aging, the vain, or people like me who work with kids and dont get enough sleep.

Buying the water includes 100 caps of the Super Lutein suppliments. Lutein is super big  in Asia, they give this stuff to their kids and elderly parents. Its a super anti-oxident, great for the eyes, plus DHA for the brain, other phytonutrients like Crocetin (carotenoid), Zeaxanthin, Lycopene. They dont sell the water separately. A month supply is 3999 NT, which is $132 US.



If youre interested let me know. There are offices in the US, Singapore, Taiwan and of course Japan. If you need an explanation in Mandarin my friend Edward Lin could happily explain it to you.  He went to the factory in Japan and one of the Japanese founders of the company actually came to Tainan to pay him a  is visit. He is an enthusiastic believer in the products.



I promise you will notice a difference in the water immediately. My friend's daughter had some cold sores in her mouth and he gave her the water in the morning. When she came home from school they were all gone!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Northern Sumatra Itinerary

10,000 IDR = 33.3 TWD

50,000 IDR = 166.6 TWD

70,000 IDR = 233. TWD

13JAN 0715 DEP: TAIPEI (FRI) 1950 ARR: MEDAN / WED 25JAN 2035 DEP: MEDAN (THU) 0605 ARR: TAIPEI
 
Fri Jan 13th : Medan VOA is $US25 p/person, departure tax of Rp 150,000 each in local currency

Blue Angel Guesthouse Pondok Wisata Angel, Jl S.M.Raja No 70, Medan North Sumatra

Indonesia Ph: (061) 732 0702 Fax: (061) 732 6050

Gumagaba Youth Hostel, Jln. S.Raja Simpang Amplas 21. Medan, Go to Bus Terminal Amplas, Medan and walk back toward the street junction. Look for no.21. It is a four story building. Contact: mgint0@uky.edu, +62 (0)8139-6115221

Saturday January 14th am: Bukit Lawang Checking out the orang-utan centre at Bukit Lawang ; it’s better than Clint Eastwood’s Any Which Way But Loose if you want encounters of the ape kind Bukit Lawang to Medan by bus - 3 -3.5 hrs. (20,000 RP p/person)

Sunday January 15th+ Monday Jan 16th : 2 nights ? Tangkahan You can also get to Tangkahan from Bukit Lawang either on the back of a motorbike, a very bumpy 3 hour trip or hire a 4WD to take you. Prices for a 4WD can be up to Rp 600,000-1,000,000 (3,300 NT/US$83) for a one way trip.

Tangkahan is located west of Medan and you can reach it by public bus (5 hours). Spend your day with the elephants, or trek the forests to explore other flora and fauna such as otters and leopards. When you are done, you can choose to return to you bungalow for a meal or choose to be one with nature itself by taking a refreshing shower under the waterfall or soak yourself in the hot spring inside a cave by the river.

Mega Inn, 8 rooms w. bath: Rp. 75-100.000. Discounts for longer stays. Ph: 081 370 211 009, 081 370 454 572. megadepari@yahoo.com www.experiencesumatra.com

Bamboo River, 6 rooms w. bath, Rp. 100.000. Ph. through CTO office: 081 361 423 245.

Jungle Lodge, 9 rooms w private bath: Rp. 85-200.000, Ph: 0813 7633 4787, ssitepu@aol.com www.junglelodge.net

No Name Accommodation, next to CTO office. 2 rooms: Rp. 70-85.000. No restaurant. Ph through CTO: 081 361 423 245

1 hour trek 160,000Rp per person, 2 hour trek 300,000Rp per person, 3 hour trek 420,000Rp (1,400NT) per person. Treks are twice a day (morning / afternoon), however; the elephants are unavailable for treks on Tuesday and Thursday

[From Medan there are only 2 buses a day leaving from Pinang Baris Bus Terminal, leaving at 10am and 1pm and taking around 4.5 - 5 hours (longer if raining). The cost is 15,000Rp (50NT) per person.]

Buses leaveTangkahan at 7.30am and 2.30pm to go back to Medan. [buses to Prapat from Tangkahan w/o backtracking to Medan ? buses to Berastagi w/o backtracking to Medan]

Tuesday January 17th - Wednesday the 18th : BERASTAGI

Berastagi (2/12 hours from Medan 8,000 RP)

Gunung Sinabung to the west and the smoking Gunung Sibayak to the north. These volcanoes are a day hike apiece, making them two of Sumatra’s most accessible volcanoes. Sneaking a peek inside the gaseous volcano craters that ring the hill town of Berastagi.

Wisma sibayak 30,000 RP a night

Losemen sibayak Guesthouse 35,000 a night

Take local bus to Semanget Gurung (2000RP), at the base of volcano, 2 hr hike to the top, hot springs, waterfall.

Thursday January the 19th– Friday January 20th LAKE TOBA

f/ Berastagi catch opelet to Kabanajahe (20 minutes 25000RP), then bus to Pematang Siantar (3 hrs, 12,000RP), then bus to Parapat (1.5 hrs, 10,000RP) [total 5 hrs, 24,000 RP each].

Parapat to Danau Toba (Tuk Tuk):

Horas Chill Out Café+ Homestay

Bagus Bay+ restaurant

[Bus to Medan to Prapat. You can get a bus to Medan - try to see if they can drop you off in the city and not take you all the way out to Pinang Baris the big bus terminal. Buses for Prapat leave from the Amplas bus terminal but if you ask at the accomodation place Blue Angel they should be able to tell you about tourist buses that head down to Prapat Lake Toba from Medan.]

Saturday January 21st Medan to Banda Aceh> Pulau Weh>Iboih

Return from Parapat to Medan

Catch flight to Banda Ache, make ferry to Pulau Weh

Exploring underwater peaks and valleys at the dive sites around Pulau Weh, a tropical island that hasn’t sold out

From Banda Aceh to Pulau Weh (updated Oct 2011)

From the airport of Banda Aceh, it's about a half hour drive to Ulee Lheu, close to the center of Banda Aceh, from where the ferries to Balohan (Pulau Weh's ferry harbour) are leaving.

FAST PASSENGER FERRIES FROM BANDA ACEH TO PULAU WEH

daily "Pulo Rondo" ETD: 09:30 ETA: 10:30

Saturday to Thursday "Express Bahari" ETD: 16:00 ETA: 17:00

Friday "Express Bahari" ETD: 16:30 ETA: 17:30

Slow ferry ticket from Banda to Sabang is about Rp 17.000 and Sabang to Banda is Rp 18.000.

CAR/PASSENGER FERRY "BRR" FROM BANDA ACEH TO PULAU WEH

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday ETD: 14:00 ETA: 15:50

Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday

( 2 x a day) ETD: 11:00 & 16:00 ETA: 12:50 & 17:50



FAST PASSENGER FERRIES FROM PULAU WEH TO BANDA ACEH

daily "Express Bahari" ETD: 08:00 ETA: 9:00

daily "Pulo Rondo" ETD: 16:00 ETA: 17:00



CAR/PASSENGER FERRY "BRR" FROM PULAU WEH TO BANDA ACEH

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday ETD: 08:00 ETA: 9:50

Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday

( 2 x a day) ETD: 08:00 & 13:30 ETA: 9:50 & 15:20


When you arrive in Balohan, the harbour on Pulau Weh, there are many cars and minibusses waiting for passengers. With each ferry arrival a specific minibus (and/or taxi) is appointed to go to the Gapang & Iboih beaches. For taxis count on a minimum of Rp 150.000-200.000 or if shared with others 50.000 per person for a Kijang car to take you directly to LumbaLumba on Gapang Beach. In a minibus it's also Rp 50.000 per person, with negotiation sometimes Rp 40.000 per person. It is still another 35 minutes drive over (newly repaved) scenic roads around bays and over steep hills with prime forest and many monkeys.

New are the 2 becaks (motorbike taxi's) which can take you to Gapang Beach.

PULAU WEH > IBOIH (Teupin Layeu)

1. Yulia's Bungalow & Restaurant

Ph: +6285270706003, +6285260850400. 14 bungalows. With outside bathroom: Rp. 50-60.000. With fan, bathroom: Rp. 175-200.000. Depending on length of stay. No advance booking. Nice layout.

2. Iboih Inn & Restaurant

Ph: +62811841570, +628126991659 (Ms. Saliza). Fb: iboih.inn@gmail.com 16 bungalows. Budget room, fan: Rp. 100.000. With fan, bathroom: Rp. 250.000. With aircon, bathroom: Rp. 350.000, All rooms except budget: incl. breakfast. Pick up at Iboih pier if booked in advance. Visa and MasterCard accepted. Free Wi-Fi. Boat transportation and trips etc.

3. O'Ong Restaurant & Bungalows

Ph: +6281360700150. 10 rooms. No Private bathroom: Rp. 40-50.000. With bathroom: Rp. 130.000-150.000, depending on length of stay.

4. Olala Restaurant & Bungalow (Moved further in to new buildings)

Ph: +6285260607311. eka_olala@hotmail.co.uk 6 bungalows. With fan, outside bathroom: Rp. 80-90.000. Big discounts for long stay. Wi-Fi.

5. Mama Mia Restaurant & Bungalows

1 bungalow. Rp. 50.000 depending on length of stay.

6. Fatimah Bungalows. A couple of new bungalows available.

7. Iboih Hill Bungalow

Ph: +6285260904101. 6 bungalows. With fan and outside bathroom: Rp. 70.000. Ask in the "Rentals and Info" shop.

8. The seven bungalows: after the diving school are all individually owned by locals. Very basic and no private bathroom. If nobody approaches you, ask for Mr. Nasir.

9. Rubiah Tirta Divers: 1 bungalow with bathroom and spring bed. Rp. 100-150.000 depending on length of stay.

10. Home High (former Arina) Ph: 082160180620. Their 4 bungalows are falling apart. Only restaurant now.

11. Ayub's: 2 rooms and 1 bathroom in one bungalow. Rp. 150.000/room. Discounts for long stay. Ask for Mr. Ayub at the parking area or ask in Erick's next door.

12. Erick's Green House +++  Ph: +6282167899876. 5 rooms. Some with attached bathroom and all with kitchenette. Rp. 50-150.000. Discounts for long stay. Wi-Fi.

13. Fina Bungalow, Ph: +6285262111366. Just before the gate. 6 rooms. With fan, bathroom: Rp. 150 -200.000. Aircon, bathroom: Rp. 250-300.000. Price depending on season.

14. Cut Agam Guest House & Coffee Shop: First place when coming down to Iboih. Ph: +6281360811780. 4 rooms, fan, outside bathroom: Rp.150-200.000.

15. Pulau Rubiah, Ph: +6285260637810 (Pak Yahya). 5 rooms in 3 bungalows: Rp. 100.000 per room. 1 big 2-room bungalow with bathroom and kitchen: Rp. 250.000. Restaurant available. Can only be reached by boat. Ask at the parking lot. If Mr. Yahya picks up: Rp. 100.000 return fare.

16. Pele's Ujung Patek Bungalows: At the Petek point 500 meter south of Iboih, turn sharply to the right when in front of Cut Agam Guesthouse. Ph: +6285260958990 (Adun), +6285253702209 (Wani), doktorkalkyl@gmail.com 2 Bungalows. With fan and bathroom: Rp. 250.000. Remote and tranquil.



Wednesday January 25th fly back to Medan
Catch night flight to Singapore> Taipei

BANDA ACHE info:
Bus to Banda Aceh A bus trip from Medan to Aceh takes around 11 hours. Most buses travel overnight and cost 150,000Rp (500NT).

Flights to Banda AcehThe airport at Banda Aceh is called Sultan Iskandarmuda Airport. A taxi will cost 70,000Rp from the airport to the centre of Banda Aceh. Lion Air has direct flights from Banda Aceh to Medan and Jakarta. www.lionair.co.id Sriwijaya Air has direct flights from Banda Aceh to Medan and Jakarta. sriwijayaair-online.com

Budget Hotels

Uncle's Homestay Jalan Mujahidin No. 2B, Lambaro Skep,Banda Aceh

Ph: 0852 6028 4432 Rp70,000/with fan, Rp100,000/with AC, Rp200,000/large with AC.

Joel's Bungalows, Lampuuk Beach Banda Aceh HP: 081 2691 0117

Al Kiram Guesthouse, Green Paradise, Wisma Diana, Yellow House

Links

http://indonesia-guidebook.blogspot.com/2011/02/destination-sumatra-north-sumatra.html

http://www.ketambe.com/ketambe_how-to-reach.html

http://forum.indahnesia.com/topic/4404/0/tangkahan_-_jungle_paradise_in_north_sumatra.php

http://flights.indonesiamatters.com/

http://www.sumatra-indonesia.com/accommodation.htm#Medan

http://sumatra-adventure.com/destination-2/tangkahan/

http://www.carnifest.com/carnivals/Arak-Tabuik-Festival.asp

http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Indonesia/Sumatra/Bukit-Lawang/blog-285945.html

http://www.lumbalumba.com/travel.html

http://www.sumatraecotourism.com/pulauweh/index.html

Friday, December 9, 2011

A Mellow Weekend in Tainan

I had a nice weekend. Sat morning met some old friends at the Mr Potato breakfast shop by my house and met a businessman about a potential investment (no decisions or money exchanged, will explain in another blog.) Morning market shopping w/ Z, my language exchange canceled, skyped home-- a typical Saturday. That evening an acquaintance, my friend's friend and also the parent of one of my former students was having the grand opening of her high end furniture store.  She and her husband are this designer duo and quite successful.

Elven, fairy-like dinnerware.




Saturday night was so cultured, everyone was so sophisticated, well dressed high earners. Grace introduced me to the two Italian gentlemen who were promoting their furniture, leather sofas, filled with down feathers, comfortable and classy.  They were of course impeccably dressed with well tailored suits, tall, very tall, my age, maybe a couple years older The taller and slighter older one was from Pisa, the other and closest to me was from Florence. We talked travel, Berlusconi,  global economics, Taiwan, the food in Korea (they just came from Seoul). I enjoyed their conversation, all that was missing was some Chianti and candle light.







The entertainment was also classy, artsy. Jennifer Johan Wang and her husband Li Zhengfan 李正帆  with their band Indylegonza. He is a very successful, popular sing writer and obviously very in love with his wife, as he played keyboards (among many other instruments some of which I have never seen before) he only had eyes for her. She mostly grow up in SanFran and was very friendly and down to earth, very beautiful face that no mohawk could hide with an exquisite voice. She kindly invited me to her mountain home in Taipei.







Sunday by contrast was lackadaisical. Church in the morning, lunch at a favorite place, a bodyrock workout (Bust it Out), a nap and then headed to the beach around 4. Arrived two minutes later. I brought marshmallows and some wine. The other expat dudes were there with their dogs. A fire was made for the kids to roast marshmallows and for a BBQ. Z was getting grouchy/testy around 7 or so and I had to diplomatically use my wiles to get her to come back home with me. It was mild, no wind, no cold, the fire was perfect. I was in leggings and a sweatshirt/vest, about as beachy unkempt as could be and the polar opposite of last night's high end bash. I appreciate both worlds, 'tho I could easily be a beach bum the rest of my days.

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable, mellow weekend in Tainan.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Football manager inspires others with dedication

 This is the latest article on my brother Eddie and his passion for high school football in the face of his disabilities. The article failed to mention the moving across the country, the details of medical mishaps, the epileptic seizures. Those details are for my dad who finished a rough draft about my amazing brother.

Arapahoe Herald /Tuesday, December 6, 2011

SPORTS Football manager inspires others with dedication  by Maggie Hurlbut

Arapahoe Herald Every fall, students and parents crowd the stands for Friday night football. Seventy-eight players line the field along with coaches, managers and trainers. Along with these typical team members is
someone distinctly unique to Arapahoe. Manager Eddie Benavides has been with the team for eleven years. Benavides graduated from Arapahoe High School in 2001 and started managing a year later. “Honestly, I can’t imagine Arapahoefootball without Eddie,” junior Taven Sparks said. “There is something special about football and the camaraderie that you develop as a team. Our coaches often refer to us asa football family. Eddie is a very important member of that family. It just wouldn’t be the same without him.”

In addition to being an avid football fan and a crucial member of the Arapahoe football family, Benavides has prevailed over many physical challenges, disabilities and illnesses through his entire life.“I’ve had so many surgeries counting back from when I was a baby,” Benavidessaid. “We lost count at surgery number 25. That was when I was a baby.”

Benavides’s father has been with Eddie’s since the beginning and has had a frontrow view of all that he has been through “Eddie was born with multiple syndromes; a medical label for ailments,”Benavides’s father, Andy Benavides, said. “The first is Craniosynostosis. This ailment is associated with Eddie’s head. Simply stated,this is a deformity of Eddie’s skull. All of thesutures in Eddie’s head were closed at birth;that’s right, no ‘baby’ soft spots. The onl treatment for this syndrome is surgery.” “Eddie also has Arthrogryposis, a condition used to describe a number of rare conditions associated with joints and abnormally developed muscles. Eddie has locked elbows, clubfeet, and his wrists aredeformed. His wrists would not allow his
fingers to point outward, only downward.”

“We would eventually learn that addressing this syndrome would consist of multiple medical treatments and surgeries. According to his doctors in Phoenix, Eddie was the first human being to have these syndromes simultaneously. They said, ‘Mr. and Mrs. Benavides, after additional testing and evaluation, we are recommending that Eddie be institutionalized. Eddie’s brain activity is close to being nonexistent and there are strong indications that he will be in a state of vegetation for the entirety of his life.’”

Benavides has been living with his conditions since he was a baby. Even more impressive is that he continues to overcomemany challenges in his day-to-day life.“As far as physical challenges I’ve overcome, I’ve overcome life itself,” Benavides said. “From surgeries I’ve dealt with since I was a baby to my disabilities I have to deal with every day. Those two challenges have had a huge effect on my day-to-day life.Due to my disabilities, I have found ways to adjust to everyday life.”

Benavides’s attitude towards all of his conditions is remarkable. “These challenges have helped mebecome a stronger person because of my attitude,” Benavides said. “Most importantly, as a believer and Christian, God has helped me become a stronger person through my challenges with everyday life.” Benavides’s presence at games is somethingcoaches and players value deeply. “He knows the layout of where we want to position different drills and things like that,” head coach Mike Campbell said. “On game day, he’s just our biggest fan and supporter more than anything. He inspires us all.”

“Benavides means so much to the team,” Sparks said. “Although he isn’t out there coaching or playing, his presence at practice and games is invaluable. He is such an inspiration to the players and coaches on the team. If a practice or game isn’t going the way we would like, Eddie helps us put the game of football in perspective.” “Eddie is part of the Arapahoe football family. He is sad when we lose and thrilledwhen we win. Eddie is a true Warrior inspiring others through his positive attitude and passion for the game. More importantly, he has shown us how to overcome struggle and find joy in life.”

Benavides’s amazing journey and perseverance inspires players and coaches alike.“I think that he’s just a good reminder; he puts everything in perspective,” Campbell said. “Times get tough in football. You can get hurt, you can be tired and fatigued and want to quit, and when you see Eddie and everything that he’s been through, you wouldn’t dare quit.”Benavides’s commitment and love for Arapahoe football goes past his dedication and presence on the field. “His involvement with the football program cannot be put to words,” Andy Benavides said. “Simply stated, Eddie loves Arapahoe. His room is yellow and black; his clothes must include yellow and black. If it were possible, his briefs would be yellow and black. He fell and broke his wrist about a month ago. Immediately, Eddie requested a yellow and black cast.”

Benavides’s passion for the program sets the standards for the players’ performance. “Eddie is very competitive and he desires that our football players would be just as competitive,” Andy Benavides said. Benavides uses his journey to inspire the players to give their all and to keep going no matter what happens. At the game against Chatfield on Oct. 29, Benavides gavethe pregame speech.“He showed us pictures of the painful surgery he had to go through,” Sparks said. “His willingness to fight for his life every dayand persevere through such a difficult situation made each and every player realize that we must live each day to the fullest. Eddie reminds all of us to be thankful for our ability to go out and play the game of football.

In his speech, he talked about letting a bad play go. Eddie said you can’t let what happened in the past slow you down. He said you must move on and keep fighting.” After seeing what Benavides has beenthrough and how no matter what he continues to persevere and have a positive attitudemakes the players and coaches grateful forthings normally taken for granted.“He’s a person that is grateful for everyday he gets,” Campbell said. “So if you have some downs, which are going to happen during the course of any season, he just puts a smile on your face right away. And it’s pretty tough to feel sorry for yourself whenyou know what he deals with and what an average day looks like [for him].”

Benavides’s dedication and commitment to the team is inspiring to everyone who meets him and without him the Arapahoe football family would not be complete. “I do it for the love of the sport and the dedication to the school,” Benavides said. “Being able to be part of the school’s football program at the school you graduated from is a blast. Next year being season 12 and being told I have a lifetime contract working at Arapahoe. What else can you ask for?”

“Who knows what’s coming next year?

Arapahoe HS and the whole Arapahoe football program are like another family to me personally. I am nowhere close to calling it quits. I’m planning on continuing working at Arapahoe for a long time,” Benavides said.
Lanius @ wplSports.com
 
 

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Winter Comes To Tainan

The cold weather officially came some time last week. After weeks of perfect weather, seriously perfect, mild, not hot or cold, slightly cool in the evening-- I was still wearing short sleeves and shorts on my scooter. Then like someone turned on a switch, the cold came on. I had to close most of my windows, layer up, get out the thick blankets, wash some sweaters. I was kind of disappointed with the cold, typically I am excited about wearing sweaters, scarves, tights, feeling cozy. I wonder if this is some sign of getting older.

Take into consideration that cold is relative here. After several years of humid, sub tropic summers, 20 C  (68 F) is cold. (Today's weather is here.)

That first night of cold weather, I decided to cook something for dinner that would produce heat. Traditional Chinese cooking is basically medicinal. The cook takes factors like the weather, season, constitution of the those eating all into consideration. Like a scientist a Chinese cook knows which foods produce heat or cool the body. I gave Z a choice Ginseng chicken or Four spirits soup 四物湯.

She picked the Ginseng Chicken soup. In Taiwan chicken sold with its bones is more expensive than boneless breasts  because the bones improve the flavor. (Chomping on cartilage brings memories of a kid for some reason). I stewed the chicken with some broth and of course the Ginseng. The Ginseng is sold in muslin with other Chinese medicinal foods--goji berries, Jujube dates, angelica.To bring out the heating properties I add ginger, of course garlic, rice wine and dark sesame (extremely heating). Instead of steamed brown rice I opted for steamed millet. I also threw in some Job's Tears   (Coix Seeds) into the stew.

Ginseng Chicken served over a bed of steamed millet
 Healthy food can be yummy and adventurous. Cooking here is certainly getting me more in touch with the culture, local foods, the weather and my own body's needs at that particular moment.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Thanksgiving in Tainan

For work we had to do something on Children's day, November 21st, which I was happy to do. A few years back I bought Z a book from the UN in English and Mandarin with kid like illustrations of the different rights children have. I combined this with Thanksgiving. Living in Taiwan teaching the kids, I sorta forgo all the Pilgrim story/myth and just try and talk about gratitude, being thankful. Its not their myth.

My class is only 4 years old, so its very basic. I showed them the book w/ illustrations and in basic English, sometimes sprinkled with basic Mandarin, they got the gist of most of the rights. It was my moment to indoctrinate the youngins with UN propaganda (that I whole heartily agree with), like every child has the right to shelter, food, education and health care. (There are some in America that would call that socialist, big sigh as I shake my head). We watched a few Youtube cartoons of the various rights, produced by the UN in cartoon form. The right to a fair trial, and open jury was probably the most difficult for them to understand, but two or three understood when I explained that 2 kids have a disagreement the teacher acts as a judge and cant play favorites.



For Thanksgiving, I was invited to one of the first foreign friend I made in Tainan, their house. Pat is American, his wife is Taiwanese, they have a son a few years older than Z. They had a houseful of coworkers and Uni students I never met before which was nice. It wasn't a typical Thanksgiving meal, but Joy provided Costco chicken and pumpkin pie, along with rice and Thai curry, pasta and clam chowder. I made a lovely (if I do say so) coleslaw with purple cabbage, pear and celery, a savory red onion and sweet potato tart, mashed potatoes and gravy. John another Yank thankfully brought wine and Imma's brownies. (Immas the Israeli bakery in Tainan, the best and most expensive bakery).

It was fun, Z was entertained by the 19 year old Uni kids. There was a young guy from Japan to round it out. I asked if he watched the recent Taiwanese epic (part 1 ) about the indigenous fighting the Japanese during their occupation of Taiwan.  He was honest and transparent (unlike the Japanese stereotype of the friendly face masking deeper contrary feelings). He was studying Theology to be a minister, an even greater rarity in Japan. I talked with the Spanish professor (from Barcelona so we had a lot to talk about).  He convinced me to formally apply to the job in Santiago. We talked about the myth of the 1st Thanksgiving meal, White guilt, the genocide of the Americas. It was nice to touch the surface with someone who already knew deeper collective tragedies and had no need to defend. History has the final say I suppose. And even then I bit my tongue about Japanese text books.

I was certainly thankful for a great evening even if it was late for a work/school night.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Hallows Eve in Tainan


Z went to a costume party at Tin Pan Alley on Friday. I didn’t think we were going to make it, I drove to the Red Wolf Bar and had to call a friend for directions (other side of the park.) Z was getting angry at me for not getting there. Most of the kids were Taiwanese, a few were mixed. I met the co-owners who were all nice, attentive and welcoming. All the kids got a mango juice and a slice of pizza. I had a mango martini, it was shockingly strong. I was glad to know I was returning for the very adult version the following night. On Monday was the 31st and my friend Allen, their kids and some of our friends we had a Halloween party. He had me carve a pumpkin and we took too many photos of our kids dressed up.




The Saturday night before Halloween was party night. All the foreigner pubs and bars had their thing going on. I had Z stay at my friend Grace’s house and I went to Tin Pan alley with coworkers Gina, Lulu, and Carmen. I was the only one who dressed up. I originally wanted to be a superhero, but my homemade ghetto get up did not turn out the same as I envisioned it. (Red shorts, blue tights, blue shirt and my daughter’s red cape, with a silver mask.) So I changed into a sea green dress, borrowed Z’s wings, silver shoes and hair and hoped I passed for a fairy.

There was live reggae and I was soon on my feet and danced the night away, literally. I didn’t get home til late the next morning and was exhausted. I had an excessive amount of fun, too much fun. I was making up for the past three years of never going out. I have lived in Taiwan for over three years and never went to Tin Pan, and never have gone out dancing in Tainan before. Sad but true.

I saw some old friends and made some new ones (and maybe a couple of enemies.) I was dancing with some guy and I guess his Taiwanese gf wasn’t happy about the whole things, but it was all innocent. There was one foreigner with a hideously insulting costume. I was shocked, other people I met were shocked, he was beyond tasteless, he was a misogynist to say the least. By the end of the night, with maybe one beer too many I had crossed the line. I went up to him and told him, “if he didn’t change his flipping costume, I was going to take him (pointing) over behind the alley and beat him out of it.” Needless to say he changed. I’m not proud of my aggression, but some people go too far. If someone wears such a costume, they obviously are expecting some kind of reaction.

I am much too old for sleepless nights, but dancing to live reggae, was beyond bliss.

Friday, October 21, 2011

A Stretch Into Sapience or Bodhi Beautitude

Dont let the title fool you. Im definately not enlightened or a sage. But I had the slightest of revelations that sort of through me off kilter, back into the flow. Im back on track, although I dont know where I am going

This week was arduous and a blessing. On Sunday night my mind was working overtime. I was thinking of the future (as always) and what to do, stay in Tainan, stay at my current job, stay in Taiwan or move to Tokyo. If I want to move to Japan as some sort of metaphor of getting to a new destination internally. What am I looking for? What is best for Z and what is best for me and realize how I have been sacrificing the past 3 years living in Tainan for her. I prayed for wisdom, for clarification for some sort of message of direction and peace of mind.


The next morning it was swiftly answered. I put on some Joseph Prince on my new stereo and immediately he said it doesn’t matter what country you live in if you live in the city or country, or what job or education, we are blessed w/every spiritual blessing. The blessing is on me, not what I do or where I am and I knew it was God talking to me and it calmed me down. I was settled in my heavenly position, seated above all principalities. And I realized I have been closing blessings from flowing into my life because I am seeking the unknown future. I had this enormous epiphany that if I just remain, rest in the blessed state of knowing NOW that circumstantially I am blessed no matter what, then things will start flowing. It really is that Bjork song “All is full of love.” It hit me that if I just stay in this moment which is the Ultimate Reality, then all the things that are not right will (eventually) be made right. Powerful stuff. I had to reign my mind back constantly through the week, but it was such a powerful experience. Like having hope w/o giving my heart away to be hurt in the process. Enjoying the present without the expectations from my excessive imaginations, yet expecting everything to be made right if I just remain Here, in my rightful place.

I had a great week, ‘tho I stayed up too late every night strumming the guitar and waking early (5 or 6) coz I’m on farmer time all the time. I unleashed torrent of pent up (sexual) energy in my dance class Wednesday, finishing our cool down in a pool of my own ecstatic sweat. Now I’m tired from the end of the week, from Turbulence Training today at lunch and will hit the hay early. Get ready for camping w/kids tomorrow.

I had the strangest dream before I woke this morning. I was at some hot springs and was putting on my swim suit w/o paying attention. When I was walking to the pool I noticed what I was wearing. This sort of Catwoman/Vampire, black, leather swimsuit that had this gigantic Dracula collar. It was more fabric then ‘Id like to wear in the water. I told Z “I can’t wear this! Where is my old swimsuit?” I feel like the dream means that when I get to a vulnerable place (partially nude in public in this case), I still have some kind of armor or people’s impression of me is this kind of dark, sinister power, maybe as a kind of unconscious protection. Maybe it was something to do w/my own Shadow. But since the past few months I feel like I am a snake shedding its skin, being renewed inside and out, having slightly more awareness of my own inner workings. I haven’t been able to do this alone. I just wonder where it will take me (d’och I’m doing it again).

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Summer Soujourn



 
 With the parting of summer and somewhat cooling climate, its only fitting I reap the harvests of my summer journey both outer and inner, they somehow reflect each other. It began in May, going to Kenting with friends and staying in an opulent resort in the mts. Cabins and pools, kids playing, wine at night, me addicted to archery.



Then in June, spending Dragon Boat weekend in Green Island.
Camping beside a rocky coral cove beside a dramatic cliff wall, lush black sky full of milky stars, a primordial fire to watch us while we slept, then recovering in the rare sea water hot springs.

Salt water hot springs


 In July we spent 14 days in the Malaysian peninsula and ending in Singapore. I met 2 wonderful men I had a kind of connection with, whom I’m still in contact with. The first a Syrian in KL, who is doing some rare stones trading between Sri Lanka and Dubai who is now trying to get a Taiwanese visa to come visit. The other a roving Irishman I met in a bus to Cherating, where we stayed and traveled down to Singapore together. He did come for a short visit just last weekend here in Tainan and hopefully will return before Christmas.


Pulau Pankgor


I am well acquainted with my own company and don’t mind being alone, but one night in Pulau Pangkor,  I had this excruciating experience. I was so utterly lonely and so acutely aware of it. It was so incredibly painful, a piercing rawness that this night, it was as if the Universe held an enormous galactic mirror up to me. I thought I might burst into tears right there on the paradise beach where all the European holidayers where having dinner with their families watching the pink sunset. I never felt so odd and out of place before, even the monkeys were pointing their fingers at me. To slightly make up for it, I was blessed the next day with a free snorkeling trip to a nearby coral island, by a local, who gave me enough attention and was still a gentleman. Still,  I was recovering from the previous night, of being slammed by the accumulative past 5 years of being independent, being alone, all of it overwhelmed me like karmic avalanche.

So we headed back to the mainland to the other side of the peninsula to Kota Bharu. The difficulty of the travel, waiting for buses hours late, crowded buses w/o seats or AC, night buses w/o sleep, filled that space. Then the magic of traditional Malay culture a few days in Kota Bharu strengthened my spirit. Soon, I met a kindred spirit again, as a kind of blessing. The easy togetherness also threw off my equilibrium, I got used to it, so did Z. I realized I need other people to be my sledgehammer and break through my walls, the illusion of being this strong, independent, single mom.
 
Traveling solitary its like this dance of being alone for a while, which is fine, because its so temporary, then I meet up with lovely company and I certainly did in Malaysia. If that Malayisa/Singapore trip taught me anything, its there is this wide world outside of Tainan full of available, single men of quality (there were some nice Frenchmen along the way too I'll briefly mention).

Singapore Zoo

Universal studios, Singapore
In August, me and some Taiwanese friends went to Alishan. They organized everything. It was like a pilgrimage to this ancient cypress forest with 2000 year old trees, a gorgeous sunset, waking for sunrise, hiking in clouded tea terraces, great food, happy kids, coming home tired and happy.


In early September, for Moon Festival's 3 day weekend, Z and I took a weekend to Guanshan to see the blooming Daylillies in the East Rift Valley in Taiwan's East Coast. Later in September, I met up with an old friend from my Taipei days a decade ago and we went camping in a farm in Kenting. BBQ, more wine, great company, our kids, her great husband, great fun in finding this past friendship and picking up where we parted. I felt lucky. Then, recovering in the Pingtong hot springs, the original Japanese structure, hinting of October.

In October for 10/10 holiday, I took an extra day off and flew to Tokyo for a 4 day stint. Autumn was just beginning to breath her first breaths into this phenomenal city. Z and I didn’t want to come back to Taiwan and even now I’m considering moving to Tokyo in a year or two if I can wait. I know what neighborhood I’d like to live in more or less. There is so much to see, so much under the surface, calling out to me, “explore me, stay here.” The magical part is I had no desire to even go to Japan until like a month ago, and now I can’t get Japan out of my dreams. I simply liked looking at the faces. The people bent over backwards to help me, locals went out of their way to make me stay. Tokyo is this paradox of ancient medieval Endo with uber-modernism, the bustle of crowds on their way, belaying an inner gentleness. There is this gentleness and then you sense this hidden cruelness. I can’t put my finger on it, especially after only 4 days, but I’m hooked.


I’ve been to a lot of countries, exchanged in many courtesies ad currencies but only a handful of places sort of grabbed me, beckoned me to linger a while. After 2 years of working around Western Europe, Galway totally conquered me. I couldn’t leave, I grieved when I had no way to stay there permanently, legally. Guatemala, I was there all 90 days of my visa and mourned leaving. I’d probably be living in Kashmir and married to a Kashmiri if it was more stable. Now after living in Tainan 3 years, 5 years total in Taiwan, I feel that itch again. Ok I admit when we went to KL I exclaimed I could live in KL too (I could, Z could continue her Mandarin, and I could have my piece of Indian culture). So who knows?


Z’s stability, and continuing her Mandarin is paramount. I just feel like the poetic eagle, phoenix being reborn and itching to spread her wings. If that means growing in a new territory, moving, or staying in Tainan and having this inner journey, remains to be lived out.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Protesting the Protesters

I noticed there is this undercurrent of critical animosity against the Wall St protesters coming from the co called ”Free Thinkers.” Its good to question the arguments and facts, long may the truth have a voice and prevail. But I cant help but be disturbed. The tea party backlash is to be expected, but some of my colleagues/peers/friends who in their own way delegitimize the Wall St protesters or confuse the message, I cant help but feel disturbed. Amazing what shit rises to the top once the pot starts being stirred.

Going around Facebook were various wall posting being shared, one that said the picture of the protesters was highly doctored and falsely portraying the sheer number of protesters. The other was of a male protesters texting a suggestive Twit, with the caption being something akin to “corporate greed made it possible to Tweet your protest you stupid protester.” I liked it because its true to an extent and I shared it myself, but felt guilty that I was perpetrating the confusion of the protest movement’s message.

So I ask myself, why the backlash? And who are these “free thinkers”? Of my peers, they all happen to be male and white. I think they must be closet Republicans (elitists in their chrysalis morphing into their true nature, due to emerge ugly classist moths) or they on some level are being confronted with their own privilege and either freaking about it or are too coward to acknowledge their privilege and why their lives are still so shitty. That sounds too harsh, perhaps its how they deal with the let down of the so-called American Dream. There are a lot of great reading out there on the subject and I came across this article “Panic of the Plutocrats” on the plane back from Tokyo (sounds so cool to say just let me have this one) and thought it eloquently stated my thoughts exactly.

The most recent FB post (from another white male again) was in support of the 1%! He said somethine like, Quit bitching about the 1%! They went to work today. They didn't sit around in a park smoking refer, banging on drums, bitching about student loans that they themselves signed for, or defecating on police cars. I want to join the 1%!" Shocking. I didnt know how to respond but I couldnt let it go and for lack of words posted something about Vets in support of the protesters (he's ex-Marine).

Interesting times! Support Democracy and Curb Capitalism.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Of Sheltered Princes and Princesses

 Today at work, my class along w/the other kindy and preschool classes took an all day field trip to a nearby farm .Everyone arrived early and was excited. There were caged goats to feed, chickens and fighting roosters, water rockets, a wading pool with dirty water. It was fun. There was a butterfly garden with several butterflies (we’ve seen better on other farm field trips), a spiky shelled turtle and bunnies.
Water bottle rockets

Some observations: Several of the kids in my class were afraid of butterflies. I had 2 girls wrapped like mini spidermen on each leg. Some of the other children in my class were afraid to feed the goats, who were caged. Ok they are 4 years old but really I couldn’t believe how “sheltered” these city folk are, and this is Tainan, a provincial town by most Taiwanese and Im not exactly country folk myself, more suburbanite, but really! I recall a childhood of catching lizards (I was a lizard farmer in my fantasy) and grasshoppers. (Where have all the grasshoppers gone? Fa, la, la, all the GMO plants and insecticides, Fa, La, la,….

It all came to a sad culmination when we gathered around a bucket of mud and the teenage worker (volunteer?) proceeded to demonstrate how to play with mud. He started his introduction by saying, ”in your grandparents day, they didn’t have toys so they played with mud.” He showed them how to make a mud pie with a hole in it and throw it against the ground. I felt really old and really grateful. I recall getting brown in the sun as my mom let me and Andy play with mud for an afternoon all summer and we made mud pies, cakes, soufflés, burritos, no instruction needed. I asked my younger coworker who was American if she played with mud (I needed some agreement that making mud pies as a kid is in fact NORMAL and these wonderful kids are lacking) and she didn’t of course.

Whenever I get near goats no ones knows the flood of memories and emotions that seethes my deep internal places. How I was worked to the bone for 7 months as a WOLFER in Ireland once when I was 21. I literally woke at 3am 7 nights for 7 months and took care of 360 milking Nubians and 100 non-milkers in 165 acres in Co Cork where the Blackwater River flows to the sea (Yougall, on the border of Cork near Dungarven). There was another WOLFER Claire but she left me after a few month (she was there longer before I got there). I love goats, they’re quite affectionate and smart and have their own personality. When I get near goats I physically hurt and feel heart ache. I left that farm (my bosses were Namibian Germans) and vowed if I EVER work THAT hard again it was going to be for myself. It was educational, I know how to care for goats and make apple cider (they had an apple orchard), along with goat cheeses and yogurt. Since then I’ve had this fantasy of when I do ever settle down somewhere , I will get me a couple of goats….Oh the stories I could tell of being a goat herder! (We had 60 sheep too, but they got on my nerves, I had no patience for their stupidity, ‘tho I pitied them).

Ok kids are sheltered here, Z is 5 and still not comfortable riding her bike on the street or rollerblading. (We were popping wheelies at 5 I roller-skated at 3 or 4). Taiwanese kids don’t get much outdoor play time, they don’t have these long luscious summer vacations, or a backyard (their houses go vertically where ours have a circumference of front and back yard. The majority of my students don’t go to the park. Parents are working or don’t see the point. In that respect my school is indeed providing the kids with a good, all around, education.


We made some traditional rice steamed buns filled with red bean paste. These are made of mashed rice flour colored red and after the red bean paste is added is pressed with a stamp. My kids used a turtle shape (symbolic of a long life) which is traditionally eaten on the first day of Chinese New Year. They places them on a leaf and the old gran steamed them. They had a semi edible keepsake of their day on the farm.

Every place has its good and bad, kids are sheltered here, my kids dont like their hands to be dirty, DIRTY, they freak if they are sticky or yucky for more than 30 seconds, but they dont have to fear about some crazy NRA dude with a gun and no health insuance for his psych meds to go Rambo in their school. Just some thoughts before I call it a day.


Sunday, October 2, 2011

The Tokyo Plan

Tokyo itinerary

I was originally concerned that accommodation would be outrageously expensive but after alot of research found decent prices places (1800NT range) some places that wouldnt charge me extra for a kid. The best bet for my money was an awesome located backpacker party place for 4000yen a night, double w/bath. But I dont want a party vibe and opted for a place NW in Ikebukuro, a traditional Ryokan, same prices for single no attached bath, but traditional japanese bath tub for all guests. Im so excited!  There are so many places to experiences in and around the Tokyo area, I sort of been fantasizing moving there. I never had this strong fascination w/Japanese culture before, not until recently, I can't explain why.


Sat: Tainan Highspeed at 8:30am to Taoyan International airport, check in at 10:50am, 12:50 departure CX450. Arrive at Narita: 17:10 flight

Keisei Honson Express to Nappori (1000yen), then to Ikebukuro (160yen). Or (1200yen) change to Ikebukuro Keisei Narita sky Access from Narita o Nappori (160yen) then to Ikebukuro (160yen). Check in at kimiryokan. Night + dinner around Ikebukuro.

Sunday: Asakusa (Sensōji Temple), lunch Waentei-Kikko 12:15 performance

Harajuku on Sundays(where the locals come out to play - in costumes), Yoyogi Park (buskers & rockabilly Japanese- truly bizarre +Meiji Jingu (one of the most important shrines in Tokyo), Omotesando (shopping & great architecture). Walk to Shinjuku.

Shinjuku: Shinjka Gyoen Gardens (picnic) + dusk at TMGB (closes at 7pm). Metropolitan Govt. Building, have a mocha in Starbucks and watch the hordes cross the intersection in front of the station (Hachiko exit),

Monday: Nikko? Or Kamakura? I just read a post on LP's Thorntree that the UNESCO's world heritage sites in Nikko are all under reconstruction for the next few years and mostly under scaffolding so Im thinking of skipping Nikko ) : and checking out Aizuwakamatsu for some autumn splendor.

Tuesday: early am Tsukiji (Tsukiji- Shijo station), walk to Shiodome at 11 ADMT (46th-47th floor Caretta shiodome) walk to Palace Higashi-Gyoen - The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Tokyo Station)

check out and leave for Narita: 12:30

Flight at: CX 451 , check in 2 pm 15:55 departure, arrive Taipei 18:30, highspeed  it back to Tainan, work the next day (big sigh)

LINKS

http://www.tokyoessentials.com/free.html

http://www.kimiryokan.jp/facilities.html%20++%20(no%20extra%20charge%20for%20child%204000%20p/night)

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2014_when.html

http://www.crowdedworld.com/japan/hotelminowa.html

http://wikitravel.org/en/Tokyo/Taito

http://www.traveltokyo.info/Hotels.Taito%20less%20than%20Yen%205,000.html

http://hotel.tokyogigguide.com/asakusa.html#asakusa

http://www.tokyohostels.com/tokyo-hostel-faq.php

http://www.juyoh.co.jp// ++

http://www.newkoyo.jp/index.html ++ (single 2300 yen p/night +500 yen extra for child)

http://www.sawanoya.com/ (charge extra 1050 yen for child)

http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=ab-gojapan&tid=612

http://www.toukaisou.com/

http://hotelink.co.jp/english/

http://www.tokyo.hostel.com/%20bAkpak%20Tokyo%20Hostel%20(no%20extra%20charge%20for%20kid)%20small%20single%20w/fridge,%20bath,%204000yen%20p/night)

http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/tourists/guideservice/guideservice/index.html

http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/tourists/guideservice/volunteer/index.html

http://skybus.jp/explains/index/00033

http://tokyo-tokyo.com/tokyo_shrines.htm

http://www.tsukiji-market.or.jp/tukiji_e.htm

Catching up in Kenting



My dear friend Monica and I reconnected after 11 years (good friends can do that sort of thing). We worked together at Kid Castle in Chu Wei, Tamsui once upon a time. Thanks to Facebook she found me and when she saw I was in Tainan, contacted me—she too had moved south to Tainan County, living near the Science Park. We met at the Julius Mannich Merchant House, turned restaurant, for a dunkel and some sausage, catching up, her husband Roger watching the kids (my daughter and her son) while we chatted, then went out for dinner later. We made vows to go camping together in the near future.


After a few weeks we made plans. On Friday straight after work, Z and I took a local train 2 stops north (cheapest train I ever took, 15NT a ticket) and they picked us up. We went shopping at Carrefore for the BBQ and I spent a 1000NT on wine and meats, shrimps. That Friday we had a late dinner and she and I caught up over a bottle of burgundy and cheese.

 The next morning we made our way down south towards Kending, stopping at the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium (NMMBA) on our way. It was my 3rd time there, by 2ndtime this year, but that’s ok, Z still loved it and I got to spend time with Monica and her family. We spent the day there and then made our way to Kenting around dusk, found the farm (Kenting Tuscany resort) and started to set up camp. Well Roger set up the tents while Monica and I watched one of the workers on the farm help us get our BBQ charcoals going. Im a bit of a camp fire expert myself, but charcoals are out of my experience, Ive been a vegetarian most of my life and only recently started eating meat again. So we had another late dinner, again too much wine and I consumed too much tasty meat.













Z and I slept like rocks. They on the other hand had a terrible night, their son waking up every hour and they didn’t get to sleep til 530am. They had to put him in the car and run it, took him to 7-11 and were afraid his crying was gonna wake up all the campers (I didn’t hear him). I woke up around 6 to the sound of rain on my tent and tied my umbrella to our top opening coz the water was splashing a bit on us.


We were all moving slow and hurting that morning (except the kids) so we first went to a find a breakfast shop and then recovered most of the day in the Sichong River Hot Spring Area located at Checheng Township, Pingtong Hot springs. We went to the original Japanese Hot Springs, a hotel, with several outdoor pools, rooftop patio, Japanese style gardens, etc. They were filming a travel show with I guess famous Taiwanese travelers (Monica and everyone knew them) and people were snapping pics with their cellphones. Around 2:30 we left the pools, washed and dressed and walked around admiring some of the hotel. I saw the famous little private bath where the Japanese emperor spent his honeymoon. That hot springs was built by the Japanese Army in 1895. The private rooms were gorgeous and cost 800 NT an hour. The public pools we went to cost for me I think it was 250NT and Z’s was slightly cheaper. The water was odorless, clear, sodium carbonated.

 Emperor Hirohito honeymooned here while he was crowned prince


We dined a 5 minute walk from the Hotel. Around the corner was the infamous Big Mountain Goat restaurant serving all things goat, the specialty being goat hotpot with Chinese medicinal herbs. They had some eclectic collections of nic-naks I appreciated. The kitchen was outside across a lane in the back next to a rocky enclosure with chickens, an angry hissing goose and some turkeys all free ranging together in soon to be succulent harmony. The goats must be kept some other place. We had a few dishes along with our goat hotpot. I asked what Chinese medicinal herbs they used and I guess it’s a secret concoction.



Goat w/Chinese medicine Hot Pot specialty
Afterwards, Roger drove us back to the main highway and dropped us off at the local bus stop, making sure I got the right tickets and right bus (Ive taken the slow Pingtong bus from Kenting and that was nightmare). We parted and they intended to drive to Taitong and then on to Green Island (but a typhoon kept them in Kenting). Z and I waited 15 minutes for the 88 bus at 4:10. It took 2 hours to Kaohsiung train station (she slept most of the time) and then we took the hour train back to Tainan , reaching home at around 9pm.
Sleeping on the bus to Kaohsiung
 LINKS

http://www.travelsinasia.com/Taiwan/Anping2.html

http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002122

http://www.ktnature.com/llll/camp/4.htm

http://www.ktnature.com/

http://www.taiwanhotspring.net/eng/03_guide/02_main_a.asp?bull_id=245&taiwan_id=10

Playing w/Penguins

Z on the farm