Friday

August 6, 2010
10:30 AM
Yilan Teacher Center

Yesterday I think I learned a lot. I found out that it looks like we live in the tallest building in Luodong--or the tallest we can see at any rate, looking at the view from 25 stories up. The stars were out in force and even from as high up as we were, we could hear frogs, cicadas, and the trash truck (which blasts music that mostly sounds like it belongs in an ice cream truck).



Going up to the roof top to hang out and chat would never have entered my mind but the breeze was great and so was the company. I can't wait to see the view in the daylight.

Yesterday started with a visit to the Yilan Winery. I have to say that I think the treat Principal Lin got us was a truly Taiwanese original--red wine and rice popsicles--I can't imagine finding that anywhere else.

We spent the rest of the day creating our bank accounts, learning the train and bus stations, and getting acquainted with Yilan City, and eventually hitting the Luodong Night Market for a scavenger hunt. Amongst the things I learned yesterday is the fact that Taiwan is coming up on it's centennial. The Taiwanese year is 99--the reckoning starting in October 1911. My bnak deposit was marked 99-8-5 and a note from my landlord was dated 99-8-4; now I know why.

I'm on the bus now heading to the International Children's Folklore and Games Festival at the River Water Park. It's Friday night and I'm not sure what I'md doing with my weekend yet. the Luodong Monkey Carnival starts this weekend. I saw some of the performers practicing when I was at the night market last night. It was a European group with at least one aeialist, a guy with fire batons, and several others whose talents I couldn't yet I dentify. We just arrived at the river park, time to drop the pen.

Erin