Tuesday, March 13, 2012
On the 28th, Dad and I were back in Taichung. We stayed at the Evergreen Laurel Hotel, which is conveniently located just a few short blocks away from the National Science Museum. Dad had expressed interest in visiting the botanical garden, at least, so we did that. Unfortunately, there was not time enough to go into the Science Museum itself.
Dad had, in fact, taken a picture in the same pose as me, but I figured he'd want the less-embarrassing one posted out of the two. Don't worry, I'll have them both in my scrapbook (when I get around to that).
So, I'm pretty sure I took a picture of almost every cat I saw in Taiwan. (There is one that I know I didn't take a picture of, but I still pet that one.) This one was obviously not a stray, and it loved me.
These adorable children were speaking English fluently (there were more children playing than just this one). One of their parents appeared to be American.
We also saw this couple getting their wedding pictures taken. Dad wouldn't allow me to keep watching, though, which was sad.
After the garden, I convinced Dad that he needed to experience a city bus at least one time, so we went across the street to catch the bus to the train station. It was a very full bus. Probably the fullest I have ever been on, which is really saying quite a lot. When we got to the train station, at long last, we got our tickets to Fengyuan to meet Fenny for a delicious dinner at a hot pot restaurant. She taxied us in turns on her scooter to and from the restaurant.
Saying good-bye to Fenny.
The next day, Dad and I went back through Fengyuan so that I could close my bank account. At the bank, who should we run into? Why, the other dearly departing teachers! Christina looked pretty dead, but decided to go to Style with Dad and I one last time. The food was delicious, as always, and Christina was a hoot (as always).
Dad enjoying his ice cream and waffle
Christina, also enjoying her food.
We went back to the school from there; I had to get the remainder of my luggage out of storage and said a few final good-byes. We actually stayed at the school for an hour or two because I had to wait to get my passport.
The 401 roommies. WE ARE SO ADORABLE!
And then Christina fell on her pile of... stuff that she was repacking for the umpteenth time.
Between tours for the new teachers, Gerald took Dad and I to the U-Bus station. Talk about perfect timing! No sooner had I purchased our tickets (in Chinese!) and Dad and Gerald unloaded our luggage than the bus pulled up. We were on our way to Taipei!
The next day we headed to the temple. It was another rainy day in Taipei, but it was not too bad. Mostly it was just sprinkling. We arrived at the temple with no problem and had enough time to take some pictures and do some shopping at the Bountiful Living store (across the street, sells LDS goods) before heading inside for the session, which happened to be in English!
There was a kind sister that was able to take a picture of Dad and I in front of the temple.
This is for my Kyle and Felix: the cornerstone
After the temple, we went to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial.
We did not linger for the changing of the guards, but the guards were on duty, as statue-like as ever.
They were getting ready for New Year celebrations, so there were all kinds of flags and pavilions and things up.
2012: Year of the Dragon
Happy 100, Taiwan!
Almost done, guys. Just have Hong Kong to cover, and then we're home! Officially! (After two months!)
Labels: Family, Holiday, Taiwan, travel
