Just like that it’s over. I came, I saw, I conquered. Not really, this was an opportunity to see parts of Taiwan that aren’t in the brochures per se. And definitely not luxe. It’s was a wonderful opportunity to meet a new friend’s family and get reacquainted with a language I’ve been desperate to learn. I met an American pharmacist on one of the excursions and we hung out the whole day. She is super interesting and highly intelligent. Our conversations were peppered with words like “austerity” “diaphanous” and she said she would shepherd me home. Erica B. with a C. would likely ace a Jeopardy event without a glitch. I wanted to ask her if it hurts to be so smart. Instead I just floated in admiration of her and made her hike with me on a trail we had no business being on. Guess what? She hikes at home in Washington and confirmed the leaves in my hair were not poison ivy or oak “The leaves are shiny…” Super smart. We had tea and ceremonially did exactly what we were shown by the tea master. I would have never had done something like this without meeting her on the bus. And this is why I travel. Cheers to Taiwan and Hõo Tal La to Erica B. spelled with a C.

Let me explain. I have a new friend who comes to see her Dad and stays for two weeks. I stayed in Taipei for a week then joined Jackie. I realized I was going to be staying at her family’s home a 3 bedroom apartment on the 6th floor. With four people: newly married couple and the mother in law. I got a room to myself. Jackie and Lily shared theirs. Had I known I would have not inconvenienced them. “Fish and visitors both stink in 3 days” . I did my best to stay low profile and not occupy common areas except to eat meal. Initially I wanted to Karaoke and go crazy with the mike. And I did offer to stay in hotel close by but I was nudge by Jackie to chill and ride it out. Second time here and first impression overall is the generosity of the people who hosted me both times. It’s pretty amazing, the cooked meals and guide to hikes. Coffee in am made me feel at home. But it was Lily Wendy Jackie and”Sham Sham” made it Nice!