The New Year!

Hey guys,

It's a New Yr already :-) I leave for Africa this coming Wednesday. Erich is already back in the states. I have met so many great people, made many new relationships, and I have seen so many things. In my pics you will also get to see pictures from the highest mountain in all of East Asia called Jade Mt. I have visited Kenting, Taipei, Yingge, Danshui, Shank I Shek Memorial, Taroko National Park, Taichung Park, and so many more places. This year I enjoyed Christmas with new and old friends. I experienced a little of travelers upset stomach...hmmm....which wasn't so much fun ;-) And New Years resolutions will hopefully be held true. I pray everyone has a great year. God bless! to check out some photos click here

Hey guys,

Erich and I have been in Taiwan for the past week. It has been great! Meeting lots of new people, eating new foods, and seeing some historical beauties of Taiwan. Our first day in Taiwan we checked out the local park near Erich's brothers house. Then we walked over to his old K-12 school called Morrison. That night I went with some friends to the local street market which was packed with people! The night life here is very alive and moving. People work all day and then go out to hang with there friends at the market. Each market that I have been to is a little different. Some markets have mostly just food and pastries, while other markets have rides, games, and small shops with anything to buy, from sun glasses to clothes.

Looking around I was surprised to see such tall buildings which you can view in my photos. Due to the population size and the small amount of land available for building, you will not find many stand alone houses. Close living areas are welcomed since people here live very community based lives. The city including apartments or homes are build inwards out and up. Most people live above there shops and in duplexes or apartment builds as high as 12 floors. Earth quakes are common here so many of the structures had to be rebuilt after one of the largest earth quakes in 1999 (http://nisee.berkeley.edu/taiwan/).

For my first breakfast in Taichung we ate at Mei & Mei. My new favorite breakfast food is Danbing. Next to the breakfast table there was a tank of beautiful spotted sting rays that the owner sells. Latter we explored Taichung Park which hold a lot of historical land marks. We headed just across the street for some tea at a Japanese stile tea house.
Erich and I have been exploring all we can each day. There is so much to see. We checked out first square shopping mall and after the 12 floor and only almost mid way up the building we called for a tea break. In the mornings most shops serve warm soy milk so I have been getting my share of protein. On night we went to the night market and had Erich's favorite, "Squid on a stick." Let's just say it is different but not bad...taste like chicken ;-) In some of the pictures you can view the beautiful scenery of the Dakeng trail. Erich and I hiked to the highest point on the Dakeng trail from the trail head 1. While hiking we met a very friendly family that offered us tea, snacks and a little plum wine (the strong stuff). People have just been so friendly and patient.

This weekend we plan to hike Yushan with some family and friends. Click HERE to check out a slide show from this past week. (if asked, type in the password: guests). I miss you guys! Keep in touch.

Still In USA

Well guys,

I am getting prepared for my journey taking flight Dec 2nd. My first stop is Taiwan. My boy friend Erich and I are headed there to spend time with his family for Christmas. My next stop will be South Africa (Jeffery's Bay) to join a group called YWAM (youth with a mission). I will be studying to spread the word of God and learn more about my spiritual strengths and weaknesses. I will be in South Africa for 3 months learning and then we will be doing out reach in different areas for 3 more months. On my way back home to the US I plan to stop in Greece :-) This is my blog to let you guys know how I am doing and to share some of my experiences. Keep me in your prayers. Will miss you all and hope to see you again soon.