The Big Trip and Other Traveling

So it is my final week in Taiwan which is a little sad, but I have had quite an extraordinary experience.  I have learned a lot, not only about myself but about the world.  I will take with me all that I have learned on my return home.  The thing I will miss most is my friends I have made this year.  It is amazing that people from such different backgrounds can form such strong bonds.  I hope to visit them all in their futures.  Traveling is something I plan to continue for the rest of my life.  Although our world is small there are so many things to see, learn about, and explore.  But I haven't left quite yet, and my past months have left room for a few more adventures.

To the Mountains

Thanks to my dear friend's, Bernadette's, host mother I took a hiking trip up to the mountains.  It was quite windy on the highest peek of Taiwan and a lot colder than I expected, but it was very fun in the end.  I would like to thank Johann and Konstantin as well.

Rotary Bus Trip (10 days with the coolest people in the world)

1.  River Tracing-  We climbed up a river with guides.  It was a lot of fun we ended by cliff jumping which in turn shocked my system a little. But overall was very fun.

2. Rafting- We spent three hours paddling down the river and viewing the beautiful scenery Taiwan has to offer.  The recommended long pants, but I still ended up with a hideous sunburn in the end.  Taiwan's sun is extreme.

3.  We visited the aboriginal village.  It was very cool we went on a walk through the forest which required tactful skills of climbing and maneuvering through the great rocks and trees.  I really enjoyed this. We also participated in preparing a batch of mochi.  ( I am sorry the first few days I was without my camera pictures will be uploaded later after collecting them from my friends.)

 4. The next day we boarded a ship to the Green Islands which resulted in sea sickness for some of the students and for others it was a game of catch the wave and jump outside on the deck.  I participated in the game. At the island we went snorkeling. I loved it the fish were so extraordinary, and I hope that some day I can do it again.  That night we ate a traditional barbecue restaurant, delicious!  After words we went to the famous salt water hot springs.  Anyone that knows me knows I love hot springs, and the ocean and on the island it was the perfect mix; not to mention we could finally see the stars and I tried to point out the constellations, but it seems my memory has failed me.  Oh well!  The island itself is absolutely stunning which seems odd considering it started as a prison island.

Nixon's head rock Green Island

The prison in Green ISland

Prison Room Green Island

5.  Kenting-  In Kenting we went speedboating, but before that I took the googles lying on the dock and jumped into the water of a coral reef nearby a man who was feeding fish.  I swam through the school of fish and it was my favorite part of my trip.  It was so spontaneous and unexpected how could it not be.  After the speedboating in Kenting we went paint balling which left bruises everywhere.  The war of exchangers was really fun.  The next day we went on a Jeep ride, and it made me realize how much I miss the Jeep in Montana,  Jeeps are the extreme.

6. The Buddha memorial center in Kioasiung is so peaceful and tranquil.  I encourage anyone traveling to Taiwan to visit it. 

7.  Revisiting Sun Moon Lake.  Sun Moon Lake is very beautiful and if you are looking for fun visit the amusement park.  There are not very many rides but there are a few.  The lake itself holds temples that are worth while.