Here is a blog posting that I wrote Friday, but was unable to post until today. It seems that Taiwan is constantly being bullied by the forces of nature. Friday, the bully was the former tropical depression Pubuk, which had rudely gained strength overnight to become the much wetter tropical storm Pubuk. I've posted comical pictures of both Paul (how he looked under the poncho) and I after riding home in Pubuk's glory-time. (For the official record, the eye hit the southern tip of the island down by Kaoshung, so we merely received a glancing blow.) Anyway, the internet was killed by the rain (or possible the emergency work that was being done to keep the power on) and returned only late last night. I've checked with the Taiwanese Central Weather Bureau, which is watching Typhoon Sepat, but unless it radically changes course, it seems we should be dry soon. I should also note that the very worse thing about the rain is that it brought back the mesquitos. I was bite-free and now I'm swimming in them. Also, the Taipei Times ran a disturbing bit on dengue fever, which apparently the CDC feels is likely to break out in Kaoshung. In fairness, the article did point out that the city has not seen an outbreak in several years, so they are optimistic they can check it this time. Anyhow, here's the post. Oh, and the apple juice? It was delicious.
Why Taiwan is an Island: An E! True Hollywood Story
Have you ever wondered why Taiwan is an island? It’s because it rained--ONCE. Except it doesn’t actually rain in Taiwan, the gods just pour bucket after bucket of water on you and howl with laughter. At least, that’s what I assume happens. It rained all day today—literally every minute and none of those minutes could it be described as only drizzling, much less spitting. The rain just never, ever stopped. We were supposed to go watch a folk dance troop performing at Ba Gua Shan, but it was rained out. So Paul and I decided to try a local restaurant that was recommended on Virtual Tourist. The review was posted in December, so we assumed it was still there, it was reasonably close and it served sandwiches. Yes, despite their clearly universal appeal, sandwiches do not appear to have caught on Taiwan. Do not ask me why, I guess it’s one of those unexpected cultural things like deodorant or Mac and Cheese. Anyway, the rain was light-ish (enough that you would get wet, but not enough to justify the supreme hassle of biking in a poncho). We found the restaurant and enjoyed the best meal of our lives. There was nothing that looked, smelled, or tasted even a little odd about our food. And the place looked, smelled, and sounded just like a Barnes and Nobles, down to the jazz music. We split a generous 6-in sub (on tasty artisan bread) with lettuce, tomato, mustard, sweet relish (which was the best tasting relish I have ever had--AWESOME), and smoked chicken deli meat-style. They even serve pasta and real salads with your choice of Caesar or Italian dressing! My only regret was foolishly bringing only 150 kuai. (Superb, Western-style sandwiches do not come cheap.) The post had said a sandwich and beer cost 200 kuai and since beer is usually 150, I assumed the sandwiches were only 50 each. Apparently, their beer is just unusually cheap. They also sell Treetop apple juice—I almost cried at the thought of real apple juice, not apple-flavored Kool-Aid. Anyway, about a minute into our ride home, the rain really started coming down. After a block, Paul called it quits and stopped to put on a poncho. But it was in vain. It came down in torrents. I had to stop at every light and pour the water out of my shoes so I could continue to pedal through the 2-3 in of standing water on the roads. I also had to stop to wipe the water off my face, but it was raining so hard that it got in my eyes and burned them. When I literally could not even conceive of a harder, more drenching rain existing, it just rained harder and more. It was absurd. I have no idea what we have done to anger the gods, but clearly we have grossly offended someone.
Have you ever wondered why Taiwan is an island? It’s because it rained--ONCE. Except it doesn’t actually rain in Taiwan, the gods just pour bucket after bucket of water on you and howl with laughter. At least, that’s what I assume happens. It rained all day today—literally every minute and none of those minutes could it be described as only drizzling, much less spitting. The rain just never, ever stopped. We were supposed to go watch a folk dance troop performing at Ba Gua Shan, but it was rained out. So Paul and I decided to try a local restaurant that was recommended on Virtual Tourist. The review was posted in December, so we assumed it was still there, it was reasonably close and it served sandwiches. Yes, despite their clearly universal appeal, sandwiches do not appear to have caught on Taiwan. Do not ask me why, I guess it’s one of those unexpected cultural things like deodorant or Mac and Cheese. Anyway, the rain was light-ish (enough that you would get wet, but not enough to justify the supreme hassle of biking in a poncho). We found the restaurant and enjoyed the best meal of our lives. There was nothing that looked, smelled, or tasted even a little odd about our food. And the place looked, smelled, and sounded just like a Barnes and Nobles, down to the jazz music. We split a generous 6-in sub (on tasty artisan bread) with lettuce, tomato, mustard, sweet relish (which was the best tasting relish I have ever had--AWESOME), and smoked chicken deli meat-style. They even serve pasta and real salads with your choice of Caesar or Italian dressing! My only regret was foolishly bringing only 150 kuai. (Superb, Western-style sandwiches do not come cheap.) The post had said a sandwich and beer cost 200 kuai and since beer is usually 150, I assumed the sandwiches were only 50 each. Apparently, their beer is just unusually cheap. They also sell Treetop apple juice—I almost cried at the thought of real apple juice, not apple-flavored Kool-Aid. Anyway, about a minute into our ride home, the rain really started coming down. After a block, Paul called it quits and stopped to put on a poncho. But it was in vain. It came down in torrents. I had to stop at every light and pour the water out of my shoes so I could continue to pedal through the 2-3 in of standing water on the roads. I also had to stop to wipe the water off my face, but it was raining so hard that it got in my eyes and burned them. When I literally could not even conceive of a harder, more drenching rain existing, it just rained harder and more. It was absurd. I have no idea what we have done to anger the gods, but clearly we have grossly offended someone.
3 comments:
Jennifer, could you tell Paul that I saw one of his mission buddies this week, an ex-Elder Wayburn (sp?), and he sends an enthusiastic salutation. We saw him at Circuit City in Riverdale, Utah, where, when he heard my name, he perked up and asked if had relatives in Utah. Then, we discovered it was from Russia. He was obviously excited to meet someone related to Paul, so I think that stands as a great compliment to the man he is ... because I was automatically a good person just because I'm related. Anyway, have a good one and stay dry ... if you can!
Isn't rain fun Jen? It's been dry here for a while now, and everyone wants rain. Except for me. Try and stay dry,
Tressa
You want to be disturbed? I wrote the worst part was the mosquitos, but I was very wrong. It's all the giant, gross tropical bugs that took refuge in the apartment and are now coming out of the figurative woodwork. I'd take a picture, but you need to be able to sleep at night.
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