Happy Year of the Rat
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
I woke up this morning and thought my apartment was on fire. There was an acrid smell of smoke and I became keenly aware that there were no smoke detectors. It turned out to be smoke from the Chinese New Year fireworks outside. It was so loud I thought I was in the middle of a popcorn maker. There were so many, and it's not even full blast yet.
The holiday began Friday and the fireworks have been steadily increasing. I walked down the street today and there were "Jumping Grasshoppers" bouncing off the street signs, "Enchanted Garden Happy Monk Frogs" rolling under cars and exploding, "Temples of Happines" scaring the dogs away. My regular coffee shop was closed and there were 2 boys in it's place selling Flying Eagles, Peacocks in Season, Sky Monkeys, Wild Geese, etc. I walk out of there with with a couple Golden Vesuvius's and a God of Thunder…the biggest firework I have ever seen. I'm looking forward to lighting off that bonfire bomb.
The vast majority of business are closed, probably a self preservation instinct! It's the first time I've seen the streets like that. Normally there's things going on all night long. You know, I was kind of sad not have seen the traditional Chinese Dragon Parade. I was in downtown Jhong Li last night and you wouldn't ever have known it was New Years Eve. I know for sure that this first day of Lunar New Year is meant to get together with family and play Mah Jong. Perhaps the party days are still to come, because Chines New Years lasts for more then 2 weeks.
The rain has been very consistent. The north of Taiwan has the cold and rainy weather this time of year. The South is tropical and mild now. If I'm allowed to bring my bike on the train, I'm going to the south of the island for a relaxing bike ride. There are some National parks and beaches that I'm dying to check out. There is one area that I'm nervous about. According to the maps, The Highway dead ends about 8km after it begins. Then it starts again after about 4km and continues all throughout the Kenting National Park. In other words, it's a regular coastal Hwy that has a 4km chunk removed. The Satellite images show that the area in question is a rather beautiful beach. Hopefully I can walk my bike across the beach and climb back up to the road. I think I'll be able to. If it is impossible, then I have to ride through the mountain roads. By the way…It is North South Hwy 26 that I'm talking about, if anyone has any feedback.
Just can't wait to go. Remember the apartments in Taiwan almost never have heat so you can see your breath when your inside. My blanket is huge and unusually thick. Once you get out from under it, the cold is inescapable. I won't be there long enough to buy a heater so all I can do is dream of swaying palm trees on the toasty hot sand.
Bye for now. Will write more later. Sheen neen qui ler…Happy New Year!
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—Joseph Steinman
