In Formosa

I knew it would happen. Sooner or later. Actually it happened the 2nd time just a few hours ago. Car crashes. The one just a few hours ago was nothing special. Just a light fender bender. Only one car per lane guys… c'mon.

 

The other day there was a BAD accident outside my regular Internet cafe. The doors to the building were wide open and even though I was jamming to my fav Seattle radio station (KEXP positive vibrations), the bang was loud and clear through my headphones - the unmistakeable squeak and crunch. Even though it was terribly loud, the modest people around just became perky for a second then went back to work. I casually made my way outside to see WTF and saw a completely destroyed BMW and a Ford Minivan. A head on collision on an otherwise empty street. I checked to see if anyone was hurt. They were all pretty shook up but they were walking around. I offered the young driver in the BMW a cigarette - it was obviously his fault (I don't smoke but I found a small pack in a taxi earlier). The older driver didn't look very neighborly at the time so I didn't go near him.

 

They were lucky. Those cars were so destroyed, I can't even describe it. I have pictures that I'll post for you soon.

 

My bike trip was a bust. No luggage deliveries during that particular week because of Chinese New Year. Instead, I went around the whole Island on the slow train. I stopped in the city of Kinting in the far South of Taiwan. There were biking trails that were just begging my name. I was sad, the terrain was really good. The monotony of the dusty roads were broken by the sight of waves crashing on the rocky beaches. The city itself …a surfing inspired tourist trap! Ha, there I said it. It was definitely fun for a visit. Fruit in the South of Taiwan is widely available and cheap - cheap except for the small city of Kinting. The fruit smoothies are a kick in the pants. The lady thought I was crazy because I wanted her to toss in bananas, papayas, apples, kiwi, guava, pineapple and some other baffling produce into the blender. There was a cart full of ripe coconuts across the street that was looking mighty appetizing for my smoothie. After lots of fried food in Jhong Li and Taipei, the vitamin rush hurt sooo good.

 

The weather was deliciously warm too. It's not exciting but it was truly enjoyable to doze on the peaceful beach. Occasionally I waded into the water in my sandals to sooth my feet, which had become blistered from walking too much. The beach itself was no paradise, the sharp rocks underfoot were uninviting and the sand had too much litter. There are much better beaches outside of town, National treasures. There are volunteer beach cleanup activities, that would be helpful. I want to be a part of that and possibly help organize it.

 

The new school in Kaohsiung is almost finished. I found a hostel nearby for temp accommodation. It is a dorm room for about $150 U.S. per month. I met the manager at a Western style pub. He is from Australia. That will work out nicely. I am to begin teaching the first week of March. That should be a smooth transition to the busy summer season for me. I will need to renew my visa at the end of this month by briefly visiting another country. I'm looking forward to telling you all about that soon. Bye bye for now.