No need to chit-chat! We'll begin where we left off, life after Hong Kong.
Needless to say, the semester started off busy and non-stop. Through sorting out Visa issues, studying, sore brains, and substitute teaching, we were finding ourselves rarely enjoying the beauty of Taiwan since the semester started. Well, Mr. Fun decided to put an end to that. He took advantage of the time right after midterms where you can catch a breath of fresh air and planned a hiking trip!
James planned a backpacking trip to do the Wuling Four Shows. It's four mountain peaks that can be reached through a three day/two night hiking loop with cabins along the way.
The beginning of the hike was a bit rough, as I was no longer used to hiking with a big bag on my back. Well, except the days on campus where I needed a lot of books! But anyway, we pressed on. Throughout the three day hike, we were able to hit all four peaks! For two of the peaks, we had awesome clear, views!
The cabins were nice. However, the temperature dramatically dropped around 4:30 pm each afternoon. We would go from hiking in shorts and T-shirts, to putting on all the clothes we brought and sitting in our sleeping bags (studying Chinese and Accounting). In the mornings, we got to experience the crunching of ice under our feet! It's been a while since we've seen ice!
First peak, but not such a great view
Freezing and studying in sleeping bags after dark
Cold, icy mornings
Perfect weather and views during the second day!
Final peak and a coconut water to celebrate!
Every semester our class takes a "Knowing Taiwan" trip. In early December, we went to Wulai. James and I went there last summer. Since it was a bit cooler this time, we got to enjoy the famous outdoor hot springs. We also discovered a fun ropes course at an amusement park area later in the day.
Wulai Ropes Course with classmates
NCTU GMBA Crew
The most popular hike in Taiwan is the hike to highest mountain, Yushan (Jade Mountain), standing at 3,952 meters. The problem is with it's popularity, it's near impossible to receive hiking permits for the trail and cabin. However, Mr. In-the-know found out that if foreigners apply for the permit 35 days in advance for weekdays, they are guaranteed permits! So, we invited our hiking buddies along with a few other students from our school to join the trip. Well, James was right and we received our permits! We didn't need to skip classed but a couple of friends did...
Unfortunately, the day before leaving for the trip, we received an email from the National Park that the trail to the main peak had been closed due to a landslide. EEK! There are several peaks within hiking distance of the cabin that were in safe condition, so we decided to carry-on with the adventure. This time, I was more prepared for the cold. I brought several of the hot hand warmers and stuck them in my socks, gloves, pockets, etc. I think I had about five warmers in my sleeping bag that night. Those things really work!!!!!
Our group included people from America, Honduras, Sweden and Austria!!
Sea of Clouds on the hike up to the cabin
Sunset from the cabin
Enjoying a round of the game Dominion in the cabin after dinner. No studying this time!
Cold morning hike to the Yushan South Peak
Yushan South Peak - We were freezing! We did not take the time to enjoy a coconut water to celebrate this time!
Good views and good weather for the descent
Happy to finish the trail!
Christmas and New Year's Eve were nice. We enjoyed Skype calls and lovely packages from family on Christmas before our 9 am class, as well as a nice dinner gathering at our Pastor's home. For New Year's Eve, the weather was nice, so we hopped on a VERY crowded train after class to Taipei. We enjoyed welcoming in the new year with the fireworks show at Taipei 101!!!!
An awkward Santa at our school library...weird.
Taipei 101 on New Year's Eve (The pictures online are much better than our pictures)
We joined some running buddies for a race in early January in Puli. James did the marathon distance and I did the 9 Km (5.6 miles). We both did well and enjoyed the quite warm winter weather in the central part of the island. Please note, there was some confusion before with this picture, I did not run in jeans. I changed out of my sweaty clothes after the race into jeans!
Last but not least for our adventures was our celebration trip the day after finals ended! Mr. Find-all-cool-hikes discovered a hike along the south east coast of Taiwan. A shipwreck was still on the rocky coastline. The ship wrecked in September but the boat remains. It was a windy, rocky, long walk along the coast with a few friends. Well worth the unique experience, but I never want to walk that stretch of coast again!
So random!
Now, we are enjoying our five week break between semesters which includes Chinese New Year. My brain needs a big rest! We are currently working internships (required for our program) during the first two weeks, then substitute teaching at English schools for the next two weeks, then doing something to enjoy the Chinese New Year holiday (TBD) AND studying Chinese everyday to prepare for next semester (sigh...such a difficult language).
The internship is with the global branch of the chain of English schools we worked at last year. I am working with the Marketing Manager to assist in launching a new website and creating a commercial for the school (so neat!). James is working with the Business Director (who of course is from Michigan) on the regulations required to open a Study English Abroad school in New York City (so boring...sorry James).
Our first semester was good. It's interesting going to school with such a diverse group of students from around the world! Most of the time it's neat, but it can be frustrating when working together on group projects. Just another lesson in patience. James and I were always the official proofreaders for our groups since we are the only two native English speakers in our program. I find it quite impressive English is everyone else's second (or third and sometimes fourth) language! We both worked very hard this past semester and spent a great deal of time in the library. We thank God sooo much that our hard work is reflected in our grades.
Sorry about the novel! I'll try to be a bit better about posting next semester, but no promises. It may be until the summer after our second semester until I find the chance to write another blog!
We miss y'all!!! Thank you for everyone's love, prayers and continuous support for our crazy adventure abroad. One down and three more semesters to go!
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