October

Well, it has indeed been a trying month for us here in Taiwan. Work is hard, unfulfilling and dampening our spirits somewhat, but with fresh courage, we wake up each morning and keep plugging along. A beautiful trip to the southern tip of Taiwan, Kenting, helped to "refresh". (See pictures below.)

enjoying the view on the pacific side of the island

delicious coconuts!

We found the most beautiful white sandy beach, and rented an umbrella and some chairs and sat for hours.. The water is the brightest sea green, the mountains lining the coast, a stunning sight.. There is an immediate drop off after wading for four feet, so you can easily jump right in and float around in the salty swimming pools... Reading, swimming, laying in the sun, reading, swimming, laying the sun and then the cycle repeats itself. Talk about soul rejuvenation!

we accidentally ended up on a tour of rock formations. oops!

the pigeons flying home

City life is not so glamorous I'm afraid. The pollution is weighing in, rolling over the Taiwan straight from China. Apparently it will be this way for most of the winter. Each day is kind of foggy, the air is heavy and the sun hardly peaks through anymore. Not the same city to which we arrived in late July. The Typhoon season is coming to an end, which is a relief. The winds and rains were stronger than anything I've ever experienced, but luckily we stayed safe and dry. Not so lucky were the many mud slides, floods and unfortunate people of the mountain territories that had a very tragic typhoon season.
Things I am looking forward to:
I bought enough fabric to make cloth napkins for my dream preschool AND baking and painting aprons, I'm beginning my seamstress career!
Running a 5k race at the Taroko Gorge in the beginning of November.. Apparently the most beautiful place in all of Taiwan, I'm excited to go there! The train ride is loooooong, but Thomas and I both LOVE to ride on trains, lots of good reading to be done.
Reading some good novels.
Making lanterns and having a lantern walk in the kindergarten in November.
Traveling back to the states in December! YAY! Meghan is getting married! What a fun celebration that will be..

That's all for now! sending LOVE.

mmmmm pina coladas

darn, we meant to try the 'fried surprise'!