DAY 21 - TUESDAY, APRIL 7
We walked along the Shihgang Dam and witnessed the destruction caused by the 9.21 Earthquake to a former section of the superstructure. Again, we found ourselves standing in front of another example of how that natural event crippled much of the country.
The physical landscape of Taiwan is often shaped by earthquakes, but now the land is parched and suffering from the worst drought in over 70 years. The riverbeds are dry and the reservoirs are low. Taiwan and its people are almost in a water crisis. Let us hope that merciful rains fall across this country soon.
DAY 22 - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8
After a delightful tour around the Taichung City Seaport Art Center, we left a green footprint in Taiwan - like all good Rotarian and American ambassadors should do! At the Taichung Metropolitan Park, we each planted our own cherry tree! What a great way to commemorate our time in Taiwan :)
DAY 23 - THURSDAY, APRIL 9
Part of this relaxing day was spent visiting Tung's Taichung Metro Harbor Hospital and dining at their rotating cafe on the 25th floor. In the afternoon, we were blown away by the Gaomei Wetlands and the awesome wind turbines - literally!
While we have absolutely loved our many host families over the past month, we were given a sweet gift for our last nights in the Taichung District: a three night stay in the "Yung Shin Resort." Although the "resort" is really a training center for the Yung Shin Pharmaceutical Corporation and has only a handful of rooms, we loved having this beautiful building - which sits atop a hill overlooking the coastal city of Dajia - all to ourselves. For the first time in a month, Barry, Fabio, Kyle, Natalie and I were able to hang out together after early dinners. In our little "resort," we had time to enjoy the view, partake in some refreshments, share great conversations and reflections, listen to music and even dance a little! Thanks to Medichem, Paper, and Tony, who gave and organized such a great gift, this enchanting place of rest and refuge!
DAY 24 - FRIDAY, APRIL 10
Our final night in the Taichung District ended with a visit to Flying Cow Ranch where we attended our last Rotary meeting - with 17 different clubs!
It was a farewell party to remember for many reasons. I mean, who doesn't want to feed goats while dressed in your finest? Give one final presentation? Or sing karaoke between bites?
DAY 25 - SATURDAY, APRIL 11
We packed all our gifts and personal belongings in more suitcases than we came to Taiwan with, and we departed for an afternoon visit to Taipei. We toured the famous and crowded National Palace Museum, home to the largest collection of Chinese art in the entire world.
Our very last tour of our trip was an excursion to the top of Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world and now ranked 4th. Unfortunately, Taiwan was getting some of that much needed rain on this day, and we were denied clear views of the tower and the city. It is just one more reason to draw us back to this country in the near future!
DAY 26 - SUNDAY, APRIL 12
Today is the day we said "zài jiàn" (goodbye), and it came swiftly and suddenly. Barry, Kyle, and Natalie begin their return to the USA today. The GSE Team from Taiwan is traveling with them, as they embark on their own GSE journey to Central Florida. You can follow their experience on their Facebook page.
Fabio and I have two more weeks in Asia, having extended our stays to enjoy some time with our significants others on this continent. I will be sharing many more stories of my time in Taiwan, Thailand, and Cambodia on my own website, Global Heartbeat. Our team will continue to share our reflections on Reporting for Rotary in the coming months. Thanks for joining us on this incredible experience!
再见
No comments:
Post a Comment