Six Months In

Happy Chinese New Year!

We can't really say that we have ever been excited for this time of year before (or even been aware of it's existence, for that matter). However, this year, we have nearly a week off work, which aside from one three day weekend, is the first time off we've enjoyed since we arrived back in September. Needless to say, we needed it. Sara and I have been quite busy with our jobs and getting into the swing of a new year and with it slightly revamped class schedules. Although my schedule remained mostly unchanged (apart from an extra half an hour each day in the AM), Sara has been give two more evening classes, which really stretch her days out significantly. She's been a trooper, but we both desperately needed some decompression time.

Due to the holiday, Chinese schools have been out of class for a few weeks and many of our kids parents can't afford (or simply don't want) to take time off to watch their little joyous bundles of energy. Because of this, our school holds an annual Winter Sports Camp, which I was asked to run. It is two hours a day for ten days (9-11 am) spread out over last week and next week. The class consists of 26 kids varying from Level 1 to Level 10 (basically 3rd graders to junior high) with a big range of English capabilities. I was given the task of teaching them a variety of sports, including basic vocabulary, rules, and simple skills. So far we've covered bowling, soccer, basketball, and baseball. The kids seem to enjoy it and a lot of them have quickly picked up on a lot of the terms that span across many of the sports (out of bounds, jersey, pass, shoot, dribble, etc). If it wasn't for it being such a long day for me, I would consider offering to do something like this again. We have a University campus within walking distance of our school so we've taken a few trips over there to use their big soccer field and basketball hoops. For a few of the braver kids, after we finished playing basketball, I offered to help them climb on a platform by the hoop to take a picture. A few very brave souls even let me pick them up. There is definitely something extremely gratifying about seeing someone really pick up something you've taught them and hit the ground running, so to speak. Smell what I'm stepping in. Catch what I'm throwing out. Pick up what I'm putting down. You get the point.

We continue to slowly expand our social circles outside of our work environment. It seems as if it takes several months to really begin to even meet other foreigners, but once you meet a few fun ones, they provide a platform from which you may really establish some fun relationships. Sara and I have been fortunate to meet some really great people so far, and in doing so have been given some great insights into awesome things to do near where we live. For instance, we got to check out one of the myriad hot springs outside of our city a few weekends ago. It was quite invigorating to sit and soak in all of the clean air up in the mountains. We've also been introduced so some absolutely stunning hiking trails within 30 minutes of our apartment, almost completely free of other people. It's shocking to think just how densely populated this part of the world is (as seen in top picture, something we got to experience this week due to Chinese New Year and everyone being out at once), and how easily you can lose yourself if you simply step off the beaten trail.

We were offered the chance to do a bit more adventuring this week by a couple we met recently. The girl is from California and the man is from England, although he's traveled all over the world. They've been fascinating to get to know, and he has a vast collection of experiences from all over to share. He studied Chinese in University and knows several languages aside from it. He has also studied many different forms of meditation and enlightenment and in his travels to find peaceful places to get away to, he came upon a waterfall near a Buddhist temple up in the mountains of Taiwan. Yesterday, we got to make the trip along with the couple and one of our our friends. Sara and I managed to buy a one-time used tent and some sleeping bags and we packed up for our first camping trip together (and my first one since I was a young boy). The drive up the mountain was worth it in itself. It took us about half an hour to get out of the hustle and bustle of the throngs of people paying homage at every temple in sight and into the rural areas. Through a few small pockets of civilization and we were suddenly going up and around steep snakelike turns. On one side of our campgear-laden scooter was an impossibly steep wall of trees and rock and on the other, a nice sheer drop off with huge mountains just beyond. Green, flourishing plants everywhere you can see, and the sun painting smiles on our faces.

After about 20 minutes of upwards winding roads, we reached the point where we parked our scooters and called via cell down to the temple, from which the man who takes care of the temple drove his 4X4 up to pick us up. We packed all our supplies into the little Suzuki and clenched our teeth and the handholds all the way down the 45 degree hills, while he laughed and joked away in Chinese with our friend. We found out later that he himself had help lay the concrete for what seemed like quite the deathtrap. Fortunately, his car seemed quite familiar and confident with the route and we didn't have a problem getting down.

At this point, I almost have to stop myself and simply let the pictures and videos do the talking, as words can't really describe how incredible this experience was. We set up camp on a large concrete surface a long staircase down from the little temple and began to explore the mostly dry riverbed and waterfall.

I worked up a bit of courage and climbed up the waterfall, and was later joined by Sara. Aside from a few small shifting rocks giving us a little adrenaline rush, we were quite safe (that last bit was just for you, Mama). Like I said, I'll let the pictures and videos do most of the talking. We have every intention of returning soon, although next time with some better padding to place under our sleeping bags and perhaps some warmer clothes for the nighttime. The generosity of the people here continues to astonish me. We were given two huge completely vegetarian meals by the man and his wife, along with an opportunity to try our best to use some of the little Chinese we've learned so far. I have to say, as someone who despised tofu back in the States, I realize now that it wasn't the tofu itself, it was merely the manner of preparation. These people know how to make some absolutely incredible tofu dishes. Sadly, Sara can't enjoy them due to her soy allergy. I don't know how else to put it: that shit is delicious!

It is not without some sadness that I write about all these incredible things. I wish that I could truly do these experiences justice through my writing and pictures but unfortunately words and pixels just don't convey the absolute beauty of this country. If my finances allowed, I would fly anyone willing to experience these things out to show them what we've seen so far. You all are in my thoughts each time I get to immerse myself further in this incredible place. I'm somewhat sorry to say it, but it's getting harder and harder to imagine coming home in just a short time. There is simply too much left to explore. Please check out the video attached at the bottom

YouTube Video: Waterfall Camping