Since we’ve settled into our new apartment, the kids are in day camp and we have some time before school starts, we decided to find a family-friendly seaside location close to Taipei here in the north of Taiwan. We’re looking for someplace we can survive with the boys in tow without too many disasters – ice cream shop, hotel with pool close to seaside, various amusements and distractions nearby. Knowing full well that the wrong location could result in a disastrous trip for all, we decided to take a few days to get the lay of the land.

Day one took us to  a place called Baishawan. From our apartment in Tien Mu, we took a bus to the MRT (Taipei Metropolitan Rapid Transit) and caught the red line to the end at a place called Tamsui which took about 20 minutes. Then we jumped aboard the 863 bus (thanks to our Easy Cards – charged up with credit at the local 7-Eleven). After about a 30 minute ride, we lunched and beveraged at Baishawan. Recon report: nice, calm little beach area in a circular bay with inflatables for rent, shaded space and minimal surf.

Then, seized with a mad tourist frenzy or perhaps crazy from the heat, we decided to hike what looked like a short distance from Baishawan to Fuguei Cape which bears a lighthouse and is the northernmost point on the island of Taiwan. On the way we passed through a fresh seafood market with restaurants. Apparently the way it works is you buy the fish, then take it to the restaurant and they cook it for you, which made me wonder what exactly the restaurant charges you for bringing your own menu…But, limited by Becky’s cloying vegetarianism (curse me now Janice) and the fact that we had already eaten, we never found out or took any pictures for that matter.

Finally , after about an hour in the blazing heat and humidity, we arrived at the Lighthouse. It was truly a beautiful place, as you can see by these pics.

 

 

We staggered back to a bus stop and returned to the train station and came home just in time to pick the boys up from Camp.

The next day -equally hot and humid, we decided to make the same trip and go even further to Jinshan. Once we got off the faithful 863 bus we walked through the town and stood beneath the shade of a temple gate so we could get our bearings on how to reach the beach. A nice lady on a scooter with two young boys riding with her pulled over to ask us in English if we needed directions. She explained that her name was Amanda and she had lived abroad and that she was out running errands with her two nephews. She was extremely helpful and directed us to the beach and recommended we have lunch at a restaurant called 88. We went there and when we asked for the menu, they slid open the door to the cooler and pointed to a variety of fresh fish as if to indicate (since they spoke no English) that this was the menu. We got vegetable fried rice for Becky and I had two fish (complete with heads) cooked in miso broth along with several fresh shrimp. The food was amazing.

 

While we were eating, Amanda appeared and said she would be happy to show us the way to the beaches. When we left the restaurant she was outside and led us to her house down the street. One of her nephews stood next to a scooter and Amanda sat on hers. “Do you know how to drive a scooter, Jim?” she asked. I replied that I did so she threw me a helmet and instructed one of her nephews to go with me and took Becky and her other nephew on hers. This may seem unusual but since arriving in Taiwan I have seen entire families (parents and at least two children, sometimes even the dog too) on traveling via scooter. So off we went.

Finally, Amanda took us to the bus station where we caught a direct coach back to downtown Taipei which took about an hour and 15 minutes.

All in all it was a great two days. We made new friends, saw new stuff and found some great places to take our family. It also illustrates the friendliness and welcoming attitude of the Taiwanese people. I told the story to a friend in my Tai Chi Group and he said the same thing would have happened in mainland China with one difference – at the end of the day, they would have handed us a bill.

Thanks for tuning in for our latest adventures. Lots more to come. And don’t forget that we love and miss you all!

 

–The Klars Afar

 

 

 

 

Taiwan is a volcanic island and last Sunday we took the opportunity (thanks to some friends who were willing to drive) to visit the fumaroles of the Tatun Volcano Group. This is about 15 km north of Taipei in Yangmingshan National Park, actually even closer to us since we live in Tien Mu on the northern edge of Taipei. We were treated to some fantastic views from scenic overlooks on the way up the mountain, not to mention the higher we climbed, the greater the relief from the heat.

Bodhi made a new friend (named Kai) and together they proceeded to climb nearly an entire mountain together.

All the way up the mountain there are warning signs about staying away from hot rocks releasing steam due to volcanic activity.

In case you’re wondering why, check out this video. It also happens to be the reason for the title of this blog post. And you can imagine how hard it was to keep 6 & 9 year old Bodhi and Griff from riffing on a fart joke theme for hours after seeing this.

Mommy, Griffin and I proceeded to follow Bodhi and Kai up the mountain but it was tougher than it looked as you can see from the following pics.

Someday we hope to be up there looking down at you all when you come to visit and we take you on the Fumerole Tour. But until then, enjoy these views of the scenery on the way up and know that we love and miss you all..

.

–The Klars Afar

Jake and Scout finally arrived at our new apartment after spending three weeks in quarantine! We did manage to visit them several times during their stay at the Taipei University Veterinary Hospital and each time they always appeared healthy, happy and well treated.

But the environment was a little clinical, cold and sterile and almost certainly lacked the love and cuddles they’ve been used to for the last 13 years with us.

They’re still getting acclimated to the heat, humidity and timezone and, of course the new rules and regulations of the new neighborhood.

We’re just extremely happy to finally have the whole family back together again – ready to stride boldly into our future (on two legs or four) here in Taipei.

Stay tuned for the latest developments and remember we love and miss you all…

–The Klars Afar

We finally moved from our temporary residence to our permanent apartment. Only to be greeted by Gary the Gecko, although his brother Gordon was no doubt lurking in the shadows.

Griffin, having previously had Geckos as pets (Spike & Lewis), proceeded to corral Gary and made fast friends.

Gary even waited patiently while Griff washed his hands before eating lunch.

After a bit of play, Gary once again lost his tale and we convinced Griff he would be better off out on the balcony where he could hang with his Gecko buddies and visit again whenever he’s in the neighborhood. Once the Welcome Wagon had departed we proceeded to move into our new space and here is Bodhi to give you a tour.

Click here to see where we live on Google Maps.

That’s all for now. We’ll show you some new photos once our furniture arrives from America at the end of July. And we’re excited because Jake & Scout are coming home from quarantine tomorrow.

Until then, stay in touch and don’t forget we love and miss you all.

— The Klars Afar