Two weeks of Greatness.

Great things come in pairs. Did you know that?? A fabulous pair came our way a couple weeks ago and left 10 days later. In typical fashion, we sisters basically conquered Taiwan in less than 2 weeks..kicking *** and taking names in the process.
Let's start shall we?! Kati and John came in on a Friday. We took it slow the first day, seeing as they had come in at 6 am and all. We walked around the alleyways, bought some produce, smelled the wafting meat, got caught in the rain and ate carbohydrates, as any long lost sisters would do upon seeing one another again. After picking Wyatt up from school , navigating the post office and eating dinner at, yes...Chili's.....we were ready for Saturday.

The weather was GORGEOUS. MOST days. 




Saturday- we headed to Yingge (think pottery) and Sanxia (think cool bridge and more yummy carbohydrates known as Bullhorns)

Sunday- Will drove us to Pingxi (where the annual lantern festival is held each year) and the town of Shihfen where we saw the waterfalls and yes, ate more food and had more ice cream.

Monday-As soon as Wyatt left, we planned out the day and headed out. The morning was filled with The National Museum, Martyr's Shrine followed up by lunch at the Grand Hotel. Every minute counts people.

Tuesday- We started by heading to Chiang Kai Shek Gardens. Beautiful and a nice walk. You also can't come to Taiwan and not take in the fabric market on Dihua and all that it has to offer. Along with the awesome spices and dried fruits, it's a site to take in. Oh yeah...we also picked up some aprons. The picture of domesticity.

Wednesday-My awesome sister and nephew volunteered at the girls shelter and Kati led an amazing lesson with the girls working on self portraits. Later we saw Wyatt swim. The fun never stops!

Thursday-  Will and I had a meeting with Wyatt's teacher in the A.M, and Kati had a well-deserved pampering session in the afternoon. After that? Well we went into overdrive. The week was drawing to a close and there was SOOOOO much yet to be done. So at 4 PM we decided to take matters into our own hands. Nearly running to the MRT we went to the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Modern Art, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, National Theater/National Opera House, dinner at The Diner and a night time look at Taipei from Taipei 101. The beer float was a bonus.

Friday- Kaohsing (Home of the Love River) and Meinong(where the umbrellas are made)

Saturday- Taipei Zoo! Maokong Gondola! Authentic Italian pizza and Night Markets!! Wohoo!

Sunday- Church! Mexican food! Birthday party! And yes. Taking it easy. Kind of.
Monday- Chinese brush art lesson in the morning, followed by the afternoon in Danshui, looking at the water and yes. Eating.

Did I mention we had some ice cream? Ah. If only we took pics of all our ventures into icy deliciousness.....

Psssst. Hey T,..... I miss you.......

Roughin' it over Chinese New Year

We vacationed in Bali over Chinese New Year. I know. I know. We had heard mixed reviews so I was a bit wary of how it was all going to pan out...but I mean, c'mon it's Bali...reportedly one of the most amazing vacation spots in world. How bad could it be?
And, uh, yeah...it wasn't to shabby at all.
We ate, we played, we toured, we drank, we bought, we swam....we conquered! And yes. I'd do it all again. ; )