New Site

I haven't posted here in a while because I have a new site. It is still on Blogger. Click here to go to my updated page.

New Transportation

This past Tuesday, I purchased my first new vehicle. I bought a brand new out of the box Giant HB3 bicycle. Now you may think that its not too exciting to get a bicycle, but I have been riding an old bike, and to get a new one is great. I spent a pretty penny on it, but as things go, you get what you pay for. There were more expensive bikes, but I didn't want to spend all my money on a bike either.

I plan to go riding much more, although we have begun the rainy season in Taiwan (however late it may be). Summer is here and that means long days for long rides... and lots of pictures. Some of my friends also like to go riding, so it can be a group activity.

I encourage you to get a bike too. It's fun, good exercise, faster than walking, you don't need a license, and best of all, after buying it, it's free to use! So take the time to enjoy the outdoors on a bike.

International School Journal Association Trip to Hualien

This past weekend (June 7 and 8), the International School Journal Association went on a trip to Hualien, and I was fortunate to accompany them. The association planned a great trip and we visited many special places while we were there.

We met too early at the Banqiao train station to catch the 6:45AM eastbound train. The mood was light and all were in high, if not sleepy, moods.

We first went to a Clam Farm where they raise fresh Hualien clams. They are very tasty and from what the guide said, very clean. We had a nice lunch there consisting of clams and various Hualien dishes.

We checked in at the Promised Land Hotel., which was very special. It is very large and has a nice canal that runs through it. You can go on a tranquil boat tour and enjoy the peaceful scenery.
After that, we returned to the hotel and rented bikes. We rode from the hotel to Dong Hwa University, a new school in Hualien, about a 30 minute ride. They have a beautiful campus and majestic buildings. As far as the landscape, it is what Taiwan National University could only hope to be. We rode back to the hotel for some rest and swimming.

Before swimming however, teacher Orion, Danny and I decided to play on the trampoline they had at the hotel. This was exhilarating while also being quite painful due to the g-forces we were getting.

We ended the long day with dinner in the evening and a concert of local taiwanese music. It was an exhausting, if not thorough first day in Hualien.

The next day began promptly at 7:30AM for breakfast in the restaurant. Shortly after breakfast, we packed up and left the land that was almost promised. We were headed for an aboriginal swamp village where they catch shrimp and fish and serve it to tourists like ourselves. It was a humid day, but the village was exceptionally relaxing made me feel like I had stepped into the Taiwan of a several hundred years ago.

This place was pretty cool. They had many interesting things to show us about the local culture and environment. I would like to go back and also encourage you to check it out.

After this we got on the train and went back home. Like I said it was a long, but fun-filled trip.

Insect Pet: Praying Mantis

Last week, I had the notion to have a pet. It wasn't a "normal" kind of pet. Here in Taiwan, beetles are a popular student pet. What I wanted was something a little different. I wanted a bug that would eat other bugs. I wanted a strange looking creature that looks like an alien. I wanted a praying mantis (螳螂). This odd looking insect is called the praying mantis because it often looks like its praying. Here are some interesting facts about mantises:

-they can turn their head 180 degrees
-the female will sometimes eat the male after mating
-they will eat all kinds of bugs including cockroaches, crickets, and other mantises
-they have even been seeing eating mice, snakes, frogs,etc.
-they will "molt" or change their skin several times in their life
-they live for about a year
-females are larger than males

I borrowed a terrarium tank from my friend and outfitted it with plants and soil. I then put in some cockroaches to crawl around. Hopefully the mantis will catch them before they find a way to escape the tank.

Weekend Warrior Football

As you may know, I really enjoy playing sports. One of my hobbies is playing football. I played football in high school. While in Taiwan, I play flag football with some friends on the weekends. This video is of a practice that we had about a year ago. In this video I am the quarterback in the yellow shirt. If you want, you can play football with me!

Wulai (烏來)

Wulai (烏來)is a great day or weekend trip in Taipei city. Just outside of Xindian, it is a scenic ride through the valleys and hills on the edge of Taipei county. I have been there numerous times, mostly during winter to enjoy the wonderful hot springs they offer.
As you get nearer the the town, the roadside is dotted with hotels offering deals on meals and hot springs. Keep going until you get to the night market-like street. Here you will find many small hotels and vendors. The food here is very good. I especially like the grilled mountain pork skewers. The meat is fresh and delicious.
After you get a bite to eat, you can relax in the hot springs. This is a popular destination for many tourists and locals alike in the cool winter months. These special hot springs are said to have medicinal-like health benefits. If nothing else, you can steep yourself in nice hot relaxing water. You can enjoy the hot soak for as little as 100-200NT for a room with just a tub, or you could spend a little more for complete room. If you are daring, there is an area where the springs are free. It is outdoors along the river and you can find many locals sitting in the baths and drinking tea in the cold fresh air.

This is a trip I highly recommend for anybody visiting Taipei. The views are beautiful. There are many other hot springs scattered throughout the island. All you have to do is ask where they are and somebody will be able to tell you. Have fun!

Martial Arts in Taiwan

Are people bullying you? Do you often feel intimidated? Want to learn how to protect yourself and gain confidence? Learn martial arts!

Martial arts is big in Taiwan. There is a plethora of styles for you to choose from to suit your personality. From animal styles such as crane or tiger, to yong quan to tai qi. There too many to list here.

I grew interested in martial arts while in college. I made some friends that practiced different styles, so I joined their group and began learning gung fu. Since then, I have developed a taste for martial arts.

While in Taiwan, I have practiced several different styles. I began with Praying Mantis, but grew tired of that. Currently, I am learning Bagua with my friend and master. He is the same teacher and friend that got me into martial arts and whom I practiced with in college.

Martial arts is a great hobby. It is not only great exercise, but can teach you discipline, patience, dedication, and confidence. I have personally become a stronger person because of martial arts. It is also something that you can carry on with til a very old age. I often see many old people doing tai qi in the parks. Flexibility and awareness are other positive aspects of learning a martial art. It is a complete endeavor, healthy for your mind, body, and soul.

If this interests you, leave a message and I can help you find a style that may fit you. You may even enjoy practicing with us!


This is a video of my master, Fox, here in Taiwan. He is a personal friend and mentor. You can check out more of his videos on YouTube.com under warfox777.