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)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!
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.
