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Chang Lien Cheng Saxophone Museum

Virginia — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:44:20 +0000

Today we went to the Chang Lien Cheng Saxophone Museum. Bobble-head Ted Blades insisted on coming and I couldn’t say no. Before visiting the museum, we ate at the SaxPlayHouse restaurant located upstairs.

In the museum, We saw the four different types of saxophones: soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone.

A few of us have played the sax before (years ago in school) and Lisa volunteered to try out a few.

We then went to the Wan Li Fu Instrument factory that was just steps away to see how saxophones are made. There are a lot of steps involved before the final product is ready!

And of course when we came across a giant saxophone, it was necessary to take photos!

Team leader Doug Logan striking a pose:

Bobble-head Ted having some fun:

Group photo!

New shoes

Virginia — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 18:30:33 +0000

In addition to some amazing cultural and vocational experiences, we’ve managed to squeeze in a little shopping now and then. Not much, but as a power shopper, I can hold my own when given the chance.

I have to give a shout out to the shoes I bought yesterday. They are amazing!!

The brand is Sanuk and I’ve never heard about them until we came to Taiwan and one of the other girls on our team bought a pair. They’re not exclusive to Taiwan, but a great find all the same.

Their slogan is these’re not shoes (they’re sandals), and boy are they right! They were around $55 CND and worth every penny! If I come across another one of their stores, I’ll like be buying a couple more pairs of shoes or actual sandals.

Chinese Gardens

Virginia — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 10:35:48 +0000

Also on Wednesday, March 21, we went to the Taichung City Seaport Art Centre. We saw some amazing works of art and although we couldn’t take photos, we were given two books featuring some of the art we saw. Which we were thrilled to receive.

The tour guides showing us around were all volunteers and they were amazing! We learned a lot and I found out that there are three elements that need to exist in a Chinese garden.

1. It must have a pavilion.

2. The pathway around it should zig-zag.

3. It needs to have a water feature like this very nice pond and mini waterfall area.

I forget what type of bird this is, but it’s been coming back to this area for the last five years. They’re not sure where it came from, but the art center has become its home.

Virginia

Previously cross-posted to our group blog http://gsetaiwain2012.wordpress.com/

Kao Mei Wetlands

Virginia — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 09:33:11 +0000

On March 21, we visited the Kao Mei Wetland. It was really windy, but not too chilly. It was really nice there and I was able to get some photos of the local birds, the windmills and people who were on the beach.

I also had Bobble-head Ted Blades with me!! This is a bobble-head figure of CBC Radio One’s Ted Blades who hosts On the Go. I won a contest when I wrote in and said that I was coming to Taiwan.

More photos and updates to come, this has been an amazing trip. I can’t believe we only have 10 days left in Taiwan!!

Virginia

Previously cross-posted to our group blog http://gsetaiwan2012.wordpress.com/

Guanyin Buddha’s birthday eve

Virginia — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 13:58:53 +0000

Words can’t really describe what we experienced yesterday.

We were having some dinner after an amazing afternoon of visiting the Lukang Temple when we heard some drums and music out in the street.

Today is Guanyin Buddha’s birthday! We had no idea that we would come across what you’re about to see. These are videos of a ceremony where other temples have sent their Buddhas to wish her happy birthday (it’s obviously more complex and spiritual than that).

Amazing!!
~Virginia

Cross-posted to our GSE blog.