Travel Diary

I had to get ready quickly since I had a 10am appointment with some unknown people. Well, others knew them, but I would be meeting them for the first time. "They" were three girls who spoke varying levels of English and would show me around the National Palace Museum (NPM).

After a quick shower and no breakfast (well, aside from a few morning shots of vodka--you know, the usual thing--no judging) I made my way over to the MRT station. Once there, I received a text saying the girls would be 10-15 minutes late and to take my time. Yeah, okay, I'll take my time waiting at the MRT station. I sat down and people-watched for a spell. Soon, the girls arrived and we were on our way...

...to breakfast.

That was fine. They had some food while I passed. Vodka and eggs just didn't sound good together. A little starving never hurt anyone anyway. Afterwards, we were on our way. We took the bus to the museum. It was great that they were with me since I would have never figured out which bus to take. Heck, even if the bus routes were in English, I would have probably taken the wrong bus. I had a difficult enough time back in London trying to figure out the M.C Escher-like bus paths. Why should this be any different?

As you can probably guess, I never ride the bus much back home.

Shortly after, we arrived at the museum. The girls were pretty amazed when I noted how I had walked over to it the week prior from the MRT area. It was only a couple miles. I suppose anywhere is walking distance if you have the time (quotation courtesy of Stephen Wright).

During my stay here, my friends kept asking, "What was your least favorite thing so far?" It was a tough question to answer; everything was fun. I hated to say I didn't like anything here. However, I guess the just-visited museum was the least enjoyable out of everything seen and done. I didn't hate it, but, as cultured as I try to be (or pretend to be), it was hard to really get into a bunch of vases, calligraphy, and jade statues. I wanted to, but my interest waned in time. There was English to read, but without a better understanding of the long history, it's tough to be enthralled after your 35th piece of white china with little ridges from the Chung King dynasty.

Another big item was the "Jade Cabbage." Yeah, that's pretty much what it is: a piece of cabbage made out of jade. It does look like cabbage; the craftsmanship is superb. The only drawback about it is that, well--it's cabbage. But nearby, you can see something equally...uh...well, interesting may describe it best: Jade Pig Flesh. That's right, ladies and gentlemen, now you too can view a spectacular representation of pig flesh in jade. It's unique to say the most.

Seriously, I do appreciate to some level the art and culture of these items, but I guess one just can't be into everything. Some things I like; others have me wanting to find the exits after 20 minutes. Different flavors for different people.

I did like the "100 Steeds" painting though. That was impressive and displayed well the energy and life-like movement of the horses.

My legs were getting a little tired, so I sat a bit. One of the girls asked if I wanted to get lunch. I said I could eat. So we left.

Actually, what I was expecting was to eat at the café and then continuing touring some more. Granted, I wasn't savoring everything I was observing, but I was eager to view and learn more, knowing I wasn't enjoying it all, but rather, certain moments or aspects of it. However, if they were ready to split, then fair enough. I could return on another trip.

Kind of surprising to hear that, eh? Well, I'm just into learning as much as possible, about whatever I can. I don't have to be in 7th Heaven when I do so. I certainly don't relish every moment of a Dickens novel, but I enjoy receiving the benefits of reading one.

We took the bus again back to Shilin Station. There, we had lunch. They mainly ordered some food that could best be described as pork pot stickers. It was okay, though I learned that I don't enjoy soy milk. Dairy milk is fine; no need to switch this far along in life. And I hate to see cows put out of a job. Not with their pensions.

After lunch, we parted ways. We had talked about karaoke that night, but the plans were tentative. Here, people are somewhat light about planning events. It's like a lot of things have a "perhaps" in front of them. No matter. There's always something to do here.

I didn't see the girls again. They were nice people and fun to chat with. I learned a little more Chinese and hopefully, they learned a little more English. Sure, the NPM wasn't thrilling, but it was a fun morning and afternoon.

Back at home, I kicked back until everyone came home. I went with Lesly over to buy dinner items and got to watch how they prepared quick meals on the street side. You put the items into a basket, then they cook it, bag it, and hand it back. What's amazing is the cost. It's about a dollar for a meal. Try finding that back home.

Once back, I had a beer and some food. Terry and I returned to the night market. Those markets are pretty cool. The streets are empty and quiet during the day, with the shops all closed, but every night, they all come to life with vendors selling clothes, cooks cooking food, and people walking everywhere. It's crowded, but not in a bad way. You feel pretty safe there.

After touring a bit, we arrived back at the massage place. This time, we were buying the magnum opus, where they walk on your back. It looked so relaxing.

I got the same lady as always, #18, and we both went upstairs. Terry got a lady this time. I guess it's just a little strange to have a guy walking on your back. The weight factor might be part of it too.

The massage began like the rest. She did a back rub for a while. I had Terry tell her to avoid the sides as usual. After time, the back walk began. It's a good feeling and you don't fret too much since they've been doing it so long. Obviously, they're not going to step on your spine and send you to the emergency room. One small note: there is, however, some pain involved.

They walk on your calves.

The back can handle the weight just fine. The calf muscles aren't so resilient. That part hurt. Sure, I could have said to lighten up. Terry pretty much did as he was yelling and laughing from the pain. This caused a lot of laughter all around. Me? I didn't want the soft job. I wanted to test my strength and fortitude. While I doubt I'll ever be a POW, perhaps I'll be a little more prepared now.

In time, the calves got a reprieve and the back got some more attention. The best part is when she stands just under the gluts. The muscles there are strong and can easily handle the weight. When she leaves, you cringe at where she might be headed to. Southward, you fear the worst. Northward, you're doing okay. There is, to make a point of it, no "arm walking." Those limbs would probably break fast. And while I've gotten fairly good at using chopsticks with my hands, I think my feet would take a lot longer.

After the back walk, it was more upper body time. The arms were rubbed as well as the hands. The finger massage ended way too fast. I should have asked about trading the side massage time in for that. Turning over, they then did the shoulders and finally the head and scalp. Some eucalyptice oil was rubbed into the neck and that felt and smelled nice. The massage through the hair was a great way to end it. It was about $20 (USD) for 45 minutes and well worth it.

I felt great afterwards, but my calves were not happy. They were sore and making a bit of a fuss.

We walked home after that.

I was up a while that night, but getting sleepy quickly. While I wanted to watch a movie, it just wasn't possible. I was out in minutes.

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