Paintball Anyone?

Today was filled with tours, food, temples and a Chinese name.

We started out at a Glass Company. They make all sorts of cool glass. Some that you cannot see through unless you are standing directly in front of it. Most of all it is famous for its intricate figurines. They were some of the most amazing little pieces. There was one that was a bug (it was probably only 2 inches long) but it had long skinny antennas. It is hard to explain so I will have to show you some photos. At the end of the tour they presented each of us with a glass sculpture to remember our visit. It is a Taiwan sculpture that has the mountain formations, etc.

Then we headed over to Hero's company. (They all have English names and most have to do with their profession. So I have met someone named CPA, Broker, Teacher, Engineer, etc.) The company manufactures paintball guns along with other things. So start with a brief introduction to the company. They have snacks for each of us on China -melon, apples, tomatoes, and Coffee (which one of the Rotarian's accompanying us gladly drank my coffee). Then we went to the gun room. I had no clue that there were so many models of paintball guns. Of course we got to test them out.

Lunch is an event. It was basically a repeat of dinner the night before with everyone piling stuff on your plate. You all know that I am a picky fish eater but I really do not have any control over what I am eating. Clams, squid, shrimp, eel, and I am not sure what else I had at lunch. There food is nothing like Chinese food in the States.

The bathrooms - it is a little more modern than a hole in the floor, it is a porcelain hole in the floor. It is going to be along month on that one. I guess I am just going to take a potty break at every location that they ask us so that I can take advantage of the locations that have toilets.

This afternoon we went on a walking tour of Lukang (the city I am staying in for the next few nights.) We started out at a huge temple. I loved the bright colors and the dragons. There were many Buddhas and the incense was very strong. They we walked through the historic district and saw more temples. While on the way we stopped for Tea at some random lady's house. No one knew her but our guide for the afternoon said it was quite common just to go and ask someone if you can have tea if you see them having some. So we chased off her friends and she made tea for us. They were vary understanding that I could not drink it for religious purposes so she gave me some fruit to try. Apparently it is to make you so you don;t get thirsty. It had an interesting taste. At the end I decided to give her an AK pin for her hospitality and she said she was sorry she had nothing to give us. Here this woman let us strangers into her home, gave everyone tea (including the 8 or so Rotarians with us) and was sorry she had nothing to give us.

While on our walking tour we tried many foods. Candied Crabapples, some fruit, and some rice cakes made out of ground rice and peanuts. The Rotarians go above an beyond the call of duty. Every time they see something new for us to try they go and buy it. There is no way around it, I am going to gain at least 10 lbs this month.

I am staying with Engineer, his wife and daughter in Lukang for the next few nights. My original host family was unable to host me so I am at Kim's host family. I met Engineer last night. Everyone here is so nice and wants to make sure my experience is wonderful. I had a Welcome note on my bed and a little present from his wife or daughter (I'm not sure which one yet.)

The air quality is not every good here. It has been constant smog ever since we got to Taichung. You see people walking around with little masks over their mouths and noses. I get a kick out of people riding their mopeds wearing them.

I have taken lots of pictures but have not had the capability to download them. Yes, I have photos of it all. (About 80 so far - it is a good thing I invested in digital camera.)