Running Horse Trail
Grandfather took us on a little hike up 跑馬古道 (Running Horse Trail). This is a historical trail that was a trade route that brought goods from Taipei to YiLan. Unfortunately, getting to the entrance required a steep hike, and the kids were spent after half an hour of climbing. Grandfather soldiered on, while we took a break. Christine was able to dig out an old bar of chocolate which instantly perked up the spirits of the young ones. Maybe next time, we will get to walk on the historic trail itself.
At the Park with Kids and IPhone 4S Camera
It took some getting used to, but I am slowly getting used to the iPhone 4S camera and teased out some more interesting pictures this time. Just another day at the park with the kids when Christine was off buying some meats and vegetables at the market.
2012 Chinese New Years in Nantou
Nantou for 2012 New Years. Grandma, in her 80′s, hasn’t missed a beat with yet another outstanding New Year’s dinner with 3 different soups, 2 different pork, 3 different seafood, a duck, and some vegetable dishes. All of us were stuffed to the brim with good food. Big Aunt took us to a Mochi factory where you can sample an infinite amount of sweets. The kids went wild with their appetites. We also went to the hottest Pineapple Cake Factory in Taiwan. They give out free samples of their cakes. It is reported that they give out 7,000 cakes in a single day, and sell up to 30,000 cakes on the peak days!
Settling into Taiwan
Despite my protestations and Apple bandwagon foot-dragging, Christine got an iPhone 4S for me. My ancient 3G has slowed to a crawl from IOS updates, and now has been commissioned as an iTouch for Arden. Oddly, I have found the iPhone eco-system comforting as it unifies life experiences no matter where in the world you are. We have been taking some quick photos with the phone camera, and it seems to be much improved experience overall; however, it is still many leagues away from the performance of a standard compact camera. I am still quite awkward holding the phone and taking pictures with it, causing many of the pictures to be slightly blurry. Christine has much more stable hands and is able to capture much sharper images. I am definitely looking...
Winter Concert for Anders and Arden
Anders and Arden had their pre-k winter concert this weekend. Fun little event with kids singing for their parents and teachers. The two little ones really got into the holiday songs and spirit. Arden went up and tried hard, despite the crying kids around her. Anders seemed to have learned: O Christmas Tree Frosty the Snowman Jingle Bells Felize Navidad Anders had a little role in a holiday play as well....