A Hakka Experience

Proof that there are idiots all over the world... this one was seen about a block from my office in NanKang as I was walking from the train stop to my fishbowl-cube for the day. And to think that if I'd have just taken the bus instead, I would have missed walking behind a clear example of the lower IQ:



Anyway - can't all be perfect I guess! GO CYCLONES!!!

I was invited by some neighbors to attend a Hakka BBQ on Sunday. I gladly accepted (despite the 8:30am departure time on a Sunday) and we loaded up the mini-van (7 adults, 2 dogs) and headed south! We arrived in a small Hakka village that caters to groups wanting to visit and enjoy the food. Hakka are a branch of the Han Chinese and are a heavy population here in Taiwan. They speak Hakka language which is one of the 4 pronunciations of every train stop while riding around Taipei (the others being Mandarin, Taiwanese, and English for us ignorants). The BBQ process was take a brick oven, light a ton of wood inside to heat it up, take the coals out to grill on top of, while inside the oven you put a chicken wrapped in foil, sweet potatoes, and corn to cook for a while. The grilling part was good, but very work intensive... for those who did the work:) Some of us went on a cart ride pulled by a bull and enjoyed some of the other farm animals that the village had to offer..... turkey, goats, pigs, pigeons.... felt like I was back in Iowa!!

The food was great - weather was warm and humid (it was in the 80s most of last week and this weekend, back around 70 today with light rain) - but overall it was a wonderful day. On the return home we drove up into the mountains to see the cherry blossoms. They are in full bloom this time of year here, meaning the trees are bright pink (perfect for Valentine's Day right?), plus the weather in the mountains is much cooler (and I loved that part). Then a car ride back to Taipei (with non-stop Christina Aguillera all the way unfortunately... long story).

Once I figure out on a map where we went, I'll let you know. Till then you'll have to enjoy the pictures to the right.

A busy week as always at work. Today is President's Day in the US - surprisingly it isn't celebrated here in Taiwan. Maybe Columbus Day will be celebrated....

Hope everyone had a grand Valentine's Day. I will celebrate this holiday in April with Sarah.