Day 17 (1/14 ) Fulfillment

Instead of taking the metro into the 'city' today, I went the other way. First stop in the countryside: Shenkeng.


Strolling through the marketplace.

The area is known for their bean curd. Supposedly the water quality here is better, hence the tofu as well.
It actually was pretty good, very tender. I can't believe we finished all that.

Strolled around a bit more after lunch, came to a bridge with a majestic view of the water and mountains.


Down some steep stone steps and you were right at the water's edge.


Dad befriended a couple of sixth graders hanging out there... not sure what they were doing out of school at two in the afternoon.


Dad with Sam and Hugh (formerly Willie).


It really was the very definition of an idyllic, sleepy town.

Next it was off to Xin Dian to an area called Bitan ('dark green water').


It's a nice place, a large open space by the waterside with some little cafes and shops.


We sure could use some of these back in the city.


I'm working on being less stiff and unnatural in photos. It's mostly a software issue.


Across the suspension bridge.


The water seemed more light blue to me.

On the other side of the bridge we stopped at yet another temple. This one is known for its founding monk, who died in the midst of prayer/meditation and was embalmed and gilded in gold... or something.

The nice old lady who seemingly lives there alone welcomed us in and handed us 'blessed' tea bags and little packages of rice; first to dad then, "one for the lady."She came back moments later to apologize (must've heard my voice from the other room) and said that I really looked like a woman from behind... gee, thanks. She then had us change a light tube for her in the bathroom. Good deed done for the day.


While we were down by the water dad had mentioned to me that we ought to take a break at a cafe that was at the side of the bridge, that being so high up it must have a great view of the area--he even pointed out that there was a table right by the front window that was vacant, waiting for us. Now we were there and decided to go in.


I still can't believe they named the place in my honor.

Once seated we ordered our drinks.

A mango yogurt and a cappuccino. They were okay, a bit costly by Taiwan standards.

Then dad revealed that this was, in his words, a "dream come true," that he'd always wanted to try this cafe. That some 30-odd years ago when he was in his 20s, he had wanted come up and sit in this exact corner we were sitting in now and look out onto the water, but for whatever reason never got the chance to.


View from the cafe; worth the three decade wait.


That very corner.

I should've had the waitresss take our photo at the table but it didn't occur to me then. The wistful expression on dad's face, though, just made everything worthwile; made my trip. Sentimental shmucks, the two of us. The moral of the story, kids: don't wait 30 years to do something.