Happy Birthday Jeff

Monday marked the anniversary of Jeff's 32nd year on Earth. While I am sure he could never have imagined his choices taking him clear across the world, I hope he does not regret even one single decision.

I for one could not be happier with him and am so glad to have shared almost 9 years of marriage and two children with someone so unique in spirit and character.

I appreciate his willingness to pitch in around the house and I never pick up his dirty socks off the floor. I love his thirst for life and have enjoyed being able to explore the world together.

Just yesterday I was recounting the story of our honeymoon to my Taiwanese friend. I told her that when we got married we did not have much money to go on a lavish trip to Hawaii or Europe so we opted for a sweet week in the mountains in Colorado.  It was a great trip.  My friend remarked that we had chosen wisely to start out on a small vacation because we have lots more years to take big trips to exotic places.  She paused and said "like to Taiwan."  I laughed and replied. "yeah, Taiwan, Thailand, Burma, China, Tibet, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Canada (if that counts). Next stop Europe!"

I could not have a better traveling companion and the girls could not ask for a better playmate, guidance counselor, diaper changer, and provider.

So, Happy Birthday dear Jeff.  Can't wait to see where the next 32 years take us.

Mode of Transport

Taipei has a very good public transportation system that includes a subway train, bus lines and numerous taxi's to get you where you need to go.  Parking is a really big problem so a car is not recommended unless you know that your destination has designated parking.  The car is better left at home except for trips to Costco for groceries or adventures away from town.

However, we have found that the most convenient and economical means of transportation for short distances is the bicycle.  In our area, there are tons of bicycles and motor-scooters crowding the sidewalks and streets.  Jeff and I each have a baby seat attached to the back of our bikes which enables us to travel in style as a family.   Jeff's baby seat converts to a basket for carrying computer bags or the milk home from the grocery store.   The girls just love our bicycle outings.
 

Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival marks the  end of Chinese New Year.  Lantern Festivals are hosted at various memorials and temples around Taipei.  We went to one festial at the memorial for Taiwan's founding father, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen.  

Here is a little Chinese History lesson courtesy of Wikipedia: 

 Sun Yat-Sen is considered to be the father of the Democratic movement in China directly after the fall of the Qing Dynasty at the beginning of the 20th century.  He actually became a Christian while studying in Hong Kong and earned a Doctorate of Medicine at a Christian missionary-based medical school before returning to mainland China to promote the cause of democracy.  He died of cancer before World War II and during Japanese occupation of China.  His death is believed to have caused a split in his democratic party into two factions- the Kuomingtang who maintained the democratic principles although their methods for carrying it out may have been contrary to Dr. Sen's beliefs in human rights.  The other group became the current ruling Communisty party.  This split actually caused civil war in mainland China after the Japanese retreat.  Ultimately the communists won out.  Interesting, huh?  What could have happened if he lived longer?

Anyways, here are a few pics from the Lantern Festival at Sun Yat-Sen's memorial.

The lanterns below are "Spongebob becomes a tiger and Patrick becomes a Cow" to commemorate the exit of the year of the Cow and the entrance of the year of the Tiger.  I'm not sure the significance of Spongebob other than he is quite popular over here.

Always up to promote a good cause- Here is Taipei 101 as seen from the lantern festival encouraging people to "End Polio."   Last I checked, polio wasn't a problem in Taiwan.  The week before, the lights spelled out "Taiwan Up."  Some things just don't translate.