Wandering about town some more, I crossed the bridge to Ta-shing Rd, section 1. Ugh, dirty dirty. I know the city is dirty anyway but... this was trashy, in a horribly noticable way. I've pretty much adjusted to the trash here (on my side), so this was another small shock to my system. HOWEVER, as you go farther and farther, you approach the mountain. :) It's quite a lovely mountain. I found a path up part of it - a hill really, but it's still called a mountain. It's got shrines on it everywhere (some pics will be in this next post). Two small problems though. Number one, my poisonous snake paranoia - thanks dad - as I hiked through tall grass, my mind started working overtime and really though I say that I'm going to die in a foreign country... I'm just kidding. So mind was occupied with striking horrors into my heart and mind at the slightest sound or movement (...and really should I have been wearing sandals...), problem number two appeared. Roving gangs of dogs, less than friendly dogs, in fact they sorta looked like they wanted to rip my face off. :( I've always been a bit scared of dogs, but it hasn't really been a problem because I was fairly comfortable if they weren't threatening. *shudder* Didn't work out so great. After some lovely encounters where dogs the size of me got real close and growled and got closer, well I left the mountain for another day, perhaps with more people - both the help with the dogs and to make sure I don't die of a snake bite. :)
After all the excitement, I needed a snack. 7-11 had a 'cheese bagel'. What the hell, I gave it a try. I stopped expected anything specific in this country a while back with their lack of dairy products and the confusion this causes. However, I was still surprised to find that - what was this? - a cheese food I had almost taken for granted, but was this a
sweetened cheese food product? The must really think western food is just junk food, because they take it to the extremes of 'bad for you'. Most bakeries here don't even have bread, just cake.
Plus I met a guy named Rifle, just like the gun. He looked like and English football hooligan and he said 'cheers!' when we parted. Hooray.
My first witnessed car accident in Taiwan - a car going very fast ran into a
parked car. There a very loud, very long squeal of tires, and the whole convenience store and street got to witness the accident with me. :)
I also made an omelet, not the greatest, but it had its moments. I'll work on it. I already know two or three things to do that would probably work better and hopefully taste better too. I may have some low standards, but I'm proud I even made myself do it :D
I know I've neglected my blog, yet we shall ignore this yes? It's probably best for you actually, I've been a bit grumpy/moody lately. But be assured, if I decide to continue to piss and moan, you'll know about it. ;)
later ~allie
