D-DAY!

Tuesday July 14,2009 My last entry from Taiwan. It is 5:44 a.m. here in Taiwan and the day I leave Kenting to head back to the states. The last couple of days have been busy with saying good bye to my friends and packing the finally items to bring home. Unfortunately, I had to go buy another suitcase to finish packing because of the many gifts I received from my friends as well as the gifts from my principal here at Kenting. It is hard to believe that my time is up here and that I have actually been here 336 days and when I leave on the plane early tomorrow morning I will have been away from home 337 days! Yes, I am very excited about going home and seeing my family and friends but I am sad about leaving my new home too. Looking back over the year there has been many ups and downs but in closing I most say this has been the VERY BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE FOR MYSELF!!!!!!! WOW! WHAT AN ADVENTURE I HAVE HAD THIS PAST YEAR!

Zia Jen from Taiwan!!!!!

Packing For Home!

Sunday July 12, 2009 day 334 and only 3 days until I leave Taiwan. My questions is how did I get here with only 3 suitcases, and a book bag? I have sent home 6 boxes and when I went home in May for Joe & Julie"s graduation I left a suitcase and a new carry on full of items from here. Yet I have two suitcases and a book bag to pack the rest of my belongings and wonder if I will be able to fit everything in or will I need to pack another box to send home. I hope not! I have started to say my goodbyes to my friends in Kenting and I am leaving with a heavy heart. Since arriving in Taiwan I have made many new friends and several very close special friends whom I will miss dearly. This maybe my final posting in Taiwan since I have several things to finalize before heading home to the states. My final note for now is that this adventure has been the best thing I have done for myself!

EAST COAST OF TAIWAN

July 11,2009 Just returned from a weeks vacation of touring the east side of Taiwan. Started at Taipei and went down to Lishan which is known for the peach orchard in the Central Mountains of Taiwan and then on to Hehuan Mountain which is the highest place a road goes to in Taiwan. Next was to the Toroko Gorge and then to Hualien. From Hualien took Highway 9 down the Riff Valley which is between the Coastal Mountains, Central Mountains and Jade Mountain Range to Taitung and then up the sea coast on Highway 14 back to Hualien then to Taipei. I will let the pictures speak for themselves.