Wednesday - May 11: Hakka Cultural Park Kenting National Park YoHo Resort

We hauled our luggage to the bus (and that is quite a site to see). Then we had an itinerary and were told we had 1 hour ro arrive. This has become our common answer: 100NT cost of most everything here; 1 hour to arrive at next destination; or 15 minutes for break.

Our first destination is Taiwan Hakka Cultural Park: Liudi Hakka Cultural Park in Ping Tung. Hakka people occupy 13% of the population. Will will stay 1 hour. Lunch will be in Donggang--1 hour. 3 specialities--tuna, cheery blossom shrimp, and fish eggs aka cavier.

Then we will go to Kenting and do water activities in Houbihu. 3 activities--speed boat, banana boat, or snorkeling. Dinner will be as a group. We will stay 2 nights at YOHO Beach Resorts.

We were told about some fruits that are raised in Taiwan. One is a wax apple that is like a pear but pink in color. There were a number of trees that looked like coconut trees, but we were told they are betel nut trees. People chew the gum and it keeps truck drivers awake. Now this is not the first time I heard the story of the gum. It is said that very beautiful women sell the gum and attract truck drivers. The caffeine when makes your mouth look like it's bleeding after you chew the gum.

The Hakka reminded me of the American Indians. They worship the land, air, sky, and have rituals. An important landmark is a place to worship which was included in the design to keep peace at the Hakka Cultural Park. Another similarity was a group of older tourists came and I was told they were retirees that take bus tours to see cultural destinations because they have the time and money to do these type of activities. The Hakka grow corn and tobacco and have beautiful flowers. The leaves of trees are used for natural medicines. Back on the bus for....you guessed it -- 1 hour.

A banyan tree was behind the worship spot, which may represent life and slow steady growth. The shape of the of the headstone was curved and had inscriptions, which was part of the traditional religious culture. The Umbrella Pavilion represents the Meinong Paper Umbrella, a hat made of bamboo that is a specialty of the Hakka. The center provides a place where the tribal traditions can be preserved. The walk through the cultural park was very interesting.

Next we got back on the bus for our water feature activity. It was kept a secret until we arrived. We had to find our swimsuits which involved unloading the suitcases from the bus. Then we headed to the chaining areas so that we could put on our swimsuits and wetsuits. We hoped in a van (with no doors) and were taken to the coral reefs to snorkel and ride in the speed boat. Once we were out a ways, we took 7 people at a time to ride on the torpedos - my group only lost 1 on the ride. The second group was more daring and flipped the entire torpedo. We all had a great time and the view underwater was amazing.

Then it was time to head to the resort - we are staying 2 nights at Kenting YoHo Resort. It is really a tropical paradise and I could just stay here but I would not want to miss out on any of the activities planned for tomorrow. Today was something out of my comfort zone - but what a blast! We went to grab dinner at a night market that reminded me of the street fairs back home. I wish my family was here to share this with me - it is truly amazing.

The wax apples - we were offered some by a man driving by the snorkeling place. He had some in coolers in the back of his truck. We said no thank you. Instead, Dr. Peng bought some at the night market - they were good, but he said usually they are sweeter.

The Betel - one member of the group tried some and it really did turn his teeth red. When he was told to spit it on the ground, it looked like chewing tobacco. I was told it was a habit that some lower class members partake in regularly. I would say every country has bad habits, and I am not sure I could describe the usage of alcohol or drinking to one class in the U.S. I guess to each his own.

Gannon likes it!

Betel juice!