Hunter's First Job - Taipei Tour Guide

What a fantastic week... my sister and my grandmother came out to Taipei for only 9 days... but it was 9 days of long conversations, lots of cuddles and hugs, card games, exploration and memory making. It was a bit tough since Tony had a major exam during the middle of their trip, but he juggled it all and got to have some good time with them as well. Hunter did a great job of adapting to a full house and he was a great travel companion too. Here's an overview of our very full week together...

Day 1 - Saturday

Early mornings in Taipei are actually quite peaceful! Flights from the West Coast usually arrive around 6am so I left Tony and Hunter to sleep in so I could pick up Grandma & Amber... what a total treat to have two of my favorite people here in Taiwan with us for a whole week!!! After introductions to Hunter, we unpacked - it was like Christmas in May! What a blessing - wow! Heaps of stuff from people all over... thanks everybody for the gifts!! After a walk to our favorite local restaurant, we just stayed home enjoying each other's company... the start to a great week!


Amber & Grandma flew well... it's a long flight but they came off the plane with big smiles (and lots of luggage)

Hunter's first introduction to Great Grandma Boyer... it didn't take him long to warm up.

Didn't take him long to warm up to Aunt Amber either... she's the first person he's pooped on!
And she thought it was cool!! He knows how to pick them!

It was also an introduction to chopstick use... good thing because we ate quite a bit of Chinese food during the week with very few forks available! Grandma was happy to learn something new.

Day 2 - Sunday

It started out as a rainy morning, so to let Tony get some study time, we girls went for a trip to the flower market. Later we went to church - what a kick to introduce my sister and Grandma to our church family. Aunt Amber was the featured Bible story reader of the day.

Hunter hasn't quite fully grasped looking at the book yet, but he'll get there.

Taiwan orchids are always impressive

The rain took a break long enough to give us this amazing sunset!! You might almost think we were standing near the pier in HB... almost.

Day 3 - Monday

Everyday life is what Amber & Grandma wanted to be part of... doesn't get much more everyday than this. Hunter had a doctor's appointment in the morning for a second round of immunizations. He is a brave little guy. We then met up with Tony for lunch near school and after a bit of a rest headed out to a night market for a real Taiwanese experience. I wish everyday could be this full of fun... but then again, I don't think I have the energy...

I always take Hunter in the front pack when taking the bus by myself... much more convenient. He's loving his new outlook on life! He just stares at everything and everyone.

Grandma's first bus ride in Taipei... probably first bus ride in a few years.

Aunt Amber helped share the load. We take Hunter in the front pack to the night market because otherwise it's just too crowded for a pram. Interestingly he can find his thumb anywhere.

Peggy joined us for our sampling of night market treats. We gave Grandma a taste of many Taiwanese favorites: bubble tea, dumplings, egg cake, custard buns... she's a pretty brave woman.

Day 4 - Tuesday

We took advantage of the clear skies and headed to the Taipei 101 - for a bird's eye view of the city! It was definitely the best day of the week to catch the view from the observatory. We also bumped into a few friends at the cafe while we were there and got in a bit of food shopping... all in all a productive outing.

Ground level view


Of course at the observatory we had to have some "Big Tom's" ice cream. Amber went conservative with cookies & creme, but Grandma got daring and tried the Green Tea flavor... definitely won't be a ColdStone tradition in HB, but she seemed to like it.

It was only the 4th day but they were missing their sweeties so decided to send postcards to their "Lover" from the top of the tallest building in the world! I think the guys will be stoked!

Currently these elevators are the fastest in the world - up 89 storeys in 37 seconds. Hunter didn't like the trip up... well he didn't mind the trip up but once we got out his ears were stuffed so I think I understand now why women nurse their babies on the plane. After a quick nurse and a loud cry, his ears opened and he was somewhat happy... On the way down I just let him suck my finger and it seemed to do the trick!

Taipei on a really clear day!

Day 5 - Wednesday

In keeping with Grandma's weekly Wednesday lunch, we had egg salad sandwiches and pringles - only we had "stax" instead. It was fun to relive a family tradition here in Taipei. After yesterday's big outing, we ended up having a relaxing day mostly in... though somehow managed to still make it out a couple of times...

Eggs are a bit different here and we didn't have bagels, but otherwise... we almost felt like we were sitting in Grandma & Grandpa's backyard! Almost.

Grandma got a kick out of how many people are out walking in the rain with umbrellas here. If you're from California, you'll understand why that would be a point of interest...

What would a trip to Taipei be without a trip to Starbuck's??? Just like home!
Grandpa would've managed just fine here!!!

Day 6 - Thursday

Big day out... while Tony was in class, we girls made it over to the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall only to discover that the name is being changed (some political back and forthing) and half of the building is being renovated. Not to worry - the air conditioning was enough of a drawcard for us. Despite the heat, we had fun being out together. We had big plans for the evening which included a babysitter and dressing up... but that would be too easy!

After a hot afternoon outing, we were desparate for lunch - something fast and easy! So... we had a McDonald's buffet! It's not everyday you get rice bun burgers and corn soup from the Golden Arches in California!

Amber and Tony had some errands to run so while Grandma, Hunter & I kicked back in the A/C apartment - the two of them went on their own little adventure around town - Taiwanese style. Though it doesn't usually look as awkward when the locals double up on their bikes!

Thanks to mom and dad's pantry (which Amber raided before coming over) - we had a "Mexican Fiesta" and even had Livi & Shar over to share in the feast! It was a taste of home!!!

After a delicious dinner, the four of us set out to catch a performance at the Taipei EYE. Unfortunately, contrary to the Lonely Planet's timetable, they don't have performances on Thursday nights!?! But we were all dressed up and had a babysitter at home so we decided to go wander around town. While on the bus, Tony discovered our next destination...

Longshan Temple

There was a special ceremony going on at the temple so we had a look around. Fascinating and sad at the same time... not a lot of joy to be found here.

After a taxi, bus and look around, we finally headed home and Grandma got her first and only ride on the MRT system. Thankfully she qualifies for "Priority Seating" as it had been a long day!!!

Day 7 - Friday

After a big day & night out Thursday we decided to keep it fairly mellow and stay in for much of the day... until I decided we should go do a little shopping in the 90+degree heat! What was I thinking??? Well, truth be known, I was craving "Mango Ice" ... so we ventured out for a few bus rides and some walking in order to get a taste of this culinary delight. It was worth it!!!

Grandma agreed that Mango Ice was a hit!!!
When she wasn't reading her Bible, cuddling Hunter or catching a snooze on the sofa - Grandma could be found playing solitaire at the dining room table. During Hunter's feeding times, she & Amber would play double solitaire... not sure who had the final upperhand!?!

Day 8 - Saturday

Finally Tony was finished with school for the weekend so we could just relax together doing what we often do when we meet up as a family at Grandma's - eat and play games!!!

Hunter's got to be able to keep up with the rest of the cousins!

Grandma's always smiling - even when we waited over 30 minutes for a table at Sushi Express!

Lunch was a cultural experience at "Sushi Express" where Grandma got to sit closest to the conveyor belt to get a first hand look at all the little dishes as they passed by. Good thing she learned how to use chopsticks earlier in the week!!!

We had a traditional "Clark get-together" with some of our friends so they could meet Grandma & Amber. There was plenty of food and laughs to go around! We finally learned how to play "Apples to Apples" ...
a good time was had by all...

Day 9 - Sunday

Good-byes are never pretty! We went to church together, had a last game of "hand and foot" and a last chinese meal... then the tears flowed... what a special week for each of us.

Aunt Amber Loves Hunter

Unfortunately at some stage during the trip the kisses had to be put on hold due to a cold sore... don't worry, she made up for it when it was gone...

Hunter got kissed so much this week he decided to give it a go for himself... his kisses are a little bit slobbery but nobody seems to mind!!

Future Frog House models???

Roommates

How many babies get to share their room with their Great-Grandma?!? My Grandma's got about 21 great-grandchildren but she does a terrific job of making each one feel special! What a unique opportunity!! We were truly blessed by her presence.

Hunter, the cutie pie

I'm working on a little project with/for Hunter so I've been taking lots of color-themed pictures lately. This one you'll guess is "brown" - but so darn cute I had to share them.

Check out his T-shirt... our good friend, Mike B, designed this label for Hunter -
it's got all his birth vitals: time, date, weight and length... very, very special.
And on the back there's another tag that reads: "Gatherer of people"... very cool!

I guess there was a bit too much Chinese TV going on while he was hanging out inside me...
he's got the kung-fu pose already

"Mommy, do you have to keep taking pictures???"

This is the photo we're using for his US citizenship application.
Would you let someone in with a mug like this???
I love his chins - all two and a half of them!

Our First Post-Hunter Date

It's taken us 11 weeks, but we finally worked up enough gumption to get out of the house without Hunter! Since it was our "first date" Tony decided to take it upon himself to make it a special one... I think you'd agree it was "hai bu cuo" - "not bad"!

We left Hunter in the capable care of our good friend, Livi... it's not everyday you can be someone's "first baby-sitter"! The funny thing was I felt like such an "adult" as I walked her through the house explaining the in's and out's! We both remembered being 12 years old going through this with other people!!!
Thankfully the two of them had a lovely evening together.

Excited parents all dressed up with somewhere to go!

The evening started with a feast at our favorite place to gorge ourselves! Maybe I'd been subconciously setting the scene all week with the average dinners I'd cooked, maybe it was just the feeling that we could eat without interruption, or perhaps it was the knowledge that Hunter had bottles of undefiled milk at home - whatever the reason, we thoroughly enjoyed our meal and indulged ourselves without reservation!

After dinner we headed out to the Taipei Eye for some very Chinese-y entertainement. The lion dancers are always really impressive... this lion jumped along the "mountain top" and crossed a large "ravine" - amazing skill and teamwork from these performers! We were duly impressed!



Up close & personal with the cuddly lion!!!



The second part of the performance was a scene from a famous Chinese Opera about the White Snake who married the human man... even with an English explanation it was sometimes tough to follow... but the colors, acrobatics, choreography were all fantastic!!! Very well done!


What a date!!! Tony really let his hair down!!

A "Weekend Away " - aka "THE OVERNIGHTER"

We just came home from our first attempt at a family weekend away!!! Tony has a week off before starting his final semester of Chinese language training and since I desperately wanted a change of scenery we decided to head over to Ilan - a town/county just two hours by train from Taipei. Well, I wouldn't call it a dismal failure, but... we ended up coming home 2 days earlier than planned. We realized on that first night that Hunter has his own room at home for a reason - he's a NOISY sleeper. By 6.30 on Sunday morning (we arrived on Saturday evening) we both agreed that it would be a more relaxing holiday if we just went back home and hung out there where we could wash the burp rags, adjust the heater and raid the refrigerator (or at least know where to go to find food).

Hunter was amazing on the train...
he ate, slept, was changed and even made it into a few Taiwanese cameras all in a matter of two hours!

Hunter's bed...
and storage closet and changing station and meal table

We took a boat ride over to the National Taiwan Culture and Arts Center - very cool place!

Ever thought you'd need to lock up your umbrella???

It's the "Year of the Pig"

Hunter wasn't the only one who ate a couple of meals at this "family friendly" facility...
but of course it takes a bit more time feeding him than feeding ourselves.

Cool sculpture

Tony gonged the gong louder than anyone I'd heard all day... then again I didn't hear much after that!



Drinking a Starbuck's mocha in the rain while watching a parade with my son in his stroller just seemed like the American motherly thing to do. Of course it was a "de-caf" mocha.



We love our little guy...

This is the kind of embarrassing photos we'll save for his 21st birthday!

There was a boulevard of folk arts - despite a lot of looking, touching, tasting, wondering... we managed to walk out of there without buying much.

It had been a long night and a long day, but we're still smiling...
having fun being together!

Grandparents Visit Taiwan

My mom arrived in Taipei the same day Hunter did - Friday, January 26th! She spent the three nights at the hospital with us then another two weeks at our place. She was super helpful and between all the meals she prepared, cleaning up she did, and burping, cuddling & changing Hunter - she also was able to read a few books, watch a few movies and go to the gym everyday... sounds like a nice holiday! Dad arrived on Hunter's dedication day... once he got here there was a bit more game-playing and exploring... which was fun too! Thankfully Tony had enough energy to show them around a bit more, while Hunter and I were still trying to figure out life together (didn't help that he went on a growth spurt and ate every two hours for a few of the days dad was here).
Overall it was so great having my parents with us during these precious first weeks. We're already looking forward to next time... not sure when, but always look forward!

Tony is the "techie" in the family so mom had several sessions loading and learning about her new laptop... it was like coming on "computer camp"... dad also brought his new laptop with him!

What is this??? A holiday camp??? We caught mom snoozing in the other room during one of Hunter's louder moments... couldn't figure out why she hadn't come to see what was wrong with him (smile)! Actually, we were happy to provide a somewhat relaxing holiday for her while she was here.

Precious Moments

Hunter got really used to his Grandma's voice over three weeks... I think he misses them already.

Dad & Mom with their "baby"
(boy do I look chubby here... must be the shirt)

Hunter got lots of cuddle time with Grandma & Grandpa


Grandpa was teaching him how to play cribbage


Lots of precious moments


Here in Taipei, "markets" are common... and since it was Chinese New Year, the CNY market was a must see. Tony took mom & dad over in the afternoon on the last day the market was open! Good thing Hunter & I didn't go - check out the crowds!!!

By the end of the week - they were finally marketed out! Tour guide Tony definitely was!

The weekend flower market is really close to our house, and thankfully with Chinese New Year, the markets were open during the weekdays too...

They did manage to find Starbucks (not hard - there's one on every corner)... and for not being coffee drinkers, somehow they also managed to go almost every day.

Of course no trip to Taipei is complete without a viewing of the world's tallest building - Taipei 101. The sky wasn't clear enough to go to the observation level - maybe next time...

They got a new digital camera for Christmas so this was their first real go with it... I think my parents have found a new hobby - photography! Not bad!

Tony called Dad "the blur" when it came to mealtimes... he was willing to try most things and if you weren't careful, he'd eat some of yours too! It was a blast to be with them while they were discovering things that have become so familiar to us.

It was fun to see Dad & Mom exploring the town together... each day they headed out on their own little adventure while Tony & I tried to rest up from our late nights with the baby.

Dad & Mom got a kick out of all the bikes and scooters kicking around town!

One of Dad's highlights was his time spent with the Chinese Doctor... he ended up going three days in a row and had a variety of "traditional" treatments ranging from massage and acupressure to this suction thing and acupuncture. He came back home each day moving a bit freer.

Though Hunter and I couldn't make it out to see everything, we did venture to the Shilin Night Market one evening. It was crazy busy - but thankfully Tony was the one who carried Hunter most of the night. Mom & Dad bought all sorts of little things to take home... and were pretty adventurous in their samplings of Taiwanese night market cuisine.

Dad thought this would make a tasty lunch! And of course, it would!

Hunter, the cutie pie

Week 2 at home