Happy Holidays

We're near the end of 2009. Hopefully this year has been pleasant for everyone, and there's always next year to look forward to. I think this year is an eventful year. From internship in Taiwan during the summer to multiple trips visiting friends and families, from happiness to sorrow, I would never forget the things that happened this year.

2010 also marks my 10 years moving to the U.S. I still kept in touch with some of my friends from elementary school, thanks partly to my parents who constantly reminded me to write to them or contact them when we go back to Taiwan. And I think this connection is really integral if I were to return to Taiwan during my future career. Other than family, it's nice to have someone who went along with you during school or events, to have someone that shares a common event with you. I did not really hang out with classmates during middle school or high school. But that's just me...more family oriented. I did make more acquaintances during college, especially during my internships in Taiwan. I think every people we meet bring us new experiences in life. Even if they might not get along with us, we can still learn something from them.

Have a nice winter, and hope next year brings something new and challenging to us.

Vancouver Winter

I went to Vancouver from December 18 to 21. I had a wonderful time there. To make it short, here are the things we did:

Day 1: Arrived at 2pm. Judy and Wendy picked Jonathan and me up. Vancouver International Airport is located next to Richmond, which has a lot of Asians. We went to places such as Stanley Park, Canada Place, and Gas Town. and Dinner was at a Japanese fusion restaurant (called Alpha), combining Japanese, American, and even Mexican food. It was interesting, but not the best of its kind.

Overlooking downtown Vancouver

Day 2: The day was reserved for a trip to Victoria. Judy made Jon and me breakfast and Wendy picked us up for Victoria! Before that we had to wait for the ferry: New experience, but I would do it only if I have a lot of time on my hands. The ferry trip from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay took 90 minutes, but it went by so fast since we were having fun outside on the deck and inside having lunch. Oh, and Tsawwassen sounds like 茶碗蒸...haha.


The BC Ferry to Victoria

At Victoria, we went to look at the Craigdarroch Castle built by Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant who got rich from Vancouver Island coal. I can't say anything more about that since I didn't want to read all the pamphlet info. $8 needed to go in so instead we stayed outside while Jonathan analyzed different ways to get to the top of the building...I think he played Assasins Creed too much. The Parliament building was the next destination. With Christmas lights and decorations surrouding the corners of buildings over there, it really looked like a holiday season. Very romantic indeed. Furthermore, we went to Butchart Gardens to view more christmas lights. So that ends the Victoria trip and we took the 9pm ferry back to Vancouver, with me having a major sugar coma from all the white center chocolates I had while waiting for the ferry.

Butchart Gardens (looks like a scene from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)

Day 3: I woke up at 8:30am and admire the beautiful morning... Actually it was raining but still there's a sense of serenity in Judy's house. I could hear every rain drop that flickered down the roof. Maybe because it is located in residential areas, but I live in a residential area in Millbrae and I still hear noises all the time. Jon and Judy woke up later and we went to 鴻星海鮮酒家 (Red Star Seafood Restaurant) for Dim Sum. We met up with Sam at the restaurant and he joined us for the rest of our time in Vancouver. After lunch we were off to Grouse Mountain, the peak of Vancouver. I was quite excited to see some snow. The rain and fog made the experience even more exciting. We also went to "Santa's Cabin" for a photo session with Santa...wait did we get that photo at all??...Anyways after a hot apple cider from the girls and a free screening of "A Charlie Brown Christmas," we went on the gondola and came back down Grouse. Dinner was at a 茶餐廳...I should have ordered the combination because it looked pretty good. We had a pleasant chat at the restaurant about news, trends, relationships, schools, life styles in Canada, and most importantly, Canadian girls!

me, Judy, Wendy, Jonathan, Sam


Grouse Mountain with Santa's Cabin and flooded ice rink

Japadogs...need I say more? Get it if you visit Vancouver. It is on the corner of Burrard and Smithe St. and a new place will open soon in 2010. It will destroy any pre-existing thought you have about hotdogs. Ok that's an exaggeration, but it did provide a novel side of hotdog presentation and taste. The two flavors we tried (beef terimayo and pork okonomi I think) were pretty strong, but it tasted so good each bite I had felt like there was a party in my mouth and everyone was invited.

Japadog stand

Karaoke at Judy's house. My first experience karaokeing at a friend's house in North America haha. Jonathan, Wendy, and Sam clearly practiced a lot. Judy did not sing at all (singing without a microphone doesn't count). That went on until about 4am.

Day 4: Sam brought 鹽酥雞, 甜不辣, and 奶茶. Those tasted most like the ones in Taiwan! We decided to let Wendy take a break from driving us around so we just stayed at Judy's house. The sun came up in the afternoon so Sam, Judy, Jonathan, and I took a walk down the country side to enjoy nature in the midst of urban life. That walk down the old railway came almost out of a painting: Straight rail road extending into the distance with maple trees growing on either side. The cold atmosphere, sunset, and red-brownish maple leaves on the ground formed a terrific end to our trip.

A taste of warm winter fills one's heart

Four days is not enough to absorb everything any city could offer. But I think it is sufficient to experience the beautiful scenery, absorb the colorful weather, observe the different cultures, and feel the zeal of the local people. I know I have.

Thanks Judy and your parents for letting me stay at your house. Thanks Wendy for driving for four days straight. Thanks Sam for driving and hanging out with us. Have a happy holiday and happy new year.

老狗

My sister and brother-in-law bought a Shih-Tzu puppy eleven years ago. It is the cutest thing ever. "Blue" he is called. He has been through a lot of places: Millbrae, Daly City, Cupertino, Texas (Round Rock), and now he's back in Millbrae with us!





Dog: most loyal friend a human could have.