TEREZKA EXPLORES TAIWAN

Hi everyone, who has found this blog!

I'm glad you've found it! My name is Terezka, I'm student and I've been two months on Taiwan through AIESEC. On terezkaexplorestaiwan.blogspot.com you can find my adventure from Taiwan on summer 2012 and enjoy it with me! Wish you to have pleasant time while reading :-)

Shot introdution

There has been project called Taiwan touch my heart, which has been organised by world-wide students nonprofit organisation AIESEC, committee AIESEC National Taipei University. I've taken part on it with the best girl Geenečka - you can find her blog there http://geenainyingge.tumblr.com/.

This project has been focused on promoting local tourism and sharing our cultures. Our project took part in the beautiful city called Yingge, which is know mainly for its pottery. Our work has been amazing - for me it has been like living the dream. 

Yingge through Czech & Indonesia Eyes

We've gotten to know local culture and together we've created our own project called Yingge Throught Czech & Indonesian Eyes. This project is based on our own experiences, we've gained through our stay. On our blog you can find important and interesting information about Yingge, as well as short videos, maps and another promotional materials. The website of this project is: http://yinggetown.blogspot.tw/.

Beside our project I've gotten a chance to travel around almost whole Taiwan. I've met a lot of amazing people, with whom I've created strong friendships, I've tasted Taiwanese culture, I have gotten many unforgettable experiences (which I'm going to tell one day to my grandchildren :-) and all of this has been noticed on this blog, which you've found right now.

Hope you're going to have pleasant time and if you have any questions, please, don't hesitate and approach me!

At the end I'd like to thank to those, who have made my dream come true. Without you, I couldn't make it..

My family. Friends. AIESEC.

Thank you, love you

Terezka

One month back from Taiwan

One month after returning back from Taiwan and I'm having in my head something completely others. 

I'm speaking German. I'm meeting people, who look similar like me, I'm travelling around Austria, I'm thinking about possibilities to go to Czech in two hours and just my mind is preparing myself for visiting a school. It begins on the first of October.

On the other hand, I'm telling everyone about Taiwan. Everyone knows how great country is it. How cool food can they eat there and how taste bubble tea. I've actually found a place, where can we try Bubble tea in Brno and also in Vienna. What for a crazy wold do we have? And I've cooked it for my friends - on the party it hasn't been so successful (low sugar), but than I've made it perfect :-)

Bubble tea in Vienna

And as a is of my missing mood, we've been with my new friends in Naschmarkt (traditional market in Vienna) and we've had Chinese lunch - but it couldn't be compared with Taiwanese right now.

International Lunch in Naschmarkt

Little bite of Taiwan

Oh I miss people, food, culture, atmosphere.. On the other hand, new challenging year for me is coooming!! Vienna, I'm here and I'm going to enjoy you (I've already started, but it's not a theme for this blog) :-)

One week back from Taiwan

It has been almost a week since I've returned back form Taiwan. I've met everyone, who I've been missing. I was smilling. I've had few shocks - where am I? This is not a room in Yingge and this human next to me is not Geena :-D

From Taiwan to Czech :-) (http://www.crossed-flag-pins.com/Friendship-Pins/Taiwan/Flag-Pins-Taiwan-Czech-Republic.jpg)

I've given a taste of Taiwan to a lot of people :-) Some reactions were funny (well, most of them :-D), people  are just not prepared to go to Taiwan. Some poeple were scared only to see dry fish and they haven't tried a piece. It's a pity for them - not for me (more for me :-D).

I remmember eypecially my friends from Brno. Especially Ondra :-D He has admited, he wouldn't survive in Taiwan. Dry meat, dry fruit and bubble tea - no way for him :-D But he was strong and thied everything :-D Maybe I'll find a picture later.

Well, but tomorrow I'm going to Vienna. I'm going to Erasmus. Just a few moments in Czech. I don't even have enough and I'm leaving again to another country. Well, I hope it's going to be ok!

From Czech to Austria :-) (http://www.crossed-flag-pins.com/Friendship-Pins/Czech-Republic/Flag-Pins-Czech-Republic-Austria.jpg)

It will be great, I'll make it so :-)

Welcome home, Terezko!

The journey to Czech was funny. Now I can say it was funny, but it was crazy :-D First I had six more kilograms of bubbles on my arm - Pete has found them half hour before I¨ve left Yingge.
On the airport, my lugage was overweight. Well, suddenly I can have two luggages? Well, ok! Let's buy a new one :-D My last papaya milk in the airport.. Last seeing Asian people all around me and facing Europe. But in Hongzhau or what the name of the city in the middle of China was I couldn't found my flight - where is it? Well the answer: your flight to Peking was cancelled, sorry :-D You're leaving with other plane in 30 minutes. You have to picked up your luggage and in Peking one more check in your luggage. Well, crazy. But ok. Plane was ok, food not so, but I was in China. Sudenlly it has turned out, I can not have two luggage? WHAT? Whyyyy? But the lady has seen my desperate look and she said, for today I'll let it be - oh thank you! I was lucky to meet nice people during my flight, one mom with daughter, who can speak six languages and is twelve! And another girl from Germany? I don't know. I'm still in Taiwan :-)

Arriving to Frankfurt was without complications. My mother and dad have been waiting for me and we've seen each other after two months. Warm welcomming. I miss you. But now I'm full of memories about Taiwan and here is cold, everyone is normal Europian and I'm a little big back to reallity. Back to school, old life, freinds, duties and normal life. My "great summer vacation" is already passed away. It's definite. 

On the other hand, something else is begining :-) It starts with German breakfast,  continue with Czech lunch and sweet welcome from my family, cat and just everyone, who loves me :-) Oh, seems like yesterday I've seen them.

Mother and Grandfather had picked me up and we've had Czech lunch.

Czech dumpling with roast beef - ňummy!

And I have a lot of presents - look and eat - yes. Most of it are Taiwanese food specialities :-D This evening is going to be Taiwanese evening in Czech :-D

Giving the gifts, remembering all beautiflu moments of Taiwan and enjoying home. Really seems likeyesterday I've slept in my bed :-) Funny!

I've brought "some" food

And some more :-)

Great to be home, bu Taiwan has really touched my heart! I fall in love woth you, Taiwan, Yingge..

3-2-1 Leaving Taiwan

Leaving Taiwan.. So weird. After two amazing months. I already miss everyone I've met there. Last time to say good bye to my Taiwanese family, say hello to Taiwanese stare White Cloud and leave Taiwan.

Taiwan has really made my life different. Thank you my family, friends and AIESEC - it has been great time I've spent there!

Thank you for everything my Taiwanese family! I'm very grateful for you - wish you the best. Never forget.

Taiwanese star White Cloud with me and Pete on the airport

Planes are comming and leaving (Peking airport) - it's time to go home.

Miss you!! <3

Good bye Joy and last moments in Taiwan

 Leaving Taiwan with saying goodbye to Joy through delicious lunch and ice-cream. Another weird moment in Taiwan - we've seen each other so often and we have so much moments together.

Later packing and enjoying the last time with eating Taiwanese dinner and watching Taiwanese movie Raise the Red Lantern. I'm going to miss everything.. Let's name it paradise in Taiwan :-)

Dumplings in Taiwan - many flavors

I like it very much

And last ice-cream (or maybe ice with ingredients and brown sugar toping)

What a day full of relax.. Already miss you Taiwan..

Good Bye Genečka and chill out

What a weird beginning of the day! Geenečka, my cinta is leaving Taiwan! The ride to the airport was full of laught - we've been drunked maybe a little. But it has been a feeling, that something great is ending. Something unforgettable! And the distance is going to be bigger between me and Geenečka. It wouldn't be more return back to home in Yingge, where is Geenečka waiting for me. I'd be alone in the room, in the whole floor. Why? Can't you stay a little bit longer? Could this Taiwan experience never end?

But well, it's ending. In the right moment, in the right order and in the right place. We've been sudenlly in the airport, having a juice with Pete, Mei, Mr. Woody and our soon leaving Geena. I couldn't imagine to be without this cool girl in a few minutes! But time is ticking. Last hug, last smile, last sight.. Good bye my sweetie! I miss you already! What an unforgettable moments with you! You'll be still with me.. And we'll see each other soon - in Czech, Indonesia or Taiwan.. You' are still living!! :-) But sad moment comes.. Eyes turnig wet, but I'm strong. Tear droped down. Hard to explain.. Loneliness..

So sad...

..never forget! <3

Car is leaving back to Yingge. Only me, Pete and his parents. Wierd, but maybe Geenečka is waiting for me in Yingge? But the room is empty. Bed is empty, only my stuff are everywhere. Geena is in the plane, I'm still in Yingge and in a few days I'm goign to be home. Back home in Czech.

Anyway I went to bed to sleep - so wierd to have whole bed only for me. But I was too tired, I fell asleep soon. Later we've had a lunch with Pete. Some special soup with meat ball and jelly. We've also walked through the city and I've gotten a papaja milk no to be soo sad :-) But it's wierd, Pete! Two months are a long time! I've bought a few last gifts in Yingge. Last walk in Yingge with Pete and than rain. But my cool flip-flops can handle it :-)

In the evening we've wateched some movie, but my mind was still somewhere with Geena - travelling through my two months minds. We've been such a great couple, Geena! Do you know that? And your message, you're home is weird. Come back!!

Good bye Geenečka, I miss you!!! 

Good bye in Speed Coffee & Amazing dinner in Taipei

Today we've said goodbye to our friend from Speed Coffee and in the eneving we've been taken to amazing dinner with Pete and his friends.

Saying goodbye is never easy.. We've come to say goodbye to Speed Coffee and had our last coffee. I've gotten some Taiwanese and Chinese songs to remember my stay in Taiwan and we've sung a few last songs. Some Chinese, some English and some Czech. Pierre has played on guitar. I wish to have this skill too :-) But still, it has been weird feeling. We've gotten them our small gift, they have singed up our flags, last picture and xei xei bye bye!!

Good Bye Blues, Eveline, Geena and Pierre

Anyway in the evening Pete has invited me and Geena to dinner to Taipei city. He said, that we're going to have a dinner in the mountains. Well, ok :-) I'll take my sweater in case. I've expected a lot - some nature around, maybe some view, great food. On our way we've had some car debate about food what can Indonesian, Taiwanse and Chinese eat. Oh my God! Monkey brain? Dogs, cats? Lizards? Are you sure? I felt a little bit sick about this debate! Guys! It's not normal :-)

But amazing dinner has come soon, so I've forgotten about the horrible food soon. The dinner has surpassed my expectations. Wow. I haven't had a single eorld for it! The view! We've sit outside on the terrace, had great drinks and creamy hot pot. I wish to have this view in my room, so I can watch it every day.. During the sunrise, during the day, enjoying the sunset and the moonlight too. And is there any chance to bring it in Czech? I've actually felt a little bit ashamed, I don't know any place in my city, where could be such an amazing view. I've been just stunning and enjoying a moment. What a beauty!
And with us there were mainly great people - Pete and his friends. What a funny evening. We don't understand mandarin, but the laugh spread quickly :-D

After our dinner, we've decided to have a last few moment with Geena before she leave Taiwan. Well, we haven't slept  a single minute of this night. We've been talking, drinking, eating and laughing. What a pleasure moment. Suddenly it was sunrise in Yingge, Geena has packed her stuff and we've been heading to airport.. But it's already another day.. This day has passed away few hours ago.

Great drinks and dinner with Geenečka

The best view ever! <3

We've been there!

Not too serious please :-D

 Great day - love it!

Yi-Lan!

Today we've been taken with Geena to Yi-Lan with Pete and his friends. The day has been full of amazing places, great food and we've had a lot of fun together.

As a good base for our day we've started with Garlic pork soup. Wow - so much garlic for me and even raw one! And I've been thinking, that my Czech Garlic soup has been "spicy"! But it has been very good. I liked it very much. I've been sweating very much, because the soup has been very hot, but everyone has been sweating too, so it's OK :-)

Because we've been very thirsty, we've bought my favourite Taiwanese drink - Papaya milk. We've also tried Avocado milk (very good - quite sweet) or Taro milk (taste like an ice-cream). Geena has chosen a Aju drink (not sure about the pronunciation) - from some lemon seeds with jelly - also very good, but too sweet!

Anyway after our eating and drinking start we've been to  National Center for Traditional Art. This place is something like a big park, where you can spend almost whole day. It's so big. You can find there some exhibitions, old house, traditional buildings, temple, old Alley, some stores, beautiful nature.. You can also rent a boat and take a road on artificial canal.

Welcome to National Center fot Traditional Art

First we've been to Buddha and Dragon Exhibition. I like the dragon more, maybe because I don't know very much about Buddhism. Later we've seen some Scary poppet exhibition - I cannot imagine having a fairy-tale with this poppets. They are so scary! I think I would have a nightmare.
Later we've been to some Traditional Old House. We've had to cross some old bridge and we've seen some kiln again :-) Some degeneration from our project I guess. Anyway this house has been very interesting. There were some historical tools, old kitchen, living room or some traditional Chinese calculator or coins.

Sad angry poppet

Another poppets

Creating poppet - No. 1

No. 2

No. 3

Kiln :-)

Old Chinese coins

Chinese Calculator

Chopsticks

Bridge to the Old House

On our way back to the car we've stopped in the Shopping street in this Center and we've bought some cherry tomato in candy paste - so great! Something like our tomatoes with sugar and salt :-) Pete has bought for us later Barley drink - so bad drink. I don't like it at all. It taste likes an old coffee.. But thanks Pete!

Shopping Street

Cherry tomato in sweet jacket

Oh my God! Geena has shot me!

Our next stop has been beach! Sea sea sea! I like sea very much. The waves were pretty high, but we've wanted to get closer and throw some stones to the sea. It has turned out, that the waves are very big and we've been very wet later - but it has been very big fun! I can throw stones and make some "frog jumps" and I can write my name in sand - but the waves are destroyer. I've also taught one friend how to make an angel in the sand - the one, we usually make in the snow - lie on the back and move with the hands :-) He has been really like an angel (even though we've buried him before :-D). I've really enjoyed the sea very much.

Sea!!!

Angel

Welcome to Luodong!

Our last stop in Yi-Lan has been Luodong night market. We've eaten and drunk very much :-) For the welcome we've bought with Geena Bamboo green drink = sugar cane. I was so much looking forward - I've been very thirsty. But it has been so disgusting! Oh, so bad.. It tastes like a grass! And I'm not an animal to eat grass :-) 

To make my taste better we've bought two types of pork popcorn, dumplings with oysters, dumplings with pork and spring onion (typical for this region), some chicken sausages on a stick, scallop (pieces of fish) with fish chips, lamb soup and we've finiseh our eating night with some lemon sauer drink = kumquet (much better than bamboo grass). 

Smile please Geenečka, Albert and Cloud!

Geenečka and Terezka

Pete, Charles and Big Cloud

But I like sweet at the end I've bought papaya milk again and at the end we've had bubbles filed with red beans in touhva, ice and sticky rice. But maybe the top dessert at the end has been almond jelly in the bowl. I was so full :-) So ňami.. I'm going to miss local food so much - cheap, everywhere, nonstop.The evening has been later pretty calm..

Fuuun! :-)

I liked this day very much. Taiwan is beautiful :-)

Yehliu Geopark

GREAT DAY in GREAT PLACE with GREAT FAMILY!

Yes, today we've spent a whole day with our host-family. First they have taken us to luxury lunch in a beautiful restaurant in Yingge. You can choose only main course and the rest is buffet. So many vegetable, fruit, salty specialties, ice-creams and so many desserts. I liked it very much - especially mango ice-cream and sweet Japanese tea cake.

First stop near the sea :-)

Because our host-parents are next two days very busy, they have decided to spend the afternoon and evening with us, show us the beauty of Taiwan and how much they appreciate our visit. 

We've been taken to Yehliu Geopark. It's a big tourist attraction in the most north part of Taiwan. When we've been coming closer we've stopped to one place to admire the view to the sea. We've taken a few pictures and continue to our goal place.

Yehliu Geopark

The view to the most nord place

Beautiful scultures all around

When we've arrived to Yehliu, we've felt the salty wind from the sea and seen a lot of beautiful nature. After entering the Geopark, we’ve seen some artificial sculptures and later the beautiful sea. So great, I like the sea so much. Maybe because I cannot see it in my country :-) But the best part of Geopark was waiting for us a few steps later – amazing sand sculptures everywhere! The nature is so magical.. How could nature create such a beauty? Secret I guess.

The view to the coast

The small island near the coast

Nature and see all around

Weird sculptures all around

Me and Geenečka - we're reaching our goal!

Anyway there are many chances to walk around the north coast and sculptures. We’ve decided to go to north first and on our way back enjoy the sculptures. To get to the north you have to hike a little. Geena has been so happy, that I’ve asked her – “Hey Geena, what about going on the top of this mountain?” “OK.” She’s so kind to me :-) After a few kilometers we’ve finally arrived to Light house. We’ve been so high and so close to the north. Amazing feeling. It has been also so funny to hike, we’ve had a lot of fun with Geena.

We've made it! Almost top Nord of Taiwan reached

Light house in Nord

Yes, I've been there!

When we’ve returned to the sand sculptures, we’ve chosen a challenging journey on the sea coast – not on the pavement. It has been exciting. Geena was scared, but I think, that after a while she was very proud of herself. She has walked on the coast and crossed a little bridge in the middle of sand coast :-) I’ve given her a hand, next time she can do it on her own :-)

Geena has crossed her limites and also the gap!

The shapes of the stones are beautiful

Which sculpture is real?

Our last stop has been very famous sculpture: Qeens head. This is a mushroom rock, which resembles the head of a queen and is appropriatelly called "Queens Head". It's the symbol of Yehliu. This rock has experienced long-term erosion and weathering, and it's possible, that it will disappear in the near future as its neck colapse.. So we’ve taken a picture with the head, untill it's there and went to wet our feet in the sea and enjoy the last view on the sea of this day.

With our family and Queens Head

Me and Geenečka and Queens head

We've been even in the sea

Our day has finished with Family Sea dinner in one restaurant, where our host-parents ordered many kinds of sea specialties. We’ve had some beer together also :-) I was a little bit surprised, that they drink beer :-) The dinner was very nice. I liked the food very much!

What a tasty and fresh dinner!

Have we also eaten this? Better not to know..

The day went very quickly – a lot of new beautiful memories for us. Thank you our host-parents!

Taiwan is amazing!! Than you for showng us!