Taitung People and Places by trc

We stayed at Taitung over the last weekend of August. Those two days proved to be the last moment we had the summer vacation. The schools would resume on Monday, August 31. Almost all places in Taiwan were under heavy rainfall during the weekend, but the rain was only intermittent in Taitung. The air was cool and the weather rather pleasant as otherwise it could be hot and humid under the sun, like when I was there in early July.

We didn't really have a plan. We went to some of the places I had been to the last time. The places were new to the children, and I didn't mind visiting them again. We stayed at the same hostel (actually it is more like a multi-room cabin run by friends). Both kids like the place. That probably has to do with the three cats and the many books residing there. We also went to the Dulan Sugar Factory. I got to buy the same craft bear in one of those small joints.

We checked out the 2015 Eastcoast Handcraft Market. The market gathers at the weekends during the summer in Taitung. It takes place either at Karuruan (加路蘭 / Jailulan) or Dulik (都歷 / Duli). Here is more information about the market. They have a Facebook page; these are the photos about the market on Sept. 6 at Karuruan, and on August 30 at Dulik. Shortly after we arrived at Dulik at the afternoon of August 29, it started to rain heavily. The market was moved indoor to a building belonged to the ECNSAA (East Coast National Scenic Area Administration). It was still lots of fun. We enjoyed traditional Amis dinner over shell ginger (月桃 / Getto) leaves.

Jenny had her hair braided at the market. I asked about the cost, and was really surprised when the lady returned with a smile and said "whatever pleases you" (隨喜). The process took about 45 minutes, and the lady had to take a break in between. Jenny gave the braider all her allowance for the day. We also ran into the host (and some guests) of the hostel at the market. Even more, I saw the girl from whom I bought craft beer at the Dulan Sugar Factor in July. At that time I was more interested in her suggestion for a cafe with a nice view. At the end I bought a set of craft beer and honey wine from her to thank her earnestness. This is all typical, perhaps. This time I should have skipped my asking her if she would still remember me.

The next day we went to the National Taitung University to see its library building. It is a calm campus, especially at a Sunday afternoon in the summer recess. I asked Tom to try his hands on the wheel of the rental car. He received his driver license last summer. Next summer I hope not to do all the driving by my self.