I'm going to stop taking the "let's explore" walks

The last 2 explorings have each generated a LOT of walking and about $2,500 expense! Fortunately Taiwan Dollars translate down to about 90 cdn ones.

Last night we explored the 4 or 5 blocks around our house and ended up with a new duvet, cover and pillows, good price and the one we had Melissa buy before getting here was too light for the cool nights. Since we were 'strolling' I only had my debit card so by the time I walked to the ATM, that wasn't working, and then back to the store to get my keys and walk back to the apartment the sweat was coming out almost every pore so cool nights weren't a concern.

Then, this afternoon we caught the bus that stops right in front of our apartment and rode....... We had a pretty good idea where we were most of the time but by the time we got to the far end of the route the driver was getting concerned we knew where we were going! Fortunately a lady got on just then who spoke enough English for him to know we were sight seeing. We now know a fairly easy way to get to the ferry to Cijin Island even though it loops through Old Zouying. We would probably take a taxi home rather than risk getting the right bus.

Costco was on our list so we got off at Central park, no not New York! We walked through the park and easily got the MRT from there to Costco. Life is getting better because 2 weeks ago we probably walked 2 km out of the way trying to get to this same MRT stop. Costco is one long block from the stop. Mind you after shopping there and getting a FEW things (felt like 50 KG!) it was a longer block back. And the walk though the park from our MRT stop to the apartment felt like a MILE! It was worth it. Colleen made a great stir fry for dinner and we have pork loin and chicken breasts for a few weeks, they're cheaper than ground beef.

LIFE IS GOOD AND WE ARE NOT MISSING THE SNOW. WE ARE MISSING FRIENDS AND FAMILY THOUGH! Time with Melissa is absolutely fantastic.

I now have one free weekday until mid January except for our Christmas trip to Penang, Malaysia. The teaching will be fun, a bit tiring, a good guage for future years and will pay for most of our base expenses.

Hugs to all.