Week-end Travel to Sun Moon Lake July 24-25

On Saturday, July 24, the American student teachers traveled by car with host father Mr. Tsai, his friends Jimmy, Samuel, Dina, and Amy, and students Jenny, Tracy, and Jill to Sun Moon Lake. It took several hours to cover the distance. On the way, the group stopped at a Lotus Pond to snap photos of the very delicate flowers, and they indulged in a healthy and delicious Lotus Bean ice treat. They enjoyed a traditional Taiwanese lunch at the Hu Shan restaurant, and continued their travel into the mountains to Sun Moon Lake.

Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s largest lake, and is located in the center of the island at an elevation of 760 meters above sea level. The eastern portion of the lake is shaped round like the sun, and the western portion is shaped like a crescent moon.

When they arrived, the group loaded all of their personal items onto a small flat-bottom boat to traverse the lake to get to a large houseboat, their floating overnight living quarters. Equipped with a kitchen, a living room, TV, and Karaoke machine, the houseboat was a very comfortable place where everyone could socialize. Despite the late-day rain, their hosts prepared an enticing Taiwanese bar-b-que with meat, vegetables, beef soup, and noodles. Samuel’s and Jimmy’s birthdays were jointly celebrated with a large birthday cake, and Mr. Tsai painted both of their faces with the frosting!

Also available on the houseboat were kayaks, hand-paddle boats, and an inflatable water wheel that is operated from the inside---like a hamster wheel!  Early on Sunday morning, the weather became truly beautiful, and Danice and Dr. O’Kon were the first ones on the water in the kayaks and hand-paddle boats. The tranquil scenery, smooth lake surface, and comfortable temperature made it a perfect morning. Later, a stop at the Syuanzang Temple provided a rich and colorful background for pictures and a stellar vantage point for the mountainous lake area. The American student teachers were also treated to a visit to the traditional pottery barn to learn how to use a pottery wheel with clay. Some made clay creations—bowls, plates, and cups---that they were quite proud of.  Small children enjoyed the pottery, too!

Sun Moon Lake is truly a jewel in Taiwan's beautiful crown, as a natural landmark and a historically significant area preserving Taiwanese aboriginal culture.  For more information, take a look at:
http://www.sunmoonlake.gov.tw/