Thanksgiving

The good news is that no matter what the EAP office tells you... you DO get Thanksgiving off. The reason is because the NTU ICLP started as a program f0r americans, and since we are all used to celebrating this holiday, they give us the vacation. It's the same as home--you get a 4 day weekend. SO make sure you spend this time wisely!!! A group of us went down to the southern tip of Taiwan to a famous vacation spot called Ken Ding. Some people go to Thailand or Hong Kong or Japan... just GET OUT OF TAIPEI!!! it'll be your only chance... EVER!!! Plus if you're smart, you'll leave your only 3 sick days until this time and tack it on so then you get MORE time to travel--take the week off!

Here's a taste of Ken Ding...
Location: southern tip of taiwan
Travel time: 7 hours by bus or 2 hrs by plane then bus

If you don't find a place to stay before you get down there, you can always roam around and find one. The beaches, warm waters, and 80 degree weather will remind you of Southern California (which we all missed desperately). There were 12 of us traveling by bus and I think the entire weekend cost about $150-$200 US total for 3 days including food, travel, and hotel. The hotel lady was very nice and she helped us find whatever we needed. She even got us discounts at places where she knew the owner (that way the money stays in the same group of people). We hung out on the beach, went go cart racing, and had a bbq for thanksgiving.

its just a weekend to relax... (but sorry to say, you'll probably have homework when you get back, the teachers are THAT nice)

Exploring Taiwan

Even though you really don't get a lot of time to do anything or travel very far... you still have to try to get out and take in some of the sights. Here are some places that will only take a day or two to explore!

Ye Liu - some weird shaped rocks next to the ocean
Location: Somewhere close to Jiu Fen
Travel Time: about an hour by bus
Its about 80NT one way and to get in to the actual place with the rocks is 50NT (student price). The place is known for its dried seafood products and has some GREAT snacks to buy.



Yi Lan - waterfalls
Location: NE side of Taiwan
Travel Time: 2 hours by car
You have to drive through some mountain roads to get to Yi Lan but on the way there's a rest stop thats famous for its ca ye dan (eggs boiled in tea leaves and spices). In Yi Lan you can see a ton of beautiful waterfalls and have their special "sao bing" thats round and flat. The views are beautiful and the prices are always cheap... its taiwan!



Hua Lian - famous for its mua ji (taiwanese) and hot springs
Location: East side of Taiwan
Travel Time: 3-4 hours by train
This place is all country side with tons of hot springs and things to do. They have a large zoo-type of place with all sorts of birds and animals. The zoo is surrounded by a ton of gardens, statues and lakes. You can rent a bike or a golf cart to get around and view everything. You'll also feel like you're in all countries since they have a miniature statue of liberty and even the arc de'triumph. In the end you can stop by the Ah Mei Mua Ji place and get fresh/famous mua ji. You can even buy some Hua Lian wines made by their tribes--they're amazing.

Hua Lian is also home to their sea world type amusement park. They have small rides, a ton of shows, and amazing views of the ocean wherever you look!