October 19,

We were up and about by 0630. It was raining and there was quite a bit of it. So we had our Javas and breakfast of oatmeal and yogurt. It was a nice changeup. I was contemplative, as I had found out yesterday my last Grandma passed. I get a daily Bible verse and yesterday’s verse was Philippians 1:3- “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,…” I thought then how fitting and timely that was and I am still flooded with memories. She was a “bonus” Grandmother to me and I’m blessed to have known her. 

Anyway, as morning gave way to the afternoon, we spent our time indoors. I blogged and Jeff started lots of future planning. Finally, the light rain had stopped around the time we ate. We ate pairs, cheese, and the last of our bread for lunch. By 1530 we went out and about, for steps and just to get out. We walked up and down some close-by pedestrian only streets. There are a number of souvenir stands, and food places. We took in the touristy vibe, but it seemed to be mostly Asian tourists. (We can not tell if they are Taiwanese, mainland Chinese, or other Asians since we don’t speak other languages.) As we moved along we came upon some street performers. One performer was displaying his skills with a type of a Hula Hoop thing that he was able to fit in and spin around going upside down and the right side up. He was good. After his set, another guy came that was working a Chinese Yo-yo. What fun on a Sunday afternoon. As we were wandering down the pedestrian only streets it started sprinkling again.

We headed back to get supper near us at a basement food court. We chose a place that translated as Kenting Steak & Snack. They have proudly been open since 1975 – I remember that year. We chose a Beef Steak and Chicken “Steak” Combo that came with a soup, noodles, a fried egg, a “sampling” of veg., and a pepper sauce. We got it as takeaway, paying 300 TWD, or $9.81. Back at our place we shared the meal with some nice red wine. Both of the meats were good and tender. We were able to talk with my Mother; and then talk with our church back home. Bed at 2330.

     October 20,

I woke at 0730, Jeff had been awake since 0630. It was still raining, as I assume it had been doing all night. Rainy days and Mondays…  Anyway, the weather app showed Taiwan was being hit by a Tropical Storm. We finally got around and about at 0830, having Muesli and yogurt with our Javas. At 0930 we talked with my sister for quite a while. Then we called Jeff’s sister and husband, talking with them at length also. It’s hard to believe we will be seeing them in 10 days!

We’ll see my sister’s family; my mother with her husband; and my brother… and, well, so many others in just over 3 weeks! 

After we finished our calls we went out for lunch with umbrellas our host had kindly left in the place we are in. We went to Flux by Fancia. We had passed by it a couple of times. It has a Mediterranean style menu. We shared two Salad Platters: Signature Falafel & Roasted Eggplant with hummus, tomato, cucumber, onion, pickled cabbage, topped with tahini & dukkah; and Lamb Meatballs with Harissa Sauce with the same veggies. Both also came with quartered pit pockets. I had a Strawberry Lassie and Jeff had a Ginger Soda. We paid 670 TWD, or $21.90. After we finished, we stopped at a Carrefour Grocery Store; then back to our place for a siesta, listening to the rain.

Afternoon gave way to evening and it was still raining, so we went close by for supper – Grilled Thai-Style Chicken Leg (No Bone).  We got the Thai Chicken Leg with rice and veggies, as takeaway – had it with a bottle of red wine, and garlic bread back at our place.

It’s been a couple of days simply living… someplace else.