the boys arrive

the londoner has left for cambodia. and is promptly replaced with two french boys.

the adventure continues, but definitely a bit wilder.

nothing says breakfast in taiwan like cold sweetened soymilk.

here soymilk is no fad or health craze. it just is what it is. soymilk. that’s it.

after a brief discussion of who wants to do what and where, the itinerary is set.

that is the great part of taiwan: its so small that things can be planned on the fly.

one of the first ideas: go north.  to the coast. to see the sea.

and all it takes is a simple bus ride to get here.

boats. harbor. fish.

again – it’s the same stuff you did in france with them.

only the place has changed.

churches are replaced with temples.

the pacific is much much much more powerful than the english channel.

it is also typhoon season.

here at yehliu, you ignore the crowds and admire the rock formations.

the sun is heavy.

the winds are biting.

the mood stays silly because you are with two boys.

poke!

you will randomly poke your friends to verify they exist because you can’t believe not only are you not alone, you’re with your french friends.

whoever could’ve predicted that friendships started in a french foyer would go all the way to taiwan?

then you all decide to go for a dip.

the waves are perfect.

the beach is sandy (rare in taiwan)

more importantly, the water is warm.

elle est bonne, your friends agree.

[she (the sea) is good.]

the red flag is ignored.

boys – even boys who are trained lifeguards – will ignore the rules.

but not so fast. the lifeguard blows his whistle and points away from the ocean.

ah. apparently, when there is a typhoon warning, not only can you not go swimming you cannot be on the sand as well.

cultural lesson learned as the shoes are put back on.

“mais on était si proche de nager!” you sigh disappointedly.

[but we were so close to swimming!]

nobody stays sad long.

  the next day, it’s back in the city and in the metro.

to taipei 101.

it’s the obligatory tourist stop that everybody must see.

you suppose – the world’s second tallest building – that is worth it.

remember. umbrella. you need it.

it does rain – heavily – but never for more than a few hours.

rain, sun, and photos: the three functions of an umbrella.