Maolin Hiking Trip

This weekend was insanely busy!

On Saturday morning, I went to German class with my host sister. Since my Chinese isn't too great and my German is nonexistent, I was lost for the majority of the class. Luckily I had brought some work with me! I finished writing out the pinyin for the prayers for the Liturgy of the Eucharist (the second half of the Catholic Mass). Then, I read a bit of my book.

After German class, we picked my host brother up from his math class. We then ate lunch at this awesome restaurant where they cook the food right in front of you. Sadly, I didn't take any pictures.

I took a nap and then went swimming with my host sister. First, we stopped at a store to buy her at new swimsuit and me a swim cap as you are required to wear them in Taiwan. I was impressed with the store's large selection of suits. There was certainly a larger emphasis on practicality than in most American swimwear stores.

At the pool, we swam laps the whole time. The pool was absolutely packed because it was a Saturday. It was also even depth throughout. Apparently, a pool with a "deep end" is almost nonexistent in Taiwan.

After swimming, we ate dinner at home. I was able to successfully communicate that I needed to fast for an hour before Mass!

I walked to Wenzao to meet up with Scotty and Brandon for Mass. We are all graduates of Jesuit High Schools so it was really special to be able to attend Mass together. Mass was in Chinese but since I had completed writing out the pinyin for the responses, I was able to follow along much more easily. Afterwards, I introduced Brandon and Scotty to the nuns I had met previously. We then went to get bubble tea with Kate. I walked home and went to sleep soon after because I needed to be up early on Sunday.

Sunday morning, I woke up, ate quickly and got in the car to go to the Maolin National Scenic Area. We drove about an hour northwest to get there. We met up with Brandon and Alisa's families there. Together, we hiked up the mountain to the waterfall where we waded in the water and had a snack. Then we drove to another part of the park and walked up another mountain to another waterfall. The park was absolutely beautiful and I had an amazing time! Thank you to Alisa for bringing her camera and documenting the whole trip! Most of these pictures are hers:

The Whole Gang

Ready to Hike!

Trail We Walked

Bridge to the Trial

The First Waterfall

On the Bridge

Host Family

Cool Bug

Serious Shot

After we finished the hike, we ate a late lunch with Brandon's family in Meinong. Then we drove back home and I took a nap. We had fried rice with salmon for dinner. Then, we watched some Chinese game shows and played Uno and Skipbo.

I'm really excited for this coming week because we have the opportunity to pick our university classes! It's going to be another full but amazing week!