It’s 36 degrees and dripping with high humidity. The air conditioner is working day and night and a trip outdoors ensures a soaking of perspiration and a need for a big cool drink. We’re back In Taipei after 2 months at home and we(I!) have got mixed feelings about the whole deal.
One of the biggest differences for me is that everywhere I turn, I miss a familiar face, every activity I do or plan doesn’t quite seem the same and the world is a very different place. It’s just that so many people who we knew well left at the end of last year, that it has changed the dynamic of the place quite dramatically, for us anyway. Taipei itself hasn’t changed of course: that familiar strange mix of exotic Asian and quirky old Chinese is mixed up all across the fabric of the city. That’s one thing that does feel familiar: the city’s pace, noise, sights and smells all remain and we’ve taken a lot of comfort in that. I think Cass is a little less troubled by the changing school population than me because even though she misses people, she still has her reliable colleague and friend, Kristin, working with her each day. I won’t go on about this, suffice to say, the transient population working in an international school means that sometimes, there is a major adjustment needed to be made.
I’m sure I write something similar each year when we get back, but I need to say it again, partly so I don’t forget it. If you live in Australia, if you live in Newcastle, you live in a very, very special place. Many people who live there know they do: but the ones who don’t should be compelled to travel to some other places in the world. I’m quite certain the appreciation factor would rise very, very quickly when they got back: some regular writers to the Herald’s editor would be the 1st I’d send!
We had one of the best bike trips ever this trip as we journeyed down the south coast, hopped across mountain ranges back and forth and traveled on some of the most magnificent bike friendly roads you can imagine. I can easily conjure up clear images of smooth roads meandering away into verdant valleys and then winding way, way up into another mountain. The crisp views needed to be shielded behind our sunglasses; it was sometimes almost too much to take in. The secret to our success was in not setting destinations, but instead, being content to follow every “tourist route” we saw. We bought new boots this trip to complement the suits we bought last year, so even the rain was held at bay.
Our unit was just too much this year. The old house went down and we watched as the park opposite underwent various transformations, all the while being able to look beyond to the amazing view that opened up. We bought the unit with this goal in mind of course, and we were prepared to wait for many more years, so this is a real bonus for us. Our daily 6 km walks along the shore on the Bather’s Way, up the hill and down to the Bogey Hole and back were such a pleasure: the few days of rain really disappointed us if we couldn’t get out to do it. The walk back down the hill towards Bar Beach is so exhilarating that we felt the need to comment on it each day and we always got an extra spring in our step as we admired the great sweep of coastline stretching all the way to Norah Head.
I had some good surfs and the “Pointyhat” logo on the fish drew a couple of questions from the Merewether boys! Our party was also great fun: we always enjoy so much the fact that our old friends still turn up to say g’day after all these years away. Even though it had been 2 years since our last big party it felt like yesterday. Cass and I enjoyed a number of dinners out, either at restaurants or at people’s house and every one of these nights was magnificent: our clothes are certainly a little tighter since we got back!!
Family get-togethers were wonderful chances to hear what had happened over the past year and we enjoyed seeing how much all the kids had grown and what was happening with sisters and partners. Sue’s little baby, Duncan, born just before we left, had a few struggles when we were home but I’m glad to report that he is healthy and happy now.
Our parents were pleased to see us too and we had plenty of time to catch up, but as usual, never enough. The balancing act is, as always, how to see everyone, yet still take time out to have that all important relaxing time, in this our one big holiday of the year. I think we may have erred a little too heavily on the relaxation side this year, but noone else is on holidays at this time, and their busy lives don’t go on hold just because we turn up!
Virg’n Mary are so happy to see us, the Chinese are not rattling their sabers right at this moment and we live in an exciting place in the world……now, if those friends would just come back…………..!