HHmmmmmm! Australians just don’t lose rugby league world cups do they?? We watched in amazement as the Australians imploded in the world cup final Saturday afternoon Taipei time and the Kiwis had a well deserved victory. We took some solace the next day when we watched the Aussies mop up the New Zealand tail to take a win in the 1st cricket tests, but this was actually the natural order of things. I’ll say again, Aussie rugby league teams just don’t lose world cups (at least not since 1975 anyway!). This was a rather hard to swallow entrée to a great night out we had at Wendel’s backerie on Saturday night. We were late for our reservation as the nail biting league game went on, but we eventually made it down to a dining room full of atmosphere, a buzz of conversation, and eclectic group of citizenry enjoying their big Saturday dinner and we enjoyed soaking up all the sights and sounds.Our perfectly cooked large steaks arrived with exquisite sides of baked onion and a subtly flavoured potato stack, along with mushrooms stuffed with a julienned concoction of vegetables. We each had a generous glass of Shiraz and enjoyed some home made German bread along the way. As Thanksgiving is fast approaching, their turkey feasts were being advertised widely. A table of about 20 Germans of all ages, young and old had the pleasure of watching the biggest turkey we had ever seen being carved at their table. This caused a great stir amongst the local contingent, many of whom recorded the whole show on video phones! I suppose this is still a fairly exotic event for the Taiwanese, as even though very cosmopolitan in their food choices, the whole Thanksgiving thing tends to be left to certain establishments well known for catering to American tastes. We left via the adjoining cake shop and each had a plum custard slice to take away, although its enormous proportions allowed us to keep ½ aside for dessert tonight as well!
This morning we had the strange sensation of watching a Brisbane test over breakfast (we’re 3 hours behind), then preceded to do our usual of reading Herald clippings of great interest (thanks Mum, but what is going on in Newcastle and that omnipresent debate about cutting the rail line?: make a decision please!!) before making a late decision to get out to the coast. It was just a magnificent day weather wise today: a perfect temperature, clear blue skies and sun of a lesser than laser like intensity for once. A mild cooling breeze finalized the package, and we had a great drive through the mountains to the coast. I must add that we had one of those “only in Taiwan” moments on the way. We were short of petrol and needed to fill up before we ventured over the mountain so we backtracked a way to get to the station I usually just get scooter petrol from. After we filled up, the guy asked if we wanted anything. I asked for water (they have a quaint custom of giving you a couple of bottles of water or a pack of tissues if you fill the tank) Anyway, he asked that I open the boot and placed a box of 18 bottles in there! The very fact that driveway service is the norm here and not the exception, then the gifts, then the guy who stops the traffic for you on your way out is quite wonderful.
The surf was small but a good quality and the crowd was quite small for once (especially on the top coast) so as I enjoyed the surf, Cass enjoyed taking in the spectacular scenery from the top of the cliff. To the south west the Candle Islands rise from the ocean catching beautiful bands of light as the afternoon wears on and to the north east, the cliffs of Little Yeliou drop off into the water allowing the waves to surge and splash plumes of white water into the air at intervals. It’s a very calming spot and Cassy’s choice of spot to sit if I am out in the surf.
We were both shocked and saddened to hear the news that my good friend Wayne’s father had died suddenly on Friday. He was an eccentric and hugely likeable character and was certainly always larger than life. I had the opportunity to speak with Wayne on the phone Friday, from whom I heard all the details. Very sad news for the family and friends: We’ve had quite enough of this kind of news lately…