VACATION

Yes, I was a little bit excited.

I was so ready.

After Ben's graduation back in May, my focus was on packing, moving, and cleaning. As a result, June came and went.

With the turning of the calendar, my focus changed.... a need to relax.

I don't do it very well. If I am home, I work. So my plan was to not be home.

The where to go was easy- south and east.

After loading the van with swim suits, towels, and sunscreen, we head down the freeway toward Taiwan's third largest city. Kaohsiung. That, however was not our destination. Skirting this sprawling metropolis, we continued south toward the beach town of Kenting. But once again, we never entered that vicinity. Instead we headed inland across the mountainous interior. 

The one part of the island we had yet to experience was the southeast section. Jake had spent almost every break last school year there with his friend Jothem,  and now, it was time for us to share his experience. The journey from crowded city life to the slower agriculture area dotted by aboriginal villages took less than six hours.

Jothem's parents, Chris and Sherilynn Gant,  graciously allowed us to stay in their guest room. Their house overlooked the Pacific Ocean.

This is the view from the second story balcony. So without ever leaving the house, we were still able to be at the beach.

The only barrier between the Gant's yard and the joys of a beach. While this beach has a public swimming area with staffed lifeguards, we mostly had it to ourselves.

I was amazed how calm the water was the first part of our stay. Calm and clear. Even past ten feet, you could still see the bottom. 

Jothem and Jacob spent hours diving to the bottom, snorkeling, and just playing around in the water.

The calm waters made kayaking a relaxing way to enjoy the water. And despite liberally applied sunblock, we all experienced various levels of sunburn. 

Several evenings found us enjoying the full moon as the waves crashed at our feet. A bon fire was built and enjoyed. 

 As a tropical storm passed to the south of the island and a typhoon to the north, the ocean changed its mood. The water became  choppy while the waves grew bigger. This led to a different kind of fun. Jumping waves and diving into the breakers, and occasionally tumbling through the surf became the number one form of entertainment. 

Our week began sunny and calm, but by the end the Pacific was showing another side of itself. We woke up our last morning to driving rain and palm fronds whipping against the house. Different, but just as beautiful. 

With one side facing the ocean, the rest of the property is surrounded by an aboriginal village. Mostly tin and metal sheets similar to America's pole barns, house the inhabitants. Our vacation coincided with their harvest festival. Each day, chanting and singing filled the air. The final day was celebrated with singing and dancing in their traditional costumes. 

The first week of our vacation consisted of sleeping, eating, swimming, sunning, reading, and visiting with new friends. 

Or simply put- relaxation.

For that, I am grateful!