Breakfast, birds, bullocks, banquet, baffling bamboo, brellas, brew & beers!

Hola to all our followers.
Catching up on blog and is getting late here in Taiwan, so apologies for poor form on blog!

We were told it was going to be another "quiet" day so were fully prepared for the day.

We started with traditional take away breakfast at a popular local shop- Karalyn was asking for coffee - based on yesterdays "quiet" day, she was going to need it.

The team then went bird watching for Pitta Birds.... No birds (just out of season), which was a pitty (boom, boom toush!) so we watched a DVD instead.

We then headed to a Water Musuem to learn about Taiwan's agriculture and irrigation systems learning about the history and culture of water management in Taiwan- was very informative.

Lunch seemed to come oh to soon! A banquet followed and we were, yet again, busting at the seams following another splendid banquet.

Next stop was a bamboo shop which included some truly amazing craftmanship with bamboo. The highlight was the puzzles, which the owner took great pleasure in everyone failing, while trying to crack the secrets. This included applying pressure, at a certain angle, and sliding certain elements, including secret sliding latches to open boxes. What a great cookie jar this would make!

We then headed to an umbrella factory to learn the history and various designs of umbrellas. Who would of thought there is so much to learn- wind resistance, UV protection, durability. So many types- ones with extendable golf ball scoops at the end, ones with fans, ones for the bike, ones with torches. It was the Bubba Gump Shrimp of Umbrellas!

Team was then geared up to learn about tea making in Taiwan. This included the traditional way of drinking tea in Taiwan. A packet of tea leaves sells for up to $150! We were able to sample this fine tea.. however James prefers his $5 Bushells!

We then headed for a Chinese dinner with Taiwanese beer- James and Ed did very well and we were very concerned about our drivers BAC! It was a big relief to find out that we had been assigned designated drivers... as if the roads in Taiwan are not scary enough!

Regards TM1, 2 & 3

Adios amigos!