Here are some pictures taken from the roof of the building I live in. Enjoy!

Here is a picture of me at one of the many temples in Taiwan. Today Justin and I went here so that I could get a glimpse of the religious practices of Taiwan. I only got a picture of the outside because I felt that it would be disrespectful to take a picture of the inside of the temple. Inside the temple there were tables upon tables filled with food (as an offering to the gods) as well as lots of incense and statues.

Yesterday, there was a big hurricane in Taipei, so I didn't get to do much outside or get any pictures. Engrid, her friend, Justin, and I went to a district filled with department stores and looked around at the different stores there. One of the stores was a tree-story bookstore! I found a copy of the book 1984 and picked it up for only 180 NT (about five or six dollars)! After that, we had a delicious dinner at home, and Engrid, Hank, Justin, and I taught each other card games. Not bad for a rainy day!

This is a picture of the entire family at the harbour in Keelung City. Isn't the ocean beautiful?

This building that is decked out in advertisements houses what is known as a cram school. These cram schools take place after the regular school day (from 7-10pm) and teach a variety of subjects, a popular one being English. Students go to these cram schools in order to study for important exams that will get them into a good college.

This is my room. It is clean, cozy, and comfortable. What more could you ask for?

Due to the request of my family (back in the USA), I will do my best to explain what this shrine, for lack of a better word, is. As you may or may not know, the main religions in Taiwan are Buddhism, Taoism, and Chinese folk religions. Usually, however, people and families will blend these religions together. After taking into account the blending of religions in Taiwan, over probably about 95 percent of people here on the island are some form of Buddhist/Taoist/Chinese folk religion religion. The family that I am in is primarily Taoists, with a smaller blend of Buddhism and Chinese folk religion. The shrine in their home is to honor their ancestors and their Gods. Every morning and evening, they perform a ritual know as "bi-bi". This involves replacing the water in the cups in front and the lighting of incense. Not every family does this in Taiwan, but many do. I will try to touch more on the religious practices of Taiwan in my later posts!