Sorry for the silence. We’ve been travelling and then upon arrival jumped in with both feet – not to mention “not so great” internet access. We are getting into a routine now and the bugs seem to be worked out with the internet so maybe the postings will resume.
Today while I was out getting lunch I came across the grand opening of a new “restaurant.” I don’t think they have a “dining room”, I believe it is take out only (which is just as well, most are so small they only hold 10 persons). Since I don’t read characters I don’t its name. From the pictures it looks like a typical “bien dang” place to me. They serve a take out meal in a rectangular box consisting of rice, (usually) bony meat (pork or chicken), and your choice of veggies & or tofu.
Just before the “band” began to play they were burning fake money in the device with the chimney that is just to the left of the far left drummer. Then they set off several strings of firecrackers. The flowers are typical of opening a new business. I suppose it is friends or vendors wishing the owners success. Exciting times!
I went into a folder of pictures taken in the past for this one. This is at the Grand Hotel. A really nice, large, well known hotel with very distinct architecture. The picture is actually facing away from the hotel, looking out over Taipei. You can see the Shin Kong department store bldg (second tallest in Taipei) on the left. The structure on the right is a gate which covers the entrance to the hotel area.
I sought and received permission to pass along a copy of a brief newsletter that I receive monthly. I will do my best to begin posting here it each month. It is informative and inspiring. If you click on the picture you will be taken to the newsletter. Enjoy!
This week in BSF we have been studying Romans 10:13-21. It’s all about sharing the gospel. This is what our “job” is all about. When we see things like those pictured below our hearts break for the people of Taiwan and China. Believe it or not, even in today’s world of internet access and email, there are MILLIONS of people who have never heard the good news of Jesus Christ and His love for them. Instead they continue to place their energy, efforts, trust, and hopes in all the wrong things.
These small “mini temples”? are found in many neighborhoods – this one was adjacent to a roadside park overlooking the ocean. People come here to worship/honor ancestors and other gods.
Sorry, just one more sign. Then I’ll stop for a while. This is in the same garage as this one. I’ve highlighted the weirdness, lest you miss it 
For you foreigners 25cm x 10cm is roughly 10in x 4in – this is BIG baggage? (They are telling you to put it in one of their lockers if it’s bigger than that). Beetlenut is the Asian equivalent of chewing tobacco except it turns you whole mouth, including teeth, bright red and it gives the chewer a buzz.
