You never really understand just how hard it is going to be living in a country when you don't know the language. I definitely knew it wouldn't be easy, and at times would even be a little uncomfortable. I don't think I realized just how much of the time here I would feel that way. I think the only play I don't feel uncomfortable is in my apartment!! But, eventually as I learn more Chinese and I get a little more settled in my new home, I am sure that feeling will lessen.
I went to the Chang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. First, I went to the memorial. It's all white and has a bit of an octagonal shape, which is meant to go along with the number 8 (which in Asia is often associated with good fortune and abundance.)
One of the coolest things about it are the stairs on the side. Each side has 89 stairs that lead up to the monument. The 89 steps symbolize the age of Chang Kai-Shek when he died.
Inside the hall is a huge bronze monument of Chang Kai-Shek, and right above him are the Chinese characters for Ethics, Democracy, and Science. There are also inscriptions that read: The purpose of life is to improve the general life of humanity and The meaning of life is to create and sustain subsequent lives in the universe. (Looked that up -- obviously I did not read it when I was there).
So, back to me "figuring" things out. At one point, everyone started gathering around these two soldiers. I thought for a minute to ask someone what is going on, but being consumed by my inability to even try Chinese (as if I know it) I decided not to ask. Maybe I can read it somewhere, I thought. Negative...all the signs were in Chinese only. So...I just waited.
Then, I saw that they were doing some type of hourly relieving of the guards. The soldiers marched in and slowly relieved the other ones who stood there for an hour...not moving at all. They were like stone. The soldiers marched off the podiums they were standing on, and marched over to the large statue of Chang Kai-Shek and saluted him. Then the new ones marched over the the podiums and took over.
It was definitely an interesting thing to watch. The soldiers did not move at all, and were so precise with their marching. It was quite amazing.
After this, I walked out to the balcony of the monument hall, and boom...check out this view!
I could hear that there was music playing, and a bunch of people gathered...so I was curious to find out what was going on. There were quite a few things going on. First, I stopped at a biking and skating convention of some sort. I wish I knew exactly what it was, but...I can't. It was kind of cool seeing these guys do some stunts though. So I sat on the steps and watched the competition!
After about an hour of watching this competition, I headed over to the other side of this space, and there were all these little food booths. Again...I have no idea why, or if they are just there every weekend, but it was pretty cool. I did pass stinky tofu...and I almost passed out. I don't know how anyone can eat that!!
I ended up getting some seafood and a fresh lemon drink...all for around 100 NTD, which is about $3. So, I sat on the steps and had my lunch! Quite a nice day!! :)
Nice view, isn't it!?
So, even though I didn't know exactly what was going on today...it sure didn't stop me from enjoying it! Even if I am a little homesick!
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