Monday, January 5, 2009

holidaze

Apparently this is a busy time of year no matter where in the world you are! I just had a four-day weekend for New Year's, and the rest was very welcome. I had ambitions of traveling to an island for the weekend, but was much too broke and much too tired after Christmas. We had to have parties in every class, and on top of that I had several demos and Parent's Nights this past month.

We had one day off for Christmas, and a few friends and I escaped to Beitou, a mountain town just north of Taipei, famous for their hot springs. After a relaxing soak, we had Christmas dinner at Macaroni Grill in Taipei and walked around Taipei 101.


Choosing the right hot spring--so many options!


The healing waters... mmm....


About $7.50 for a half hour soak in peace and quiet. So worth it!


Downtown Taipei
Some high schoolers wanted pictures with the foreigners for their Christmas albums :)


By far the cutest thing I saw on Christmas... little Rudolph and Santa Claus brothers!


Gingerbread Taipei 101
Almost like New York City! :)
It was a nice Christmas. A few of my friends here exchanged some gifts and I also got to Skype with my family and open presents "together," and carry on our tradition of affirming each other when we give gifts. It was hard to be away from my family, but at the same time, it was a Christmas I will never forget.

I hope your holidays were peaceful and spent with those you love.

2 comments:

Maria said...

(an 80 year old elly telling her grandkids) "....i think that was 2008 when i was in Tapeii for Christmas.....or was it Costa Rica for New Years? i'm not sure...."

elly said...

haha... and this is why i need to write a book! i'm gonna be such a cool grandmother. ;-)