a lazy diarist, i am (part i)
You'll have to excuse Yoda for keeping a blank travel journal; don't you know that the best thing about travelling is doing it and not writing about it. Yet even a wimpy explorer would like to brag about what he/she has or has not actually done. Here are a few notes happening between 13/07/05 to 19/07/05.
I had a strong craving for Chinese snacks before I came home, but after a meal with my mum there, we agree that its quality is wearing thin. The dumplings were bland and the chicken was dry, or maybe it has lost its novelty. However, still thumb's up for Ding Tai Feng's efficient service that, I dare say, cannot be compared to anywhere in the world. It is our strange habit to ask for a lot of freshly grated ginger, and the waitresses always gladly accede to our request.
Here I present Dad's bookshop. Established earlier in February, this store claims to be the first bookshop that solely sells books printed in simplified Chinese. In every inch and corner you shall find Dad's ideas of what he wanted the space to look like. The trolleys are an example--Dad dreaming of people buying trolleys of books home. I am impressed by the cover designs and bindings done by Chinese publishing houses, not the old, shabby papers I remembered they were.
My dear childhood doctor who has looked after me since I was 8, and boy was I a weakling, (certainly not one now!) His clinic is known for giving mild medicine and displays a large fish tank. Dr Tsai was quite embarrassed when Mum took this photo.
Dad's younger brother and his wife invited us to this Japanese restaurant in Taichung. Their boys are cute but also remind you not to have children: a chaotic starter when one of them broke a bowl and then immediately got told off. There were 10 courses, beginning with a ship-shaped dish filled with only 10% raw fish and 90% ice. Luckily, the following dishes were less decorative and more fulfilling.
Went to yet another Japanese restaurant with relatives on a typhoon holiday--thank God this natural disaster did not ruin my chances of having free meals and meeting friendly old faces. Prices were pretty expensive but cousin M opted for the feast on the menu nonetheless, whilst Mum ordered us to pick something less grand because someone else was paying. Mum also has a tendency to bring her huge scarf to restaurants during summer, or she will tell the waitress to turn off the AC altogether. Discussion during lunch was centred on M and his lovely K's wedding, and my brother giving silly suggestions to younger cousins on school applications.