Wichita and the Family- Sept 24-28, 2008

I got a little homesick, so I switched some ED shifts and spent the weekend with the fam. After my night shift, on first arrival, Mommy decided we should go to the Senior Expo and despite my sleepy stupor we toured the Exploration Place and botanical gardens. I also got to reminisce with fondue and good cooking at Casey's new pad.

Oktoberfest- Sept 20, 2008

Zincinnati, as the banner read, hosts the 2nd largest Octoberfest in the world (2nd to Germany of course). The city has deep German roots and flaunts Polka music, brats, and beer at this annual street festival downtown. Tara, Brandy, Marian, and I had a great time enjoying the food and drink.

Cincinnati Wind Storm- Sept 14, 2008

1 week after the wind storm that swept all the way across middle america from Hurricane Ike, 70,000 Cincinnatians are still without electricity. Luckily ours just went out for a day, but is has caused quite the havoc on the city.

Farmer's Market- Sept 14, 2008

Literally right outside my doorstep, I can see it from my porch, is the weekly Hyde Park Farmer's Market. A small affair, it's got scrumptious organic veggies, cheeses, breads, and other random delights. Dawn, Patty, and I decided to take advantage of our Sunday off and get some food.

Last day in Taiwan- Sept 12, 2008

I was horribly sad to be leaving Taiwan and my family, so the last day was bittersweet. I did enjoy the family-style meal at home to finish off the trip and everyone was there making it that much better. Plus, my aunt is a great cook. :)

National Cheng Kung University- Sept 9, 2008

National Cheng Kung University is the #2 university in Taiwan and is the alma mater and the place where my parents met, so it was interesting to see and imagine my parents young. Apparently it's changed quite a lot though in the last almost 40 years.

Tainan, Taiwan- Sept 9, 2008

Tainan, "City in South Taiwan," is the old capital and only a short 1h40m bullet train ride from Taipei, much shorter than the 10h train ride that my parents used to have to take to return to school after holidays. It is also a cultural epicenter of Taiwan as it houses many old temples and gates.