For some reason, I am drawn to windows and doors.
I enjoy looking at old doors and windows. There is something calming about them. And, something mysterious too--what is on the other side? How many people have looked out that window or walked through that door?
I also LOVE the old city gates that are sprinkled throughout the cities of Taiwan.
Last week, when Ellen and I were in Kenting, we stopped for little bit and enjoyed the old east and south gates as well as the old city wall.
One of the greatest benefits of teaching college in Taiwan is winter vacation!!
I turned in grades for the fall semester sometime mid-January, and classes for the spring semester don't start until March first. So, that means I am right now half way through my eight week winter vacaion.
Last week, my best friend and I went to Kenting. We watched the sunset twice on White Sands Beach, enjoyed lots of yummy food, and crossed a mountain on a moped in the rain. We also dipped our toes into the Pacific Ocean, and even though we were soaking wet we had a picnic on a cliff overlooking the most souhern tip of the island.
Ellen and I had a blast!
More pictures here, and more coming soon.
My mission team has monthly meetings in downtown Kaohsiung. The place where we meet is on the 10th or 11th floor--these are two pictures I took from that meeting room at sunset.
These are all the pictures I have on hand that show you the view from my windows.
I love windows and doors, so as I keep taking pictures from the other windows I pass or from homes I stay in, I will share them with you. :)
And of course, if you take a picture from your window . . . please do share your view with me!
Although the views from my classrooms and office are wonderful, the view from the windows in my home are a little . . . well, they remind me that I live on a tiny, over-populated island. Below are the views from my living room and my bedroom windows, that's right, as my guest, you actually have the best view of all from the windows in my home!
Oh, how observant of you--that's right. That is a street lamp right there outside my bedroom window! And, no, it doesn't keep me up at night because I have bamboo shades that keep out ALL light! But, thanks for asking and being concerned!
**UPDATED to ADD** The "bars" on the windows box in the window ledges. I have two theories as to why they so many home here have them. Theory one: they extend the "space" of the house--many people keep plants or hang clothes to dry in these spaces. Theory two: when you live so close to your neighbors, it would be very easy for a theif to jump on to your (al beit) small balcony and then climb in thru the window--the bars/wire grid prevents this from happening. All grids on my windows and laundry porch do however have another little "window" with hinges that supposedly open if unlocked (but, I've never actually tried). Interesting, huh?
The view from my office is also quite awesome! I love walking in and pulling back the curtains.
Wanna see why?
It is not always quite so beautiful though.
Below you can see the same basic view from my office window--before, during, and after a rainstorm.
Ok, so here is a much better view than from my guest bedroom!
I love the view from my writing classroom!!
Isn't it great!?!
It is a wonder I am still able to teach when I'd like to be gazing out the window!
Sandy is a IRL friend who is also a college teacher, tentmaking here in Taiwan. She and her husband have been in Taiwan about a two and a years, but she just started blogging! Check out her new Neipu Notebook.
Actually, the Bells have been blogging for awhile, but their blog is a "new to me" blog. Jackie and Fran are missionaries to Taiwan (have been here since 2000). I've been enjoying their blog and view of Taiwan from the north side, maybe you will too. Check out TheBellSite . . . from Texas to Taiwan (Hey! that sounds familar)!
