The Calla Lilies of Bamboo Lake (Zhuzihu)

Since last Saturday, our Pday, was spent all day on repairs and deliveries, we took Wednesday off (the best weather day of the week) and went to Yangmingshan National Park to visit the Zhuzihu farms. Famed for its calla lily fields, we took off hoping to successfully navigate to our destination. 

We took the MRT for about 30 minutes (full of face mask travelers)......

then found the Xiao 9 mini bus (which was packed full, but they let us push our way on) to begin the one hour journey up the mountain to the farm area. The little bus wound its way up the road, stopping to let more people on, and more, until there was just no way anyone else could possibly fit.

Yangmingshan National Park includes the Taiwan-famed calla lily fields. The annual Taiwan Calla Lily Festival is just a few weeks away. Around 45 calla lily farms grace this gentle valley, along with a variety of vegetable and flower farms each waiting their seasonal turn for full harvest.

Once to our destination, we spilled out of the bus and began to explore. Zhuzihu (bamboo lake) is actually an ancient volcano-formed lake now dry, turned into fertile farms for mild climate flowers and vegetables. It’s also an extremely popular Taiwanese tourist spot, thus the over-crowded Xiao 9. 

The cherry blossoms were just starting to come out.

We got there a little ahead of the crowds. Although two weeks too early for the full bloom of the Calla Lily fields, we still were able to wander through and around beautiful calla lily farms stretching out all throughout the volcano valley.

People come to pick and buy flowers, or for great photo shoots, or just to enjoy the fresh air and mountain views. The calla lilies here grow in watery flooded fields, a little like rice. There are Flower Festivals throughout the year which bring in thousands of visitors.

I love the terraced farming. Pictures just don’t do justice.

The volcano still has live steam vents.

We stopped at a spot that had an outdoor restaurant with greenhouse style dining halls to accommodate the crowds. We were assigned the “B” hall. It’s always hard for us to know what to order, till they brought us an English menu.

Bringing the menu did not make the choice easier (!!!), so we erred on the side of caution and stayed with vegetarian – sweet potato fries and a tofu dish. 

Then we sampled the famous Taiwanese fried ice cream for dessert. Interesting and fun, but not particularly noteworthy for repeating.

The steep terrain often gets cemented in along the roads, each slope getting registered with it's own ID number.  What?  You don't register your slopes???
                    Moss and ferns grow out from the cemented slope.

 An orchid blossoms on a tagged slope.

Bamboo growing up alongside a creek. Actually, it grows everywhere here. 
Thus the name - Bamboo Lake.

We took a path through the velvety lush forest surrounding the farms. 

After exploring and enjoying the peaceful beauty of the valley, it was time to leave all this serenity behind and return to Taipei. We needed to get back to the city to lead our weekly our English Group. 


The peace of the lily farms will continue to inspire and rejuvenate us for weeks to come. 

The Coronavirus – Taipei Missionary Style

Worlds away from Taipei, like in the United States and other countries, news 

broadcasts mention the new strain of virus circumventing the globe, and some people may give it very little further thought.

After all, Asia has had big flu challenges before. But here in Asia this current one is on everyone’s mind.

To all those affected in any part of the world, but especially to the dear people of China, our hearts go out to you during this difficult time. 

The coronavirus is a hot topic in Taiwan 

and Asia, with rumors, fake news, true news, old news, up to date news, hysteria, complacency, and the full range of 

emotions and reactions in between. 

The uncertainty of how it will all play out draws the imaginations of many, while the medical and science communities are scrambling to produce solid, defined answers and solutions.

Meanwhile, countries around the globe are finding ways to protect themselves and their people. Here in Taipei, life is pretty much as normal, with some notable exceptions. These are only ones that we have seen personally. We cannot speak for the whole country.

Whether it is proven to be helpful or not, the majority of people are wearing face masks these days. The rush on face masks makes it a little challenging to find them in the stores. 

Seems the dogs don't have to wear masks yet! 
This little guy gets a snuggly ride in the subway. 

So far life still goes on almost as normal, so we took some time to shop at our favorite outdoor market not too far from our apartment. This was last week, and already many people were beginning to wear face masks in public. 

Schools from high school on down are now closed until February 25^th . Today I saw a man buying a number of self study elementary school books – possibly for some home study work for a child?

Hand sanitizer is nearly impossible to find in any store – all sold out. Fortunately for the mission, three boxes containing large bottles of hand sanitizer were delivered to the mission office today. Washing hands is being reminded continually. It's the number one recommended method of keeping safe and healthy. Wash, wash wash!!  

Face masks are also extremely hard to find – but again the mission office has three boxes – pink, blue and black ones – a timely donation by someone in Taipei. People are always looking after the missionaries.

The temple, while still open, now requires everyone attending the temple to wear a face mask. We are requested to bring our own rather than rely on the temple to provide them. But if you show up without one they will graciously provide one from their precious, limited stock. The temple will also take your temperature and have you sanitize your hands before you go in. 

As friendly missionaries, we are instructed to please refrain from handshaking and hugging, at least until this whole thing begins to settle down. We can do “elbow bumps” though! And you have to work hard to detect someone’s smile – we have to smile more brightly through our eyes!

They made their matching skirts!

Two of our sister missionaries with one of their friends after a fireside at church.

And in public, the far majority of people are wearing face masks. 
Staying safe and being careful here in Taiwan! Blessings to everyone as we weather this storm.