Street outside of Taipei



Yep, that is squid on a stick

Wulai Falls

Anna's first taste of ice cream



""World's best beer." After a bazillion stairs carrying a baby in 70% humidity, I agree!

What a busy day. We are so tired. We visited Wu Lai Falls and the village today. It is an aboriginal village. We saw a 1-hour show, something like the Polynesian Cultural Center. The first thing that struck me was how much influence they must have had on Hawaii. The show told the tribe's story but was very modern with the lights and sound. We all went up on stage and Matt and I were pulled forward for part of the marriage ceremony. We thought we might be marrying each other, but we are now married into the tribe. That explains the Asian kids, huh?

We had a traditional lunch of multiple dishes, including fish with their heads still on. Mr. Yeh was great again and held Anna while we ate. The waitresses kept coming up and taking her from him. Taiwan is so baby crazy. Even older businessmen come up to the babies.

We took a gondola ride to the top of the falls and, from there, 251 steps to the bottom of the "amusement" park. It's not much of a thrill park, just a few kiddie rides. We walked around and found the "Fresh Beer." I usually don't like beer, but after climbing 350-400 steps with Anna, it tasted really good and cold. The server thinks we are all crazy taking pictures of the sign, "World's best beer," and "suckers," aka straws.

Another street market on the way home. This time, squid on a stick, more steamed buns with meat on the inside, and grilled rice cake on a stick with chocolate and strawberry sauce.

It's amazing how much Anna has blossomed. She will go willingly to anyone and sleep in Mr. Yeh's arms for several hours, but no one else gets the smiles and laughs. She clearly now wants "Mommy". Her new game this afternoon was looking at me, and when I made a kissing noise, she would lean forward and give me a "kiss" and then start laughing. They were really open-mouth slobbers, but we both had fun.

When she first came to us, she just looked at us and gave a few half smiles. Now, it's all giggles and full smiles. She is so much more animated and open. She is very happy and fusses only when wet or hungry. She is totally spoiled and wants to be held by me all the time. She refused most of her bottles today but stuffed herself with the steamed bread. She would pull my hand towards her to get the next piece. I think "real" food is what she has either been having or wants to have.

Tomorrow, we're off to the north coast of Taiwan, and we'll go shopping at the Jade Market in the evening. Only 2 more full days and we head home. Can't wait to see Ryan!