End of the road: Before Sinlaku

"The Red Man Teppanyaki" restaurant

For whatever reason this yummy Japanese restaurant has a politically incorrect Native twist. I have never eaten The Red Men Deluxe but I'm sure it tastes pretty darn good.

Taipei traffic cop

Dongshih fading into the night

A few images from a Taiwanese wedding

These were taken at my co-workers wedding celebration. This was a 150 + person luncheon for the brides side of the family. Most of the 12 courses were delicious!

Ghost Month as I understand it

Once a year the gate between heaven and earth opens and the ghosts stuck in limbo can return to earth for one month. Many Taiwanese people try to appease the ghosts by burning paper money and with offerings of food and drink. On the 15th of ghost month, during the blaring heat of the afternoon, prayers are said, numerous fireworks are set off and tables are set out in front of homes and places of work. The offerings are made for all to see, perhaps to indicate that they are doing their part to protect their family from those living in limbo. The living fear the ghosts. In order for a ghost to be reborn it needs to replace itself with one of the living. Only then, it can be reborn and have another chance for life on earth and a new direction in the afterlife. I have been told that there are different kinds of ghosts. Some enjoy bothering the living and like their status while others help the living by catching the pestering ghosts. Ghosts and peoples reaction to them are alive and well and the idea and stories surrounding them are fascinating for this Canadian girl