It’s a little hard to believe; both in the long-view, “Wow, I’m actually going to Taiwan again — already!!” sense; and in the short-view, “Wow, I’m actually not throwing up every hour anymore!!” sense.

I first went to Taiwan in May of 2013, almost exactly three years ago, with Shiuwen & Konghai, Stephanie, Ana, Jan, Masa, and Matthew. It seemed like an amazing, possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Then, last year, Ana (from the first trip) and @Chloé (our fellow chadō student with Margie Sensei) propositioned me with another trip idea. This time, it would be Thailand, Vietnam, and (mostly at my insistence) a few days in Taipei.

That first trip, in 2013, came on the heels of some major life upsets for me — the end of a decade-plus relationship; a cancer diagnosis, surgery, and recovery; and the decision to put PDX TEA on ice for a while, so I could get my life back together.

And the trip *did* help me get my life back together.

The second trip, in 2015, was a totally different experience, and wonderful in new, unimagined ways.

Unfortunately (but sort of fortunately, too) we ended up having to sacrifice part of our already short Taiwan time on that trip because of flight difficulties. The fortunately part was that it gave us the chance to do a whirlwind tour of Kuala Lumpur, a city I’d visit again in a heartbeat!

But now I’ve got the chance to sink my teath* into Taiwan again at a more leisurely pace.

Alas, some horrible stomach thing struck me down — almost to the hour! — two days before I was scheduled to take off from Seattle, robbing me both of my 25 Year No Barfing Streak, and of my first day of the trip. (A day Shiuwen and Jake are currently spending at beautiful Wistaria Cottage!)

But, best to get that sort of thing out of the way at home, I suppose.

And, luckily, I’m (knock on wood, fingers crossed, etc., etc.) better now, and will be in Yinnge, one of my favorite places on earth, in a few shakes of a Hello Kitty plane’s tail.

I’ll keep you posted on the trip, the renovations to PDX TEA’s new home, and other exciting tea, travel, and times.  Starting now! :D

 

* Sorry. :/ It’s probably behavior like that that made me get sick in the first place…