Guguan Hot Springs

We heard tell of hot springs. Guguan, a small town nestled in the mountains east of Fengyuan, is locally renowned for its springs and a popular resort destination for the Taiwanese. The allure was certainly enough to merit a day trip.

Guguan is situated along a river that snakes through the canyon, sheltered on both sides by mountains veiled in green. A beautiful contrast to the now familiar sites of Fengyuan. We set off immediately to learn more about the hot springs. Following a trail outside the Guguan visitor's center, we wound our way down to the river and discovered a large foot bridge extending to the far side. The sign, roughly translated into English, is classic Taiwan! This country is littered with awesome translations on signs, menus, everything, all catered to the anglophone visitor. Something you need to be here to fully appreciate I think.

On the opposite side of the river, we had no luck locating the hot springs we sought. In the interest of time, we returned to get more information, also affording us an opportunity to tour the town. It is quaint, for Taiwan. A small number of shops lined the main street, a few with large fish tanks on display that immediately caught my eye. Like the pretty fish? Step right behind into the restaurant and you can have your pick of the bunch!

The more people we conversed with in town, the more we began to understand. Our idea of hot springs did not exactly equate with the Taiwanese idea. Where we envisioned natural pools, slippery rocks, and sulfur, the locals know only spas - perhaps heated by thermal springs if you're lucky, but what does that matter really? No wonder everyone we asked kept directing us to the hotels. In vain we tried to indicate that we thought we should be heading deeper into the mountains.

Not that the idea of a spa was entirely unappealing. In fact, we soon embraced the alternative and began searching for a reasonably priced place. Spas abound in Guguan, almost to rival restaurants. In the end, we were more than happy to pay a relative pittance for admission to a decent spa with a spectacular view. Five pools of varying temperature. Jets, high-pressure showers, and sauna. Two hours of perfect relaxation. I slept like a baby on the bus ride back home.

A Tribute

On their birthday, I pay special tribute to my beloved parents whose guidance and affection have led me to where I am. I do not attempt to relate the storied history of events and seeming coincidences that eventually crossed such disparate paths as theirs. Suffice it to say, they came from different worlds. On December 30, 1969 those worlds converged in an celestial union, marking the birth of a new family.

To my parents I owe everything. Their nuturing and affection have defined, and redefined my character with unerring constancy.

My father has been, and remains to this day the consummate example in my life. Indefatigably cheerful and selfless, genuinely humble and sincere, he is distinguished by both personal conviction and unwavering faith. The quality of his character is readily attested by any in his acquaintence. I remember him teaching me to pray as a young boy. Kneeling together at my bedside, my prayers were always followed with his amens, approvingly and authoritatively voiced in such a manner that I was certain my petitions were heard in the heavens. To this day, I can distinctly recall those amens - often still I echo them silently in conclusion to my most sincere supplications. My father also taught me the value of service, that it's rewards are manifestly multiplied when performed gladly and motivated by love. Opportunities to reach out were never ignored.

What can be written to justly honor my mother? How can I describe the absolute courage and devotion of a woman willing to separate herself from family and country in pursuit of a new found faith? Of much of her life prior to marriage, I am shamefully ignorant. My memories and impressions of her as a mother, however, are vast and replete with love, respect, and admiration. As a young woman she was beautiful indeed. Years of virtuous living and unvarying devotion have only rendered her more so. Amiable and affectionate by nature, she taught me to cherish and serve others. She encourgaed me to work hard, consistently supporting me in my duties and responsibilities. Most of all, however, I am grateful for her resolute testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Her faith is vibrant, and it is a source of constant strength to me, even removed as I am to the far side of the globe.

To my parents - it is now consecutive years that I have been abroad on this occasion. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for who you are, for what you've taught me, and for how you continue to support me in all of my endeavors. I love you.

Affectionately, Your Son

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial

Last weekend afforded an opportunity for a short visit to Taipei. With absolutely no prior experience in Taiwan's capitol, my roommate and I decided to explore the nearby Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall during our few free afternoon hours. We eagerly set out on foot, trusting to recognize the reknowned site neither before beheld by either.

Recognize it we did. Standing on the corner of a large intersection, debating the possibility of having received poor directions, we lifted our eyes and observed a scene both had managed to overlook only 30 seconds previous. Directly opposite us stretched an elaborate white and blue-trimmed wall encompassing a beautiful city park, easily imagined to canvas the entire city block. Rising distantly above the treeline, an ornate roof bespoke the presence of a magnificent structure situated deeper within the walled grounds. Our steps were immediately bent toward it.



We meandered forward, admiring the extensive variety of shrubbery and appreciating the relief of shade. The enormous building loomed before us on the far side of the garden. We approached from the rear of the memorial, unexposed to the full grandeur of the scene about to be discovered. The hall is impressive indeed - a fortress of immaculate white stone standing atop an elevated base, itself at least two stories high. The majestic pagoda roof, upon close inspection, is of the most intricate design, and looks almost as if built entirely of, well, legos. Inside the hall sits a daunting statue of the late President. The woodwork decorating the ceiling above is simply awesome.

Continuing to the front of the hall, the full scale of the C.K.S. Memorial Park was soon revealed in a breathtaking panorama. The park occupies several city blocks, by conservative estimate, in both breadth and width. From the base of the memorial hall extends the Boulevard of Homage, a broad stone thoroughfare flanked by symmetrically manicured gardens. The far end of the Boulevard joins to the east side of the expansive C.K.S. Square. Exactly opposite on the west end stands the park's main gate, the striking 30-meter high Gate of "Great Centrality and Perfect Uprightness." On the north and south sides are located the National Concert Hall and the National Theater respectively. Awed and in no hurry to move on, we readily passed an hour, and more, surveying the many remarkable sites.

Our brief tour of the capitol also allowed a visit to the Taipei Taiwan Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nestled quietly in the midst of another otherwise frenzied neighborhood, the Temple contrasts sharply against the surrounding city blocks. The grounds, though restricted in size, possess the signature elegance common to all temples scattered throughout the many corners of the globe. A special spirit shrouds this beautiful edifice.