Happy Fourth of July, Let's Go to the Beach

I didn't realize that today was Independence Day. I wonder what everyone at home did...or rather will do, seeing as it's 9 am in Chicago now. What I did with BACT was not celebrate, of course. Although I do think it'd be nice to watch some fireworks. The last show I saw was earlier this summer in Chicago. It was just lucky timing that I happened to come across the show at Navy Pier.

Our tour of King Car Orchid greenhouses was much shorter and less detailed than I expected. Orchids are one of my favorite flowers, so I was disappointed to hear that our lecture on Phalaenopsis was canceled. When I love someone or something I can talk to them or hear about it for hours.

Phalaenopsis amabilis aka Grandma Orchid

Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi

The rooms were set at a range of temperatures

Usually Orchids flower at lower temperatures, so there's a cooler room to imitate night temps. Felt nice!

Japan is where Taiwan exports most of their orchids to. In the greenhouses, I saw so many different kinds and forms of orchids that I've never laid eyes on. Some are endemic to Taiwan. I have learned a new word while here. Endemic means that a species develop in biologically isolated areas. Taiwan being an island, this makes sense.

Our guide showing us the extensive roots

Which is more beautiful...
The orchids or my friend JiLing?
It's a tough call

Then of course we ate a large meal at King Car's Cafe. Besides having orchids as one of their main products, they also make eighty percent of Taiwan's coffee. Sounds pretty close to a monopoly to me. I was tempted to purchase some for my father (a big coffee drinker). Instead, my plan is to take the small packets that they put out from every hotel that we sleep in. I'm such a cheapskate. 

The trail down to Cingshui Cliff

Where the mountains meet the sea

Next to the coast! After a steep walk down to the shore, we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. This was my second time to stand on Taiwan's beach. I must say, it's much different from the first time I saw the sea. They aren't even the same body of  water. Still both were beautiful.
I think it's very special to see mountains right next to the ocean. Not so common in the states. It also makes for great views while we've been traveling along the mountain cliffs.

The ground beside Cingshui Cliff is covered in rocks ranging from stones to small pebbles. 

Perfect for skipping! Not perfect for walking comfortably.

What was next on the schedule? More eating! A large dinner in Hualian was followed by exploring their night market. Night markets are becoming one of my favorite parts of my trip. Whether it's food or clothing doesn't matter to me. Browsing with my eyes and nose has been excellent. 

Among other things we tried the watermelon. Very juicy, but I think I could survive on the mangoes here. For a little while. A note on table manners...although spitting out seeds or bones in America might be seen as rude, here it's common. Slurping, sipping, and spitting out is a-okay. That's good with me.