The day started off on a bad note. The effects of sunburn were beginning to creep in, coupled with extreme fatigue incurred from yesterday's beach activities. It was not exactly the best way to begin the day, but the feeling soon faded as we arrived at Yehliu Geology Park. I had a little prior knowledge on geology (the study of rocks) from lectures back home, albeit only the rudiments. Even so, the knowledge merely came from textbook photos and descriptions. I learnt about weathering and erosion of rocks, but never got an opportunity to witness the end products in real. I thought to myself: This is absolutely not the way to study geology! You not only have to see photos, you have to watch them in nature, to feel their presence right in front of you. As such, today marks another milestone in my life. It is also one which will leave lasting impressions and memories, especially when my country can never be endowed with such 'gifts from nature'. Then came the moment when the guide allowed us the freedom to roam around the park. Jessica and I took off on our heels almost immediately, with camera exchanged throughout the hour that we had on our own. There were so many scenic spots and landscape backgrounds, yet so little time to traverse the entire area. We were virtually 'running' from one spot to another, rapidly snapping shots for each other the moment we encountered a beautiful backdrop. It was like a road trip on foot, a marathon, an 'Amazing Race' game we were 'playing'. The aim was to cover as many regions as we could manage in the limited time, and gather as many shots as time permitted. The heat was searing, my skin was hurting even more badly, but adventurers never get daunted by adverse weather conditions - we go the extra mile to document our fantastic time here. This place was truly amazing, truly mesmerizing. By the time we were supposed to gather at the entrance to prepare to leave for lunch, I was so drenched in perspiration that the guide joked that I would have to work at the park for the rest of my life because I had violated the rules by crossing the red line and leaping into the sea! HAHAHA!!! What was to greet me for lunch was welcoming. A sumptuous seafood meal comprising squid, prawns, crabs, fried fish fillet and seafood soup was eventually 'polished clean' by the concerted efforts of everyone at the table. Alright, stomachs filled and ready for the next activity!
Descending from heaven!!! (Credits to Jessica for playing such as awesome role as photographer =D)
Master of levitation
Next up was the tour of the Fisheries Research Institute. It totally enhanced my impression of Taiwan as an important fishing port. Furthermore, Jack mentioned that he did his internship there, so I guess that only served to substantiate the institute's grandeur and credibility. They had groupers so huge I've never encountered them anywhere, so large that I doubt even a table of 20 is capable of finishing one. The specimen museum was even more captivating. My first encounter with a puffer fish, albeit dead and preserved, up close. In addition, the idea of using sea wildlife to generate products like cosmetics is a pretty ingenious one.
Gigantic horseshoe crab
Antagonized puffer fish
Fishing vessel
Our dinner was a dumpling affair. Although not my first time preparing my own meal, it was the first with dumplings. At the beginning, I was a little compliant and followed the steps in making a proper-looking dumpling. As it got more monotonous, we started to become slightly mischievious and came up with new innovations. Vico, in particular, got the ball rolling by adhering 3 dumpling coverings together to form a gigantic one. Then came my masterpiece, '大餃包小餃', with fish fillings in the internal dumpling covered with pork fillings outside. The whole affair was absolutely exhilarating; everyone was so amused with my antics. Richard, in particular, seemed to love dumplings a lot, for he was the only one still munching on them when all the others were already done. Now, I'm full and ready to sleep. But..... the feeling of my sunburn is gradually setting in YET AGAIN... :(
大餃包小餃
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