I'm learning more about Taiwan (formerly Formosa) as the kids continue their 10-day tour of the island. The rugged interior is mountainous, with many peaks over 10,000 feet, giving the country both tropical and alpine climate zones. Most of the population lives along the coast.
Those trails the kids are hiking to hidden waterfalls have been used for centuries to move goods by backbreaking labor across the country. This northwest region is famous for mining, fishing, waterfalls, nature and hot springs.
During the Japanese occupation, the local inhabitants were forced into slavery in the gold mines and most died. This country has known terrible suffering.
Formosa was eventually liberated by the allied forces, and after the Japanese surrender, it was placed under the People's Republic of China. Then a different war began for democracy and independence, which continues to this day (but that's another story.)
They are staying at a hot springs hotel, so I expect pictures of beautiful young people frolicking in the local mineral water. On this dreary day in Seattle, we will view that with some jealousy. This amazing experience for 15 and 16 years olds seems almost unimaginable to people our age. We took high school field trips to potato chip factories and the Colorado State Mental Hospital. Occasionally the Denver Museum of Natural History to marvel at the dioramas.
Don't get me wrong, the experience is wonderful! But 99.9% of kids in the world can only dream of a trip like this with their friends. And such a long, long way from wintertime in the Methow Valley...
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