Window on George

On the 4th of 5th day of the New Year ( I lost count!) certain foods just HAVE TO be eaten. The sun was out after a week of bitter cold, and everyone had the same idea I had: Go to Bagua Shan and eat eat eat! The Taiwan Pork Sausage.   Its sweet. With hints of 5 spice. You can have it on its own, or as the dog of a hot dog. The smell drives one crazy!   Next to the bbq was a heap of fat garlic cloves. She asked me if I wanted some.  I nodded eagerly. She peeled the garlic clove with a cleaver that could chop beef ribs into shards. I thought she was going to push the garlic into the sausage, or rub it like on toast. But then she offered me the whole clove, and gestured that I should eat it raw. No thanks, just give me my sausage! Can you imagine biting into one of these? I just took the photo and went to the next temptation. A traditional snack that you will always find on Bagua Shan, come rain or shine. I tasted it...

Changhua's only claim to fame is the Big Buddha on Bagua mountain. This time I discovered the BLUE buddhas in the basement floor of the temple. I wonder if my old Taiwan friends know about them. What a precious gift!   A perfectly clear day in Taiwan.  Well, almost.   There are mountains on the horizon behind the clouds, but when last did you see the city bathed in so much sunlight? It's one of my favourite sun spots in Changhua, and the perfect place for lunch.

Red is the official lucky colour for Chinese New Year. Don't blink. You only see these items once a year. These RADISHES are painted to make them stand out more. Salvias on Bagua mountain. The Mandarin.  Most loved symbol of all. You haven't lived until you've tasted Taiwan's strawberries! They melt in the mouth. This is not for Valentine's Day.   It's Chinese New Year! Sweet tomatoes stuffed with preserved prunes. Every front door has to display lucky couplets. 8 is a poes lucky number. I ate my street chicken and deep fried yams with basil  here.  That's the taste of my Taiwan. Night market friends with lucky hair. Last minute rush to buy lucky flowers. New Year's eve. Every single fruit is decorated by hand.   Taiwan's pineapples are sweet and mild, not acidic at all. Strawberries with a choice of 3 toppings. I went for the Hershey...