Day 17: Buddhist Education Center, Guandu Temple, and Beitou Library

We accompanied the students of Yong-Ping high school to the Tzu Chi Buddhist organization.  The Buddhist organization provides social and community services, medical care, education, and humanism all over the world.  

I'm also happy to report that there is another Jackie on the trip!  Kelly and Jim are now staying with Jackey #3 for their homestay. They have numbered us to keep track of things and yes, they do call us, Jacki #1, Jackie #2, and Jackey #3. Seen below, we are holding up our numbers.

L to R: Jackey #3, Jackie #2, and Jacki #1

Jackey #3 is a riot. We got a kick out of trying to "Americanize" him.  He is such a fun-loving guy and we had so much fun with him.  

Jackey #3 posing in what he calls his "American guy" stance

The Buddhist foundation is also dedicated to conservation and recycling - the students embarked on some recycling efforts that day as well.

Students of Yong Ping recyling

On the way to the bus, I came across this adorable little white fluff ball.  I can't resist taking pictures of cute little dogs while I'm here - poodles and Shi Tzu's are very popular here, I've only come across one Yorkie.  It makes me miss my little guy Nemo.

Arf Arf Arf

Our next stop of the day was at Guandu temple.  Although not as famous as Longshan, it is an incredible temple that once again, displays the beautiful and intricate detail of Taiwanese architecture.

Guandu temple

The temple was built for Matzu, goddess of the sea, but like the other temples, it houses many deities.  Seen below is a Happy Buddha - many believe that if you rub his belly it will bring you happiness, prosperity and wealth.

Happy Buddha

Guandu is a very large temple - we had to climb several flights of stairs to reach the top, but once we did, we had some amazing views of the city below. 

View from the top of Guandu temple

After the temple, we were dying of thirst so wee stopped and got some soda pop that is very popular in Taiwan.  We were so happy to be refreshed - the picture taken below is with Principal Lee of Yong Ping High School and an history teacher.

Taking a break with some pop

After the temple, we hopped on the bus and headed to Beitou Library.  Although a library, this was my favorite stop of the day.  Beitou is considered to be one of the top 25 most beautiful libraries in the world! The library is an eco-friendly building built with "green" architecture and reusable material.  


Beautiful Beitou library

I would love to have studied inside this library!

The open windows allow more natural light, and the rooftop is surfaced with solar panels to turn sunlight into electricity. 

Posing with the teachers of Yong Ping High School outside Beitou Library

After an exhausting and busy day, Jacki, Kelly and I stopped at a great Thai restaurant before heading back to our host families.  On my way home, we weaved through a local night market and Wendy and her mom treated me to a Taiwanese favorite, shaved ice.



Taiwanese shaved ice