Earthquake!!

And quite a big one! 6.8 on the Richter scale. The epicenter was in Hualien, which is in the middle east part of Taiwan. In Taipei that still caused a shock of 4 on the Richter scale. I must say that is high enough for me... It's weird to see your tv rocking around and to see the hanging lamp swinging quite severe. I'm happy though we have a special shock absorbing system. But that also made the building swing a bit longer.

I know Taiwan will have a lot of earthquakes, since it is right on top of two tectonic plates crashing into each other. But this was probably the strongest earthquake this year.

But enough about that, it's also the last month of the year. Which means we're already living here for almost five months. Time really flies! Saint Nicholas is already passed, his American counterpart, Santa Claus, is almost here and 2010 is just two (!!) weeks away. I wonder how next year will be. My biggest wish: speak enough Chinese by the end of the year to be able to have good conversation and maybe have my own consultancy company on urban planning. You can never set the bar too high.. As my old boss always said: sometimes you got to hurt (challenge) yourself to be able to grow and reach your goals.

last month I also made some random photos with the camera on my phone. Below an impression of our last month in Taipei. Until next time!




Taiwan National University


Lin Family mansion garden


Lin Family mansion garden


The old town of Sansia


The old town of Sansia


The old town of Sansia


Sunset as seen from our apartment. Love our view!