We live outside of Taipei on the side of a mountain. It is nice to be outside the city and we are close to one of the most popular national parks in the country.
The downside is that it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to drive up or down the mountain to our house. Some days it takes longer. And everything we need to get to is down the mountain like school, grocery shopping, work, etc.
Last weekend the sun was out so everyone in Taipei decided to head up the mountain. On Sunday afternoon they all jammed the one road leading to our house as we were making our way home. It took us over an hour to get from the bottom of the mountain to our house. We let the boys walk the last 2 km home because people walking were moving faster than we were in the car.
However, there is a faster alternate road off the mountain. Everyone refers to it as “The Back Road.” It is a 1 1/2 lane road that twists and turns its way through thick jungle before arriving at the top of the mountain near the Taipei Cultural University. There is one section of the road that is really only wide enough for 1 car but that does not stop anyone. We routinely have to pull in our door mirrors and inch our way past an on-coming car.
I actually prefer to drive this road on the scooter because it is so narrow and twisted. However, I don’t like riding it on the back of the scooter while my wife almost gets us killed.
Six Abroad 
Hey….wow….that was great….I feel like I just hopped on your scooter with you….The roads are crazy, narrow. You’ve actually driven your Van down those roads! We haven’t seen the sun in a while either. The landscape looks a bit like Kauai? I want to know the second Ben or Cecily say: “I want to take the scooter down the mountain.”!! I hope they’ll do it soon.
Jason, take some pictures of where you work…do you use a subway or drive?
Hope you’re doing well.
Love you…Glen
What a thing to send to any old mother!!! I’m still trying to shift from “worry” mode.
I just talked to Erin’s aunt Janet, who is my age–75. She is still skiing. I guess Erin comes to her daring and go-for-it attitudes naturally. Mom Hale
OMG you guys are living la vida loca…what an adventure that started all the way in the MTC through Italy and look at you guys now! I love reading about your adventures and these mini movie snippettes…is that even a word? anyhey we hope to gather the milano gang together this summer for a family fest and hope to see you guys there. In the meantime, keep that camrecorder handy!
I started watching that video feeling quite well. Next thing, I needed to unzip my jacket…..getting hot. Then I needed to strip off my jacket! Feeling a little car sick. Smelling that car exhaust. Need to take a walk or hurl after watching that!
I know I have truly accomplished something if I can make the matriarch of the Barfin’ Barkers barf! I’m giving myself a big pat on the back. 🙂