Here is a reprise of Day Two in Taipei:

Mrs. Hsu took us into the mountains again but this time we took a taxi from the city instead of a bus first. The taxi driver we spent the day with probably never imagined that he would spend his day driving up and down mountain roads with the formidable Mrs. Hsu. His first move was to agree to drive the hour or so into the hills, then she coaxed him to keep the meter running and go for hikes along the back roads, visiting tea plantations and her old friends.

Here's a little background of the area. In the 1970's the city of Taipei found it needed more water than they had so the government decided to make another reservoir in the mountains southeast of the city. The country was ruled under martial law so the rulers just told the village that was in the way to move up the slopes. The reservoir essentially cut the town of Shiding in half, with the tea plantations on one side and the former mining community of the other. The mining part is where we visited Tuesday. It's more of a tourist town of sorts than anything else now.

Prior to the flooding of the town Mrs. Hsu had taught at the village elementary school and since then she's kept up a close relationship with her former students' families. Teachers are held in high esteem around here so she's always treated like royalty when she comes to visit. There are strict regulations about visiting the area since it's one of the main water sources for Taipei so the mountain village part of Shiding doesn't get many visitors. There are people who come from the city to walk the roads above the reservoir and visit the high mountain tea houses though. In addition to this pristine, emerald colored lake, the area is well known for the quality of its teas.

We spent some time with a family that owns a tea plantation near the edge of the reservoir. The wife of the couple showed us the equipment they use to dry and roll the tea leaves. She poured us tea and gave us gifts of tea, tea candy, dried pomelo skins (which are used to ward off insects, wash pots and pans and possibly cure all known ailments) and fresh greens from the garden. When I admired the pots of Christmas cactus lining the walkway she uprooted one and put it in a plastic bag for us to take home to Kaohsiung. I was afraid if we stayed any longer we might end up taking home one of her kids!

The leaf roller

I now have this lovely cactus sitting on my kitchen table.

These are awards for being chosen as Model Mother of the village, quite an honor.

The hospitality and kindness of the people we've met here has been incredible. This family stands out among many.

That's Mrs. Hsu on the right.