Hello everyone, I am quite unaccustomed to writing for persons unknown. In fact I rarely write to persons well known to me. However, the opportunity to try this new mode of communication is tempting. So here we go. I do aspire to be a writer.
I leave for Taiwan at 02:00 PT on August 15, for a two-week Buddhist meditation retreat. Not that I’m a Buddhist. Not that I’m not a Buddhist, either. I’ve taken a couple of meditation classes at Buddha Jewel Monastery in south Seattle this year, having been introduced there by my son Brandon, 23. A couple of months ago, the people at the monastery invited me to participate in their annual retreat to Taiwan. It usually attracts about 10,000 people from around the globe. I pay the airfare and participate in classes and volunteer work. Room and board are included. And a glorious photo opportunity! It didn’t take long to say Yes. There will be about 10 of us from Seattle.
After the retreat, I will stay for a few days on my own. My plan is to travel by train to the less-visited East coast of Taiwan. August is typhoon season, so I could be in for heavy rain and high winds. I will be hosted at another monastery. This time I’ll set my own schedule, and someone will be available to provide directions, show me around and take me to places I want to go. My idea is to wander slowly and quietly by foot through town and country, observing people, places and things, photographing what interests me. I’d like to find some trails leading off into unpopulated areas, perhaps climb a hill or cliff with an ocean view to the east. Perhaps walk the seashore.
