LEAVING TOWN (AGAIN)

Taipei had better be FREAKIN AWESOME because it is none too easy to leave this beautiful city. I almost always cry a little on the plane coming home but not so much when I am leaving it. It is just such a shock to the system when you've been away to see how gorgeous it is here; craggly snow-capped mountains; the Puget Sound and its perfect scattered jigsaw of islands; the forests (even the scarred ones -- the clearcuts make me cry even more) -- even just the angle of the light and the way it refracts against the gray. Sweet jesus I love this place.

This is what I got to look at over the last week and a half on the ferry that took me to and from Alia's new teahouse on Bainbridge Island



And here is a little iconic Queen Anne action from the roof of Paul and Misty's (sorry guys, I can't resist a good roof -- I promise no one saw me sneak up there, and besides, it was Mark's idea)



last night's sunset



Taiwan, you best start getting pretty now. I know you're an island and all, and that puts you at an advantage, but I've got high expectations and if I don't see some seriously mist-covered hills and ocean-swept cliffs I am going to be pissed.

And my dear hoosier friends, if you are listening, won't you come and visit some day? I would love to show you my city.