The Simons Seven: Taiwan--Day 6--Introduction to the Wonders of the Sea

This day was probably the best of the entire vacation. Brian and Oakley woke up early and went scuba diving with an instructor. They loved it. It is now Brian's and Oakley's goal to be certified before Brian turns 40. Probably, that means I'll have to do it, too!

While Brian was gone, I took the six other kids and started walking around the island. We went to the shore and collected seashells and pieces of coral to keep as souvenirs. We also went to an old prison for political dissidents in Taiwan. It was started during the communist revolution in China and anyone that seemed the least bit sympathetic to that cause was imprisoned and tortured. It was very interesting to see it. It was used until the late 1980s.

After lunch in the village and a little souvenir shopping, we went snorkeling. I will include the underwater pictures when we get the camera developed. But, the kids were in love! The fish were so colorful. I have snorkeled a lot of places, and the fish here were the most vibrant I've ever seen. The coral was purple, orange and blue. The best part was that the guide that took us brought a rope that tied several lifesaving rings together and the little kids floated in those while looking into the water with their snorkel masks. It was absolutely the best, safest way to introduce my children to snorkeling. We also were able to walk in from the shore because about twenty yards out, the rocks under the water gave way to a coral reef shelf that was full of amazing fish.

After snorkeling, we cleaned up and headed back out to explore some more. We did not want to leave any part of the island undiscovered! We found a part of the island at the bottom of a tiny windy road, that was the most incredible place. The rocks were jagged, and there were gorgeous, clear tide pools full of fish. We stayed until it was dark, exploring every cave and crevice. Afterward, we went to an aboriginal barbeque house in a little village on the north side of the island for dinner. We ate until we had to be rolled out of there!