I am one lucky moose, as I enjoyed being packed up in Ms. Waters’ suitcase for an adventure to Taiwan and China right before the holiday festivities picked up at Fay!
In Taipei, we walked around the Datong District to experience the markets and appreciate the many foods available: jellyfish, sea cucumbers, squid, abalone, shark fin, bird nests, and notably, many varieties of mushroom. We learned a lot about the history of tea at the Mi Bo Tea Shop, and then were treated to some bubble tea and strawberry mochi nearby - yum! After meeting with an incredibly enthusiastic group of Fay alumni at a wonderfully memorable dinner, we continued onto Shanghai.
In Shanghai, we zoomed up 128 stories of the Shanghai Tower to take in the city from up above, before walking the Bund and visiting Yuyuan Bazaar, all of which were wonderfully scenic. We ate more delicious food, and I learned that I very much like taro root, which is a nice vegetable for a moose! We had the nicest time meeting past and current Fay parents, before heading off to our final stop, Beijing.
In Beijing, we visited the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the National Museum of China. It was a little chilly so I felt right at home - same weather as New England! I learned that phoenix, cranes, tortoises, lions and dragons hold special significance in Chinese lore and artistic expression; there were statues of them throughout the Forbidden City and in the museum. I hope that someday the Fay community makes a statue of me on campus! After meeting lots of amazing Fay families in Beijing, we flew back home to take part in the winter concert…and eat lots of cookies with the students! This was a December I will never forget!