Going on the Saisiyat Culture Hunt

Goldies had hiked a few times with YMS volunteers before because of Virginia’s coordination. Her enthusiasm in sharing good activities with us enriched our lives a lot. Yet, we have never gone in such a big group. We for the first time witnessed the strong manpower of YMS volunteers. We; Ten T/Ms in total including Seven goldies Amy, Kate, Irene, Lydia, Pamela, Sherry, I, Harry, Moses and Kate’s daughter Angela; plus YMS volunteers made a number of around 85 people for the Saisiyat Culture Hunt. The special feature of this outing attracted me immed. when seeing Virginia’s mail. Then after several mail more and more goldies signed up and brought in their spouses and daughter. It took two big buses to move such a big group from the early morning to the late evening.

Virginia couldn’t make it this time. In stead Sherry became in charge of bridging T/Ms and YMS volunteers. Through her, T/Ms was again effectively promoted to the big association, and we became the center of attention unexpectedly.

Must say this is indeed a very intellectual outing. I learned a great deal about Saisiyat tribe like:

- The pigmy ceremony
- The legend of XiangTien Lake
- Saisiyat dance
- Saisiyat’s handicrafts
- It’s location and living styles
- The museum
- Their agricultural product, etc.

When watching Saisiyat people dance, I wondered if it’s the bell bag on their back make Saisiyat people shorter than others. With all the well planned programs and two meals of different styles, entertainment program on the bus, a delightful hike and a lot more, We were all back to Taipei fully contented and expected the next outing to come!

Trini
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