Q'tie

Last Saturday, I got my hair done for the first time here in Taichung.  

It was a social event.  Two young women that I work with brought me to their favorite salon, called Q'tie.  It's just past my favorite Carrefour store.  We spent about 3 hours there!  They interpreted for me and Eri(c), the designer.  I explained how I usually fix my hair and that I wanted it colored to cover the gray, and cut short.  

I was given a Japanese style robe (yukata) to put on over my clothes, and then brought to a large table with a flat screen TV showing movies.  After providing my friends and me a drink (water or tea) and some snacks, two people did my color - while I watched TV!  

Then I had a wonderful scalp massaging shampoo. 

 Next, I moved to the chair where Eri would cut my hair.  His assistant gave me a wonderful back and neck and scalp massage.  Then Eri did the cut.  When he was finished he made sure I was comfortable styling it myself.  It turned out great!  

It's a week later and I have found that I can blow dry it, air dry it, or skip the shampoo one day, and it still looks good!  I guess I should post a picture.  (This is the "air dry" version -no real work on my part!)

Driving to work

Many days in Taichung are hazy and it's hard to remember there are mountains close by.  Here are a couple of pictures from a clear day - below is taken from the parking lot at our factory.  Several rows of mountains are visible.  

We pass several schools on our way to work.  This is a Middle School - it has an observatory!

We usually turn left at this intersection on our way to work.  The "sextoy department store" is our landmark!  Note the Smart Car!
This is the intersection of Da-Yeh and Wen-Shin Roads.  Our favorite Carrefour store!
Across the street from Carrefour is a temple.  And here is a closer view of Carrefour.  

The Rich 19 building has a fancy "light show" at night.  

The school bus seems to be advertising a Taiwan version of Harry Potter!