Today, we left ALiShan with much unforgettable memories. We checked-out of the hotel and proceeded to an aboriginal school - Shan Mei Elementary School.
The aborigines greeted us warmly with the singing of an aborigine’s cheer. We felt as though we were important guests. We went upstairs to a room where the prinicipal of the school, Mr Wu, showed us a video about their programmes and achievements. We learned that the school has about 60 students and that there are only 6000 aborigines from this tribe in Taiwan. The declining number of oborigines led the government to provide attractive subsidies for the aborigines to have more children.
Next, they explained to us the different pieces of garment and accessories that make up the traditional costumes for boys and girls. After that, we had a handicraft work. The P5 aborigine pupils taught us how to make a necklace using bamboo pieces, shells, seeds and some string. The necklace we made with their help was nice. I like it very much. After that, Audrey, Raelene Lim, Jun Ming and Colan changed into their traditional costumes. The teachers changed into them too and all of them looked great.
The P5 aborigines put up a short performance for us and we returned that gesture with our songs. Next, we distributed key chains to them before bidding farewell.
It was surely an eye-opening experience at the aborigine school. We had lunch at an aboriginal restaurant nearby. The scenery behind our dining tables was breath-taking. We could see rushing waters flowing in the gorge. After we had eaten, we went to 达娜伊谷where a guide led us through the nature reserve that surrounds the gorge. After the nature trail, we went to watch a performance by the aborigines. Some of us felt bored during the performance because the music was not as catchy as the ones we are listening to in our MP3 players. Hence, during one of the dances, an aborigine came close to Colan and gave him a scare when he was about to doze off. He was taken aback by that shocking move. My friends roared with laughter.
The rest of the day was spent travelling downhill to Taichung.
Our teachers were exhausted and so they slept on the coach while we children were chatting away happily.
The incident that marked the day was when Colan and Lawnce had to do their small ‘business’ on the way down ALiShan. The driver taught them how to do their business without shame. The pupils on the coach surely had a good laugh.
We had dinner at a classy restaurant. We checked into a rather posh hotel. It’s a pity we have to leave for Taipei tomorrow. However, we look forward to good photo-taking & shopping.
Colan Fong & Mark Wong
(on behalf of all Taiwan-trippers)