Afternoon Activities: Trip to Lotus Pond in Zuoying

Afternoon activities with the San Sin students influence their English learning as much as does their classroom instruction.  During the week, groups of students can invite the American teachers to participate in any number of excursions in the free time following lunch.  On Tuesday, July 10, students from Classes B and D accompanied the teachers to Zuoying to visit one of old Fongshan County's Eight Wonders, the Lotus Pond.  Traveling by taxi, MRT, and bus, the group came to this northern area to see the temples and the surrounding scenery.

The Dragon and Tiger Tower at Lotus Pond has special symbolism: going into the dragon's mouth and coming out from the tiger's mouth will turn one's bad luck into good fortune.  The Spring and Autumn Pagodas are connected by a "nine points bridge."  Visitors can climb stairs to reach the top of each pagoda and look out over the beautiful pond.  Nearby, the giant statue of Syan Tian Emperor extends 72 meters high.  The group visited a turtle pond and the nearby temples.  The afternoon activities provide the American teachers with an introduction to the rich history of Taiwan, while the San Sin students practice their conversational English non-stop!

While some of the teachers went to Lotus Pond, teachers David and Frank stayed back at the school to play frisbee on the school grounds with some of the students from Class E.  Many campus groups practice at school during the summer, so Frank took the opportunity to pose with the school Honor Guard!