Taipei International Women's Club outing: One bus, 7 countries

A true Renaissance woman, Lin, who is from Malaysia, conceived of the lodge with her husband, which welcomes guests through appointment. With the help of specialists, she planted a vast amount of trees and other plants in the space of two years. For lunch, she made traditional Hsinchu mee hoon (rice noodle), fresh cabbages from their garden, and organic carrot soup with famous Hsinchu meatballs.

Fan Wan-chao, Director-general of Hsinchu County Government Tourism and Recreation Department, stopped by with his family for lunch. He was amused by the smorgasbord of cultures, especially when Pfeiffer held up her glass of red wine, stared at him pointedly and said, “Prost!”

“You have to look people in the eye when you say 'prost' [cheers],” explained Pfeiffer. “It's impolite not to.”

After choruses of “Prost!” made its way 'round the table, everyone lounged about the spacious cabin, nibbling homemade orange-flavored cakes and sipping orange tea. Aside from what the ladies hand-picked. Lin and Chou presented additional boxes of oranges as parting gifts.

“Taiwan was made in Heaven! They have a big heart,” exclaimed Gwebu graciously. She eagerly demonstrated her acquired skill from Swaziland by balancing the huge box of oranges on her head, scoffing, “This is too light! I could [balance] a two-liter jug and still carry something in each arm.”

Although she misses the dancing and barbecues of her homeland, Gwebu has made great accomplishments in her four years in Taiwan. “[Swaziland] has one of the strongest relations [with Taiwan]. We just celebrated 40 years [of good relations].”

Nearing sunset, the bus ride back to the city was a quiet affair. But the adventure was far from over: the ladies were scheduled to dine at the FranSir Dining Room, where some of their husbands, among them, Abdullah Mohd Salleh and T.P. Seetharam, were able to join them. The meal was the cherry on top, as husbands and wives, friends and families came together to talk about the eventful happenings of their day.

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