Birthday Surprise!

Last weekend was my birthday and Myron planned an overnight surprise-
We set off for the train station and I was convinced we were going on a train journey- but that was the first part of the surprise- we weren't traveling by train, but Myron had rented a car.
We headed off on our journey and our destination was Guanziling, which is famous for its mud hot springs, which are considered to be very therapeutic. 
Before we headed to the hot springs, though, we went to Water and Fire Mix grotto. 

Apparently, methane gas comes out of the earth in bubbles of water and ignites as it hits the air.  As Lonely Planet describes it, "the result is a surreal dance of flames atop pure water". 
Another intriguing sight to see at the Water and Fire Mix grotto was the sausage tree-  apparently they have sausage fruit here in Taiwan- the fruit itself is inedible but the seeds are apparently tasty.  I thought the sausage fruit looked a bit like giant rats hanging by their tails from a tree.   Next, we checked into our hotel and went out for dinner.  Then after dinner, we went to the hot springs.  They provided a bucket of mud for you to cover your body with, and then you could rinse the mud off in the hot springs.  Apparently you are supposed to let the mud dry on you for full therapeutic effects, but we were cold, so we slathered on some mud and then got into the hot springs.  It was very relaxing. Guanziling is very pretty-  it is built on a hillside and looks like a traditional misty, jungle-filled Asian hillside.
The next day, we drove back to Kaohsiung and out to Chen Ching Lake- which is a place that we have wanted to go to-  the lake was pretty awesome. 
We have started a new exercise program, on top of the 10,000 steps 4 days a week, called from Couch to 5K in 9 weeks.   This program is based upon interval training- where you combine walking with running.  Another man developed podcasts to go with your workout- so Myron and I were both listening to our podcast and walking/ running around Chen Ching Lake.  I can't believe that I am choosing to run-  this 33 year old surprises even herself. 
Anyway, it was a wonderful birthday weekend and I would like to send a big huge thank you to my husband for planning such a nice surprise-  Thank you, my love!