Squid Ink

DAY 2 - Peng-Hu Vacation

Did you know that squids squirt ink? I didn’t, but I found out the hard way. This happened at the end of the day but is too good not to share. We went night fishing in the evening. We rode a boat out to another boat and they showed us how to use the fishing poles (which I only sort of understood since it was in Chinese) and let us lose. Yvonne and I were by each other. She loves squid and was anxious to catch one. She did eventually. I thought “Oh good. Now she is happy. I don’t have to catch one and I’ll be happy.”

But it wasn’t meant to be. About 5 minutes later, I felt a tug on my line. Yvonne got really excited and kept telling me to bring it up faster. I was nervous. I didn’t know what to do once it was out of the water! My one and only fishing experience was years ago, and I was so young my family did most of it for me. So I bring the squid up and suddenly I feel wetness. I yelped and Yvonne told me to bring it into the ship. Then she looked at me and said “You got inked!” I still had a squid on the end of my pole and was quite concerned about that. I did look down and saw 2 big black spots on my shirt. What the? Yvonne snapped some quick pictures.

I still didn’t know what to do with the squid! Luckily, some lady came over and helped me out. She took it off the hook and picked it up off the floor and stuck it in a bucket. I was just like “ah.” It was too close for me. I’d rather watch them and not touch them. So yeah, I got inked by a blasted squid! I can’t figure out why I got the mean one! It’s not like it knew I’m a white girl (we blame tons of stuff on this fact) although Yvonne’s thinks I had a different color line. Ha ha. I don’t know, but it wasn’t pleasant. And they then told me it doesn’t come out. Lame! I like that shirt.

We finished up then went to the top deck to eat our catch. It wasn’t bad. I tried squid before and didn’t like it. Now I think it was the seasoning that ruined it. We had it with noodles and it was tasty. Yum. I also tasted the squid raw – it was too chewy. I like it better boiled.

Now back to the beginning of the day. We got up early and met at the travel agency, then rode a bus, a boat and another bus and arrived at a beach. Time for water activities! They had everything we needed – toys, life jackets, and helmets.

At first, I didn’t get in because I was feeling sick (oh yeah, I got sick Friday morning and was the entire trip. Not so fun). But eventually the draw of the water and thrill of adventure pulled me in. I grabbed a jacket and helmet and rode a tube. The water was very salty. And I rode on the back of a wave runner (Funny thing – in Chinese they are called scooters on water. Caused a little confusion when Yvonne and I were talking the other day.) and got dumped in the water. Not so fun, but funny. Yvonne got it on tape too. Ha ha.

Our next adventure was snorkeling. I wasn’t so sure since I already had a headache from my icky sinuses. But I’m so glad I did it. They had a nifty boat thing where you just hold on and let the boat move you. I liked not having to do any work :) While looking around the ocean, I thought of Finding Nemo. I want to watch the show now. You should too and then you’ll have some idea of what it felt like. Snorkeling is interesting because you can’t breathe through your nose and your mouth and throat get really dry.
Yvonne and I were the only 2 lucky ones that got to see a really big fish. The island’s industry is dependent on fishing so lots of the fish are disappearing.

We returned to the island we were staying on and went to find some lunch. We had cactus noodles and they were super good! Oh yum. It was also a first experience because we sat on cushions on the floor. Cool! The made me try this dish that was a cube of tofu wrapped in lettuce and dipped in a sauce. Not so good. I don’t like tofu. And Yvonne was acting like a mom and telling me to finish eating my food. They give me too much and expect me to clear my plate. Ha!

Charlene gave me a gift before we started eating – a set of metal chopsticks. They are in a little case and have a stand so I don’t have to put them on the table. They are sweet. I’ve decided they will go everywhere I go. Well, maybe not on garbage runs. Jason said she was treating me really well because he has known her for a long time and she has never given him a gift. He he. What can I say? It’s the white skin. Oh, I don’t have to participate in conversations much over here. Why not? Because they happen in Chinese. And I still can’t speak it (although I can now say 1-10). I was telling my mom it will be weird to come home and have to contribute to a conversation. It’s easier to just sit and think.

After lunch, we decided to return to our hotels and take naps. I was very happy they decided on this since I was sick, sunburned and tired. Don’t know how long we slept, but it was great. Then we went off on our night fishing adventure, and I’ve already told you all about that. :)