SQJ Taipei

Quonset hut is one…

Quiet please is another…

Quilt is a third…

of course there are more, but this post isn’t about them… it isn’t even about words that begin with Q at all. Which, when you consider the title of the post, is ridiculous I realize.

It is about 2 things that I am glad are a part of my life in Taiwan. I didn’t encounter them until I moved here. And they each have a Q in their name.

LOQUAT
My teammate Allen had these before he came to Taiwan… in South Africa. I’d never even heard of them before I got here, but I remember when and where I had my first one and who I was with. Yes it was that memorable. The loquat (pipa in Chinese) is a lovely fruit. Did I just say “lovely fruit”? Yes I did. And if that label ever applied to any fruit… it truly would be the lovely loquat. They ripen in late winter here (now!) and they are interesting, fun, and delicous. As strange as it is… I’m leaving you some links to more loquat information.

Loquat - Wikipedia

Loquat Fruit Facts - California Rare Fruit Growers

Of course… I can’t close this without posting some pictures of this little beauty.

SQUASH
I know this game isn’t exactly rare in the USA, but racquetball is FAR more common. My friend Bart enjoys playing squash and has been bugging me to play with him for a few months. A few weeks ago, I finally took him up on it and I really enjoyed it. I’m not any good, but it is really fun and it is great exercise. I’ve played a few times and today bought a racket so I’m a bit more invested in this form of exercise now. For those who don’t know much about the game, but do know about racqetball… I’d say that it is similar to playing racquetball… only… with a plum instead of a ball. Where the racqetball seems to bounce forever… the squash ball will bounce about 2 times and then roll. Of course… there are other differences, but the dead ball is the biggest problem I’m having so far.

Squash - Wikipedia