il Giardino Romantico

離開了演武場後，決定來到彩虹村。要說是天仙的個性還是命運好呢？我的個性就是不會刻意追流行（有時還會故意避開流行）所以偶爾想追流行的時候反而追不到。該去彩虹村拍的格友們應該都已經去過了吧！這篇其實也不稀奇了。不過既然來了，還是寫個文章，加深自己這次造訪的印象吧！

After our last destination, we decided to visit Rainbow Village. I know this is no place new, expecially for people who are into photography. I don't know if it's fate or just my character, I was never meant to follow the latest trend. This was my first trip to rainbow village! So although it's nothing new to most of you, I've decided to blog this entry anyway! 

 01

時間回到過年期間，情人節那天。其實我們四個女人也並不是只有整天喝酒。那天天氣真的很不錯，若不出去曬曬太陽，實在很對不起這種藍天。不過四個都在台中混過好幾年的人，要找個新鮮的地點實在很難。原本把近期熱門景點「宮原眼科」包含在行程裡，不料好像只有我一個沒去過（真是台北俗）。後來想到離家不遠處最近開放了一個新的地方，據說很適合拍照。我想連我自己都沒去過，應該對大家也一樣新鮮吧。唯一怕的就是過年期間人會太多。一去發現，台中景點還真是佔了坪數夠大的優勢，人很多但也還不算太壅擠。這棟歷史建築也成了我們當天的亂晃行程之一了。

臺中刑務所演武場，據維基百科，是台中市唯一僅存的日治時代武道館建築物。它建於1937年，經歷過火災及後續修復。今天大家能夠看到這棟具有歷史性的建築，還真的是一種福氣。無論是來拍拍照，或是來閒晃，其實都是很不錯的。

未成年請勿飲酒Please Drink Responsibly

在吃完大肥鵝之後，我們四個女人就在啤酒廠裡晃來晃去。其實我也不知道這裡除了啤酒還有什麼好玩的。不過，是說有啤酒也就夠了吧！？

 01

All we had wanted to do, was drift on the water and feel the breeze. We didn't bother to get off the ferry at any of its destinations. Being on the boat was the only purpose. 

For the first time, ever, in my entire life, I got the chance to ride a bike that costs as much as my one-month salary. The experience was, obviously, unforgettable. Not because of the bike itself (although I'd like to consider it as a bonus), but because of the view around the lake. 

 01

Almost at the end of the footpath, this was what we came across. Tucked away like a secret that would only reveal itself to the worthy, the Apricot Platform was the highlight of our morning walk. 

After breakfast, we took a little hike along the footpath around the lake. The weather was great. Hot, but not too hot. And most of the footpath was shaded by greenery, anyway. 

吃完早餐之後，我們決定去湖邊的步道走走。因為天氣實在太好了。雖然熱，但不會熱到不舒服。而且整個步道都佈滿了樹木幫我們遮陽。

I don't usually spend the night at places I go to, especially when I'm just looking for a short getaway. However, my friend and I decided to spend the night here, and enjoy as much as we possibly can. Sometimes you have to indulge yourself, in order to survive the day-to-day drudgery.  As I didn't have too much time to make a decision on where to say, nor did we have too much budget for the entire trip, I booked us one that looked decent enough and that charged a reasonable price.

Early June, I had a date with a lake. The lake that is now world famous for its beauty.  I had been here once before, I think. Once, when I was too young to remember, probably. This time, I, too, fell in love with this beautiful lake.
 
初夏，我與一座湖有約。這是一座世界聞名的湖。小時候曾經來過一次，不過印象很模糊。這次，我也一樣深深的愛上了這裡的美景。

Annie Princess was our next stop. By the time we got here, we were all quite tired.  It is another one of those places where portrait pictures can be taken.  But as my old camera is not very good at taking pictures of people, I didn't bother to take too many photos.  

安妮公主是我們下一個景點。這裡也是一個很適合拍美美的美人兒照景點。不過由於拍人不是我這台相機的強項。所以最後我在安妮公主拍出來的照片可以說是少的可憐啊。

 

This was our second stop in Shinshou.  Lavender Forest is a lovely spot for those who wants a short escape away from the city.  But as we were here on a holiday, the place was packed with people.  The various picture shooting opportunities did compensate for the cramming, though, I must say!

薰衣草森林是我們新社一日遊的下一個景點。這裡是個很不錯的休閒假日去處。只不過因為我們去的這天是連續假期，所以人潮非常多。不過呢，由於拍照景點超多，所以完全沒有影響到我們這天的心情。

My friend and I had actually thought about going to Shinshou since before I left for the UK.  But because time was limited then, the trip finally fell through.  This time, we planned ahead of time.  We were supposed to go on the Christmas weekend, but seeing that I had too much luck at the time, I had to go up north to Taipei to attend an awards ceremony, they kindly postponed our trip to the following weekend.

新社行，其實早就在我去英國之前就跟同學約定好要去。不過當時因為時間越來越緊迫，導致最後出國前還是沒去成。這次雖然也是規劃了一陣子才終於成行。原本是要在聖誕節那一個週末去的。不料天仙那一陣子因為好運太旺，要北上參加頒獎典禮。好在兩位好友好說話，將日期延到跨年後的那一周，讓我能夠順利跟到。

I didn't really know what to expect there.  I've only heard of some Lavender garden in that area.  But initially I was quite sceptical about spending one whole day here.

或許，這就是你對東海的印象。不過相信生活在東海過的人，對於這個環境會有更多充滿了各種回憶的地方。不知道是否所有曾經身為東海人的朋友們都像天仙一樣，懷念著這個美麗的校園？

This is probably the image that most people have in mind when Tunghai comes to mind.  However, to THU people, there are so many other places filled with various kinds of memories.  I wonder if all THU folks are like me, finding it difficult to forget such a beautiful campus...