In 2002, my husband Wayne and I went to Taiwan to attend his brother Brian's wedding. It was a whirlwind one-week trip, which commenced with shopping and getting over the jet-lag.

Our first "tourist" destination was to the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial. The area includes the tomb, Concert Hall, National Theatre and several gardens, plus a vast concourse where families congregate for tai chi, kite-flying, etc.

We watched the changing of the guard, along with several groups of school children. After that, we went to see a fashion show, sponsored by a jewelry company.

We went to several tea houses during our stay. Having tea (and goodies!) is a favourite way to entertain in Taiwan.

The wedding ceremony was held first at Meini's parents' place, where they exchanged rings and performed traditional toasts. Then we went to the wedding restaurant to have dinner with about two hundred guests. Meini wore three different dresses, all created by her cousin Maggie, a fashion designer. The dresses were traditional red and gold, with blue and green accents to match the Carmichael tartan (also "traditional dress), which has red and gold accents.

On Monday, we went to the National Palace Museum, just outside Taipei. It has thousands of beautiful pieces, including the famous Jadeite Cabbage. We also visited a Buddhist Temple in Keelung.

A week after arriving in Taiwan, we were back in Sidney, B.C., for the Canadian celebration, to which all of Brian's friends and family were invited.