What’s that smell !?

By: Justin Gouthro

When you look back at our trip to Shengkeng, what is the first thing you remember? Is it the food, the atmosphere, the people, Isaac eating all the food on the table or do you remember something much more than that? Maybe the odor was something most remember; however, for me, the time spent with my students and others who I have never met is the first thing that comes to mind. I have traveled to many places, mainly alone, but taking a trip with your friends is a more exciting feeling.


Walking along the old streets of Shengkeng is an exciting feeling. I mean seriously, to know that you have visited the one spot where Stinky Tofu is the only food on the menu, who would not want to come here? Professor Peter Ling was extremely generous that day by buying food for nearly 25 people. This was not just any plate of food, but an entire selection of Taiwan’s appetizing dishes. We all sat down and enjoyed a great meal talking in both English and the Chinese that us Americans hardly understand. Afterwards, we all split up into groups and explored the streets of Shengkeng.

My friends kept telling me there are certain places I have to see including fun tourist shops and a place where I believe everyone should go, the ice cream store! This was no ordinary ice cream store, oh no, this was a store so seductive to the exotic eye because they had something much more to offer than Chocolate or Vanilla; they had Tofu Ice Cream! Yes I said it, Tofu ice cream. Who would be so creative to think of such an idea as Tofu flavored ice cream? Being from the States, I have heard of the wackiest ice cream flavors ever such as Cotton Candy and Cake Butter, but Tofu ice cream is one of the strangest I have seen. More importantly the ice cream was good! I truly enjoyed this type of ice cream, but would I get it again...? Of course I would! I came to Taiwan to try new things and that is exactly what I am doing.

Overall, my experience in Shengkeng was much more than another trip to a new location, but an opportunity to get to know my students more and enjoy a time with them outside of the English Corner where we all can relax and enjoy the great surroundings of Shengkeng.