Some moreTaiwan

Taiwan has been "independent" since 1950 although China still regards it as a rogue nation and claims its sovereignty. Relations are at times politically strained. Taiwanese claim to hold the true China heritage since Chaing Kai Shek brought the Nationalist government to the island when Mao and communism came to power on the mainland.  They were by no means a democracy here until recent times as the Kuomintang administered their own brand of tyranny on the native peoples here. Japan also occupied the island for 50 years up until end of WWII and that influence is quite evident also.  At least we felt like it more resembled Japan, than China. That might take a long explanation but the sense of place just felt to us like we were traveling in Japan.  Seems neater, slower, friendlier, more orderly.  The island is mostly mountains except for cities on North and South Coasts which was a surprise to us.  The air quality definitely clearer and fresher.  They tell us they get smog when the winds change and brings it from the mainland.  There is plenty  of industry here, however, as it has been considered to achieved an economic miracle becoming one of the world's top producers of computer technology.

One of the many cemeteries along the way.  Always on a hillside and always colorful and ornate.

Sun Moon Lake again.  Couldn't get enough of it.

Lots of gardens and rice patties in  lowlands and valleys

And temples everywhere.  This one Taoist, which is main religion here.

A truckload of Beetlenuts.  These are still enjoyed by locals and can be purchased at shops everywhere with flashing neon signs.  Mild stimulant, chewed like chewing tobacco.  Similar to caffeine in coffee.

Also, if you hear a truck in your neighborhood with music blaring, its not an ice-cream truck--its a garbage truck.  When they hear the music, they bring their trash out to the truck.  Don't see garbage piled up on the streets

This is vanilla icecream rolled in powdered peanuts, wrapped in rice skin and deep fried.  The green flecks is cilantro!!  It is surprisingly good!  Who would have put corriander in icecream!!

 early spring Rice fields

" Stinky" Tofu Fries

Hot Pot, Taiwanese style

Back to Taipai

We spent our last night at Sun Moon Lake, a popular recreation area and also the largest lake in Taiwan.  Our hotel looked over the water and I spent a lot of time on the little balcony just soaking up the sun.  Will rented a bike from the hotel and rode for a couple of hours part way around the lake.  They were single speed bikes so once the bike path ran out, the roads were really up and down it wasn't as much fun. Last morning was driving again finishing the circle back to Taipai airport. Just had time to see "the 101."  From 2006 until 2011 Taiwan boasted the tallest building in the world. . .until Dubai built a taller one. It is 101 stories high, hence the name. The sections are suppose to be reminiscent of bamboo, eight sections which is an auspicious number in China.  All kinds of interesting tidbits about the building.

A peek at the city skyline through a freeway bridge.

 

 

 

 

Mountains, tea terraces, cherry blossoms, Sun Moon Lake

one side to the other

We hung around the resort a while this morning because we woke up to a clear, sunny day. Such a lovely mountain setting especially now that we could actually see the tops of the mountains.



We were in the car most of the day getting to the other side of the island. Taiwan is only 90 miles wide but because there is a 10,000ft mountain range to get over it takes a while to drive it. Roads were good, just slow and winding and lots of road construction because with all the rain Taiwan gets there us constant road repair. spectacular drive!

Taroko Gorge

 

 Our destination today and most eagerly anticipated attraction is Katoro National Park and Katoro Gorge.  Unfortunatly it was raining when we got up this morning and did not stop all day. Well, no choice but to see it in the rain!  We were dressed for it and not storming so other than wet feet, we were fine. The mist and clouds circling the mountain tops gave it all a feeling of being in a Chinese painting so gave it all a mood we would not have experienced on a sunny day.  We hiked two trails, each one with amazing views down into the gorge to see water falls, jagged rock formations, cliff faces of incredible heights, walking through dark tunnels that open up into more jungle lined paths. Even some interesting birding and a couple of monkeys.
 

We spent the night in the park at a place called Buluowan.  It is an area once inhabited by the indigenous Taroke people before it all was Taiwan and now a resort/cultural center. Evening meal provided was suppose to be "mountain food " and the local kids put on a show dressed in ethnic costume. One problem. . .the rooms have no heat.  We are up in mountains on a rainy day and would have been nice to have a warm cozy place to relax.  We did sleep warm, however, as they provided electric blankets.

 
 

 

Night Herons and Night Market

Stopped at small, scenic Plum Lake and rode bicycles along the path around the lake. Pleasant little spot with large temple overlooking from the mountainside. Excited to find a big Night Heron rookery with a ton of birds. We were very close to them and apparently they are use to people as they did not seem to care. They look pretty much like our Arizona Night Herons, will have to research them.



Went to night market for dinner. Tried a variety of street food and came away completely stuffed. Food stalls, carnival type games, gift shops, local products, live music--hoping place.

Day 2 in Taiwan

We stayed in a Hot Springs hotel last night. The pools were so crowded last night that we just stayed in our room and enjoyed the in-room mineral hot tub. This morning we headed for the out door pools early and ended up having the whole thing to ourselves.

Our guide/driver met us at 10am and we continued south on the western coast. Spectacular coastal drive as the road clings to cliff face, tunnels through mountains, and makes its way along the rugged terrain.




Until we got caught up in major traffic slow down. Guess a truck and tour bus collided and blocked traffic until they could get one lane open.
Finally made it to town of Hualien where we checked into most interesting hotel. Called Chateau de Chine but decorated throughout in child's storybook theme. Based on the characters of Taiwanese children's book author and illustrater Jimmy Liao.


That's is our bed spread.

Day one

West coast of Taiwan, clear air, some blue sky and beautiful scenery.

The town of Shifen where the thing to do is send up a sky lantern. You write your wishes or best greetings on a paper lantern, light a fire inside and just like a hot air balloon, it rises into the sky and brings your wishes to the heavens. Along with street market made for festive affair.


Drove thru the longest hiway tunnel ever. 14 kilometers long through Snow Mountain.

Kiln Roasted chicken restaurant for dinner. Whole chickens roasted in a super hot kiln/oven. Crisp and juicy tender. Famous in this part of Taiwan. Really good.

Happy Birthday Will

Celebrating Will's birthday with a few days in Taiwan. Pretty fun birthday, huh. A serving of cake complete with candle was delivered to our room this evening. Maybe from tour company who helped us with itinerary, don't know. Maybe hotel? Nice anyway. Also a birthday card signed by pilot was delivered to his seat on China Eastern flight this am. Only on an Asian carrier do you still experience nice little touches.
Lots of nice emails and FB posts, a video from a granddaughter, and a kiss from me, and a great day touring made for a nice birthday.