tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67184520981483936532024-02-22T13:33:41.557-08:00All aboard Taiwan!What to see, where to go, and how to get there.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-87742885233486798912018-08-14T10:09:00.001-07:002022-10-19T11:43:03.422-07:00A Weekend Along Taiwan’s Beautiful East Coast<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQCgZkTZeoTMH-izBcwbHgD3pK_rNwttwq2lI_6hYQyeO2iMhGjZRswk7KfRin1OynePtW3h1H-cAiDoPDBvyAdNPhCXZ_2NQ-V41L-O8u6DPF16rCgxItIvkq2Lxq7RX1b-km7p-R1E7/s1600/IMG_0432.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQCgZkTZeoTMH-izBcwbHgD3pK_rNwttwq2lI_6hYQyeO2iMhGjZRswk7KfRin1OynePtW3h1H-cAiDoPDBvyAdNPhCXZ_2NQ-V41L-O8u6DPF16rCgxItIvkq2Lxq7RX1b-km7p-R1E7/s400/IMG_0432.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">So, you have heard great things about Taiwan’s scenic East
Coast, but you are in Taipei and don’t have the time to travel down there by
train. A solution is to take a plane to Taitung. In about an hour, you will be
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is just what I did with some
friends. They had to get back to work on Monday, so we made it a weekend trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">We flew <a href="https://www.uniair.com.tw/uniweb/index.aspx?language=en-us" target="_blank">Uni Air</a> which is part of the <a href="https://www.evaair.com/en-us/index.html" target="_blank">EVA Airways</a> group. The
plane leaves from the <a href="https://www.tsa.gov.tw/tsa/en/home.aspx" target="_blank">Songshan Airport</a> in downtown Taipei which makes it super
easy if you are in Taipei. Going down, I would suggest trying to get a seat on
the right side of the plane to have some great views of the Central Mountain
range. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Taitung airport</span></td></tr>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">A rental car will be a must, so my Taiwan friend made a
reservation and they picked us up at the Taitung airport and drove us to the
offsite rental agency to get our car.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Taitung Forest Park for some biking</span></td></tr>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">First stop, <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/tNQJUxeSWH52" target="_blank">Taitung Forest Park</a>. This is a wonderful park
with miles of bike trails. You can bike to the sea without crossing a street. We
then followed highway 9 to the Luye Highland area and our homestay for the
night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Our homestay. Very new.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">A treat was waiting for us!</span></td></tr>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Our homestay was <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/kDLoByZFk692" target="_blank">Yulaikung B&B</a>, No. 136, Gaotai Rd, Luye,
Taiwan. It was exceptional. Located among the pineapple fields with views of
the mountains. The hosts were super nice. My friends spoke with them mainly in
Chinese, but I believe they speak some English. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Home cooked pasta dinner</span></td></tr>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The hosts recommended a German/Taiwanese couple that serves dinner in their home. We had a wonderful evening of pasta and getting to know each other.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim21PBLJejzTm03sG6MrmqhScecBvXeBl_FGVdgayLwuJWIbbuk5NZKJrqWPaom6HSRTPNEaywcN2FtZwPrCvtet_groxXArb3WgGPrebUS6kRlpEiW_ZztL-nM6sDSX_GupIXy5c9fVWu/s1600/IMG_0171.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim21PBLJejzTm03sG6MrmqhScecBvXeBl_FGVdgayLwuJWIbbuk5NZKJrqWPaom6HSRTPNEaywcN2FtZwPrCvtet_groxXArb3WgGPrebUS6kRlpEiW_ZztL-nM6sDSX_GupIXy5c9fVWu/s400/IMG_0171.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at this breakfast. Local and healthy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local fresh fruit.</td></tr>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">In the morning after an exquisite breakfast at our homestay,
we were off to see the views from the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/g6jJTgNndx12" target="_blank">Luye Highland</a>. This is where the Taitung
hot air balloon festival takes place. During the other times of the year,
parents let their kids run around on the grass and there is even grass tobogganing.
We came for the view. Amazing views. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Luye Highland</span></td></tr>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">We came across a small café next to the highland called <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/erkeMMYsADn" target="_blank">LaoWang Coffee</a>. A small place owned by a lovely young couple. A great place to
relax and see the activity on the big hill that makes up the highland.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Lao Wang Coffee</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-QSrd7Q-ZFPp82yERG7UBNLcUJHVSlEzVZRTdqhXnc5yt8I8Ut8So3dq7Xp1Nqh_QsViicwzqf_sCDWzPmoeCNqIBh2pJ85Iw-wnRt3Zs2XWisltiYoPuvn0OwvFWFsZ2-17SIgbVjxx/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-QSrd7Q-ZFPp82yERG7UBNLcUJHVSlEzVZRTdqhXnc5yt8I8Ut8So3dq7Xp1Nqh_QsViicwzqf_sCDWzPmoeCNqIBh2pJ85Iw-wnRt3Zs2XWisltiYoPuvn0OwvFWFsZ2-17SIgbVjxx/s400/IMG_0222.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Coming down from the Luye Highland, across from the tourist
information office, is a <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/G2HEJpNZh422" target="_blank">tea shop</a> with free tasting. The area is known for the
red Oolong tea. If you like teas, you owe it to yourself to sample some of the
tea. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7y9sC3ynIYxRhbWkHcNvx_Px1JE4eNQa0zhLP6WnMX9SBDvwtOwHj2C2ZYCJE3Epm8h8m921kKL9KadS-FX0R0Nr1E5qUzcwi2F7dTi4X6fcqKsl_n-9NXhyphenhyphenwu25mRzqTIZmo8gcmqGu/s1600/IMG_0235+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7y9sC3ynIYxRhbWkHcNvx_Px1JE4eNQa0zhLP6WnMX9SBDvwtOwHj2C2ZYCJE3Epm8h8m921kKL9KadS-FX0R0Nr1E5qUzcwi2F7dTi4X6fcqKsl_n-9NXhyphenhyphenwu25mRzqTIZmo8gcmqGu/s400/IMG_0235+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Sample local tea.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSNPrlIDbbkQzvAOtvEheGP7RxbdHqqrDQy7QqfwcHZ1-UCU3zombW8OFgsSnyVgSpN33geMjYcFXfvu4p1aBexODbOlIOmlCpm7ktbvK2as6s6_blicFWGKuKKioBxRGVFp_6q_pO7o_/s1600/IMG_0232+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1519" data-original-width="1600" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSNPrlIDbbkQzvAOtvEheGP7RxbdHqqrDQy7QqfwcHZ1-UCU3zombW8OFgsSnyVgSpN33geMjYcFXfvu4p1aBexODbOlIOmlCpm7ktbvK2as6s6_blicFWGKuKKioBxRGVFp_6q_pO7o_/s400/IMG_0232+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">I love the red oolong tea.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkP7poCC5URn-aOJnOGefzXDXh8LxNFsvTujXZEHxuolDUu7eVOqBm98OckiXQ5zDm9UCJ3a8lrBVXtn7WOo9fclmbpTnYEK-mkxFkiDZW1hYCpjYYs7o7q5frj4rTRmnpNQuaSBXBmx0z/s1600/IMG_0233.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkP7poCC5URn-aOJnOGefzXDXh8LxNFsvTujXZEHxuolDUu7eVOqBm98OckiXQ5zDm9UCJ3a8lrBVXtn7WOo9fclmbpTnYEK-mkxFkiDZW1hYCpjYYs7o7q5frj4rTRmnpNQuaSBXBmx0z/s400/IMG_0233.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The current president of Taiwan is in the center.</span></td></tr>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Talking to people, we heard about a success story where an
individual wanted to help the farmers sell more of their fruit. He started a
natural fruit bar factory and has a <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/3H71ifb62ES2" target="_blank">store</a> where people can sample the different
flavors located on Gaotai Road. Two amazing things about this shop, it is very
neat and clean and payment for the frozen fruit bars is done by the honor
system. I very much enjoyed being part of this society where an honor system
can work.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBWuMmGtH-vDaOjK6NXvpvYL51R7eIuJbTuE_rnws_JZiGIW6UKaftbRJd6Ne9ECbf9Djwix_AjDBHpRsPPz82c4zKNOpFJmvN0V4UJQ_nJsolLpBpuW1MV2XDvdQ8GSJZfeLTcVyuH39/s1600/IMG_0182+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBWuMmGtH-vDaOjK6NXvpvYL51R7eIuJbTuE_rnws_JZiGIW6UKaftbRJd6Ne9ECbf9Djwix_AjDBHpRsPPz82c4zKNOpFJmvN0V4UJQ_nJsolLpBpuW1MV2XDvdQ8GSJZfeLTcVyuH39/s400/IMG_0182+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Unique frozen dessert store.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIz9Rd0kDF-uIioVndzq24jOWFpEq-fnSnP1biPJ2SQZqBEWAXHbPyJvCAFNjX6JBYbvO4Xr92xANxrDx-QuczgP7EBHzG0tkgkctMG8vSewayO9V-9XwfrZpmQ2MwuNgELkfkOYJjU8W/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIz9Rd0kDF-uIioVndzq24jOWFpEq-fnSnP1biPJ2SQZqBEWAXHbPyJvCAFNjX6JBYbvO4Xr92xANxrDx-QuczgP7EBHzG0tkgkctMG8vSewayO9V-9XwfrZpmQ2MwuNgELkfkOYJjU8W/s400/IMG_0183.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydMaERvL6-p_yj4NhhUsVYPM91AsGzRf3d15dv13nPxrcYOR0hY_EgS0cF8pQsLj2RkG6Q0uHSo9GnXd1_h8GWkLVcm2eBrBmlwGqI18DTQoz2P7o4V4hwnUON2mmHfVXezLxA9gUXejq/s1600/IMG_0186.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydMaERvL6-p_yj4NhhUsVYPM91AsGzRf3d15dv13nPxrcYOR0hY_EgS0cF8pQsLj2RkG6Q0uHSo9GnXd1_h8GWkLVcm2eBrBmlwGqI18DTQoz2P7o4V4hwnUON2mmHfVXezLxA9gUXejq/s400/IMG_0186.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXidDuJYhHmn2UaeS3dbGHpbq_orPWACAaduEUUp3dT1NLUvzHlZDiDx4tJh_AYyhxZCY2IXbsPgos1gYtats7qbNBIyMxgg-QQYRM1ZbN-YFCYRDkwsDZYZ1CXKxOoBLaLEliqkPzK9l/s1600/IMG_0198.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXidDuJYhHmn2UaeS3dbGHpbq_orPWACAaduEUUp3dT1NLUvzHlZDiDx4tJh_AYyhxZCY2IXbsPgos1gYtats7qbNBIyMxgg-QQYRM1ZbN-YFCYRDkwsDZYZ1CXKxOoBLaLEliqkPzK9l/s400/IMG_0198.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Honor system.</span></td></tr>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">After our fill of tea and snacks, we headed for the rice
fields of Chishang. The favorite pastime here is “biking” among the rice fields.
I use biking loosely because the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/NiUR4MGQMt82" target="_blank">bikes</a> are electric and many of them hold four
people. You can not find a more picturesque setting with the lush rice fields surrounded
by the mountains.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEZ9SB9ZScvV7OrvBZi5rCbgQOFyjAU362otNZlGF6Zokk_UTCEmkp1z3kecXS9c3i-jwJAZU5q5ugS7jxCRygoUmUv7jS2MRfyMPm6eInPW8Ml0E_sFha_Of2mBD26ac7EvBRGaxWHqK/s1600/IMG_3518+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="1600" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEZ9SB9ZScvV7OrvBZi5rCbgQOFyjAU362otNZlGF6Zokk_UTCEmkp1z3kecXS9c3i-jwJAZU5q5ugS7jxCRygoUmUv7jS2MRfyMPm6eInPW8Ml0E_sFha_Of2mBD26ac7EvBRGaxWHqK/s400/IMG_3518+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Are those bikes?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxd3kMe2CnQoxs1TWx-D0oAyEAxm0qJo9J1WT6Z16A7kYBICwsgMWtwkLRhHBoLMp2I_mfUmWO5-RWDMcf0n6PDz_5nku3uVZYIcucfifUIZbgww7Y-pt5mJYv3RTU_GDfoK6YqbeBUpjN/s1600/IMG_3523+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1594" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxd3kMe2CnQoxs1TWx-D0oAyEAxm0qJo9J1WT6Z16A7kYBICwsgMWtwkLRhHBoLMp2I_mfUmWO5-RWDMcf0n6PDz_5nku3uVZYIcucfifUIZbgww7Y-pt5mJYv3RTU_GDfoK6YqbeBUpjN/s400/IMG_3523+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="397" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Rice fields among the mountains</span></td></tr>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">All that “biking” works up an appetite, so we headed to <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/MHnWt9aTqkH2" target="_blank">Wu Taolunchbox restaurant</a> (No. 259, Zhongxiao Road, Chishang Township). You will
recognize it with the 2 railroad cars out front. They have been in business for
70 years and is half tourist attraction and half restaurant. If you haven’t had
the traditional railroad lunchbox, this is a good place to try it.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuWrNAXGQyKwSAEOa283TwKz2ezrQ8wPQTRukL2AchrTS0KqdBHU07VcnB5Xzo8sQnZCYqrArnU0mkFx49NqHI4weVCvzw5396NIeBUch_hULntHL3X0i4r7dArOtay4s5t20bKmjRa6_/s1600/IMG_0268+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1582" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuWrNAXGQyKwSAEOa283TwKz2ezrQ8wPQTRukL2AchrTS0KqdBHU07VcnB5Xzo8sQnZCYqrArnU0mkFx49NqHI4weVCvzw5396NIeBUch_hULntHL3X0i4r7dArOtay4s5t20bKmjRa6_/s400/IMG_0268+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="395" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Lunch box and tourist attraction.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrozyyr7eoM3HWnn9AXK9eRmf8xgm4qRiCI_V7QfxKvxZfSQ7Rr56_EjLI_AUU8QZN1nBKR3Jge7dqLUq4gDUaemtiY9VHMJTjEJF-5DPB1pLnPE3MnQNFrn2smgLVy2zaJYdK1Rux8jYC/s1600/IMG_0269.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrozyyr7eoM3HWnn9AXK9eRmf8xgm4qRiCI_V7QfxKvxZfSQ7Rr56_EjLI_AUU8QZN1nBKR3Jge7dqLUq4gDUaemtiY9VHMJTjEJF-5DPB1pLnPE3MnQNFrn2smgLVy2zaJYdK1Rux8jYC/s400/IMG_0269.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">We continue our trip northward up the East Rift Valley on highway
9. We then take highway 30 across the coastal range mountains to the coast and
follow the coastal road south. The scenic views continue.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEPBYliQjunQ2UE5zcLyWC1OA8nuDhg8VDhzNFPhTuD5qRb5ANRmi4djiCZJRVl6NYoQJ-vOuFi_mx3GDwe4GFzpf5q_AIuRavSAB9FKQd7yigF0fb0DOpCPS0-7TQpRIDxoHFLwQ4nVa/s1600/IMG_0291.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEPBYliQjunQ2UE5zcLyWC1OA8nuDhg8VDhzNFPhTuD5qRb5ANRmi4djiCZJRVl6NYoQJ-vOuFi_mx3GDwe4GFzpf5q_AIuRavSAB9FKQd7yigF0fb0DOpCPS0-7TQpRIDxoHFLwQ4nVa/s320/IMG_0291.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">No east coast drive would be complete without a stop at the
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/SgJK7dBohTR2" target="_blank">Sanxiantai Arch Bridge</a>. We had a light rain during our visit, but I bet views
are amazing at sunrise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANvMVmzgbpq4aIQkL4HLHT6JBGeUy4yk-oNJUpsjHGKPV1TEytycypxLTgSCTeblE9HLe3_WJ6iQ9pdAWKFp6XD4Nk6-UX4HopG-91e5YMxz7hnMt4iER36GLgZHvOkcNfSbWl3FNfC3Z/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANvMVmzgbpq4aIQkL4HLHT6JBGeUy4yk-oNJUpsjHGKPV1TEytycypxLTgSCTeblE9HLe3_WJ6iQ9pdAWKFp6XD4Nk6-UX4HopG-91e5YMxz7hnMt4iER36GLgZHvOkcNfSbWl3FNfC3Z/s400/IMG_0306.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Sanxiantai Arch Bridge</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAfmAbhqvoiEmdrEPjDYw2b_8PyU7Z1XrLGP1TUH4vyUT5ElKvAznhm9_SXI8FxR0r80OctqCpvmZJi9SlIIV9GonDR2SzOmbMLxX3avTInctd23n-uT-UFtirb1GhMIwEwzJvbXL4xXw/s1600/IMG_0308.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAfmAbhqvoiEmdrEPjDYw2b_8PyU7Z1XrLGP1TUH4vyUT5ElKvAznhm9_SXI8FxR0r80OctqCpvmZJi9SlIIV9GonDR2SzOmbMLxX3avTInctd23n-uT-UFtirb1GhMIwEwzJvbXL4xXw/s320/IMG_0308.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNzwnap3LfGK7LweKYg3eSsuIRaBD0fvSfL8dozyGK9uleTIfQjtVLGIwHN5gY8QsT1hv2sOWvFZPA0adjMZxuebsG_jn0SJDcHBJ8VgW6_FBwO-HyCGnGOmbaEieNbqEFodsrcKQ9v4N/s1600/IMG_0310.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNzwnap3LfGK7LweKYg3eSsuIRaBD0fvSfL8dozyGK9uleTIfQjtVLGIwHN5gY8QsT1hv2sOWvFZPA0adjMZxuebsG_jn0SJDcHBJ8VgW6_FBwO-HyCGnGOmbaEieNbqEFodsrcKQ9v4N/s320/IMG_0310.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">We found our homestay which is more like a boutique hotel when
we reached the surfing village of Donghe. At <a href="https://jacarandahouse.idv.tw/" target="_blank">Jacaranda House</a> we were greeted
with coffee or water overlooking the wonderful views of the ocean. All rooms
face the ocean which made them perfect for seeing the sunrise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TZ1kuzEhK8o9sIoJYBgHTfvlp32itPePzzjB7ieU2UtNszslsLHgJujUR_0WWoYB922DICc4PQcaOjhxm2WDRqJFYPUCSaLFMz8K8pebsNHKVHE1MNSwWeYm_5Fm7Ihjv4EY0Q-VOUkL/s1600/IMG_0359.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TZ1kuzEhK8o9sIoJYBgHTfvlp32itPePzzjB7ieU2UtNszslsLHgJujUR_0WWoYB922DICc4PQcaOjhxm2WDRqJFYPUCSaLFMz8K8pebsNHKVHE1MNSwWeYm_5Fm7Ihjv4EY0Q-VOUkL/s400/IMG_0359.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Jacaranda House boutique hotel.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB75PPCxP_qVEhyi31f8XKuzXYgsZlONEmEA0sDh7Oc2TQnuVp-06Q8yYJ5-Ou6XONOgaIyRO5m_HG83-lvSG7IUFgH-Y_QLuKcHE6oezKQqTWPJ9EoSOjmaB3ecmX_djIoZVofkbgK9Vu/s1600/IMG_0402.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB75PPCxP_qVEhyi31f8XKuzXYgsZlONEmEA0sDh7Oc2TQnuVp-06Q8yYJ5-Ou6XONOgaIyRO5m_HG83-lvSG7IUFgH-Y_QLuKcHE6oezKQqTWPJ9EoSOjmaB3ecmX_djIoZVofkbgK9Vu/s400/IMG_0402.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Ocean view!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">What a table!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsyL0d3VezUr37ufvTcD15qB7WCY9Gw8j4PI_6CzfgRk3e2MNNSfptK1Q45wNCIcMKwFE3PfOtGDR2gZMcnlfjtkpgGE7y_1pcGvL88vbjYws67rjF8060B87Uw9wKCxxUag4b3KeL9iR/s1600/IMG_0347+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsyL0d3VezUr37ufvTcD15qB7WCY9Gw8j4PI_6CzfgRk3e2MNNSfptK1Q45wNCIcMKwFE3PfOtGDR2gZMcnlfjtkpgGE7y_1pcGvL88vbjYws67rjF8060B87Uw9wKCxxUag4b3KeL9iR/s400/IMG_0347+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Sunrise</span></td></tr>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">An evening <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/CHmhQ8VmSuF2" target="_blank">restaurant</a> that was recommended was run by a
Japanese surfer who apparently surfs during the day and cooks in the evening at
Yasu. This unusual restaurant has no menu. What you will eat depends on the
season and what was caught that day. You tell the owner what you would like,
and he replies, “let me think about it” and then you are served the perfect
dish. Very cozy outdoor dining with some friendly dogs. I am not sure if
English is spoken, so you may need to get out your translator. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QE82-wqBwucb03I7xfBwHKn8T104-PXt9H1E2YCqAjn9D9lCBZ_vlJBSMdHDjgJePSVZYlJAFIu1KKro70y7d-s-lL0inI4JQ-rlOpeJynxROf4TPySFY1hEWuMS5J_CzX-Rqgiu0WLt/s1600/IMG_0328.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QE82-wqBwucb03I7xfBwHKn8T104-PXt9H1E2YCqAjn9D9lCBZ_vlJBSMdHDjgJePSVZYlJAFIu1KKro70y7d-s-lL0inI4JQ-rlOpeJynxROf4TPySFY1hEWuMS5J_CzX-Rqgiu0WLt/s400/IMG_0328.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Japanese restaurant in Donghe</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxQivUfEiXa1QcU9A9_wZ-stvyZ-Ksz9gt33lfp9wAEqpb_kO0tEPCqUaDJ08vyL-hRIAMa_zTFUlNakOUcySJcB03ZaxCgmwohb4HsRdI6lwD15HTgRa9iC3-cTVND-s7D6C-YgY7cN3/s1600/IMG_0331.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxQivUfEiXa1QcU9A9_wZ-stvyZ-Ksz9gt33lfp9wAEqpb_kO0tEPCqUaDJ08vyL-hRIAMa_zTFUlNakOUcySJcB03ZaxCgmwohb4HsRdI6lwD15HTgRa9iC3-cTVND-s7D6C-YgY7cN3/s400/IMG_0331.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Restaurant dogs</span></td></tr>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">After a great breakfast at Jacaranda House, we explored
around Donghe. The village is old but very neat and orderly. We visited the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/BcFMboPqN122" target="_blank">oldbridge</a> and found what Donghe is famous for –<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/qtAf7aSzigJ2" target="_blank"> baozi</a> or steamed bun!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4GSAlG0z5vubk0ZHmujyV_T0nV_EJUHbO7vHFRLnTaNcp6kWrkY09ytN2o02zj7BDu6k-20DP15CeDPIcCqcxjxiPnx7U95k2QzAshof-sszaGHMs5utPUxd5Sny2B3kxgqAQLVyHBFP/s1600/IMG_0372.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4GSAlG0z5vubk0ZHmujyV_T0nV_EJUHbO7vHFRLnTaNcp6kWrkY09ytN2o02zj7BDu6k-20DP15CeDPIcCqcxjxiPnx7U95k2QzAshof-sszaGHMs5utPUxd5Sny2B3kxgqAQLVyHBFP/s400/IMG_0372.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9msOq8UWkwMQJLRtZGjNfG5_r06a5t7fD0E2heWI_94dJKDV_3TMmUyx-XZVSL4nlabN7J_u193PXrQgimzGhroCq8pHEdRUwlbmEGiSaT9QphUnLGKQLfZs9L0YFNoibrwU9WFoFvCsr/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9msOq8UWkwMQJLRtZGjNfG5_r06a5t7fD0E2heWI_94dJKDV_3TMmUyx-XZVSL4nlabN7J_u193PXrQgimzGhroCq8pHEdRUwlbmEGiSaT9QphUnLGKQLfZs9L0YFNoibrwU9WFoFvCsr/s400/IMG_0388.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Sooooo good!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-29YvBOdzZY3836rzK_94ki8z1bNcFDWkjonI7NTCiQHaKEBD2M_anj_wPaqXOts2G4jtrzOaI6U3Y2NWdHW2tR_lf5seFP-XX5xnIKpjUlLEWgLnG5jVIGzfPtmKgo_-NH2sC5Kfbsq2/s1600/IMG_0389.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-29YvBOdzZY3836rzK_94ki8z1bNcFDWkjonI7NTCiQHaKEBD2M_anj_wPaqXOts2G4jtrzOaI6U3Y2NWdHW2tR_lf5seFP-XX5xnIKpjUlLEWgLnG5jVIGzfPtmKgo_-NH2sC5Kfbsq2/s400/IMG_0389.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Fresh and juicy!</span></td></tr>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p>After our fill of baozi, we checked out and went back up the
coastal highway to visit the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/U8V2mhmejZ82" target="_blank">Amis Folk Center</a>. Apparently, it was the off
season since there we no performances on the Sunday we visited. We ended up at
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/61EM6gDRjWR2" target="_blank">Moonlit Café</a> in the visitor center to enjoy the wonderful views of the ocean
while enjoying our coffee.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LxTaaUzJno7EfDQIGXc14hKqkiZ3ERd8mgojp1Ka5pKbiDULQxcaoXDz7gK3HwKcRWjim6vWzaBPgFpjwrwxbf4531F-PuKzJX5pZMKnsR4TW7c1lZfhRT1-8LhfMbosfaC9LUqT-2i9/s1600/IMG_0417.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LxTaaUzJno7EfDQIGXc14hKqkiZ3ERd8mgojp1Ka5pKbiDULQxcaoXDz7gK3HwKcRWjim6vWzaBPgFpjwrwxbf4531F-PuKzJX5pZMKnsR4TW7c1lZfhRT1-8LhfMbosfaC9LUqT-2i9/s400/IMG_0417.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Coffee shop with a great view!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7wMCBGNGYtOl5btTrxxd2SBxpp7YLF2Wfp5xvVJT5cSAY6qO6xZQ2WW1oOMUMTwo0knMuW2imzldfw0lZRY8jZjqEt6SaLxqctO0Bw2QuLPnDwUAhFTqn08Y9Ra0_EUjuejM0yG02Sh3/s1600/IMG_0422+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><img border="0" data-original-height="1577" data-original-width="1600" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7wMCBGNGYtOl5btTrxxd2SBxpp7YLF2Wfp5xvVJT5cSAY6qO6xZQ2WW1oOMUMTwo0knMuW2imzldfw0lZRY8jZjqEt6SaLxqctO0Bw2QuLPnDwUAhFTqn08Y9Ra0_EUjuejM0yG02Sh3/s400/IMG_0422+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Since we are on the coast, we all agree we need some seafood
for lunch. Travelling toward Taitung we stop at the village of Xiaoyeliu, which
by the way is where you catch the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/6fXsycs7pV32" target="_blank">ferry</a> to Green Island. We stopped at what is
translated to <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/2nXEtw5XSd82" target="_blank">Special Choice Seafood restaurant</a>. I would characterize it as
homestyle cooking. Very good and fresh. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">After the filling lunch we returned the rental car and
headed to the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Lwq3XyzK4g12" target="_blank">Taitung airport</a> for our return to Taipei. We were fortunate to
see a glimpse into a beautiful area of Taiwan. I certainly do want to return.</span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Facebook: allaboardtaiwan</span><br />
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Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com2Taitung, Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan 95022.7613207 121.1438152000000622.6441727 120.98245370000006 22.8784687 121.30517670000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-76843836014896359372018-06-26T14:11:00.000-07:002018-08-14T10:11:09.475-07:00Taipei Railway Workshop - A 'work-in-progress' Museum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiup1mq8X9oUSlWMuqE9ScVVxct4ynz93lK2ZNPkJ-Qlg_XR0C7mhPYDfMZv7guIkmzkAgVmXzQ9yUGw5Kwzth_zxlF2F4ZNNZwXZW06vciktHiP4MCxfQ7Hd40XCKJ1wcUMqaYMjZWIqLc/s1600/IMG_0839+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1590" data-original-width="1600" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiup1mq8X9oUSlWMuqE9ScVVxct4ynz93lK2ZNPkJ-Qlg_XR0C7mhPYDfMZv7guIkmzkAgVmXzQ9yUGw5Kwzth_zxlF2F4ZNNZwXZW06vciktHiP4MCxfQ7Hd40XCKJ1wcUMqaYMjZWIqLc/s400/IMG_0839+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It’s very rare to see a museum as a work in progress. This
is what I saw on my visit to the Taipei Railway Workshop Museum. This was the
actual workshop where Taiwan’s trains were repaired beginning during the Japanese
occupation and used through the turn of the century. This is a huge complex
with many large buildings that housed the locomotive engines and passenger cars
for repair. Also, adjacent was a machine shop which could fabricated any part
needed for the trains. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After Taiwan’s rail system was electrified and maintenance
facilities spread along the new line the large workshop in Taipei became redundant and obsolete.
Many people had a vision of turning the old workshop into a Railroad
Museum. For more information on the museum's progress, check out this link <a href="https://trw.moc.gov.tw/About" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The employee bathhouse was first to be designated a
historical landmark in the early 80's and preservation was carried out shortly
after. The other buildings are pretty much how they were when the workshop
closed earlier this century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyK4EtqImHM3yHsYPZcWgd0SwgKKiaESZYAJGEtb5EGd0AVI9Ym88plq7NGo-MFf0fCwLiYrtrFx_iLZaBZRfeDEPexYzEC7OXBbbPWio6E0ySbHRwFhjZe4tLQMoH9SHAMJcvmYSqlRu/s1600/IMG_0906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyK4EtqImHM3yHsYPZcWgd0SwgKKiaESZYAJGEtb5EGd0AVI9Ym88plq7NGo-MFf0fCwLiYrtrFx_iLZaBZRfeDEPexYzEC7OXBbbPWio6E0ySbHRwFhjZe4tLQMoH9SHAMJcvmYSqlRu/s400/IMG_0906.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Communal bath</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I went on a ‘reservation only’ tour. The only way to
currently see the workshop is by a guided tour and the tours are only given in
Chinese. There is a very limited schedule for tours. Check this website for
more information </span><a href="https://event.culture.tw/TRW/portal/Registration/C0102MAction" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From what I saw, there is a lot of work that needs to be
done to make this a world class museum. The preservation of the huge buildings
I’m sure will be very expensive. Then you have the restoration costs of the locomotive
engines and passenger cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless
of the current state of the workshop, I felt honored to have seen it as it was left when the shop closed. It was kind of eerie how the tools were
still left out and the workers’ names were on the chalk board.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My hope would be that Taiwan can turn this into a Taiwan transportation
museum displaying everything from pedicabs to the high-speed train. I think for
this size of undertaking they will need help from corporate sponsors or income
from renting out some of the space in those huge buildings. I could see the
restoration of the old trains keeping many people busy for a long time. All Aboard
Taiwan!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Find us on:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Facebook #allaboardtaiwan</span></div>
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<br />Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0No. 50號, Section 5, Civic Blvd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 11025.0474514 121.564069424.5870089 120.91862239999999 25.5078939 122.2095164tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-7975449204486463822018-05-23T14:01:00.000-07:002018-05-23T14:01:11.038-07:00Miniatures Museum – Another ‘Other’ Museum of Taipei<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYAu6CoXgAw0MUBbbkyiqZhwGUFo_l_23iGYDJa83F9xjZ8R1O4B1HVLAXd7BrR2IPfsTwbqhi7TQus0feP_wHVt4nK3Sfu1UaPy3p3gcXxVIACaxl3Rmn7KJpRlf2Gl3PPFopGxNebGx/s1600/IMG_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYAu6CoXgAw0MUBbbkyiqZhwGUFo_l_23iGYDJa83F9xjZ8R1O4B1HVLAXd7BrR2IPfsTwbqhi7TQus0feP_wHVt4nK3Sfu1UaPy3p3gcXxVIACaxl3Rmn7KJpRlf2Gl3PPFopGxNebGx/s400/IMG_1024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have heard about this museum on previous visits to Taipei,
but never had time to visit. The subject matter didn’t really interest me. I have
seen dollhouses before with miniature furniture, but I was pleasantly surprised
by this museum.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_2iXBK_0QYa6EY6qeMGRF2Pi0qeSFNHflRjMkM9HXDPUFRQ03FfDRvAYd2X5cfQhxlKKEhwNcxPAvoKssc-yyoZNabA-0E8CS2KSjJVzhsTansE7GHHR6yITZogfuzoj75ZqO6ujuIuo/s1600/IMG_0995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_2iXBK_0QYa6EY6qeMGRF2Pi0qeSFNHflRjMkM9HXDPUFRQ03FfDRvAYd2X5cfQhxlKKEhwNcxPAvoKssc-yyoZNabA-0E8CS2KSjJVzhsTansE7GHHR6yITZogfuzoj75ZqO6ujuIuo/s400/IMG_0995.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Look for this small sign outside</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzJ49EgHurA-JEeN8_JKsz69wl1Jn_19V1hneQgSOdfc_KEt12gAu9wfX4rl2fjymyrWWwJKTRglCJmlOXTr7F7QzZAzba_nqf9-5Sl96YbzRotEn8xJcEcoVMmKCBUe7BPhU5aW8NXr_/s1600/IMG_0996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzJ49EgHurA-JEeN8_JKsz69wl1Jn_19V1hneQgSOdfc_KEt12gAu9wfX4rl2fjymyrWWwJKTRglCJmlOXTr7F7QzZAzba_nqf9-5Sl96YbzRotEn8xJcEcoVMmKCBUe7BPhU5aW8NXr_/s400/IMG_0996.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The office building entrance. Enter here.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe5izufVWEnhip3FB0MSqanALdA5PNdPBJoGI4B8IacF36eCppbeqH3-FET2w3Fv8GN9-Zet9bFZQN1D9FhT9yxOIhfYDGeNvRl6Irj9dcoxVdMakS6Iv5iFw80IxzfTz3pqKxJkiBS6_/s1600/IMG_0997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe5izufVWEnhip3FB0MSqanALdA5PNdPBJoGI4B8IacF36eCppbeqH3-FET2w3Fv8GN9-Zet9bFZQN1D9FhT9yxOIhfYDGeNvRl6Irj9dcoxVdMakS6Iv5iFw80IxzfTz3pqKxJkiBS6_/s400/IMG_0997.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another sign outside pointing to the museum.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLl9eq3mAX2NsFrunYOIxlNZ-aqxpCJzuQDwB70jbRZ6PDA52TukEOlg_pWuCLZQJgbMJQdmXWMyIq1dX-W4SXwK24Ia4AdrLEb3nKYK04QU8EAVTuqVquI7SltNwEPsaQ7zh7ODY7krIm/s1600/IMG_0998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLl9eq3mAX2NsFrunYOIxlNZ-aqxpCJzuQDwB70jbRZ6PDA52TukEOlg_pWuCLZQJgbMJQdmXWMyIq1dX-W4SXwK24Ia4AdrLEb3nKYK04QU8EAVTuqVquI7SltNwEPsaQ7zh7ODY7krIm/s400/IMG_0998.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvd7Dv0d_pMT2Ex3GWrp5IE5aIHLXidBVzqpDQsSa9IGdoqn1Ir8TEU5DXitHLAXCznzv3FXsjCDBCSj3uIJyJlglThG1ZixF4JhPOQaJ37sHK7OIe_pGTH24N8-Vy3udaMX9wdkL7dPw/s1600/IMG_1001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvd7Dv0d_pMT2Ex3GWrp5IE5aIHLXidBVzqpDQsSa9IGdoqn1Ir8TEU5DXitHLAXCznzv3FXsjCDBCSj3uIJyJlglThG1ZixF4JhPOQaJ37sHK7OIe_pGTH24N8-Vy3udaMX9wdkL7dPw/s400/IMG_1001.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take stairs or the elevator down to the museum.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIELSRV9f3jhAnGhn0MzlVD9buq8BcaCnEcOO-tlCc3_Wi4d9A3ja4s-b4EHhg9NxfZ8d74FO3eYAUXOdFl4WTwPvOxv_ONe7MjBHVK6AYOwZ59aw8l57Nx7QYGA36ZDDmnzEXlik8rBTy/s1600/IMG_1002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIELSRV9f3jhAnGhn0MzlVD9buq8BcaCnEcOO-tlCc3_Wi4d9A3ja4s-b4EHhg9NxfZ8d74FO3eYAUXOdFl4WTwPvOxv_ONe7MjBHVK6AYOwZ59aw8l57Nx7QYGA36ZDDmnzEXlik8rBTy/s400/IMG_1002.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The museum is in an unlikely place in an office building. Follow
your Google Maps directions and when you find the building, head
downstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The security guard will
direct you.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JWzp48yvpj-YdRRQkSfg25NDXFQ8ZqCWdj_K1D64LVCcNKuIi46UvBWd6hmpWHNaVuL25laE3afsKatlczybdcXEvFasQa0qd_d_tJ2v0zSj2MIwkNFlgaEVY83YtbrUd5581gMZgY4l/s1600/IMG_1016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JWzp48yvpj-YdRRQkSfg25NDXFQ8ZqCWdj_K1D64LVCcNKuIi46UvBWd6hmpWHNaVuL25laE3afsKatlczybdcXEvFasQa0qd_d_tJ2v0zSj2MIwkNFlgaEVY83YtbrUd5581gMZgY4l/s400/IMG_1016.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many different displays.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Walking the plank!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dinosaurs!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pay the entrance fee then head into the museum. What really
surprised me was the number of “settings.” I used the word “settings” instead
of dollhouses because there are more than just dollhouses. There are castles, miniature
replicas of old buildings, and of course dollhouses. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Oriental" room designed by a Westerner.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was fun looking at all the detail of the little objects
in the settings. Overall, it is a nice place to visit on a rainy or hot day. The
nearest MRT station is Songjian-Nanjing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<br />Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0No. 96, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 1049125.0503431 121.5361439999999217.6086121 111.20899549999993 32.492074099999996 131.86329249999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-72574633492316215872018-05-18T11:10:00.000-07:002018-05-18T11:10:07.827-07:00Kinmen Island, Taiwan – Violent Past, Preserved Beauty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kinmen Island is closer to the mainland of China than Taiwan (you can see China on a clear day). Kinmen consists of two islands, the large dumbbell shape island also known as Quemoy and a smaller one, Lieyu, referred to as Little Kinmen. The two islands have been slow to develop compared to the rest of Taiwan due in part to its violent past. Being near China made it an easy military target during the dispute with the communists on the mainland. The island experienced an invasion in 1949, then artillery bombardment occurred in 1954-55 and again in 1958 and lasting at a decreased and less lethal rate until 1979. So obviously the government on Taiwan was not encouraging civilian economic development while this was occurring. Only when the cross-strait tensions decreased was the military reduced and thought was given to economic development and tourism.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kinmen is close geographically to Xiamen Island (part of the Peoples Republic of China). Both islands became important in maritime trade in the early 17<sup>th</sup> century to compete with the Dutch East India Company. During the second half of the 17<sup>th</sup> century, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Zheng-Chenggong" target="_blank">Koxinga</a> (General Cheng Cheng-gong) confronted the Qing Dynasty rule on these two islands on behalf of the last emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The islands then served as a military base for launching his attacks on Dutch occupied Taiwan in 1661. The islands were eventually incorporated into the Qing Dynasty and important trade routes were established along coastal China and into southeast Asia. Xiamen being nearer to the mainland, began serving as a free port to the world and gradually became the economic center of southern Fujian Province. The two islands, because of their proximity to the important trade center, became the homeland of many wealthy overseas Chinese who brought western influence to the houses they built.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The two governments across the Taiwan strait took different strategies in the development of their corresponding islands in the 1980s and 90s. The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China designated Xiamen City on Xiamen island as a special economic zone resulting in large foreign investment and a building boom in factories and high-rise buildings. The Taiwan military administration of Kinmen ended in November 1992 and there were political pressures to lift all restrictions on development. However, the lack of economic development when Kinmen was under the military administration preserved the islands of Kinmen with traditional villages and an ecology largely untouched. Seeing this unique asset, conservation groups formed to sway public opinion for the protection of the island’s biodiversity, natural environment, and unique historical and cultural heritage. The result was that a large part of Kinmen and Little Kinmen became a <a href="http://wwww.kmnp.gov.tw/en/" target="_blank">national park</a> and the government began the restoration of old traditional houses and buildings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The preservation of Kinmen has created a tourist destination like no other in the world. Where else can you walk in a bird sanctuary, stay in a Ming-era homestay, visit some war relics (tunnels), then relax with some <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/author-lawrence-osborne-on-kinmen-kaoliang-liquor-1405108496" target="_blank">kaoliang</a>, the local liquor made from island sorghum!</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All Aboard Taiwan!</span><br />
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Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-62835105981894853492018-04-18T06:46:00.000-07:002018-04-18T06:46:03.013-07:00What’s an ‘Evergreen’ Museum?<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am in Taipei on a mission to find other museums besides the well-known National Palace Museum and came upon the <b>Evergreen Maritime Museum</b>. The name comes from one of the largest container shipping companies in the world. If you have ever been to a large container port, you would have seen green containers with the word ‘EVERGREEN’ on the side. It was founded in Taiwan by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chang_Yung-fa" target="_blank">Chang Yung-fa</a> with one used ship and now has grown into a huge conglomerate that not only includes shipping but an airline (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EVA_Air" target="_blank">EVA Air</a>) and hotels. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The <b>Evergreen Maritime Museum</b> is located in a building that was the former headquarters of the KMT political party but was sold to the Chang Yung-fa Foundation in 1996. This landmark building is across from the East Gate and near the Presidential Office Building and is on some prime Taipei real estate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The maritime museum encompasses five floors. There is a small entrance fee which is payable in the gift shop on the right when you enter. The recommendation is that you start on the fifth floor and work your way down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The fifth floor contains a chronological construction history of ocean-going ship models starting from the earliest and ends up on the fourth floor with the modern ships such as the container ships that Evergreen uses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The third floor is an art floor of many paintings where a ship or the ocean is the subject. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The second floor is where one learns about the skills needed in ocean navigation with a few hands-on displays for kids.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Learn how to tie knots</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Overall a well-done museum related to commercial shipping. Well worth a rainy morning or afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Museum website: <u><a href="https://www.evergreenmuseum.org.tw/econtent/about/about01.aspx" target="_blank">Evergreen Maritime Museum</a></u></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Find more Taiwan information at:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/allaboardtaiwan/" target="_blank">AllAboardTaiwan</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Instagram: <u><a href="http://instagram.com/experiencetaiwan/" target="_blank">Experience Taiwan</a></u></span></div>
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Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0No. 11, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10025.038684 121.5189097-0.48335050000000024 80.2103157 50.5607185 162.8275037tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-92191505202972653172018-03-28T11:54:00.002-07:002018-03-28T11:54:54.391-07:00Wait! What? There are Other Museums in Taipei Besides the NPM?<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are a new visitor to Taipei, Taiwan, you have heard about the treasures in the National Palace Museum and hopefully that is your first stop on a visit to Taiwan. Let’s say you are returning to Taiwan after seeing all the first-tier tourist sites, what will you see now? That was my mission on my last visit to Taipei and what I found were lots of museums. Of course, they are not as spectacular as the NPM, but most are interesting, some are “why is this a museum?” and at the least they can be a reprieve on a rainy day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the next few blogs I will highlight some of the better ones I enjoyed. The more I look for museums in Taiwan, the more I find. There seems to be a fascination with little museums. Hopefully, in future dates I will visit more. Please post in the comments below museums you have visited in Taiwan and what you thought.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This blog will focus on the Museum of Drinking Water in Taipei. Okay, you are thinking, seriously a museum on drinking water? Yes, but it is more than that. By looking at the building you would think it should incorporate a Roman bath. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was built by the Japanese during their occupation of Taiwan to supply clean drinking water to Taipei. It’s not used for that purpose now, but there is a video inside (with English subtitles) that explains how it was done. Very ingenious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Besides the architecture, why else should you visit this museum? Inside are the preserved pumps and machinery that pumped water out of the river and into water filtration basins then into a storage reservoir up on a hill to feed Taipei clean water by gravity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is amazing to find something this intact from this era as much of the Japanese machinery was taken to mainland China (the Republic of China’s stay on Taiwan was supposed to be only to be temporary) or scrapped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Inside the pump house are motors built in the USA and Japan. And it is great you can get up close and even touch this old machinery! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Around the Museum of Drinking Water are pretty gardens and nearby is the seasonal water park. Apparently, this is also a nice spot for wedding pictures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How to get there. Take MRT Green Line to Gonguang Station and walk about 10 minutes to the museum.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0No. 1, Siyuan St, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10025.0125247 121.5300188999999624.5520822 120.88457189999995 25.4729672 122.17546589999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-57445239956690656692018-02-15T12:13:00.001-08:002018-02-15T13:28:13.241-08:00Flying to Taiwan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You have read about all the wonderful things to do and eat in Taiwan and have decided to visit. There are many international air carriers that fly into Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei. If you are in North America, there are two Taiwan airlines that have many flights to Taiwan, </span><a href="https://www.china-airlines.com/us/en" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">China Airlines</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> (not to be confused with mainland China’s Air China) and </span><a href="https://www.evaair.com/en-us/index.html" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Eva Air</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In 2017, Eva Air </span>was rated<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> the world's 6th </span><a href="http://www.worldairlineawards.com/awards/world_airline_rating.html" target="_blank">best airline</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Most of the flights leave from the west coast of the U.S. and Canada or from JFK in New York City. Eva Air has additional departure cities of Houston, Chicago, and Toronto. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Asian air carriers constantly get high reviews of their exceptional service and I can attest to that from my experience on Eva Air. The Taiwan air carriers also fly to many other Asian countries, such as Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam, and China. If you are taking one of them to another Asian destination, <b>why not increase your layover in Taipei and see some of amazing Taiwan?</b> The Taiwan Tourism Bureau even has a free tour of Taipei if you have a layover of 7-24 hours. Check out this website: <a href="http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/tour/index.htm">http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/tour/index.htm</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX03RQATJLP_oysG9iKJLudnuXB5eI80bOKhdhV0YKYHsAhwILzo9UHU73yuM7MC8LOR8beexojUfhz1oN21w-eka1qj6n-etLlQh1t1-1Ghpt81zq2no0S-Ci2kiIVWTnxEMvn_dmHG7h/s1600/2015tour.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="1000" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX03RQATJLP_oysG9iKJLudnuXB5eI80bOKhdhV0YKYHsAhwILzo9UHU73yuM7MC8LOR8beexojUfhz1oN21w-eka1qj6n-etLlQh1t1-1Ghpt81zq2no0S-Ci2kiIVWTnxEMvn_dmHG7h/s400/2015tour.png" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUyqSbd-MKUEW63sVnk-9onr3e9uImhdoGj0p-odjqIHZdTup2N1cMAKEdSh_HqSUhZq5vBGYBm6wCu7D9hUL1-sRvyQBCvDWXIoI9Cy02SFXLLxzL3w8J5IWZnbMWw5cfX4F-zQZlEPm/s1600/EvaAsiaRoutes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1350" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUyqSbd-MKUEW63sVnk-9onr3e9uImhdoGj0p-odjqIHZdTup2N1cMAKEdSh_HqSUhZq5vBGYBm6wCu7D9hUL1-sRvyQBCvDWXIoI9Cy02SFXLLxzL3w8J5IWZnbMWw5cfX4F-zQZlEPm/s400/EvaAsiaRoutes.jpg" width="337" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eva Air Asian route map</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are three classes on both airlines, economy, premium economy, and business. The premium economy class would be similar to the first class on a domestic route in North America. The business classes offer lie-flat seats and are called Royal Laurel with Eva Air and Premium Business with China Airlines.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Both airlines booking sites leave something to be desired, but I find Eva Air’s booking website a little easier to use than China Airlines. Once you put in your requested dates and cites, you are presented with a range of prices with names such as Economy Super Saver, Economy Semi-Flex, or Premium Super Saver, etc. I counted six different economy prices on China Airlines. The main difference between them is how many miles you will accumulate in the airlines’ rewards program and how much you will pay for a ticket refund. The Economy Super Saver, while the lowest price will not accumulate any miles and will have a high refund penalty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1_ZXFq4XDt4aN_nJV-QU5nyj2Tj8KWjJCVDYWRpVMLzuNX_vqcT1uD9-PhdFjp3bRRptNqvLkdmjNloQRxylqVr5VtnOlmQacGY6R-OY1GqijdR3hlR9bt6LlfBT7Nl0XeITneaBX9vC/s1600/CAEconomy.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="875" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1_ZXFq4XDt4aN_nJV-QU5nyj2Tj8KWjJCVDYWRpVMLzuNX_vqcT1uD9-PhdFjp3bRRptNqvLkdmjNloQRxylqVr5VtnOlmQacGY6R-OY1GqijdR3hlR9bt6LlfBT7Nl0XeITneaBX9vC/s400/CAEconomy.PNG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All the different economy options on China Airlines</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have been using Eva Air on my trips to Taiwan and have never been disappointed. Eva is one of the few airlines flying the B777-300ER with 3-3-3 configuration in economy which gives you about a 1.5 inch wider seat than rivals flying a 3-4-3 configuration in economy on a B777. Eva Air’s seat pitch in economy is a very generous 33 inches. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For the Premium Economy class on Eva, it gets even better. Seats are configured 2-4-2 with 38 inches a pitch. In Royal Laurel or business class configuration is 1-2-1 and the seats are the lie-flat type.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Eva Air also has themed planes like Hello Kitty. Here was the Points Guy’s experience in economy: <a href="https://thepointsguy.com/2017/07/eva-air-hello-kitty-flight-review/">https://thepointsguy.com/2017/07/eva-air-hello-kitty-flight-review/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyp01FEe9kex0m-sV6OkbNM5GMc_UFyeZ48PTCh9GTBSnKcalcgigHFnb-TMzL-S4_jrc7-mNvmd_md6UM0h1K4gjpZ7V_aqDMYhJgXcv3eSja_I9rmJ31DgpF3SGmfQAQXkxn3JO-tXd3/s1600/Hello+Kitty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="166" data-original-width="303" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyp01FEe9kex0m-sV6OkbNM5GMc_UFyeZ48PTCh9GTBSnKcalcgigHFnb-TMzL-S4_jrc7-mNvmd_md6UM0h1K4gjpZ7V_aqDMYhJgXcv3eSja_I9rmJ31DgpF3SGmfQAQXkxn3JO-tXd3/s400/Hello+Kitty.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Below are some pictures of the food I have experienced on Eva Air.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzhMRrehfVbFaBIqF8Q8RmtVcXacUhic7GQ48Ha15kPm3my6iuFELy2VF22BgfiJ6bCFoJHz00SvafgXgi1eNYi2CmuIfvyvFTMKInp-Mi-FpyhAazKGWM7tZTtj2Bc9-fzh2zW-3sHMO/s1600/IMG_2170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzhMRrehfVbFaBIqF8Q8RmtVcXacUhic7GQ48Ha15kPm3my6iuFELy2VF22BgfiJ6bCFoJHz00SvafgXgi1eNYi2CmuIfvyvFTMKInp-Mi-FpyhAazKGWM7tZTtj2Bc9-fzh2zW-3sHMO/s400/IMG_2170.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAu8MT-W2M7LOwKtAvVaVL0mlfVtcuymHTfKCBWW93MT_WlgIEKiN1aGoqhvzznjBWGR1s4eNdbCm3Jcu4DBHiEDpIk_R5UbZ97MXvNAhsR2rPkn3taBxxSIpyL1WTVn-bFl4PHE0bE_P/s1600/IMG_2169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAu8MT-W2M7LOwKtAvVaVL0mlfVtcuymHTfKCBWW93MT_WlgIEKiN1aGoqhvzznjBWGR1s4eNdbCm3Jcu4DBHiEDpIk_R5UbZ97MXvNAhsR2rPkn3taBxxSIpyL1WTVn-bFl4PHE0bE_P/s400/IMG_2169.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Premium Economy breakfast menu</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjei5A9MBOZSUhqc4xhSDqzcyTGzq6bVL_xMZUIIJLKaywfguL-9PpCPc-uerLY6zY4hHFSJsQzncLbBT8s0fNwlTLCvbdgM4hrVOdW-1kxjGai7D1OuFejcJFA9A7WV9G5YowM-Uy4c6q3/s1600/IMG_2168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjei5A9MBOZSUhqc4xhSDqzcyTGzq6bVL_xMZUIIJLKaywfguL-9PpCPc-uerLY6zY4hHFSJsQzncLbBT8s0fNwlTLCvbdgM4hrVOdW-1kxjGai7D1OuFejcJFA9A7WV9G5YowM-Uy4c6q3/s400/IMG_2168.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Premium Economy dinner menu </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ08tqG38SOLbcaPNJWSd1x75WE5a98N254vtTG-pOovCLGh5DjRfKCyf478h86LrTuRYpheZIs6MB2WsIZwp5RM9mpya3zKXdBqfOmjJGgXRZHklw3MCX8ljg_zpCobGr8CXXAFU5viat/s1600/IMG_2171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ08tqG38SOLbcaPNJWSd1x75WE5a98N254vtTG-pOovCLGh5DjRfKCyf478h86LrTuRYpheZIs6MB2WsIZwp5RM9mpya3zKXdBqfOmjJGgXRZHklw3MCX8ljg_zpCobGr8CXXAFU5viat/s400/IMG_2171.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Amenity kit in Premium Economy</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mlsHXJTKRzVdylv3yVsmBPjuBu7sdW0pg1NUVzXbVdkTqyyPDna84CF5jpAyy3waweThei8iRfX3D9Mvee1fTo_JBXTsOYqmHeoxekW0QVfSq7M2bM6CZxxUxChIacNLB6IxSoGd5Szb/s1600/IMG_2172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mlsHXJTKRzVdylv3yVsmBPjuBu7sdW0pg1NUVzXbVdkTqyyPDna84CF5jpAyy3waweThei8iRfX3D9Mvee1fTo_JBXTsOYqmHeoxekW0QVfSq7M2bM6CZxxUxChIacNLB6IxSoGd5Szb/s400/IMG_2172.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eva Air dinner in Premium Economy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKlq1ei1LK2rZ81RdwqyC50WGrxpVQ93abmX5QCPPum7Rf0kljSn4wD9Cwy_SQQsKdWpNjqgfxB7yUmws64HTJg1zNcvA-Bx9MgLMk9K5GLHyAXwWc8G029rzF0Nw_qH-RAP2qVRd_0hV/s1600/IMG_5334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKlq1ei1LK2rZ81RdwqyC50WGrxpVQ93abmX5QCPPum7Rf0kljSn4wD9Cwy_SQQsKdWpNjqgfxB7yUmws64HTJg1zNcvA-Bx9MgLMk9K5GLHyAXwWc8G029rzF0Nw_qH-RAP2qVRd_0hV/s400/IMG_5334.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Starter in Royal Laurel</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPvW72vKmgbfhhBUj2d9sh6-V2DnDOH2zMwZESWemq767Rb8FCtwYm5raNbDoT_xs_X8cgLuICT2_1GVJbY6_NuG-Vhpchu_mKG2Cl1IeZ65uPUuP-Cdfkm8jYyzChLZ9oS5lRMPpWr12/s1600/IMG_5336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPvW72vKmgbfhhBUj2d9sh6-V2DnDOH2zMwZESWemq767Rb8FCtwYm5raNbDoT_xs_X8cgLuICT2_1GVJbY6_NuG-Vhpchu_mKG2Cl1IeZ65uPUuP-Cdfkm8jYyzChLZ9oS5lRMPpWr12/s400/IMG_5336.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Main course duck in Royal Laurel</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirL_93IfBBDm-7XnDJn2gd27Z7W2671x3INSEURso7DXCev9xtFJE40T80BnB2K3xB9I6mY5aYuf9TN6jxSAglqvBqcoDqR4VFPR9t7MMhJouw_NnIdkE-XZsz6tXZG2cL6MWz-GcVOUMo/s1600/IMG_5338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirL_93IfBBDm-7XnDJn2gd27Z7W2671x3INSEURso7DXCev9xtFJE40T80BnB2K3xB9I6mY5aYuf9TN6jxSAglqvBqcoDqR4VFPR9t7MMhJouw_NnIdkE-XZsz6tXZG2cL6MWz-GcVOUMo/s400/IMG_5338.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dessert in Royal Laurel</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSJfs_Ef9z-PA8SlGUcSzzvfoghqoVCbBwlXlIygeq_6PVN4wBsGOWn5D_5a56am21jVKKlw30VEMnKhgPTXiNnicBFOTJOatZ9-U0hb0f4ggKTMkS7T2-UFgUmTU9FetuNq3QfOH9ltp/s1600/IMG_5339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSJfs_Ef9z-PA8SlGUcSzzvfoghqoVCbBwlXlIygeq_6PVN4wBsGOWn5D_5a56am21jVKKlw30VEMnKhgPTXiNnicBFOTJOatZ9-U0hb0f4ggKTMkS7T2-UFgUmTU9FetuNq3QfOH9ltp/s400/IMG_5339.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Snack between dinner and breakfast</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rUyNF7hj7X7E0-WeImNrnQ12oLFup7yfQkoXtryRwp3GHfmKTDiv5lheg1bng-jvtNGGOp8IeVT1eloLhjj9eBJ1gAHV9ev1nMmVO8iTsjssDBLpBTAJqNimyTjfPwlHb_BT2AO4_Cn9/s1600/IMG_5340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rUyNF7hj7X7E0-WeImNrnQ12oLFup7yfQkoXtryRwp3GHfmKTDiv5lheg1bng-jvtNGGOp8IeVT1eloLhjj9eBJ1gAHV9ev1nMmVO8iTsjssDBLpBTAJqNimyTjfPwlHb_BT2AO4_Cn9/s400/IMG_5340.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First course in Royal Laurel breakfast</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you have a U.S. Global Entry number you can use the Taiwan E-gate quick immigration system, however, you first need to complete an on-line application, pay NT$3,000, and schedule an in-person interview at the Taoyuan airport. If you are not a frequent traveler to Taiwan, it probably does not make sense. I have never waited very long in the non-Taiwan citizen line at the airport immigration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So now you are in Taipei’s Taoyuan International airport after a long overseas flight. You feel like you need a shower and you don’t belong to one of the lounges that have a shower. Not to worry, the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport has you covered if you are making connections or you are staying in Taiwan. In terminal 2 in the upper floor where all the airlines have their lounges, you will find free, clean showers as you walk to Mos Burger. Use this if you have a layover. Towels are not provided so bring your own or rent one at the spa next door. There are also showers in the Business Center on the same floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In T2 upper floor walk toward Mos Burger and<br />the shower will be on your right.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQasaknfOxK-M-LDXy8uy5CJ8lMTiF6WtAY6xCHuusHkhtd2DP5QWT6Q5-04i_dnQ5uUW6wfb7bOS0nmpuElLDMmqvgY8PKoF_jc4IO5YcRwwO3uEErIqIY7qMjZ5MGAkEmD1qB1_rAHlF/s1600/IMG_5320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQasaknfOxK-M-LDXy8uy5CJ8lMTiF6WtAY6xCHuusHkhtd2DP5QWT6Q5-04i_dnQ5uUW6wfb7bOS0nmpuElLDMmqvgY8PKoF_jc4IO5YcRwwO3uEErIqIY7qMjZ5MGAkEmD1qB1_rAHlF/s400/IMG_5320.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Very clean!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcuP0wnFjI1cUHZxIjECecUc_-P2Dq2vz14sPlwUT5HHL5Pbis5MKcy6QFtBPvq1J3S_oS9c4p8VaGPopd0o2W7zrXv_NgJA_Ow8zQNC38Vf0xh6I-M013S8osIPRsFWefHXB9mgdpHWi/s1600/IMG_5321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcuP0wnFjI1cUHZxIjECecUc_-P2Dq2vz14sPlwUT5HHL5Pbis5MKcy6QFtBPvq1J3S_oS9c4p8VaGPopd0o2W7zrXv_NgJA_Ow8zQNC38Vf0xh6I-M013S8osIPRsFWefHXB9mgdpHWi/s400/IMG_5321.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Room for luggage. No towel though.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RhJPf0Ht3__nW4wrjMlwNz4eEOK4elcZ3oXeqo6wrYhDo6iCE6jOU5bM1NsvjcYrEeaYTujlpPaL_hLusW5wjAxxXh_w_zwzbrWZGDAvJcVoZ4QvlFZzZRzP6q4IF-8AnWYk0suv69uw/s1600/IMG_5322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RhJPf0Ht3__nW4wrjMlwNz4eEOK4elcZ3oXeqo6wrYhDo6iCE6jOU5bM1NsvjcYrEeaYTujlpPaL_hLusW5wjAxxXh_w_zwzbrWZGDAvJcVoZ4QvlFZzZRzP6q4IF-8AnWYk0suv69uw/s400/IMG_5322.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Water lasts for only 15 minutes.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are not connecting, there are free showers in the baggage claim areas. If you want to use them, don’t exit the baggage claim into the Arrival Hall. You cannot get back in. For location on a map, visit the Taoyuan International Airport website: <a href="https://www.taoyuan-airport.com/english/store3_detail/Shower">https://www.taoyuan-airport.com/english/store3_detail/Shower</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_9ohZzC4diUkT4Pj9aRS6jcy8Kjz2zoVoFB7QE9ArCvqWVNWqC4EBfGyveWg1I-9qTOQt_GPyOJJ7-ceOyM8CpsHjUkT2PkQ2u6cGBhlfbiH3iFicQVpxcIXBQuYxiaSKwKLbn2JflmQ/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_9ohZzC4diUkT4Pj9aRS6jcy8Kjz2zoVoFB7QE9ArCvqWVNWqC4EBfGyveWg1I-9qTOQt_GPyOJJ7-ceOyM8CpsHjUkT2PkQ2u6cGBhlfbiH3iFicQVpxcIXBQuYxiaSKwKLbn2JflmQ/s400/IMG_0085.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Eva Air has four lounges at the Taoyuan International Airport for their different levels of Mileagelands reward card members or those holding Royal Laurel business class tickets. The different lounges and who can use them are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Club – Silver member and booked Premium Economy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Star – Gold members and Star Alliance Gold members<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Infinity – If you book the Royal Laurel business class<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Garden – Diamond members<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjUSBZbLHIik43Xz-fm037KgN2Z6QIOfPjy-wfCpRUmBtax8CVoJhg4OfKk_mSVla5686Yd25_L0KNJe32QPkuleIlTFquU7XbaSdjFhwmOh8W7UTujTiw8yE9o43OTM9h72fM9H8vqyO/s1600/IMG_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjUSBZbLHIik43Xz-fm037KgN2Z6QIOfPjy-wfCpRUmBtax8CVoJhg4OfKk_mSVla5686Yd25_L0KNJe32QPkuleIlTFquU7XbaSdjFhwmOh8W7UTujTiw8yE9o43OTM9h72fM9H8vqyO/s400/IMG_0090.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lounge map in T2 upper floor</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylvDZ6ZfjiIn5mMWgrDDxrqvI5PM3LBoxjaHE_ARBrk87gFcr-ZXS6hLrrgyZ01MY96snNbZAJ_03UXNs4JKY1HQCuy3Unxw18t3kJ0Vwe-d2lPR-msi8oeimr7Vwz2LyQ0CqlmSgarQh/s1600/IMG_0089+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylvDZ6ZfjiIn5mMWgrDDxrqvI5PM3LBoxjaHE_ARBrk87gFcr-ZXS6hLrrgyZ01MY96snNbZAJ_03UXNs4JKY1HQCuy3Unxw18t3kJ0Vwe-d2lPR-msi8oeimr7Vwz2LyQ0CqlmSgarQh/s400/IMG_0089+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Eva Club Lounge</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qcr2rAa0iekO3wLBoh9_WPEQcy3d-v2Fg3aeZ6gCUquGsMjUXsc7dQlKgCpxzncDVvN7ytMU7-yHhsQvV1eRFjHfiXSxW94oJV-l578P74hiw-Enk38Bq5GQSj9dS6MuYgyaoukSaJa_/s1600/IMG_0069+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qcr2rAa0iekO3wLBoh9_WPEQcy3d-v2Fg3aeZ6gCUquGsMjUXsc7dQlKgCpxzncDVvN7ytMU7-yHhsQvV1eRFjHfiXSxW94oJV-l578P74hiw-Enk38Bq5GQSj9dS6MuYgyaoukSaJa_/s400/IMG_0069+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Inside Club Lounge</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUawQfjTWy7nBNt4cYKktXhRVdQET55VtwMV3LQqhXJLQbbwIIW65eGykL5FodZ_jn_xu_VW70frC1A0TsyWDe9xWIaPLAJtj4diI6Cd5bqo5sAa8UxqeeAteu1OQ5BQV00Fh0HC7p_TP/s1600/IMG_0075+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1600" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUawQfjTWy7nBNt4cYKktXhRVdQET55VtwMV3LQqhXJLQbbwIIW65eGykL5FodZ_jn_xu_VW70frC1A0TsyWDe9xWIaPLAJtj4diI6Cd5bqo5sAa8UxqeeAteu1OQ5BQV00Fh0HC7p_TP/s400/IMG_0075+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Eva Garden Lounge</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdcsvNPmZwe8n9bXf0sR9sy0y-cG0ecT0wQ_wFWbbdi0m0gimmFqPe-gxiJxoBTg7t0Qn_dTNC1XSLIwcfPFwuKo1vi6TLxONIKXZRCRxsnvhyrTCiR6HQ_aKgAjzrURK5L2phZL8LwzD/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdcsvNPmZwe8n9bXf0sR9sy0y-cG0ecT0wQ_wFWbbdi0m0gimmFqPe-gxiJxoBTg7t0Qn_dTNC1XSLIwcfPFwuKo1vi6TLxONIKXZRCRxsnvhyrTCiR6HQ_aKgAjzrURK5L2phZL8LwzD/s400/IMG_0086.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Eva Star Lounge</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">China Airlines also operates its own lounges at Taoyuan International Airport and if you are a Priority Pass member you also have access to the Plaza Premium and More lounges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For Priority Pass members</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It seems like most of the flights to Taiwan leave around midnight on the west coast which means you arrive around 6:00 am Taiwan time. My suggestion would be to ask your hotel for an early check-in. In my case, the hotel charged me half of the room rate and I also got their buffet breakfast. Being able to shower, change, and eat made me ready for exploring Taipei!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Taiwan!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>All Aboard Taiwan!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blog: AllAboardTaiwan.com</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Instagram: ExperienceTaiwan</span><br />
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Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-55362910054897685962018-02-06T07:29:00.000-08:002018-02-06T07:29:46.812-08:00How to get to the Old City of Lukang<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have just left Chiayi City and am heading to Taichung by train on this my seventh day going around Taipei with only public transportation. The purpose of going to Taichung is to travel to the old city of Lukang. Many years ago, the city elders decided they did not want a train station and all the unsavory development that it would bring. That was a good thing for us because visiting Lukang is like going back in time. We get a glimpse of life in Taiwan 50 or 100 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will spend the night in Taichung and then take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus to Lukang in the morning. The Taichung Railway station (TRA) is being modernized and enlarged. After arriving, I exited the rear of the station but took a maze to reach the front of the station. The hotel I selected is not a far walk from the train station. I try to pick nice hotels near the train stations on this trip around Taiwan. It makes life easier when I need to take public transportation. My hotel in Taichung is the <a href="https://allaboardtaiwan.blogspot.com/2017/12/Taiwan-Hotels.html" target="_blank">1969 Blue Sky Hote</a>l. Probably one of the best values on my trip! It was a very cool modern-romantic industrial type of design that has been opened for only a short time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lobby of 1969 Blue Sky Hotel</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Creative breakfast - 1969 Blue Sky Hotel</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I need to travel to the nearby Taichung High-Speed Rail Station (HSR) to catch the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus to Lukang. I think there are local buses that leave from Taichung to Lukang, but most local bus schedules are in Chinese which I can't read, so I took a short train ride from the Taichung Rail Station to the High-Speed Rail Station. Taichung will have an MRT soon that will link the downtown with the HSR station. Estimates are that this line will start in December 2018. By the way, I have never had a problem speaking English at any train ticket booth. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Short train ride from Taichung TRA station<br />to Taichung HSR station</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finding the bus to Lukang at the Taichung HSR terminal is very easy. When you are in the main terminal of the HSR station, head down one floor to where the bus terminal is. I caught the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus at Platform 5 which also makes a stop at Changhua. There are helpful people at tourist information desks at the bus terminal and the main terminal floor. I had my Easy Card, so no need to buy a bus ticket!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The way down to the bus terminal</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bus Platform 5 to Lukang</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One thing to remember, the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle does not stop at every stop. When you are getting close to your stop, you need to press the button on the bus. I was looking at Google Maps on my phone for the nearest stop to my hotel in Lukang, but I was too late. I ended up at the main bus stop in Lukang and had to walk some distance to my hotel. Lukang Old Town is not that large, so it was not a far walk.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Changhua stop</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bus parking lot at Lukang bus stop</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I stayed at a very new, modern, luxurious hotel called <a href="https://allaboardtaiwan.blogspot.com/2017/12/Taiwan-Hotels.html" target="_blank">Union House</a>. It is probably the best high-end choice in old town. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Union House hotel</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Union House hotel lobby</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Union House hotel reception</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time to explore the Old City! Lukang is known for its old buildings, small alleys where artisans still work, and its many temples. I could see the Longshan temple from my hotel’s window so that was my first stop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Longshan Temple from Union House hotel</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now time to head up the street to the infamous Mazu Temple. There are so many food vendors around the temple, especially seafood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many food stands!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wow! Those are big!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pleasure for the eyes and stomach!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8evrJQgmnkWBphZpiCicIbj0gCcoEYTYbsROf5RYZF9YdOl9Ll2iPnyVO2CAWCcbkfdqXzyWerjHWRCxN_DRHjO5Aq7NVmHl73J6qdjumfoAiUZSXwMIS_ASjnm-UUrN1q9hwtffiFKH9/s1600/Lukang+squid.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1397" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8evrJQgmnkWBphZpiCicIbj0gCcoEYTYbsROf5RYZF9YdOl9Ll2iPnyVO2CAWCcbkfdqXzyWerjHWRCxN_DRHjO5Aq7NVmHl73J6qdjumfoAiUZSXwMIS_ASjnm-UUrN1q9hwtffiFKH9/s400/Lukang+squid.JPG" width="348" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Squid on a stick</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFp_v5a4_jqkmo_kuNxArkRHkIMKksFAAKa_fgW1ubmmh7ZQ_maM7U8A4R_gz1HKBiEUFi1uyP2ImtR7iyckL2vAJO0aGOxKAZRIi3E8xTL4t_zfNaUq0irG9VXHSGnabgUwRLWemvTUH/s1600/Mazu+temple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFp_v5a4_jqkmo_kuNxArkRHkIMKksFAAKa_fgW1ubmmh7ZQ_maM7U8A4R_gz1HKBiEUFi1uyP2ImtR7iyckL2vAJO0aGOxKAZRIi3E8xTL4t_zfNaUq0irG9VXHSGnabgUwRLWemvTUH/s400/Mazu+temple.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mazu Temple</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time to explore some of the back alleys. It’s like a treasure hunt – you don’t know what you will discover.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIix698BNzgZEwMXbt33-7Gfx9EJZ5nbDTSa_VNCITRowYWRECrhI7DI2qjoV_cNLqe-aV1fXwkd3BU6oYnf-shy67RMGjqZKLrZeSvSUvf0OZSlEEonj6875vRUg80perN2UYzpOd0PP1/s1600/Alley+walking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIix698BNzgZEwMXbt33-7Gfx9EJZ5nbDTSa_VNCITRowYWRECrhI7DI2qjoV_cNLqe-aV1fXwkd3BU6oYnf-shy67RMGjqZKLrZeSvSUvf0OZSlEEonj6875vRUg80perN2UYzpOd0PP1/s400/Alley+walking.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeUGAN_8TLSkk_lCkzW5lvYZWKd1WYU5RcckjMC2iC5sQ_81WeOLqyL07P1UXpy82sK16-jhvmza3zFBH9qC8mvPNYiN_0b0-fttsc03BPn4OK-2p9-EYJeFPsBrCdrZ1OoEKvG5alOf5/s1600/Alley+Lukang.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeUGAN_8TLSkk_lCkzW5lvYZWKd1WYU5RcckjMC2iC5sQ_81WeOLqyL07P1UXpy82sK16-jhvmza3zFBH9qC8mvPNYiN_0b0-fttsc03BPn4OK-2p9-EYJeFPsBrCdrZ1OoEKvG5alOf5/s400/Alley+Lukang.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX5vU-1FRHIrOtGMKwDyJtvKt0F5t7NHBMmWZOGnsKiO-H61I04eRz_nHM5o-p40-IMS669c5VTKRP3yZ4Av2se2zdrAoxqtt4740HdMnBd8sPcaoROr7oVFIxKmbMWaD1PZxWcUC1fIu/s1600/Alley+pictures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="722" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX5vU-1FRHIrOtGMKwDyJtvKt0F5t7NHBMmWZOGnsKiO-H61I04eRz_nHM5o-p40-IMS669c5VTKRP3yZ4Av2se2zdrAoxqtt4740HdMnBd8sPcaoROr7oVFIxKmbMWaD1PZxWcUC1fIu/s400/Alley+pictures.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This hotel was the only one I have stayed at in Taiwan that did not have a breakfast buffet. I think maybe it was because there were so few guests staying here. I didn’t see any other guests, but I saw lots of staff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwSyxc41AZOwSsrvpk7I2zKELA3nVI9N2hJ7Wn_42NCuV2OixyNmtn5cAvkmLnkJpWjiwYbbBot7T1SWjAZGC_ARTs8jULlxxKOqzRTO-8oQshSCcL4Y-jkhUwAWmIBAdkgAr1wMw5EpY/s1600/Union+House+dining+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwSyxc41AZOwSsrvpk7I2zKELA3nVI9N2hJ7Wn_42NCuV2OixyNmtn5cAvkmLnkJpWjiwYbbBot7T1SWjAZGC_ARTs8jULlxxKOqzRTO-8oQshSCcL4Y-jkhUwAWmIBAdkgAr1wMw5EpY/s400/Union+House+dining+room.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Union House hotel breakfast area</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will take the bus back to the Taichung HSR station and then take a high-speed train back to Taipei. I walked back to the bus stopped where I was dropped off the previous day and asked a person who worked there that didn’t speak English “where to get on the Tourist shuttle bus?” Using hand gestures, he told me to wait in the small bus terminal and I suspect he will then tell me when the bus arrives. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fVTO3txQtx97H-B5-IsekqQqIuBedO89ZveSNT7DSbgRNaptBSWKXxMwnFXvn4bLe0kVmr6nzZ6dEOPUlWAPboKWb3pPBDXWFnaZd_Ka74zUTTGB90kQzjp1ZrIP6bBds9CcjSUCJkuO/s1600/Bus+schedule+in+Lukang+bus+station.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fVTO3txQtx97H-B5-IsekqQqIuBedO89ZveSNT7DSbgRNaptBSWKXxMwnFXvn4bLe0kVmr6nzZ6dEOPUlWAPboKWb3pPBDXWFnaZd_Ka74zUTTGB90kQzjp1ZrIP6bBds9CcjSUCJkuO/s400/Bus+schedule+in+Lukang+bus+station.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Part of the bus schedule in the Lukang bus station</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next bus to Chunghua and then the HSR station was a local bus. No problem. It makes more stops then the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus but still goes to the same place. It dropped me off at Platform 5 and I was at the HSR terminal. Since so many trains go to Taipei it is no problem buying tickets the same day, except around local holidays. After a short wait, I am speeding to Taipei!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All Aboard Taiwan!</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-37473918882505213912018-02-02T07:45:00.000-08:002018-02-02T07:54:26.937-08:00To the Alishan Forest Railway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0Ma7i-GvjNJo9HoWUfZcaIHa0O2XpkOmkG4M14BoTL62MV8PBlnbCzAShyphenhyphenP9LdFPNTJDBQ8j3geU9GSJ41chpL4CUEZ6dFU7wPqfxatf5jwZUAwNWw93cXBSo3KC9Vwp0UqAMWrU9Efn/s400/IMG_4148+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am now on my sixth day going around Taiwan using only public transportation. Today I leave from Tainan Railway station and travel to Chiayi City where I will spend the night and then in the morning take the Alishan Forest Railway to Fenchihu (Fenqihu) Station. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnFrvqqr-1x9hJ4zyBAxA9Hdw_3CplEMIZao7LEh8BdF4jJBCuIOLjCTc2CJo7vMyyUQD-D4oiR5VNlqa5u5nDm2uyo-6EXiQYkWn9EOJCvuHtxoyXf_B3qxQlMILlX8V_iQReqbt-DlO/s1600/Alishan+railway+map.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnFrvqqr-1x9hJ4zyBAxA9Hdw_3CplEMIZao7LEh8BdF4jJBCuIOLjCTc2CJo7vMyyUQD-D4oiR5VNlqa5u5nDm2uyo-6EXiQYkWn9EOJCvuHtxoyXf_B3qxQlMILlX8V_iQReqbt-DlO/s400/Alishan+railway+map.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Map of the Alishan Forest Railway</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Alishan Forest Railway does not continue past the Fenchihu station to Alishan. Apparently, typhoons and earthquakes have taken their toll on that part of the railway. You can continue to Alishan from Fenchihu station by the Taiwan Tourist shuttle bus that meets the train. My schedule did not allow an overnight on Alishan and I did not want to make a rush up and rush down trip, so I only went as far as Fenchihu, which surprisingly has a lot of things to do (most involve eating and hiking).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What is amazing to me is that the Railway and Taiwan government has kept this railway going. It is constantly needing repairs from washouts and earthquake damage.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Leaving Tainan Station for Chiayi Station</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The day began leaving the excellent breakfast at the <a href="https://allaboardtaiwan.blogspot.com/2017/12/Taiwan-Hotels.html" target="_blank">Shangri-la Far Eastern Plaza hotel </a>in Tainan and walking across the street to the train station. Actually, you go into a tunnel that goes under the tracks so you can get to the front of the station. I had purchased my train ticket the day before when I arrived in Tainan. I did not want to buy a ticket at the last minute and risk not having a seat. It was a nice train ride up to Chiayi City passing many scenic farms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I saw this man playing a Guzheng in the tunnel under the tracks in Tainan station</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Just as exited the train station at Chiayi City, I turned left and saw the ticket window for the Alishan Forest Railway. I then purchased my ticket for the next morning. I understand tickets sell-out so it is best to get them in advance.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At the Chiayi Station, you can catch the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle to the<br /> Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzty5rfiDSxPsJ32HhCYTCI44XQlcu48aVOnZJWHQdoWvdxeoYBYYXQEqF4WW8Z6HgW5yqmpxmsRRpYKBgdRbTTTyGQBz7m9EKysBgoNkohr10dBWJh8dZQyBjt7h0mbTI1APummMJHKM/s1600/Chiayi+rail+station.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1600" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzty5rfiDSxPsJ32HhCYTCI44XQlcu48aVOnZJWHQdoWvdxeoYBYYXQEqF4WW8Z6HgW5yqmpxmsRRpYKBgdRbTTTyGQBz7m9EKysBgoNkohr10dBWJh8dZQyBjt7h0mbTI1APummMJHKM/s400/Chiayi+rail+station.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is good signage at the Chiayi Station, just look up!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Alishan Forest Railway ticket booth in front <br />of the Chiayi Train Station</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I then went to find my hotel, <a href="https://allaboardtaiwan.blogspot.com/2017/12/Taiwan-Hotels.html" target="_blank">Maison de Chine</a>. I walked to it from the train station, but later I found out they have a free shuttle pickup from the train station which I probably should have done because it was so hot!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">King room in Maison de Chine, Chiayi City</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I checked into my very adequate room. Time for lunch! The specialty in the area is the turkey rice bowls. Apparently, turkey was introduced to the area by early Americans stationed here. However, the good restaurant was too far to walk, so I settled for some Japanese curry about a block from the hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A small Japanese curry restaurant near the hotel</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Price not too bad</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After lunch, I headed to the Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park which was an outdoor museum of old railway cars and engines and also part arboretum. Some of the rail cars and engines had been restored and it looks like some of the old engines are still runnable. To preserve this history, I would like to have seen the items protected from the elements.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next stop was the Hinoki Village. It was a cultural village with many shops. While the old building architecture was very cool, inside of the shops looked very touristy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next morning I got the FREE hotel shuttle to the train station. Since I checked out of the hotel and didn’t want to carry my bag on the train, I put it in the storage locker at the train station. To lock the locker, you only need to insert the minimum amount for that size locker. When you come back it will tell you what additional money you owe. SAVE YOUR RECEIPT and have the exact change ready.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywYlBnQpf07RZx4Aon6H4FAwEdpk2649qYQIVAyRcHqqUzci_2mXbiSfzg0hp9AJ_i9dk4WLU9_SgHIL91X8WfBRu_Hpklj_Q1aZ2Ya-aKf-cR5JsW0t8ScsI3R30rZG5FVdPtA1Ty_c0/s1600/IMG_4139+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywYlBnQpf07RZx4Aon6H4FAwEdpk2649qYQIVAyRcHqqUzci_2mXbiSfzg0hp9AJ_i9dk4WLU9_SgHIL91X8WfBRu_Hpklj_Q1aZ2Ya-aKf-cR5JsW0t8ScsI3R30rZG5FVdPtA1Ty_c0/s400/IMG_4139+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are different size storage lockers at the Chiayi Train Station</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Alishan Forest Railway train is Platform 1 <br />all the way down to the right</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The train car that will take me up the mountain, at least part-way</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9obibT8hAA2V9QyPwJV_p6SPIKYEgirw1rFOscg9hhVc-HV5An6NpmaWDYbDbVhQDv1OymDQnaZ9pdETzk97fSnZXkfx9-iXUDDdaakNrs6ufrynT2MOVuRTVtSPVqMF5kKbXURkQFEas/s1600/IMG_4179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9obibT8hAA2V9QyPwJV_p6SPIKYEgirw1rFOscg9hhVc-HV5An6NpmaWDYbDbVhQDv1OymDQnaZ9pdETzk97fSnZXkfx9-iXUDDdaakNrs6ufrynT2MOVuRTVtSPVqMF5kKbXURkQFEas/s400/IMG_4179.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Inside is pretty nice, even a bathroom!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganLprEPolFN7PuBsIk-eGOwLeL6JCsPu305UZ-VentlsMrqBKpwwqTKyiq4Vl7_bmXerj2IeWcTbNv3Y73ysG-sgvi362bPJ62Epnjli1MjYFaYJ41_vmGv6BUMW9EZE6-8VZiH5S_Naj/s1600/IMG_4145+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1263" data-original-width="1600" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganLprEPolFN7PuBsIk-eGOwLeL6JCsPu305UZ-VentlsMrqBKpwwqTKyiq4Vl7_bmXerj2IeWcTbNv3Y73ysG-sgvi362bPJ62Epnjli1MjYFaYJ41_vmGv6BUMW9EZE6-8VZiH5S_Naj/s400/IMG_4145+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Alishan Forest Railway train schedule</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You see a lot of trees, drop-offs and sometimes a glimpse of the farms and ocean in the distant. The train makes a few stops where you can get off, depending on your ticket. Since I had a one-way to Fenchihu, that is where I will get off.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluOEfy1HiW-9d8y6ZUYHtMY4m-VfVvMTxkNJhQpFTRDz7zCCzW7jk3E_qcLmUlJhpVa8-xc0tHtOCLkYFil6OiGEP_ATBJhzOzVeeRSAdQEH-NWXAmX1LmhW410bMSIPHiebOu0y4epw8/s1600/IMG_4283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluOEfy1HiW-9d8y6ZUYHtMY4m-VfVvMTxkNJhQpFTRDz7zCCzW7jk3E_qcLmUlJhpVa8-xc0tHtOCLkYFil6OiGEP_ATBJhzOzVeeRSAdQEH-NWXAmX1LmhW410bMSIPHiebOu0y4epw8/s400/IMG_4283.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Arrived at Fenchihu Station</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Visiting the Fenchihu station was like going back in time, I was picturing the railroad as it was intended back during the Japanese colonial period as a way to bring logging harvests back down the mountain. Directly in front of the train is the old workshop now turned into a small railroad museum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp06PskGqjetlK7txZbz0do1ABF3B-KrMPsnw7TMeOWgMh5dpFulxJ9BOEsqQ6J5-LfiuZfC2Lcm9VI5P9UXCrRJNfAjK_fPKBaAFvdeMWxUZT8hWBuapG0x45U5XEKFxU56shWUg-OAXt/s1600/IMG_4230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp06PskGqjetlK7txZbz0do1ABF3B-KrMPsnw7TMeOWgMh5dpFulxJ9BOEsqQ6J5-LfiuZfC2Lcm9VI5P9UXCrRJNfAjK_fPKBaAFvdeMWxUZT8hWBuapG0x45U5XEKFxU56shWUg-OAXt/s400/IMG_4230.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is the workshop museum. Go through it and turn left on the road to catch the<br /> Taiwan Tourist shuttle bus to Alishan</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJToc0DDOSBCq-18DeQQMcz5rhRP-YDAIYO8jVSLeNvIQqZlAVNzTZTs9Mciwc7bmbWrgMXLx0CZeqI8rD2o2Jju2HX5fJSPlYyDD7O0Nwl-NOvNrDutM0I4p-p5Mn4RUgH5QOb7VP7IF/s1600/IMG_4228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJToc0DDOSBCq-18DeQQMcz5rhRP-YDAIYO8jVSLeNvIQqZlAVNzTZTs9Mciwc7bmbWrgMXLx0CZeqI8rD2o2Jju2HX5fJSPlYyDD7O0Nwl-NOvNrDutM0I4p-p5Mn4RUgH5QOb7VP7IF/s400/IMG_4228.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Old steam engine in the workshop museum</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are going on to Alishan, walk through the workshop and turn left, you will see the bus stop up the hill a little ways. Take the Taiwan Tourist shuttle bus to Alishan. Since I didn’t have time to go to Alishan on this trip, I went into the train station and bought a ticket for a return to Chiayi City.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You have about 10 minutes to catch the bus after the train arrives</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1izC6aF_-ttGj7B6ICwgc65lUESoSR-aFZgcc5kUSoNHvv3knW8-aSykEINLXeHQZyf_t8ssVGpsrIB391hOTkbJ89m3lORbs6szpozgszAhhr_W9zWVSHlQY1IkIRb_pA48n_S5TCDK/s1600/Alishan+Taiwan+Tourist+bus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus to Alishan</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-32Q3hGqu9k7fD0iis54tsj-9fV51eR5kek9Aj0XE5ck2tiPXgoUIIPRuXOiAd2s08mJ5NdKHljR79oyaV0YB4tSzyXxBjVuLa4BQk1Z5QNerlQfXgrIHVrUQ_vgDiS65XBzZqC8xZd6/s1600/Alishan+Tourist+bus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1157" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-32Q3hGqu9k7fD0iis54tsj-9fV51eR5kek9Aj0XE5ck2tiPXgoUIIPRuXOiAd2s08mJ5NdKHljR79oyaV0YB4tSzyXxBjVuLa4BQk1Z5QNerlQfXgrIHVrUQ_vgDiS65XBzZqC8xZd6/s400/Alishan+Tourist+bus.JPG" width="288" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Alishan Tourist Shuttle bus schedule</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Finchihu Station ticket office to get a return ticket</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was time for lunch so I went down Fenchihu Old Street and saw many people eating at this traditional food eatery. The proprietor was very busy and shouting out orders. It was obvious he didn’t speak English, but with help of some other tourists, I got a plate ordered. When a plate is good and cheap you get this very satisfied feeling. That is what I had.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Popular lunch place!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilivOh18Twsy6sF88IQVpFFs86WKJwQ0E5EpyVpIvUmgrYQ8RjDkhArof5UUeTiaxPh99d3Y1prfY7rsA-zS6rqhTj7G-AioEljMaoVOPcQ6GWyQYuWr32q2uaH6j82BTFUwW7LnzKI9xk/s1600/IMG_4244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilivOh18Twsy6sF88IQVpFFs86WKJwQ0E5EpyVpIvUmgrYQ8RjDkhArof5UUeTiaxPh99d3Y1prfY7rsA-zS6rqhTj7G-AioEljMaoVOPcQ6GWyQYuWr32q2uaH6j82BTFUwW7LnzKI9xk/s400/IMG_4244.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Railway luchbox type of lunch</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjUyj6QHgSx3Qd6K9_9Ees04z_f0aYSYEo1bOHHQzrnry74bH2gUZpOsvxezKrGirZXdiB7BSTnqhvRDfqppNZdXQGWHIK9jUfX1AAim_MdJnjf_4O_-bMV4OXITHUwWt0JZYeeIcnLKI/s1600/IMG_4245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjUyj6QHgSx3Qd6K9_9Ees04z_f0aYSYEo1bOHHQzrnry74bH2gUZpOsvxezKrGirZXdiB7BSTnqhvRDfqppNZdXQGWHIK9jUfX1AAim_MdJnjf_4O_-bMV4OXITHUwWt0JZYeeIcnLKI/s400/IMG_4245.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are many hiking trails around the village, but most are them are uphill. I did find one that was an easy hike with a great lookout over the station and Fenchihu Village. I couldn’t understand why more tourists were not here. They continued to stay around the train taking selfies while I got a great view and some peace and quiet in the forest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Good hiking around Fenchihu</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ms326Dq3eA3xL-BFygqChXIi0JIVb5kRpSHnpVE6NO09tRtiRdfvPahpByEeDp5__MR5EyhiQ9EI6BoQ2Qvandhi201Fof6-Vzx-xwKXEnxaA9YEf5zuwHUbvliQ88EBCdibjd8pfFXN/s1600/Fenchihu+trails.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ms326Dq3eA3xL-BFygqChXIi0JIVb5kRpSHnpVE6NO09tRtiRdfvPahpByEeDp5__MR5EyhiQ9EI6BoQ2Qvandhi201Fof6-Vzx-xwKXEnxaA9YEf5zuwHUbvliQ88EBCdibjd8pfFXN/s400/Fenchihu+trails.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBReVU7sywNk8ZWj62KQgsc-TOb6umsfvdQn3j-Bi2pDjoL3h6or9J9uu8m84rz1upTwqJRo_dlhsZKC9c9Wlwt8YKYQhNbScuYNwnBTlZ2yJ34palq12uE48wkrGX0JyreBWbhtjCMoFh/s1600/IMG_4255+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBReVU7sywNk8ZWj62KQgsc-TOb6umsfvdQn3j-Bi2pDjoL3h6or9J9uu8m84rz1upTwqJRo_dlhsZKC9c9Wlwt8YKYQhNbScuYNwnBTlZ2yJ34palq12uE48wkrGX0JyreBWbhtjCMoFh/s400/IMG_4255+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Overview of the Fenchihu station</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was time to head back on the train. Going down the mountain on the train was faster than going up. The greater speed exaggerated the swaying of the car back and forth. Pretty thrilling. It was only later that I learned that there have been derailments with tourists killed. Yikes!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My train to Taichung!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I made it safely back to Chiayi City and got my bag from the luggage locker. My next stop will be to Taichung by train so I timed everything just right so I only had a short wait at the Chiayi Station before my train to Taichung came. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All Aboard Taiwan!</span></div>
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Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-27552056763587623552018-01-19T12:10:00.000-08:002018-10-09T16:19:13.277-07:00If you only go to Shifen for lanterns, you are missing a lot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was intrigued by the Pingxi Rail Line during my research of day trips from Taipei. It has a historical aspect and it travels through many picturesque towns. The Pingxi Rail Line was a railway built mainly to haul coal from the area of Jingtong down to the coast by Keelung. Instead of abandoning the line when the coal mines closed, the Taiwan government keep it going and now it has turned into a fun tourist experience. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pingxi Line map</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Most tourists start at the Ruifang train station and take the Pingxi Rail Line west toward Pingxi or only to Shifen and do the lantern thing. The Pingxi Line ends at the town of Jingtong. I took the Taiwan Tourism Bureau suggestion and started in Taipei on the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus to catch the train at Jingtong. From my Taipei hotel, I hopped on the brown MRT going to the Taipei zoo and got off at the Muzha Station. The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus stops near the Muzha MRT station.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Muzha MRT station is the next to the last stop</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Follow the arrow to the bus stop from Muzha MRT station</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprS8X1ZcOFsG6WRxofr-GTzMNbBI9199srp8kvWb6IeRuA4Ardc15gS46mtFaEyYWeYE8keHWpE9c0vxJl6_WGOAaldjAn3uLGAX66QZpy8KyhkUABQlixQOT9Mem2dxME55wuOl8Qv0z/s1600/IMG_2475+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprS8X1ZcOFsG6WRxofr-GTzMNbBI9199srp8kvWb6IeRuA4Ardc15gS46mtFaEyYWeYE8keHWpE9c0vxJl6_WGOAaldjAn3uLGAX66QZpy8KyhkUABQlixQOT9Mem2dxME55wuOl8Qv0z/s400/IMG_2475+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Go under this bridge and cross the road at the stoplight</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How to find the bus: As you come down the escalator at the station exit, turn left. You will see a diagonal street that goes under a bridge. Take it to the stoplight. <b>CROSS THE STREET</b> and turn right a little to get to the stop for bus 795 going to Pengxi. For the bus fare, use your Easy Card. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bus #795 </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bus stop</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaNqAhd7HV4xfouybL4RdyaM2FmR99HT_e0fK4iouHHRln_cmUBAmAeUjglbM-7aRTYESG9lJ-7M9WmLm_HK9I5k6OznaB5U77GkpFVLGPy_S8w0E2znSpSWXq1Zyh4AtlKwuKmNm5g7v/s1600/IMG_2489+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaNqAhd7HV4xfouybL4RdyaM2FmR99HT_e0fK4iouHHRln_cmUBAmAeUjglbM-7aRTYESG9lJ-7M9WmLm_HK9I5k6OznaB5U77GkpFVLGPy_S8w0E2znSpSWXq1Zyh4AtlKwuKmNm5g7v/s400/IMG_2489+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you see this temple from your bus stop, you are at the correct stop</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For some reason the scheduled times the bus leaves from the station are not at constant intervals. I missed the 7:15 am bus and had to wait an hour for the 8:20 bus and since this was rush hour of people going to work plus tourists it was standing room only for about an hour on the bus until Jingtong. My suggestion is if you want to leave in the morning, get one of the earlier buses, e.g. 6:20, 6:50, or 7:15.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxJrwQQdkndzrH6V6L8RT2bWzmKZQGJPZI2QZBLvZBPDIXZDmlrGEyqVBj_IviPqZBYBooLlCAD5x4fuhIhcxOhFmjQZn8qkpDZTWR-5pq1Vi_bnuHNsU5xU44OpOOFPG44tA_PK2M3_b/s1600/IMG_2502+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1411" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxJrwQQdkndzrH6V6L8RT2bWzmKZQGJPZI2QZBLvZBPDIXZDmlrGEyqVBj_IviPqZBYBooLlCAD5x4fuhIhcxOhFmjQZn8qkpDZTWR-5pq1Vi_bnuHNsU5xU44OpOOFPG44tA_PK2M3_b/s400/IMG_2502+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="352" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I choose to get off at Jingtong to see this former coal-mining town and catch the Pingxi Rail Line train here. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jingtong</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> is the terminus stop of the Pingxi Line. There are at least three ways to purchase tickets for the train once you arrive at </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jingtong</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. You can use the Easy Card as you enter and exit at each stop, buy a single-use ticket to the station you wish to go to, or buy an all-day hop-on-hop-off pass for NT$80. Which is what I did. The all-day pass will give you the flexibility to stop and get off at the other interesting towns on the line.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsg-Xvu6TTbQVfxdAV838R_9KvQme0DBVWUIwsOrTrmF6kdLp85k1EX7zz7M9G0QF68ypLw8MSfhxp4rKRARwrPllLvPVkuSweHk-aLEuufNwU7esrXWK2xVWNVAlQftFbBZQSpN8C08nd/s1600/IMG_2511+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1600" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsg-Xvu6TTbQVfxdAV838R_9KvQme0DBVWUIwsOrTrmF6kdLp85k1EX7zz7M9G0QF68ypLw8MSfhxp4rKRARwrPllLvPVkuSweHk-aLEuufNwU7esrXWK2xVWNVAlQftFbBZQSpN8C08nd/s400/IMG_2511+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Scanner for Easy Card. Make sure you scan again when you exit!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jingtong has a small and quaint old street and when I was there in the early morning there were only a few tourists. Up the hill behind the station is the Coal Mining Memorial Park with an old sealed off mine entrance. There are many cool derelict buildings that were used during the coal mining days that make for good selfie backgrounds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jingtong Old Street. No tourists!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next stop on the line is the town of Pingxi. Pingxi also has an old street downhill from the train station. There are your usual snack food and tourist souvenirs. Walk up to the Guanyin Rock Temple and see the bomb shelter and Eight Spirits cave. Pretty thrilling to have bats flying around you in the cave!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bomb shelter caves</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bomb shelter</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Entrance to 'Eight Spirits Cave'</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm58eUMKc043dUA99aTlmk42tYhD_zbQe7Bif9fcpSkn2h8HTi5uOp_c_z5rhmiLtEHghWAn2Yc9_yKTrBzkmguQd0A51boYeGGss3MiTe_M1qPCkEfbhm6F2Bnp7muM9OyPgwranghSi0/s1600/IMG_2585+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm58eUMKc043dUA99aTlmk42tYhD_zbQe7Bif9fcpSkn2h8HTi5uOp_c_z5rhmiLtEHghWAn2Yc9_yKTrBzkmguQd0A51boYeGGss3MiTe_M1qPCkEfbhm6F2Bnp7muM9OyPgwranghSi0/s400/IMG_2585+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What is flying around me? Bats!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can loft a lantern at Pingxi or Shifen</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next two stations Linjiao and Wangu people tend to bypass because they want to get off at Shifen. There is, however, a newer bike/walking path along the Keelung River between Pingxi and Linjiao.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shifen is the tourist mecca because everyone wants to send up good luck sky lanterns. So after the train leaves, people purchase the lanterns, write messages on them, have their picture taken, let the lantern go, and then get back on the next train. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Where the action is</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What is your wish?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Different colors for different wishes</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are many snacks that can be had along the tracks. If you walk up the Shifen Old Street as it curves to the right you will come to a local minced pork lunch place. Cheap, good and a great local experience.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Keep walking up Shifen Old Street and you come to a local eatery</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another stop on the Pingxi Line is the Houtong Cat Village. Probably one of the cleverest marketing gimmicks in Taiwan. Who doesn’t wasn’t to see a cute cat? The town is also home to the Coal Mine Ecological Park where you can learn about this former Taiwan industry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are also many hikes from these towns (most vertical), but some to waterfalls. Pickup Richard Saunders’ book <i><a href="http://www.taiwanoffthebeatentrack.com/2017/05/03/taiwan-101-reviewed/" target="_blank">Taiwan 101</a></i> when you are in Taipei to learn more about the trails. I know Eslite in Taipei carries it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you came by train from Taipei, you transfer to Pingxi Line here</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">According to the schedule, trains leave about every hour</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When my Pengxi line train stopped at the Ruifang station, I transferred to a train back to the Songshan station in Taipei. This was an easy day trip from Taipei. Go early if you want to avoid the large crowds. All Aboard Taiwan!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blog: <a href="http://allaboardtaiwan.com/">AllAboardTaiwan.com</a></span></div>
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Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com1Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 22625.0248314 121.7408654000000824.9097279 121.57950390000008 25.1399349 121.90222690000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-4932333571191060892018-01-18T11:02:00.003-08:002018-01-18T11:59:54.760-08:00Taitung to Tainan - Through the Mountains<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am now on my fifth day around Taiwan. I am now leaving Taitung and going to Tainan. I have decided to skip Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s largest city in the south since it is very spread-out and will take some time exploring. Tainan, however, I have heard many good things about and I am looking forward to at least exploring the tip of the iceberg. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you look at a map of Taiwan, you will see that Tainan is almost directly across from Taitung. Taitung is on the east coast and Tainan is on the west coast in southern Taiwan. On the map you will also see that there is a mountain range between the two cities. The best transportation route to the west coast from the east is on the Taiwan Rail Administration South-Link line. I had purchased the ticket earlier to make sure I had a seat on the train. The 2<sup>nd</sup> class section of the train was more than comfortable. Because of those mountains, the train went through many tunnels. I didn’t count them all, but it was a lot.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's my hotel! How to get there?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwWI1Y_H-h-jsajc5fZ0zMQdmsmzpDtI7TgSytAO8CxLUPtHI2Zx9_DFEqycK1gSYjZzFQsEk_kR6kGrdC0Zi2dteSInZZQJ0YtChfzli2tO1N9JCHpcwsu2fLPaShkT3HaBFRTZpBwQp/s1600/IMG_3863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwWI1Y_H-h-jsajc5fZ0zMQdmsmzpDtI7TgSytAO8CxLUPtHI2Zx9_DFEqycK1gSYjZzFQsEk_kR6kGrdC0Zi2dteSInZZQJ0YtChfzli2tO1N9JCHpcwsu2fLPaShkT3HaBFRTZpBwQp/s400/IMG_3863.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We made a stop in Kaohsiung and then continued to Tainan. Arriving at Tainan, I got out of the train station and saw my hotel (Shangri-la Plaza Hotel) on the other side of the tracks. Knowing there must be an easy way to get across, I finally found the tunnel in front of the station that goes under the tracks to the other side. Shangri-la Plaza hotel was so very convenient being so close to the train station. I did arrive a little early for check-in, so I went to the Plaza mall food court for some lunch. After a leisure lunch, I went back to reception and my room was ready with the luggage brought up. I had a large room with the typical amenities, but the carpet has seen better days. I was so grateful for a cool space though. The heat in Tainan was stifling.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Food court lunch</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bus 77 will take you to Anping District</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I only had part of a day in Tainan, so I wanted to hit the main attraction which to me was Anping District and what’s left of the Dutch fort Zeelandia. Getting there was easy from the Shangri-la Plaza hotel. Bus 77 stops in front of the hotel and the stop to get off was the Indigenous Culture Center. With a short walk across the canal, I was at the Anping Old Street. Cool food and snacks abound and they cater to all the tourists’ needs. After turning right at the Matsu Temple, I was at the old fort. Not much is left now so it is hard to imagine what it looked like when Koxinga attacked it and drove out the Dutch. The trees in this place are amazing and I got to see the sunset.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Matsu Temple</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-r1u9dgSTekwBYzcJc_SI4TzSdGz9l4v69NQo_-pxBhkB2cgGfjkYPPq4y4kub8wN4W1pinQXZhneBwlopb7S_3qelVtFnJahr6OSxNwarRmt6Eg7FmPqRT_2W3NApBgiC45nIVOlg-T/s1600/IMG_3912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-r1u9dgSTekwBYzcJc_SI4TzSdGz9l4v69NQo_-pxBhkB2cgGfjkYPPq4y4kub8wN4W1pinQXZhneBwlopb7S_3qelVtFnJahr6OSxNwarRmt6Eg7FmPqRT_2W3NApBgiC45nIVOlg-T/s640/IMG_3912.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fort Zeelandia</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fort Zeelandia</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Crazy tree</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gM4f8cvFwrCsJFidGx3xEmQOw3b6raXIPN7A43DqZYrOBmrbh7XphT04Qqenqmvcb9XbRcZAeWMZcp7m3xSKKP5ZrZbDfPLCG6V4mquA1l-Jlj5XIxcuEC9DiTeGkZIdhA5CKfcD8rJ0/s1600/IMG_3933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gM4f8cvFwrCsJFidGx3xEmQOw3b6raXIPN7A43DqZYrOBmrbh7XphT04Qqenqmvcb9XbRcZAeWMZcp7m3xSKKP5ZrZbDfPLCG6V4mquA1l-Jlj5XIxcuEC9DiTeGkZIdhA5CKfcD8rJ0/s400/IMG_3933.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunset from Fort Zeelandia</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time for some snacks!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nice clean air-conditioned bus #77</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back to the Shangri-la Plaza Hotel</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I took the same bus back to the Shangri-la Plaza hotel. From my quick tour through Tainan City, I can see it is a fun place with food and many historical places.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Definitely a </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">place to come back to. Now I just need a find a cool month to visit.</span></div>
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Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-5578628475647724762017-12-08T07:18:00.002-08:002017-12-08T07:29:16.981-08:00When in Taiwan, Stay Like a King without Paying a King’s Ransom<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Grand Hotel Taipei</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hotel stays in Taiwan represent an <b>excellent value</b>, especially compared to hotels in the USA. I would highly recommend all these hotels I stayed at during my 2 weeks around Taiwan. I also stayed at three exceptional homestays which is a wonderful way to get closer to the locals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My hotel <b>selection goals</b> were that the hotel should be new or newly remodeled. If not new, then it should have a reputation for being very clean. It needs to be located near the train station where I was arriving since I was going around Taiwan on public transportation. And lastly, it should have a unique aspect whether it’s location or being a boutique hotel. My price target was US$150 with taxes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An added benefit of hotels in Taiwan is the <b>breakfast</b>, which usually is included or can be added at the time of booking for very little additional cost. We are not talking the lame Hampton Inn type of breakfast, but wonderful Chinese and Japanese offerings along with items that will please the western palate; made to order eggs, fresh fruit, pastries, and fresh coffee from fancy latte cappuccino machines. In other words, a cornucopia of good things to eat and drink.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Breakfast offerings at 1969 Blue Sky Hotel, Taichung</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I found the <b>best prices</b> and ease of booking on the <a href="https://www.agoda.com/"><b>agoda.com</b></a> booking web site. The search function on the website is easy to use and all the room size options are presented with all the costs clearly spelled out. The pay-in-advance option was not that much cheaper than the free cancelation options, so I only chose the free cancelation option in case my plans changed. The cancelation policy depended on the hotel property. Most were free cancelation one day in advance, but some required any cancelation to be one week before the stay so as not to get charged. Also, Agoda did not charge my card until the end of the free cancelation period. In a couple cases, I paid the hotel directly. This is all spelled out in the booking voucher. To finish my decision process, I looked at the user reviews on Google Maps, Trip Advisor, and Agoda.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Taiwan hotels I stayed at had these welcomed perks: I always had at least two FREE bottles of water every day. WIFI is FREE and always a good speed. Every room had a mini-fridge (some were stocked with FREE items). The staff are so pleasant and helpful. No crazy taxes and fees that you see added to US hotel stays. Oh, did I mention the great breakfasts!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">A FREE mini-bar at Taipei Fullerton - North</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Below are listed, from highest price to lowest, those hotels I stayed at. All included breakfast unless noted.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Above US$300<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.agoda.com/silks-place-taroko-hotel/hotel/hualien-tw.html?checkin=2018-03-20&los=1&adults=2&rooms=1&cid=-218&searchrequestid=b766169d-31e2-462f-923a-258d2d2622d2">Silks Place in Taroko Gorge</a></b>. Yeah, I splurged on this one, but how could I pass-up staying at a great location within Taroko Gorge National Park. Wonderful hotel with rooftop pool and many activities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Rooftop pool at Silks Place. Bring a swim cap. Even required for men.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCKsoFqrRQhjPh_fqrlK4xHtW1I95AOvW72Pxc6BLpCHpofRAfsLvFqzBan4BBPdiGoyyd2gt8VtN-v7m1N6Z9MZSYwTQgJ6CAFFjNFP4DpmGcqqR2_bdc74fWDZa05_duxwv66IxrDq7/s1600/IMG_3441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCKsoFqrRQhjPh_fqrlK4xHtW1I95AOvW72Pxc6BLpCHpofRAfsLvFqzBan4BBPdiGoyyd2gt8VtN-v7m1N6Z9MZSYwTQgJ6CAFFjNFP4DpmGcqqR2_bdc74fWDZa05_duxwv66IxrDq7/s400/IMG_3441.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Some of the breakfast pastry offerings at Silks Place</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">US$200-250<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.agoda.com/the-gaya-hotel/hotel/taitung-tw.html?checkin=2018-03-20&los=1&adults=2&rooms=1&cid=-218&searchrequestid=e8c7a0a2-8872-429e-b02c-a3302a2f6460">Gaya Hotel in Taitung</a></b>. This is a new hotel in the center of Taitung. Boutique type with a rooftop pool. Of all the hotels I stayed at, the breakfast at this one could have used some improvement. Since train station if far from the hotel, they have a free shuttle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Order in the Gaya Hotel, Taitung</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.agoda.com/grand-hotel/hotel/taipei-tw.html?checkin=2018-03-20&los=1&adults=2&rooms=1&cid=-218&searchrequestid=13e81b7e-bba2-4c25-877e-4cb6890c67b0">The Grand Hotel in Taipei</a></b>. An icon in Taipei. Not very convenient to get to (better now with MRT nearby), but if you want to start your trip being immersed in Chinese culture, stay here. The hotel has two breakfast locations, a large one on the main floor and the Muslim one on the 10<sup>th</sup> floor. If you don’t need bacon for your breakfast, go to the 10<sup>th</sup> floor and you will be rewarded with a view. The Grand Hotel also has an annex called the Chin-Lin annex. If you want a room in the main building don’t choose the annex.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Interior of the Grand Hotel, Taipei</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">US$150-200<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.agoda.com/union-house-lukang_2/hotel/changhua-tw.html?checkin=2017-12-26&los=1&adults=2&rooms=1&cid=1731668&searchrequestid=2ffa4506-2d06-457e-9424-5ef09a2beaa0">Union House in Lugang</a></b>. When I stayed in October 2017 this hotel had just opened. Excellent luxury facilities and close to the things you want to see in old Lugang. I wish the outside architecture could have blended in better with the old town buildings. No train station in Lugang (which is why it stayed old and not developed) so I took the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus from Taichung HSR station.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Union House, modern luxury in Old Lugang</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.agoda.com/shangri-la-s-far-eastern-plaza-hotel/hotel/tainan-tw.html?checkin=2018-03-20&los=1&adults=2&rooms=1&cid=-218&searchrequestid=1e64f121-db31-47ab-bb56-7902646cc9c3">Shangri-La Far Eastern Plaza Hotel in Tainan</a></b>. A luxury hotel by the train station with a rooftop pool for just over US$150 all-inclusive. Wow! The room I was in was a little dated, but the huge breakfast spread made up for it. Go to breakfast when they open to get a table by the food. A bus stop in front of the hotel takes you to Anping area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The food area is so huge that you need a map!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Taro stew with coconut cream, divine!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">An "egg" roll actually rolled with egg!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Colorful salad area.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">This will not happen when you are done with breakfast at the Shangri-la Far Eastern Plaza Hotel!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.agoda.com/taipei-fullerton-hotel-south/hotel/taipei-tw.html?checkin=2018-03-20&los=1&adults=2&rooms=1&cid=-218&searchrequestid=36b3565b-4071-409a-851b-ccf53061d1af">Taipei Fullerton Hotel</a> – Maison North in Taipei</b>. There are a couple Fullerton hotels in Taipei. This one is near Songshan airport with the MRT nearby. There are lots of good hotels in Taipei. It all depends on </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">which area you want to stay. I have to say this hotel had the coolest toilet (how do I flush this thing?).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Large soaking tub at Taipei Fullerton - North</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.agoda.com/inhouse-boutique/hotel/taipei-tw.html?checkin=2018-03-20&los=1&adults=2&rooms=1&cid=-218&searchrequestid=29b8eb82-493a-46a3-8839-4eaeb7612c75"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I</span>nhouse Boutique in Taipei (Ximending)</a></b>. If you want a great hotel in the heart of the exciting Ximending district, this is it. A little funky but not over the top. Western type food in the main floor restaurant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">In the heart of exciting Ximending!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.agoda.com/brother-hotel/hotel/taipei-tw.html?checkin=2018-03-20&los=1&adults=2&rooms=1&cid=-218&searchrequestid=094321a9-dddb-48cf-bb37-871447c6fd3e">Brother Hotel in Taipei</a></b>. I love the Brother Hotel because of its location. Centrally located next to the Nanjing-Fuxing MRT station with two lines that can go in all four directions in Taipei City. The hotel is very clean and offers a good value.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">All hotels have a hot pot, but some are starting to have Nespresso machines.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Cool desk lamp, Brother Hotel, Taipei</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">US$75-100<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.agoda.com/maison-de-chine-hotel/hotel/chiayi-tw.html?checkin=2018-03-20&los=1&adults=2&rooms=1&cid=-218&searchrequestid=26e2a2ad-94c9-4338-a78a-01c9596accb2">Maison De Chine Hotel in Chiayi City</a></b>. Need a nice place to stay before taking the Alishan Railway in the morning? This fits the bill nicely. They have a free shuttle that will pick you up and drop you off at the train station. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Nondescript on the outside, but very nice in the small city of Chiayi.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.agoda.com/rido-hotel/hotel/taipei-tw.html?checkin=2018-03-20&los=1&adults=2&rooms=1&cid=-218&searchrequestid=5e9b68d5-a7aa-4206-a072-a8f258d8fed0">Rido Hotel in Taipei (Daan District)</a>. </b>This hotel caught my eye because you can get rooms overlooking Daan Park and the décor looks old China. With the mirrored ceiling and a condom on the bedstand, I wondered what kind of hotel this was. However, it was clean and comfortable. I did not try breakfast since I had to catch an early flight.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Dark elegant in the Rido Hotel, Taipei</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.agoda.com/1969-blue-sky-hotel_3/hotel/taichung-tw.html?checkin=2018-03-20&los=1&adults=2&rooms=1&cid=-218&searchrequestid=e0b8dad6-e649-4d38-a094-b709a5470f20">1969 Blue Sky Hotel in Taichung</a>.</b> This probably represents the best value among all my hotel stays this trip. It is a wonderfully designed new boutique hotel a short walk from the train station with so many cool design features. Check out that front door. For US$80 including everything, I think I got a steal. This hotel gives me a reason to come to Taichung again.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">An old power station? No, the cyber cool 1969 Blue Sky Hotel in Taichung.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Let's repurpose an old boiler.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Be assured I have not received any compensation from recommending these hotels. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I’ll report on the three wonderful homestays I stayed at in another post.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blog: <a href="http://www.allaboardtaiwan.com/">AllAboardTaiwan.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Facebook: @allaboardtaiwan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Instagram: experienceTaiwan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-17214483053437254092017-12-01T07:23:00.000-08:002017-12-01T07:30:38.526-08:00My Taitung Visit was too Short<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Amazing Taitung</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am now on my fourth day traveling around Taiwan using public transportation as a solo traveler who cannot speak Chinese. So far it has been wonderful with no major problems. Trains are leaving and arriving on time and the station platforms are well marked. I had a problem in Luodong explaining directions to a taxi, but the driver asked another person and I got to my homestay with no problem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Yesterday I was with friends and we went to the Luye Highlands and biked around the rice fields in the most picturesque around <a href="https://allaboardtaiwan.blogspot.com/2017/11/Luye-Chishang.html" target="_blank">Chishang</a>. As they were heading back to the Taitung airport they dropped me at the National Museum of Prehistory In Taitung. This is a very large museum with the purpose of exploring the natural history of Taiwan, the pre-history of Taiwan, and the indigenous people of Taiwan. The museum came about when excavation was being done for a new railway station nearby and in the process, it was discovered that the area was a prehistoric burial site. A museum was proposed near the site to properly show the archeological finds and for education. After eleven years of planning, the museum officially opened in 2002. It is a large multi-floor museum with life-size humans and animals in displays showing how they might have used the articles found in the archeological excavations in the area. It was a great way to spend a rainy afternoon with the only negative being transportation if you don’t have a car, as it is a way from the city center. Luckily, the information desk was very helpful and called a taxi for me so I could get back to my hotel in the city center.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Rice souvenir The Gaya Hotel</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My hotel was the new Gaya Hotel. I would call it a large boutique hotel if I can use those two adjectives together. The staff was very polite and helpful. The room I had was somewhat small but very well appointed. It even had Taitung rice as a souvenir in a decorative package. The rooftop infinity pool had amazing views and included a rooftop lounge, which was closed possibly due to the rain. The next morning’s breakfast buffet would be considered average. Many hotels I have stayed at in Taiwan seem to take pride in their breakfast offerings. This is one area where the Gaya Hotel can improve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Infinity pool with a view</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The hotel was in an excellent location downtown near restaurants and bars. It is also next to the Railway Art Village which seems to have activities going on frequently. If you like nature walking or biking, Taitung has the parks for you. Next to the Gaya Hotel is the Liyushan Park with many nice trails, a temple, and a pagoda. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Even the rain didn't stop vendors at the Railway Art Village</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Good hiking on the Liyushan trail behind the Gaua Hotel</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Coming out from the Railway Art Village on the old railway trackbed is a nice wide wooden trail that would be great for biking or even walking. I didn’t have a chance to get on it this trip, but next time I’m in Taitung I’ll check it out. Another park for biking is Taitung Forest Park. You don’t need to bring your own bike since bike rentals are available in the park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Entrance to Liyushan trail</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My visit to Taitung has been too short. I must come back soon, but for now, on to the south</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">west coast of Taiwan.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-14547370043292561082017-11-16T11:30:00.002-08:002017-11-17T08:01:43.735-08:00 Luye Highland and Biking in Chishang<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Third Day on Trip Around Taiwan</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I’m now on my third day as a solo traveler around Taiwan using public transportation and as someone who cannot speak any Chinese. My second day was spent in <a href="https://allaboardtaiwan.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-second-day-on-my-around-taiwan-trip.html" target="_blank">Taroko Gorge</a> with a night at the very nice <a href="https://allaboardtaiwan.blogspot.com/2017/11/Silks-Place-Taroko-Gorge.html" target="_blank">Silks Place</a> resort hotel. Today will be a little different as I am meeting up with friends at Luye about 2 train stations before Taitung and they will have a rental car. Even though we had a car, many of the places we visited are reachable with the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From Silks Place in Taroko Gorge National Park, I took a local bus to the Hualien train station. Not a pretty station and it appears they are doing construction to enlarge it. I got a reserved seat on one of the express trains going through Luye. Since this was a holiday weekend, I had my friends purchase the train ticket in Taipei about 2 weeks before. Taitung seems like a very popular place with local tourists during holidays and weekends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The favorite pastime for locals on a nice holiday weekend is to enjoy biking on paved farm lanes among the recently planted rice fields around Chishang about 30 minutes north of Luye. But not any ordinary bike will do, these had to be quad electric bikes! The experience was unlike one I have ever had. Effortless biking on smooth roads where all around are lush green fields with stalks gently swaying in the wind and mountain ranges in the front and back. It was beautiful, serene, and culturally very interesting because there were a lot of us. Most the locals were young couples having a nice “date” among the pretty fields. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Apparently, this area became very popular after Eva Airlines used a scene in one of their commercials and my understanding is that the model was a famous movie actor. That explains the large crowd taking selfies around a large tree used in the commercial that unfortunately was badly damaged in a recent Typhoon. That one tree is worth many thousands of tourist dollars, so everything is being done to keep it alive.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Spot where Eva Airlines "I See You" commercial was filmed</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Right here was the shot</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After the wonderful “bike” ride in our electric bikes, we headed to the Luye Highlands which is a flat plateau where Taitung has their hot air balloon festival. Our October visit was too late to see the festival and the balloons, but we had fabulous views from the plateau to the valley below and the Central and Coastal mountain ranges. To calm a morning chill, we had coffee at a little shop on the Highland called Lao Wang Coffee. The homemade pastries also hit the spot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Too late for hot-air balloons, but beautiful none-the-less</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Let those kids run and work off their energy!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus comes up to Luye Highland</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Camping on the Luye Highland</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Nice place for a cute coffee shop</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Later in the day, my friends dropped me off in Taitung before they headed back to Taipei. I stayed at the new Gaya Hotel in downtown Taitung. Somewhat of a boutique hotel with amazing views from the infinity pool on the roof. My next post will be what I did on a rainy day in Taitung. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-20757079772039434162017-11-03T16:03:00.000-07:002017-11-03T16:03:00.044-07:00A Luxury Resort Hotel within Taroko Gorge National Park, Taiwan<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">aroko Gorge is an amazing natural wonder and why would you not want to stay there, at least for a night? At the junction of two rivers in Tianxiang, 18 km from the Taroko Gorge National Park entrance is the Silks Place resort hotel, a historically significant hotel built supposedly at the insistence of Chiang Kai-sheks son, Chiang Ching-kuo. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are many options to get there, car, taxi, the hotel’s shuttle from Hualien, Taiwan Tourist shuttle bus, or what I did, the local bus from Xincheng, the closest train station to Taroko Gorge National Park. After an exciting and not too long of a ride on the narrow Taroko Gorge road, we arrived at Tianxiang right in front of the Silks Place hotel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I arrived too early to check-in, so reception took my bag and said they would email me when the room was ready (amazingly, I had a strong 4G in Tianxiang). It would have been nice to wait in a lounge and have a drink, but I did not find one, so I got my Taiwan beer at the stall across the parking lot. With time to kill, I decided to climb to the Tianfeng pagoda and when finished there I found a park and some other trails (uphill) behind Tianxiang. When I was totally exhausted from climbing and hiking, I got an email saying my room was ready. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFBithRDCzjZBZHbxrFif-ewaSmaOxIl6CIha4gy1VlbXnNFPzmC-56jdYoap2G184GD96m6DXi7l48_G5O2A6uWPzQ0bT2WjOw2MfK8I-bCIxH1iiCcOz2X2e65zODmqjW3bVopBh5z8/s1600/IMG_3342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFBithRDCzjZBZHbxrFif-ewaSmaOxIl6CIha4gy1VlbXnNFPzmC-56jdYoap2G184GD96m6DXi7l48_G5O2A6uWPzQ0bT2WjOw2MfK8I-bCIxH1iiCcOz2X2e65zODmqjW3bVopBh5z8/s400/IMG_3342.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What would a resort hotel be without a great pool? Silks Place has one. It’s a large outdoor rooftop infinity pool or check out the indoor pool which is more kid-friendly. Near the outdoor pool are several hot tubs for soaking. A rooftop tennis court is also available.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCBHESpH8LTO3Hf92kOUBApRMDnWjttjoQkQIlq5cDDUdz2uydaeeNCsJYeJGxFEi7BF4XK2WEntGPoWV2a0GZQIuhWgozpH3ffOYFAqLKrYokt93loE5G9b1DcnrdioHTM2-Uwqqawdz/s1600/IMG_3412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="1600" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCBHESpH8LTO3Hf92kOUBApRMDnWjttjoQkQIlq5cDDUdz2uydaeeNCsJYeJGxFEi7BF4XK2WEntGPoWV2a0GZQIuhWgozpH3ffOYFAqLKrYokt93loE5G9b1DcnrdioHTM2-Uwqqawdz/s400/IMG_3412.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Daily activities</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3oneX8E9sOGxAYqQQlMNVtWUqALHfojThZ8Bo7qgoDRMn0jHYQDQcXruWb11tkdFGrOE_aituO5mLxSpvgoLFnd0y2xU3t9hC5INx9Xe4N_azizR3EFP4chgqlWqJwj1AXEaIZJ6WcQE/s1600/IMG_3413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1582" data-original-width="1600" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3oneX8E9sOGxAYqQQlMNVtWUqALHfojThZ8Bo7qgoDRMn0jHYQDQcXruWb11tkdFGrOE_aituO5mLxSpvgoLFnd0y2xU3t9hC5INx9Xe4N_azizR3EFP4chgqlWqJwj1AXEaIZJ6WcQE/s400/IMG_3413.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Locations of the different facilities</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Need some pampering, then leave the kids at the Kid’s Club and head to the spa. Afterwards, in the evening watch an aboriginal performance and a movie. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNm0Rp8GWQfoGfCht8DSYCYFCXb-9z6YgFWfTdJU4nqdBNjOQXdY82goaFEiXy0k6M6eRwSO2imDcIBmsaToIhh_X-dx_LeblAE_VzXrR3MUgfgWQb3fBb6DVfkwyYgzX_v-V6PbvFHYk-/s1600/IMG_3381+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNm0Rp8GWQfoGfCht8DSYCYFCXb-9z6YgFWfTdJU4nqdBNjOQXdY82goaFEiXy0k6M6eRwSO2imDcIBmsaToIhh_X-dx_LeblAE_VzXrR3MUgfgWQb3fBb6DVfkwyYgzX_v-V6PbvFHYk-/s400/IMG_3381+%25281%2529.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wY9C3ijgb3qnG0S9jvZ_aylvLUnmRuJrkzFwkSFMP1iHp2dHhxQObo8npd-qkT4DdQlWOGUCYOgf27IX3hDT44LvOn3xNQ1-vWUPxy1nd26kWz8l_FSpZHx_PPV69qbHpkvDiYzXtacm/s1600/IMG_3388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wY9C3ijgb3qnG0S9jvZ_aylvLUnmRuJrkzFwkSFMP1iHp2dHhxQObo8npd-qkT4DdQlWOGUCYOgf27IX3hDT44LvOn3xNQ1-vWUPxy1nd26kWz8l_FSpZHx_PPV69qbHpkvDiYzXtacm/s400/IMG_3388.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I reserved the Garden View King room. It was a good size with a nice view of the river. Like most Taiwan hotels there are different room sizes. When you book just specify what you want. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkGBNxWHStmqjd3kzPkUfKoHJtA7ommzp4sZc5y6UMcEThKEVa6czU7_BDl_N5wXy2NoPp4xisHq45MiDdloeNS__ETofnBZ5Re8q9B6LrqngBBMBTBUyi4hMUHMoF0nq1lcMOeybl8pp/s1600/IMG_3391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkGBNxWHStmqjd3kzPkUfKoHJtA7ommzp4sZc5y6UMcEThKEVa6czU7_BDl_N5wXy2NoPp4xisHq45MiDdloeNS__ETofnBZ5Re8q9B6LrqngBBMBTBUyi4hMUHMoF0nq1lcMOeybl8pp/s400/IMG_3391.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHr3mXK7zbU1I8rnSGm591-h3gvcW6a0WeFCDVtuLsW3j3nDbvyp9ZpHDvmg1sLxRY0Gx94D-kOHfDPUZDEPslE-4PDhZGUBTDt6xxUsmY86eIvx5WYHxSTe2Lw9PI4oCww0-HbEVLltVB/s1600/IMG_3392+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHr3mXK7zbU1I8rnSGm591-h3gvcW6a0WeFCDVtuLsW3j3nDbvyp9ZpHDvmg1sLxRY0Gx94D-kOHfDPUZDEPslE-4PDhZGUBTDt6xxUsmY86eIvx5WYHxSTe2Lw9PI4oCww0-HbEVLltVB/s400/IMG_3392+%25281%2529.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There were some snack biscuits and the mini-fridge had a couple of free items in it including a facial mask. Nice little details. The room is somewhat dated but still shows nice. I had wished the bathroom would have contained some marble from the area but instead had a pinkish color tile. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAX6hUSMWzDPzN3DFW2unUIhuNCZwpZxuyjteZQ4KZfBdJnif4ZUzOG6CaAMS2N6qXzE_KBppcDR4cmtQYqhNTL9gelhyPrUuGbtuVmx2XJWK56umFJbF0M66e3y5GhMY-VX5uS-SsmIz/s1600/IMG_3389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAX6hUSMWzDPzN3DFW2unUIhuNCZwpZxuyjteZQ4KZfBdJnif4ZUzOG6CaAMS2N6qXzE_KBppcDR4cmtQYqhNTL9gelhyPrUuGbtuVmx2XJWK56umFJbF0M66e3y5GhMY-VX5uS-SsmIz/s400/IMG_3389.JPG" width="396" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Facial mask</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7isDNszBhIu28N_ojzLI0rX1z03X541O2jx5i-5ysgO_9_1LtpN6W2osHIRlpFAabj_4odHRvKxcmrPfyzekEnSMMNNM9_viaRAcm1JxWNTO2WP_OembCorf27YVpiCmbZL4fHtVHZOhX/s1600/IMG_3390+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1600" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7isDNszBhIu28N_ojzLI0rX1z03X541O2jx5i-5ysgO_9_1LtpN6W2osHIRlpFAabj_4odHRvKxcmrPfyzekEnSMMNNM9_viaRAcm1JxWNTO2WP_OembCorf27YVpiCmbZL4fHtVHZOhX/s400/IMG_3390+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since there is not an abundance of good restaurants in Tianxiang, I highly recommend you book the hotel’s available dinner plans. I purchased the “Western” dinner package which was a very abundant buffet consisting of many stations which I thought was reasonable for NT$880 including service fee. There is a Chinese dinner available which looks to be off a menu. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrweMEw8bHjiNL6OVJ2dCcGjHZYcT9wJmewxmXkOy5yeWSdoYyuRfbrknKNnXBWnQptVUd_P6Vv_61vEKxKsga5Zq-u6MIRSGXH5utZ70Rc6UU-amh2YSjzHbMtXuj91b1h1HQuYVJ3GUy/s1600/IMG_3426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrweMEw8bHjiNL6OVJ2dCcGjHZYcT9wJmewxmXkOy5yeWSdoYyuRfbrknKNnXBWnQptVUd_P6Vv_61vEKxKsga5Zq-u6MIRSGXH5utZ70Rc6UU-amh2YSjzHbMtXuj91b1h1HQuYVJ3GUy/s400/IMG_3426.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Chinese restaurant</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0-ElHsYF0eYaC6IKFtCR7qB05Itgv97LeqF3BYxHlevpBAANA4TtwtHkxlGa5vCDlX6LeRmjqGCE9vpIDCgZXTdG1zz7dsrXJXHyfdjFz4-F2R2tVexVMVhyslVQzbSTUbiDapYB-vzr/s1600/IMG_3415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1248" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0-ElHsYF0eYaC6IKFtCR7qB05Itgv97LeqF3BYxHlevpBAANA4TtwtHkxlGa5vCDlX6LeRmjqGCE9vpIDCgZXTdG1zz7dsrXJXHyfdjFz4-F2R2tVexVMVhyslVQzbSTUbiDapYB-vzr/s400/IMG_3415.JPG" width="311" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">"Western" dinner buffet</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtW7unn8QsHVuR1IKfvyINAwNYNxjI_QUy2lJGPgxhd7dpSX7gk6yh_M7Ta0spEutKpDAhzKKG9DOxFPvOvMdKXMSrBY4K0ptk3teYyZ2qMZ8Mm7-uTM2lPJbdUJRdv-_kekOn7S6ZLG-/s1600/IMG_3417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtW7unn8QsHVuR1IKfvyINAwNYNxjI_QUy2lJGPgxhd7dpSX7gk6yh_M7Ta0spEutKpDAhzKKG9DOxFPvOvMdKXMSrBY4K0ptk3teYyZ2qMZ8Mm7-uTM2lPJbdUJRdv-_kekOn7S6ZLG-/s400/IMG_3417.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Dinner fruit station</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD38eEDbHP0dW-9Fpzc0_AtKgGkG0noMAQWQcBMOpECHOBWvb5F28HYwFsfP7DWzJNsaX6iYb22e6E5iS8m8FxkUyhfgimJftsxKR0lTWnQ5YHNuWR9f9k1GN3v8Sh0f7C91Oh6gCq9QLO/s1600/IMG_3421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD38eEDbHP0dW-9Fpzc0_AtKgGkG0noMAQWQcBMOpECHOBWvb5F28HYwFsfP7DWzJNsaX6iYb22e6E5iS8m8FxkUyhfgimJftsxKR0lTWnQ5YHNuWR9f9k1GN3v8Sh0f7C91Oh6gCq9QLO/s400/IMG_3421.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Beautiful desserts</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Breakfast was also a buffet with many stations. If the weather is nice and you are one of the first ones to arrive, you will be asked if you want to sit on the terrace. DO IT! What a treat.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHImY49ZK7D-5QHLMgvz-f6Ehp0vv_RPPsQFkQjt4ypPyCwMeX4KAs2zBP2YDb3JpCJ1YkmcIbCZR0aoYSgwAApddi7WjfX0wiDg0giVIiu_UiebooI03LRjal9FMdKwwWIPN7Fnv6tB8/s1600/IMG_3430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHImY49ZK7D-5QHLMgvz-f6Ehp0vv_RPPsQFkQjt4ypPyCwMeX4KAs2zBP2YDb3JpCJ1YkmcIbCZR0aoYSgwAApddi7WjfX0wiDg0giVIiu_UiebooI03LRjal9FMdKwwWIPN7Fnv6tB8/s400/IMG_3430.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Breakfast outside on the terrace</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0UaNwecaoJ5x-pqD4FUU0EQ7hfzKA_FzvYAQJWFcJmJNGoElo1V9KEIhjLvuYJMEjILQz8kLaV69ZQKPyAv5eedFFbJpEMDgcdiWrMIgC-kpwpkWe0xiN1MItcBmSBA9MYFmpdk4d5iG/s1600/IMG_3427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0UaNwecaoJ5x-pqD4FUU0EQ7hfzKA_FzvYAQJWFcJmJNGoElo1V9KEIhjLvuYJMEjILQz8kLaV69ZQKPyAv5eedFFbJpEMDgcdiWrMIgC-kpwpkWe0xiN1MItcBmSBA9MYFmpdk4d5iG/s400/IMG_3427.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Breakfast bread station</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22sDy6ICubQHboIwOkgqDaY-Z_xMek8oUpXVR4h4oax1fDZ0i5iHcnSFk_8zYuio811pmFq0gu6zpWls-oe2sVvynjOzKcoKAI6crYBXaambDlB7RcQixqWbfQxkbCfn4RrqZrKhJXemp/s1600/IMG_3441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22sDy6ICubQHboIwOkgqDaY-Z_xMek8oUpXVR4h4oax1fDZ0i5iHcnSFk_8zYuio811pmFq0gu6zpWls-oe2sVvynjOzKcoKAI6crYBXaambDlB7RcQixqWbfQxkbCfn4RrqZrKhJXemp/s400/IMG_3441.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">More bread and pastries</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The abundance and freshness are even more remarkable given the location where the hotel is and how food needs to be transported to it.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgFV4T1odH2ZE9smD2hY28jC390y5masmriQxXz-7ja_-SSTm7FmpJH0spsu3EiYQhNJOQVAhP2lcpgBiky4JiueEss9QEmzipUE6IP0Qo3FOSdx88JZZ8usAT3-jYLx8yjIrt_wFa76j/s1600/IMG_3440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgFV4T1odH2ZE9smD2hY28jC390y5masmriQxXz-7ja_-SSTm7FmpJH0spsu3EiYQhNJOQVAhP2lcpgBiky4JiueEss9QEmzipUE6IP0Qo3FOSdx88JZZ8usAT3-jYLx8yjIrt_wFa76j/s400/IMG_3440.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Not sure the purpose of scales, maybe just decoration</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overall, I really enj</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">oyed my stay at this hotel within Taiwan’s natural wonder.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-58135746403763969412017-10-31T18:22:00.000-07:002019-01-09T15:33:24.209-08:00On to Taroko Gorge and Silks Place<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbXl7B4umJncsF1qYfszZKOZeMNeFdE7DiztSvIo0tl9aj93NyazBPui-1-MO6vJlUsbtI_H8JNzQqILm8_E-_07jkQwM7QFxyIP2FpamGWchlI15IaH988qFEOwwhZx7X1osGGMbWbux/s1600/IMG_3320+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbXl7B4umJncsF1qYfszZKOZeMNeFdE7DiztSvIo0tl9aj93NyazBPui-1-MO6vJlUsbtI_H8JNzQqILm8_E-_07jkQwM7QFxyIP2FpamGWchlI15IaH988qFEOwwhZx7X1osGGMbWbux/s400/IMG_3320+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am now on my second day around Taiwan as a solo traveler who can’t speak Chinese and only using public transportation. My first stop was Luodong where I visited the National Center for Traditional Arts and had a nice stay at the Sunny Stream Villa <a href="https://allaboardtaiwan.blogspot.com/2017/10/a-homestay-in-luodong.html" target="_blank">homestay</a>. See Day One post <a href="https://allaboardtaiwan.blogspot.com/2017/10/Luodong-Yilan-by-bus-from-Taipei.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I am now traveling down to Taroko Gorge and will spend the night at the luxury resort Silks Place in Tienxiang which is 18 km down a twisty, sometimes one-lane road in Taroko Gorge National Park. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98G0EykUWjOYkLraPUTL7IIyVM5UfHZqkQobKoOYazuPDjOyht4pRPGg9SjQfRHOjdAQmErejybzSLBLilXC77euIyq48cSeC3F5webOL-3sLCkGgJHkla_6M2CQK_oHdu85Qnw0bUsWN/s1600/IMG_3259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1121" data-original-width="1600" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98G0EykUWjOYkLraPUTL7IIyVM5UfHZqkQobKoOYazuPDjOyht4pRPGg9SjQfRHOjdAQmErejybzSLBLilXC77euIyq48cSeC3F5webOL-3sLCkGgJHkla_6M2CQK_oHdu85Qnw0bUsWN/s400/IMG_3259.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Nondescript Luodong Station</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To get there I will leave from the nondescript Luodong station and take what is called a local train that stops at every station on the way to Xincheng, the nearest station to Taroko Gorge National Park. I purchased the ticket when I first arrived at Luodong. The fare was about US$3.50. Cheap! I had inquired about the express train to Xincheng, but it left late, cost more and it was a standing ticket only. My experience is if you can pronounce the city you want to go to correctly, you’ll have no problem with ticket clerks outside of Taipei or better yet, write down the city and times you want to leave on a piece of paper and show them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBPO6EZ_vh92T4VlVSYgBuJJZa4N4mvN20g2jtEjoZRqSB3rbkdJAvsDwY-gt3Ku7xIv__YID1gj6rZYFebDzLrywRi6PZXIo0O6n2yKcZinykXOHUtkUy9-ALNe1RNHD6LGMspQTTeKy/s1600/IMG_3261+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBPO6EZ_vh92T4VlVSYgBuJJZa4N4mvN20g2jtEjoZRqSB3rbkdJAvsDwY-gt3Ku7xIv__YID1gj6rZYFebDzLrywRi6PZXIo0O6n2yKcZinykXOHUtkUy9-ALNe1RNHD6LGMspQTTeKy/s400/IMG_3261+%25281%2529.JPG" width="350" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Local trains do not have reserved seats, but on this weekday I had no problem getting a seat. The train was filled with many local tourists, heading to Taroko Gorge. While the train seemed slow going (just over an hour), the view was amazing every time we came out of a tunnel and saw the coast. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5x8xr3nmvtelTA9nivAmIRFhVgfdul19cTY_Zv8KbN4g2uKDxZzI6uH7FFfVqo6BMklMqBwCj5zPt_rcqdT0WfzwTiDhplORpeVaAZSIDAK5VKDXsi0cHzWaQuSN9ll1IPLOOSGAGdE1M/s1600/IMG_3271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5x8xr3nmvtelTA9nivAmIRFhVgfdul19cTY_Zv8KbN4g2uKDxZzI6uH7FFfVqo6BMklMqBwCj5zPt_rcqdT0WfzwTiDhplORpeVaAZSIDAK5VKDXsi0cHzWaQuSN9ll1IPLOOSGAGdE1M/s400/IMG_3271.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Very pretty Xincheng Station</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Xincheng station has been redone and is very nice. Half the parking lot was full of private tour buses which is where most of the tourists headed. If you are traveling on your own, you have two options to get into Taroko Gorge, the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus, and the local bus. Both stop at the bus stop in the parking lot at the left as you exit the train station. My only goal was to get to Tienxiang since I had toured the amazing Taroko Gorge before, and both buses made a stop there. As it happened, the local bus arrived first and with my “Easy Card” I was off along with the other tourists!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMA0j_T_g5rI5IL7bHNAjAVtYJ0HAiRmOOBnvfDO4J-zAyzA8tHi2go73lugHVPfr9Mi4ea1XkE4T5g4JVQg-_TczJpoVj7idQMtSdASaJEig-bRVt705v3JlammTX0YjWUnNRVSxF9oG/s1600/IMG_3268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMA0j_T_g5rI5IL7bHNAjAVtYJ0HAiRmOOBnvfDO4J-zAyzA8tHi2go73lugHVPfr9Mi4ea1XkE4T5g4JVQg-_TczJpoVj7idQMtSdASaJEig-bRVt705v3JlammTX0YjWUnNRVSxF9oG/s400/IMG_3268.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus route</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdrN_lHzChpNsNJsCJxXZWGCeVd2BKaJ4m7byvk-zBCtm6bPhSsOvCqX59qizkdUz78QyR2Q9UJv-atuTFwU9OzWrofjuUwWLTChTfbCEN7C-HIR0QdfX3LxzQBqaeMooePRcIWDtGfRv/s1600/IMG_3297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdrN_lHzChpNsNJsCJxXZWGCeVd2BKaJ4m7byvk-zBCtm6bPhSsOvCqX59qizkdUz78QyR2Q9UJv-atuTFwU9OzWrofjuUwWLTChTfbCEN7C-HIR0QdfX3LxzQBqaeMooePRcIWDtGfRv/s400/IMG_3297.JPG" width="308" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Amazing</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_B3cUQHKiwSe5_XrHigcCfjDDHE6sQpWpWKQ5o1haNVVXVCwqeCVdIIgywllSSV9EVYBOSe-hWpxTDXNKhFIDY4RwST6R6fq6ex8Dye4CTcfuN6BgEAx4D35ZARKTzJrnykmuSnLrC1f/s1600/IMG_3307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_B3cUQHKiwSe5_XrHigcCfjDDHE6sQpWpWKQ5o1haNVVXVCwqeCVdIIgywllSSV9EVYBOSe-hWpxTDXNKhFIDY4RwST6R6fq6ex8Dye4CTcfuN6BgEAx4D35ZARKTzJrnykmuSnLrC1f/s400/IMG_3307.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Incredible that a road could be built here</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rioJrxWTlfOqOEmkRxLLK2CBHAPuYQ6BrgnhxgD6unA1AlgJQit7OSRy5C8OhdbdF5XOfxlv8a_3qxPZlNshB_9NVUhza6T4V_3tfrEGbJ0n-d3fENYRc0aqrZjq10_7hmpTiV02Bvr1/s1600/IMG_3321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rioJrxWTlfOqOEmkRxLLK2CBHAPuYQ6BrgnhxgD6unA1AlgJQit7OSRy5C8OhdbdF5XOfxlv8a_3qxPZlNshB_9NVUhza6T4V_3tfrEGbJ0n-d3fENYRc0aqrZjq10_7hmpTiV02Bvr1/s400/IMG_3321.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Tienxiang</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The bus made a few stops, but overall we had a quick trip through the beautiful Taroko Gorge and I finally arrived at Tienxiang. I arrived too early to check into the Silks Place resort so they took my bag and said they would email me when the room was ready (amazingly I had 4G). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDpD6THXc24uWc_qaq-9Xno9FJHTi3gKSxaJ783QJkQG80MApVUzCx0iYmYQKwK227_iWtBWy2CVRYh-j5rTeh8vQwQcPvqz_01WVxhdXIo0sK8vxE-64xpiJ6SnWfjw0nvtBhhw20QZ5/s1600/IMG_3319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDpD6THXc24uWc_qaq-9Xno9FJHTi3gKSxaJ783QJkQG80MApVUzCx0iYmYQKwK227_iWtBWy2CVRYh-j5rTeh8vQwQcPvqz_01WVxhdXIo0sK8vxE-64xpiJ6SnWfjw0nvtBhhw20QZ5/s400/IMG_3319.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Silks Place resort hotel</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So I had time to kill in Tienxiang. A hike up to the Tianfeng Pagoda was in order in addition to walking around Tienxiang. I had wished Silks Place had a lounge where I could rest and have a drink. They have a lounge, however, it’s only for those guests who pay extra to be “Retreat Guests.” So I had my Taiwan beer in the stall across the parking lot. At 3:00 pm I got an email saying my room was ready (I will review Silks Place in my next post).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPoGjisfGal7XyIObkJGY-O6mJ0Oh-5OjvhbLcz3LBVRhZmE4vJkyG1jBZnVEk2IOziZUoEwLXHvpZRjXZ0RVweRczC1IQu7izQSgWZPOzXixxGJvt827RiVahZxcv0vfufyOreyrzjfj/s1600/IMG_3322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPoGjisfGal7XyIObkJGY-O6mJ0Oh-5OjvhbLcz3LBVRhZmE4vJkyG1jBZnVEk2IOziZUoEwLXHvpZRjXZ0RVweRczC1IQu7izQSgWZPOzXixxGJvt827RiVahZxcv0vfufyOreyrzjfj/s400/IMG_3322.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Tianfeng Pagoda </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Restaurants and stalls across from Silks Place parking lot</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Church up above Silks Place</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had reservations on the southbound express train leaving about 10:00 am the next morning from the Hualien Station. This ticket was bought in advance when I was in Taipei. Both the local bus and the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus terminate at the Hualien train station. When I checked out, the local bus was waiting in the Silks Place parking lot. I also have noticed that the local buses do not always keep to a schedule and may leave early, so keep that in mind. After another trip through Taroko Gorge this time by a betel nut crazed driver, I arrived safely at the badly needing upgrading Hualien station for my next destination in my around Taiwan trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">What happens when two big buses meet on a one-lane Taroko Gorge road?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">One backs up.</span></td></tr>
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Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-60659474002506267132017-10-31T08:20:00.000-07:002017-10-31T08:20:31.804-07:00A Homestay in Luodong<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sunny Stream Villa</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have just come from Taipei, Yilan/Luodong is very different. It is more rural with many small fields that are submerged in water or that are planted in rice. Standing among these fields are houses. Some are very nice and have been turned into homestays. If you visit the Yilan/Luodong area, I would recommend staying in one of these homestays. I found myself spending a night in Luodong as my first stop in my around Taiwan trip as a solo traveler who does not speak Chinese. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lots of water and small farm plots</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finding Taiwan homestays where English is spoken can be difficult. Try the usual booking sites such as Airbnb and Agoda. I have used Google Maps and clicked on the homestay and where they have a Facebook page listed, I message them and see if they reply in English. Payment is another issue. Most Taiwan homestays want a deposit sent to a Taiwan bank. This is where Airbnb and Agoda are more convenient. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzRNK1lajeotYyTXBsFL1B48RgyA20Th9yuYyCyJug7PvPTYvpG8LyuR6NxR-GElFd0FiIiTD09OZQ321ZiXstM1xnxZpzRRmaxXkkZ4UE_6dmiLmj069kvWVZPogN2E68O8DWhyphenhyphenkrsdV/s1600/IMG_3251+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1325" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzRNK1lajeotYyTXBsFL1B48RgyA20Th9yuYyCyJug7PvPTYvpG8LyuR6NxR-GElFd0FiIiTD09OZQ321ZiXstM1xnxZpzRRmaxXkkZ4UE_6dmiLmj069kvWVZPogN2E68O8DWhyphenhyphenkrsdV/s400/IMG_3251+%25282%2529.JPG" width="331" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My homestay in Luodong was called Sunny Stream Villa and like most homestays, it is owned by a nice couple. When determining which homestay to stay, I will look at the reviews on Google Maps and other sources such as TripAdvisor if the homestay is listed. I find pictures are also very useful to determine the condition of the house. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOiEcLH6XDJ7B5bYRfH2dwENPWLOyY0QaEqrATtztzleiLvf4M9qbg_x47kA6sffL82JeKeB_JMUyn6IrShpREc38J_MOn2TelZ1efw9YHzgidMDDx7ZvI8szIbtZEpo7bcZBsyRD9edp/s1600/IMG_3245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1115" data-original-width="1600" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOiEcLH6XDJ7B5bYRfH2dwENPWLOyY0QaEqrATtztzleiLvf4M9qbg_x47kA6sffL82JeKeB_JMUyn6IrShpREc38J_MOn2TelZ1efw9YHzgidMDDx7ZvI8szIbtZEpo7bcZBsyRD9edp/s400/IMG_3245.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a rule, I don’t want to be far from the train station since I am traveling around Taiwan using public transportation. However, to get to Sunny Stream Villa I had to take a taxi from the bus station which was in front of the rear exit of the Luodong train station. The taxi driver did not speak English, so I showed him the location of Sunny Stream Villa on Google Maps on my phone. Apparently, I didn’t show him the street name in Chinese. He got me close but not at the correct address. With help from the hotel he stopped at, I got to the Sunny Stream Villa.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The host/owner warmly greeted me as I walked in (but I forgot to remove my shoes, a big no-no). She offered me coffee and a snack. Her English was good, so I told her I wanted to go to the National Center for Traditional Arts (NCFTA) and how was the best way to get there. It was too far to walk or bike, so she called a and made sure the driver knew where to go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After a long day of visiting the NCFTA, the Luodong Forestry Culture Park, and a walk to the night market, I got a taxi back to Sunny Stream. This time I made sure the driver saw the street name in Chinese on Google Maps. When I got back, the owner offered me fruits and snacks. As guests, you also have access to the kitchen, coffee maker and any snacks on the counter. Everything was very clean and organized.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Fruit and snacks available</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My room was on the top (4<sup>th</sup>) floor and there was no elevator or “lift” as my UK friends would say. I had a great view of the Yilan city area and the mountains in the background. The room was large and beautiful. The bath had a large tub and windows all around so you could view the city as you shower. There was a balcony shared with the other fourth-floor room, but there was no outdoor furniture which would have been nice to sit on and enjoy the weather and views. Only a small complaint I have is that the AC controls were in Chinese. It would have been nice if there was a sheet that translates those to English.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhbxWM55SVCthe0TvyMDy7qwV3_bWRgYVNAjmP4xhyphenhyphen7XPE4ElrX23SDGQihd8_p0J3mS37BSDSrenIOUpBa4wiL58Drko8-G9wbIVEWQHIt174zZ90VWZ80r3BQKOqzIibeZIkLJD_rAC/s1600/IMG_3238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhbxWM55SVCthe0TvyMDy7qwV3_bWRgYVNAjmP4xhyphenhyphen7XPE4ElrX23SDGQihd8_p0J3mS37BSDSrenIOUpBa4wiL58Drko8-G9wbIVEWQHIt174zZ90VWZ80r3BQKOqzIibeZIkLJD_rAC/s400/IMG_3238.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Roof balcony</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The morning breakfast was elegant. Many different items were served in a bento type tray. It was fresh, satisfying, and nice to look at. Afterwards, the owner dropped me off at the train station as I continue my journey around Taiwan with the next stop at Taroko Gorge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6h4WrM9HLI3mZ4RcMbDFgh1HMwdL2PfE-fDoz1u5JmYwgdAXcUdGzQDqZNZyztvDxbYSgfQUWL8ehBx0buuWt0VEbCt36RIpOEbZWTGtREhfih2AWtsZLqODstuz2qEvru_rVhb7GqtC/s1600/IMG_3242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6h4WrM9HLI3mZ4RcMbDFgh1HMwdL2PfE-fDoz1u5JmYwgdAXcUdGzQDqZNZyztvDxbYSgfQUWL8ehBx0buuWt0VEbCt36RIpOEbZWTGtREhfih2AWtsZLqODstuz2qEvru_rVhb7GqtC/s400/IMG_3242.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Simple elegant breakfast</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EQ4d0BGa5_YDvDgoCCP5-AbHQCyzyAyGg-qO41GpKvi0XCs3RrxwuhyHGRt-xCz3Ot2rJn5S1ZsNb7J5HQgvI41fVaWJWaCNdSclppJna5y6GpA53PvP16J7-A3AFcj58aLC0D5XsYiK/s1600/IMG_3243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EQ4d0BGa5_YDvDgoCCP5-AbHQCyzyAyGg-qO41GpKvi0XCs3RrxwuhyHGRt-xCz3Ot2rJn5S1ZsNb7J5HQgvI41fVaWJWaCNdSclppJna5y6GpA53PvP16J7-A3AFcj58aLC0D5XsYiK/s400/IMG_3243.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">and the breakfast carbs...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydRlPV3lDtWJ4WQvIKRALQnl6PchpmeYBSMpuhpcO0Jk5ahd8naVFLyKNbX3EEo04OhaWwEcy97fW9W_w8GhIYGlvGuEwdNqyyWxijCEoj6Y0zcVzFkp8dteim6C6z3PSUp3PbGIfu7tf/s1600/IMG_3263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="897" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydRlPV3lDtWJ4WQvIKRALQnl6PchpmeYBSMpuhpcO0Jk5ahd8naVFLyKNbX3EEo04OhaWwEcy97fW9W_w8GhIYGlvGuEwdNqyyWxijCEoj6Y0zcVzFkp8dteim6C6z3PSUp3PbGIfu7tf/s320/IMG_3263.JPG" width="294" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Nice stay. Thank-you!</span></td></tr>
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Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-17195054198915218732017-10-26T09:08:00.004-07:002017-10-26T09:08:59.377-07:00Luodong Forestry Culture Park<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Some Taiwan Logging History</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6slRahpuUzsUwVoOPRQWbi87YzMzY2-8RZYSR_BSNKDPwtKmMr1qcJL-1aoSSqYCQgE7BEbka2zOoEhsj-WmTbhhQgGZJwgtlEveP51fAEmueShru_AbIk-SU-aIy5j821_bgh8L1SUH/s1600/IMG_3178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6slRahpuUzsUwVoOPRQWbi87YzMzY2-8RZYSR_BSNKDPwtKmMr1qcJL-1aoSSqYCQgE7BEbka2zOoEhsj-WmTbhhQgGZJwgtlEveP51fAEmueShru_AbIk-SU-aIy5j821_bgh8L1SUH/s400/IMG_3178.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A good way to get between the National Center for Traditional
Arts and the Luodong Forestry Cultural Garden and vice versa is to use the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle. My experience with the
Tourist Shuttles is that you need to flag them down to get on board and press
the button on the bus before your stop to get off or chances are the driver won’t
stop. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhuAQjW9Z3le17Vzd4TJGtsvaaELevCm1g5XxIPMnuSqwlwwxF5knvOkxZDiqXLjsAg3pYcLFaBmHGCmmgDUQBkk7fSMxmGCMXeVAGROdaiUP6vNg9dUF5GDOg_MFdL3r-YMifWZndPEw/s1600/IMG_3173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1228" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhuAQjW9Z3le17Vzd4TJGtsvaaELevCm1g5XxIPMnuSqwlwwxF5knvOkxZDiqXLjsAg3pYcLFaBmHGCmmgDUQBkk7fSMxmGCMXeVAGROdaiUP6vNg9dUF5GDOg_MFdL3r-YMifWZndPEw/s400/IMG_3173.JPG" width="306" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Logging of cypress trees off Taiwan’s mountains was a big
operation that got started under Taiwan’s Japanese occupation. Those trees from
Taipingshan’s forests were brought to Luodong for processing and ultimately for
transport to Japan. The harvesting lasted 68 years and trickled to a stop in
the early 80s. In 2004, the Taiwan Forestry
Bureau unveiled a plan to create the Luodong Forestry Culture Park. In 2009,
the park was officially opened to the
public. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Within the park, the log storage pond, Zhulin Station,
wood-dragging tracks, forestry agency office, Japanese-style dormitories, and
segments of old train tracks are all well preserved. The site is further divided into the forestry exhibition
area, old dormitory area, art and culture area, administration and management
area, nature and ecology area, green area, hiking trails, and parking space.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I was there, many
locals were using the boardwalk to walk around the wetland. I saw only one shop open in
the art and culture area. It may be a
work in progress and probably busier on weekends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The old leftover twisted logs leave you with the
impression of how large these trees were. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnE1ONm1hxYnr23Hh_K929J_9c0QZFiJudeWRlIYR4gynasVgH8vBRahEhae6xNL3A02g1wim_CM5KPnt9inBqA4MhfRlP1HjNd0n_QkJiU403q6l2EINUa8_mws1aQe5NHVfLYoluchf/s1600/IMG_3181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnE1ONm1hxYnr23Hh_K929J_9c0QZFiJudeWRlIYR4gynasVgH8vBRahEhae6xNL3A02g1wim_CM5KPnt9inBqA4MhfRlP1HjNd0n_QkJiU403q6l2EINUa8_mws1aQe5NHVfLYoluchf/s400/IMG_3181.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWp0_hwwiEtQx96w1Y_aVhjPPEdqSXDdE5SdoXUE4KzUy8oUbqnDjCEmaaI_stJaPTeUQNaG6rf7JwE7yyF8MAV6g0W6l8CDymNGcmwNS5fuODW1Qq-C26G7-SlRvu8hKCFOhCs4mSK5PM/s1600/IMG_3203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWp0_hwwiEtQx96w1Y_aVhjPPEdqSXDdE5SdoXUE4KzUy8oUbqnDjCEmaaI_stJaPTeUQNaG6rf7JwE7yyF8MAV6g0W6l8CDymNGcmwNS5fuODW1Qq-C26G7-SlRvu8hKCFOhCs4mSK5PM/s400/IMG_3203.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In all a nice place to visit but probably appeals more to
locals than to tourists.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-15114367744058659132017-10-26T06:25:00.001-07:002017-10-26T06:29:41.465-07:00The Place Yilan - A Hotel next to the NCFTA, Luodong<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>A hotel next to the National Center for Traditional Arts - Luodong</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This hotel complex is next to the National Center for Traditional Arts (NCFTA). I would characterize this hotel as one for families that want to visit the NCFTA. While I did not stay there, the staff showed me a couple rooms. There rooms I saw had two bedrooms and a common area. Sometimes the second room will have a bunk bed. The décor looks like a cross between a college dorm (but a lot cleaner!) and modern Scandinavian. It’s a large complex that may involve some walking from the parking lot to the building. I did see a golf cart shuttle that looks available to help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was explained to me that the buildings are owned by the government and every 12 years a hotel company receives a contract to remodel and operate them as a hotel. The Hotel Royal Group now has the contract.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-15111469294899270582017-10-25T11:08:00.000-07:002017-10-26T06:30:47.768-07:00A Cultural Theme Park in Luodong, Taiwan<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What is the National Center for Traditional Arts?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On the banks of the Dongshan River in Luodong, Taiwan is a tourist attraction called the National Center for Traditional Arts (NCFTA). Before I went, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. The English brochure says you will, “Experience our ancestors’ traditional lifestyle and culture in the ancient setting of a commoner’s everyday life.” Also, “Travel through time and space to experience traditional Taiwanese customs and immerse in the joyous festive atmosphere.” Think of it as a “cultural theme park.” Not a theme park like Disney with rides but one that showcases the early culture on Taiwan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The park mainly consists of three “boulevards” and an Exhibition Hall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Luban Boulevard has buildings highlighting some handicrafts. I was there on a weekday and no one was demonstrating handicrafts, but when days are busier it looks like people can try their hands at making crafts. Architecturally, walking down this area was very pleasant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Shop on Luban Boulevard</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wenchang Boulevard is a re-creation of an old street that could have been in any early Taiwan trading town. Again, a lot of effort has been done to make it look authentic. However, it is new construction, so it does not truly reflect a feeling of “old Taiwan.” Many stores were selling things, some looked local and some not. I felt this area could be improved by selling handicrafts or agricultural products produced in Taiwan.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Wenchang Boulevard</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Waterfront Boulevard has a view of the water with slow boat rides being offered. When I was there a stage was being erected for a performance. I wished there were more benches (shaded) where one could rest and just watch the boats.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Waterfront Boulevard</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Exhibition Hall was showcasing some very fine historical artifacts that appeared to be on loan from the National Palace Museum. Thankfully, the labels were also in English.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Cool carved bench</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Probably the highlight of the visit was the live performances. I just happened to come across them. If the time and locations where noted somewhere, I seemed to have missed it. There was one performance in front of the Wenchang Temple and another a short time later between the Exhibition Hall and Chiang Wei-shui Theater. The performances featured acrobatics and colorful costumes. The narration was only in Chinese.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Performance in front of Wenchang Temple</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is a family-friendly attraction where one can spend a few hours, maybe longer depending on the live performances. I visited during the low season so admission was only NT150 (US$5) so very reasonable.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Can't leave without my bubble tea</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Guanghsiao Shrine</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Cute bug</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next to the attraction is a hotel which I will review in my next post.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Getting there:</b> From Luodong station by taxi about NT$200. Taiwan Tourist Shuttle behind the rear station exit (First location in front of the bus terminal by the station). Uses the Easy Card. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-59069545426873983642017-10-23T09:34:00.000-07:002017-10-25T07:05:12.119-07:00Best way to Luodong/Yilan from Taipei - Bus!<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’m on a two-week trip around the island of Taiwan using public transportation. My goal is to show non-Chinese speaking visitors to Taiwan how easy it is to travel in Taiwan<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highway 5 fastest route to Yilan/Luodong</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Day 1 Taipei to Luodong</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Luodong was my first stop on my trip around Taiwan. I wanted to visit the National Center for Traditional Arts. A cultural theme park with shops and performances. Getting to Luodong was very easy. I decided to go by bus since I heard taking Highway-5 is quicker than taking a train which first must go to Keelung then down the coast to Yilan/Luodong. I went to the Taipei City hall bus station which was very very clean and looked new. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Huge croissants - so tempting</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The huge croissants on the way to the information desk looked very tempting. At the information desk, I told the helpful person at the counter where I wanted to go and she directed me to a colleague who printed off a bus ticket. The ticket was NT$105 about US$3.50. Another advantage of travelling in Taiwan by public transportation is that it’s cheap! Also, before the bus door there was an Easy Card reader, so that is also an option. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Buses leave for Luodong every 10 minutes so I had a short wait at platform 13 for bus 1570. Buses leave for Yilan at the same frequency. I was very impressed by how orderly and clean the station was. When the bus arrived, we were directed to the bus. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">US$3.50 Taipei to Luodong. Amazing!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Signs to platforms well marked in English</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">13 Platform to Luodong</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3dfa2BmlXNuRuzhs8Ljhk9bMTvY2T59lIwg6juP-XZchqkk3izCvnshltB0-2J8QmtTMFlheOqLnYKwgvz2PiTvQf4g1Jx9zSAtDctLv3aWXO6A0LIJ7EXdoyA2ODELNJ5LsndSgzG9Y/s1600/IMG_3030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3dfa2BmlXNuRuzhs8Ljhk9bMTvY2T59lIwg6juP-XZchqkk3izCvnshltB0-2J8QmtTMFlheOqLnYKwgvz2PiTvQf4g1Jx9zSAtDctLv3aWXO6A0LIJ7EXdoyA2ODELNJ5LsndSgzG9Y/s320/IMG_3030.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_u4ftNz_5KWuL9fINgaZjmJhZaDwuRPEbBZ0ZN1QvHPyGmTh-lNsICdsmHDwXGWUzbXDKPwPm0-OvqxXh0lpsZkcEr5jGtVFNfXM-y32jnASheHuIap7ua53OURJPRpnQuo5bNqhbr2e/s1600/IMG_3032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_u4ftNz_5KWuL9fINgaZjmJhZaDwuRPEbBZ0ZN1QvHPyGmTh-lNsICdsmHDwXGWUzbXDKPwPm0-OvqxXh0lpsZkcEr5jGtVFNfXM-y32jnASheHuIap7ua53OURJPRpnQuo5bNqhbr2e/s400/IMG_3032.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Very comfortable bus</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bus looked new and was very comfortable.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkW-oFF7icXPiD1Zn_gM6_C0WuGHFkLt9hEVmLrYo2K6986we6fjA5Nj5JnaaKABfFGVwqqvJNRyEYNKQrVO6HX5rShiLunf6F0OOEbtTsAsaIn1Sa3EdKpUv-jGNcE4k5bKfnxykgZsH/s1600/IMG_3038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkW-oFF7icXPiD1Zn_gM6_C0WuGHFkLt9hEVmLrYo2K6986we6fjA5Nj5JnaaKABfFGVwqqvJNRyEYNKQrVO6HX5rShiLunf6F0OOEbtTsAsaIn1Sa3EdKpUv-jGNcE4k5bKfnxykgZsH/s320/IMG_3038.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TV!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cgrL1ah0KgzrtN9eAB2pa4RBLX_vycCDV1QjywrW5e0LbHzgjbrm3A4DodRaJz00G0Xokfn_VZJBcB7Ss7TAyVcmq4WM0TqmkDMe9TQiHfm6xZwz9mx7E5LrJcjeUAtKp3iTU40GJ7rc/s1600/IMG_3042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cgrL1ah0KgzrtN9eAB2pa4RBLX_vycCDV1QjywrW5e0LbHzgjbrm3A4DodRaJz00G0Xokfn_VZJBcB7Ss7TAyVcmq4WM0TqmkDMe9TQiHfm6xZwz9mx7E5LrJcjeUAtKp3iTU40GJ7rc/s320/IMG_3042.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taipei 101 - not a bad shot from a moving bus!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eqdG6zUtVExePK3mwmTNiokohpSwSXL_w0sISq5IzEAxNUFBmj_7T2lww4G8E7kxJmEsawSl9TWapyV9difeeJdigvlSpLZNDmeD_uheoWZUQraeeOPEKGlL4rISrkzYVI6LJv70Js6K/s1600/IMG_3044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eqdG6zUtVExePK3mwmTNiokohpSwSXL_w0sISq5IzEAxNUFBmj_7T2lww4G8E7kxJmEsawSl9TWapyV9difeeJdigvlSpLZNDmeD_uheoWZUQraeeOPEKGlL4rISrkzYVI6LJv70Js6K/s320/IMG_3044.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">AC vent and light controls</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjli37bxsjQY2aK3OgVQkWSIDLu1pU4IyEy0WDWx8jk6OvmZpTLv8XW1j6h3V_mc8n4F3FUS6cCaYh1o0IJ3GugZtn49YKG2V3bHrY_AHLBprGIpWHdQpBWFYq6_tiT3UdPxaM-Xj63Vf2-/s1600/IMG_3050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjli37bxsjQY2aK3OgVQkWSIDLu1pU4IyEy0WDWx8jk6OvmZpTLv8XW1j6h3V_mc8n4F3FUS6cCaYh1o0IJ3GugZtn49YKG2V3bHrY_AHLBprGIpWHdQpBWFYq6_tiT3UdPxaM-Xj63Vf2-/s320/IMG_3050.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bus stop in front of Luodong station</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0m2Fe_oyfKniafCyw4khdlVpuwNilgVzsB0FP7fyoG8Fgv38koadqXg-Tr_t7AEBXwe_EnIuI1VuOZwNmTdk-u599aEBIp6ZIeO6HOQpNfI4gL53GmWIcecduOemb0X2vEYaNdkpxsFu/s1600/IMG_3052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0m2Fe_oyfKniafCyw4khdlVpuwNilgVzsB0FP7fyoG8Fgv38koadqXg-Tr_t7AEBXwe_EnIuI1VuOZwNmTdk-u599aEBIp6ZIeO6HOQpNfI4gL53GmWIcecduOemb0X2vEYaNdkpxsFu/s320/IMG_3052.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Luodong bus terminal</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There were few people on the bus during this weekday and after some traffic getting out of Taipei, Highway-5 it was smooth sailing! It took about an hour to arrive at the Luodong bus station which was in front of the rear entrance to the train station. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was pleasantly surprised by how nice this experience was, but then again, I shouldn’t be because this is Taiwan where hospitality and customer service comes first.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-1444043685961970232017-10-21T11:39:00.000-07:002017-10-21T11:39:21.805-07:00The Bizarre and Unexpected on Kinmen Island, Taiwan<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Chen Qing Ji Yang Lou Mansion</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVvEy183s1HS2j7rvDrPg9IgOnJ5PauATMSFzCQVJ5DZh9r1dO6B1SD2ekpiDylxgC8mbeZSuBz51u-XV10foWDeoGFvF6n1yqOc76ecQO8qbliLhj2yPp-VQxISQtxl5xnj1giPB3pct/s1600/IMG_5183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVvEy183s1HS2j7rvDrPg9IgOnJ5PauATMSFzCQVJ5DZh9r1dO6B1SD2ekpiDylxgC8mbeZSuBz51u-XV10foWDeoGFvF6n1yqOc76ecQO8qbliLhj2yPp-VQxISQtxl5xnj1giPB3pct/s400/IMG_5183.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</span></b></span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">As I travel in Taiwan, I always come across what I
call the bizarre and unexpected. Bizarre being defined as, “very strange or
unusual, especially as to cause interest or amusement.” The Chen Qing Ji Yang
Lou mansion on Kinmen Island, Taiwan falls into this definition.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1q2GgL-4YAQdiJk8XL9g9H0q6Le5ijoM_jGqZVbSIsT3cXkiFRFDT0zV7ho_GcyHD5ylN4I3uekf7CKhZDNOrGo-MSHfSEAa-P2ahbURnkxgq1lF6FmX9t3ee2-6kEjVG7eyOnDj9biv/s1600/IMG_5184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1275" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1q2GgL-4YAQdiJk8XL9g9H0q6Le5ijoM_jGqZVbSIsT3cXkiFRFDT0zV7ho_GcyHD5ylN4I3uekf7CKhZDNOrGo-MSHfSEAa-P2ahbURnkxgq1lF6FmX9t3ee2-6kEjVG7eyOnDj9biv/s400/IMG_5184.JPG" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Expression over entrance "Union is Strength"</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">This mansion obviously belonged to a wealthy family
many years ago, but now it has fallen on hard times. It is this rundown
condition that makes it so unique and “bizarre.” It even has a tree growing out
of the second story!</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vL1q3dKzStUVtwxDr5Cbx_3t-NvA7IvOVAsML3IAwGgSf7w2O5UHe_ghs94V6BZiBJOcOPt_C-evydxS8LM_xnuRY0yE0ydYukjG82He6Mtrts52dH3q5pvWATECSOn5LzUxF8JAa3W4/s1600/IMG_5186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vL1q3dKzStUVtwxDr5Cbx_3t-NvA7IvOVAsML3IAwGgSf7w2O5UHe_ghs94V6BZiBJOcOPt_C-evydxS8LM_xnuRY0yE0ydYukjG82He6Mtrts52dH3q5pvWATECSOn5LzUxF8JAa3W4/s320/IMG_5186.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Should it be restored? Restoring it would certainly
change how it looks, but it would lose its uniqueness that photographers seek
and tourists admire. No, keep it the way it is.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIMbE3waNz-gvU4gNt9z23moTjEuDDUt4hTukDiFhFKkbg4CUsZMFxBuKvw7MxHDL1bXprxqE-7gEYX-hPwahwM0pNLd1PM_DjHdCfnSkn725vMDNLPfGsT2JVCO85HEu7D4ZlJ6NTfA6/s1600/IMG_5195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIMbE3waNz-gvU4gNt9z23moTjEuDDUt4hTukDiFhFKkbg4CUsZMFxBuKvw7MxHDL1bXprxqE-7gEYX-hPwahwM0pNLd1PM_DjHdCfnSkn725vMDNLPfGsT2JVCO85HEu7D4ZlJ6NTfA6/s400/IMG_5195.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Among all the debris, a portrait of Chiang Kai-shek </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Getting there: Jinsha Township, Kinmen Island, Taiwan.
GPS coordinates 118.44292, 24.485801</span><br />
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-50927160801278860032017-10-20T09:40:00.000-07:002017-10-25T06:18:13.674-07:00Going Back in Time Visiting Chiang Kai-shek's Taipei Area Homes<h4>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Shilin Residence</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nestled in the former <span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Shilin Horticultural Experimental Station</span> established during Japanese colonial rule is the Shilin residence of Chiang Kai-shek. The home is quite large and resembles 1959 style western architecture. While no photographs are allowed inside, on a self-guided tour you will see the rooms with furniture where Chiang Kai-shek and wife Soong Mei-ling spent their time. The home and furnishings are modest by today’s standards but give you an insight how the new Taiwan first family lived. There is a free audio guide available with just a deposit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Also on the grounds is the Methodist church the Chiangs attended and still in use today and large gardens that includes many roses. The Cadillac limousine used by Madame Chiang is at the entrance eerily out of place. It would be nice to see Taiwan’s historically significant vehicles be preserved and placed in a museum. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Getting there: Take MRT red line to Shilin station then a short walk through the gardens to the residence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Website link: <a href="https://www.culture.gov.taipei/frontsite/shilin/english/contentAction.do?method=viewContentList&subMenuId=930&siteId=MTE2">Shilin_residence</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Grass Mountain Chateau on Yangmingshan</span></span></h4>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This was the first residence of Chiang Kai-Shek and Madam Chiang after coming to Taiwan from being driven from the mainland by the Communists. Taiwan Sugar Corporation originally constructed it to host Japanese dignitaries. It was used by the Chiangs until the Shilin residence was completed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-dWmNxeRdOVJjlFkVEDEVcYQsPHDnJtE7HOTWZZ5dPYlYRHTI_yyzEyvQf59p0M5WVsA3tcoPVNNMrJqkn5XYkqAUZBy8I5znlP9IGLynrU4fUsxjdoGk9v9TqNzi8s02NrLJ0_a9PwG/s1600/IMG_2399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1210" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-dWmNxeRdOVJjlFkVEDEVcYQsPHDnJtE7HOTWZZ5dPYlYRHTI_yyzEyvQf59p0M5WVsA3tcoPVNNMrJqkn5XYkqAUZBy8I5znlP9IGLynrU4fUsxjdoGk9v9TqNzi8s02NrLJ0_a9PwG/s320/IMG_2399.JPG" width="240" /></span></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is of Japanese architecture consisting of 6 rooms, but in 2007 the Chateau was destroyed by fire so what you see now is a very good recreation. Now it is a multifunctional building consisting of a restaurant, an area for art exhibition, and a display of relics of the Chiangs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WQLHJqWUcd1aDAwIIzh6qffojvEIl6jWOHG1utIjhk1L16R3HfQal6MGatGrY2oGuTLFFfnFVPGZlwZwEcNKu_mRjmPjXa2Og3Ixaw4VfLFvCu8M991tPuJOoIn85a3KsLS3bZZ1NrWJ/s1600/IMG_2394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WQLHJqWUcd1aDAwIIzh6qffojvEIl6jWOHG1utIjhk1L16R3HfQal6MGatGrY2oGuTLFFfnFVPGZlwZwEcNKu_mRjmPjXa2Og3Ixaw4VfLFvCu8M991tPuJOoIn85a3KsLS3bZZ1NrWJ/s200/IMG_2394.JPG" width="150" /></span></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Even though it is a recreation it is still worth a visit to see the view the Chiangs experienced when they first moved here and then seeing the bomb shelter entrance signifying the reality of them being at war with the Communists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Getting there: Only way to get there is by private car, scooter, or bus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Website link: <a href="http://www.grassmountainchateau.com.tw/_en/00index/index.html">Grass_Mountain_Chateau</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Zhongxing Guesthouse on Yangmingshan</span><br /> </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></h4>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Zhongxing Guesthouse also known as the Yangmingshuwu was built in the late 60s to be a guest house of visiting dignitaries and a summer residence for the Chiangs. It commands magnificent views of Taipei below and is surrounded by gardens and forests and is now part of the Yangmingshan National Park. Only guided tours are allowed in the house. The cost for adults is NT$80. Tours are only in Chinese and only leave at 10:00, 11:00, 14:30, and 15:30. Reservations are suggested, call or email one-week ahead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There is a strong sense of authenticity in this house from the carpet, furniture, and blue bath fixtures. While it is a large house you get a sense of frugality of the occupants. This is one of the Taipei area Chiang Kai-Shek houses that should not be missed. </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Getting there: Private car, scooter, or bus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Website link: <a href="http://english.ymsnp.gov.tw/index.php?option=com_tourmap&view=tourmap&id=19&gp=0&Itemid=510">Yangmingshuwu</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BzvzUTzbidhJ_JeHK8ceMmsXUisNlgBW0PP4eI_VJ5Xl8ap8Y1kDOFsc0XVr8IJNwZCp6PeA-z85mazHHTsuJYx4_4iGwi-2xKvRjp3RpAR7Urnzwmuis-2BujrrhykuwTv7DTU9HSX8/s1600/IMG_2431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1562" data-original-width="1600" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BzvzUTzbidhJ_JeHK8ceMmsXUisNlgBW0PP4eI_VJ5Xl8ap8Y1kDOFsc0XVr8IJNwZCp6PeA-z85mazHHTsuJYx4_4iGwi-2xKvRjp3RpAR7Urnzwmuis-2BujrrhykuwTv7DTU9HSX8/s320/IMG_2431.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-12788528931974738442017-10-17T05:04:00.000-07:002017-10-17T05:06:01.159-07:00Homestay Experience in LalaShan Taiwan<br />
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Experienced travelers know that travelling is more than just
viewing famous sites and taking pictures of them. It is also about experiencing
the local culture. It is to get close and personal, to understand and learn,
and to enjoy the company (and food) of locals. One way to do this in Taiwan is
to stay at a homestay where essentially you are a guest in a local family’s
home. They will most likely have many
rooms set up like a Bed and Breakfast. I did this in the Lalashan area.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1m1GzPStw4JCl_b7Zp2Mew6Po7fLiJbPPTVExkkJFYlGCgf0OB9wQOcUmYfsaHEliGmAzz9t3xJ17skxPFaa04vbyrpCt0u5AyxXseErY04jNGZOBIoTQtyVqcQuHKNw0_CRyVTt_R7P/s1600/IMG_2888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="1600" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1m1GzPStw4JCl_b7Zp2Mew6Po7fLiJbPPTVExkkJFYlGCgf0OB9wQOcUmYfsaHEliGmAzz9t3xJ17skxPFaa04vbyrpCt0u5AyxXseErY04jNGZOBIoTQtyVqcQuHKNw0_CRyVTt_R7P/s400/IMG_2888.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>My host family</b></td></tr>
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My
recent travels to Taiwan had been to the big cities, but a huge area of Taiwan
is mountainous. However, transportation
to these areas for a solo traveler tend to be difficult. Using Google Maps I
started clicking on homestays in the Lalashan region and seeing if they had a
website with English or a Facebook page where I could message them. Fairyland
had a Facebook page and I messaged them.
Very quickly I got a response back in perfect English, which I later
found out was the daughter of the owners.
I explained I would like to visit as a solo traveler but needed help to
get to their homestay. She said she would work on it. A few days later she said
another small group was coming and that we all could ride with her father from
the Taoyuan train station up to Fairyland Lalashan. Not only that, but we could
stop at a few cultural sites on the way up. </div>
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The road to Lalashan is one lane
wide in many areas with large trucks coming down. I was glad I did not attempt to drive it. It
was also under repair, possibly from washouts from recent typhoons. The
steepness of the mountains was amazing and it’s amazing a road got built at
all. We finally reached Fairyland Homestay. It appears to be recently built and
the rooms are very large. Most with balconies with views overlooking the
mountains to the west. We got treated to a beautiful sunset. Available
downstairs were snacks and fruit. The breakfast was traditional Taiwanese and
was a special treat to experience home prepared local food.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLe2-7QbztfkY04lD10KfZXcflKf3IPwDN3g2cV1ztPhOGM4S8AgQCFOU6cVg5wxGqWrrjavZHZcj_ooBPs-W5P2kow5soIm63fqKBYyC-fSsspZET8XyVbCVdm2T6z84tpvFH4qXodpau/s1600/IMG_2879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLe2-7QbztfkY04lD10KfZXcflKf3IPwDN3g2cV1ztPhOGM4S8AgQCFOU6cVg5wxGqWrrjavZHZcj_ooBPs-W5P2kow5soIm63fqKBYyC-fSsspZET8XyVbCVdm2T6z84tpvFH4qXodpau/s200/IMG_2879.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrHeXjIo3qDO3W0_f6sK385i8iAeqFft-V6uBa_IB5L4tt62Pbvs4BHz4mwWQ1DDw-O4B5BdtwRx0QnyI2ZN7msj82R8uWFKdM_rvdvh8atuAZs2WvRYGrIHsY96ON6LwBbzeQeH-CZit/s1600/IMG_2930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrHeXjIo3qDO3W0_f6sK385i8iAeqFft-V6uBa_IB5L4tt62Pbvs4BHz4mwWQ1DDw-O4B5BdtwRx0QnyI2ZN7msj82R8uWFKdM_rvdvh8atuAZs2WvRYGrIHsY96ON6LwBbzeQeH-CZit/s320/IMG_2930.JPG" width="240" /></a>The next day we got a ride to the Lalashan Forest Reserve by
the host father to see the huge ancient cypress trees and have a nice hike in
the forest. They were breathtaking.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So what about my
hosts? They were amazing. While they did not speak much English, the other
travelers could translate for me. And
the host mother even called her daughter to speak to me to make sure everything
was okay. Is it true what you have heard about Taiwanese hospitality? I will say yes! What I felt from this host
family was that they were not doing things out of a duty but that they had a genuine
sense of caring and they wanted me to enjoy my experience in Taiwan. <o:p></o:p></div>
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6718452098148393653.post-34022285623293749232017-08-15T07:36:00.000-07:002017-08-15T07:38:34.489-07:00Taiwan is my drugNot exactly sure why I am addicted to travel in Taiwan. I've been to many European and Asian countries and have enjoyed the experience, but Taiwan is different. I have this urge of not being satisfied. I want to try more food, more snacks, get off the MRT and see what other shops or sights await. Then there are places I haven't visited, such as the mountainous areas where a different scene is just around the next curve.<br />
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In this blog I hope to share with you my experiences that make make Taiwan a fun and addicting place to visit. All Aboard Taiwan!<br />
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<br />Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636514209735078355noreply@blogger.com0