Wulai Falls: A Waterfall

It’s my fourth trip to Taiwan and my dad’s second.  We’re already feeling global warming upon arrival as it’s 88 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity and its late November.  I know it wasn’t like this in 2009.  I’m being told we arrived on a “bad week”.  On this trip we will do sightseeing in the city, at the ocean, in the country and in the forest (mountains).

Note: If you enjoy learning about different cultures and would like to read about my observations (as a Caucasian American) and perspectives and research of the Taiwanese culture in more depth, take a look at my previous two (2) blogs on Taiwan under the “TRAVEL” heading.

Egg Basil Pancake

So simple and yet so tasty.  The rest of our Taiwanese breakfast consists of fresh soymilk, cold milk tea and a soft and airy long doughy bread which if it were lightly dusted in table sugar or honey would be — A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!  I know, I know, “whitey tries to turn everything into a donut”.

Fresh “Unusual Suspects” of Fruit

Fresh and often unfamiliar fruit are everywhere in Taiwan.

Frogs on Wood

I will seek out other interesting sculptures and art while in Taiwan.

Wulai Falls Area

Wulai Falls Area

I look for shade wherever possible and enjoy the cooler air near the running water.

Wulai Falls Area: Creek

Wulai Falls Area: Baba, Bella and Dad

“Senior Frog” Holding on for Dear Life…

Waterfall Through the Trees…

The Wulai Falls Area has various waterfalls.  None will “knock your socks off” if you’ve experienced mammoth waterfalls but it makes for an enjoyable trek.

Balcony View at Tseng Mountain House

Bella’s parents have a naturally growing banana tree in their backyard where Taiwanese monkeys pilfered a recent yield of fruit.  The rest of the bananas look “green team” so the smart monkeys aren’t “sniffing in” yet.

Drive Down from Mountain House

It’s a 25 minute drive to the mountain townhouse near the top of the mountain.

Taipei: Subway @ Rush Hour

If this were Tokyo, my face would be curled up the angle leading to the ceiling as people would be pressing me against the wall.  “Been there, done that”…

Taipei: Lungshan Temple

Lungshan Temple (lungshan.org.tw) is one of the more impressive temples I’ve visited in Taiwan.  This temple was founded in 1738 and dedicated to the Buddhist “Goddess of Mercy” (“Guan-yin” in Chinese).  It was rebuilt in 1919.

Worshipers Light Candles…

I strongly recommend visiting temples like this at night as the experience is much better visually and spiritually.

Lungshan Temple: Shrine

The detail work is stunning throughout.

Lungshan Temple: Column

Note the intricate details in this stone sculptured column.

Hua Xi Street Night Market

This vendor is selling dried squid (i.e. squid jerky) and other interesting “nuggets”.  This night market has some very interesting vendors and I definitely want to spend more time here on future trips.

Hua Xi Night Market: Fancy Restaurant

There are a lot more fancy restaurants at the night markets than in previous years.

Hua Xi Night Market: Casual Restaurant

When in Taiwan I often find the “street food” much more fun.

“You don’t need a silver fork to eat good food.” — Paul Prudhomme

Who Wants Some Chicken ‘Marbs’?

I ate chicken testicles on my first trip to Taiwan in 2008.  Most of that smooth texture remains after they cook them which proves “interesting”.

Taiwan’s Poisonous Snakes for “Consumption”

The employees at snake restaurants won’t allow photographs while you are inside.

Pig Hooves and More…

I had a chance to sample a slice off of a whole pig in Danshui in 2009 but chose grilled squid instead.  Now, I never seem to see it being sold in that form when we tour Taiwan.  Sad…

Snails

They have a creamy appearance to them.  Since the giant sea snails “got me” on the last trip, there will be no snail consumption on this trip.

Frog Soup Anyone?

I’ve tried frog legs and thought they were more trouble than they were worth.  After all, they taste like “chicken”.  Although, the thought of a whole frog in a soup broth is more enticing.

Assorted Seafood and Greens

These are island people so seafood often “wins the show”.

Watches Vendor

For $12.00 U.S. dollars or less you can buy a stylish watch.

Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup

It is normally fairly spicy and very, very tasty.  This is good but dad and I remember how much better it was at a night market in 2011.

“Blue Course”: Fairway One

Today Bella’s 85-year-old uncle is treating us to a round of golf at the Formosa First Country Club (50 Mao Wei Chi, Keng-Tze Village, Lu-chu, Taoyuan County).  This is an Arnold Palmer designed course.  It is very expensive to play golf in Taiwan and not easy to gain access.  This course would cost about $160.00 U.S. dollars per person if her uncle weren’t a member.  What a treat…

Our Caddy Assists Bella with Club Selection

Not that she needs it…the girl is “on fire” today.

Bella and Dad

It’s another warm day but with cart, caddy and cold beverages we’ll — “manage”.

Fairway (Front 9)

Our caddy advises us that the natural grass greens are slow as she uses the flag to point out our putting lines.  On one hole, Bella hits a low liner from the fairway towards me and I am only half paying attention.  It is pretty comical (given the end result) as I do a mid-air, split-legged jump as the ball jets between my legs.

Palms Galore (Front 9)

The course isn’t as green as I’d hoped since Taiwan had a hot year.  Bella is “representing her peeps” on the links today as if the Taiwanese flag were draped on her backside.  This is her first time playing golf in her mother country.

“Rocket Ship” Golf Tee

Our caddy loans me this “space ship” golf tee (actual name is “brush tee”) which I inadvertently “pilfer”.

Honey Ham Sandie

The Taiwanese classify it more in the “jerky” family of foods.  It is very nice tasting.

Jellyfish Salad

The main excitement the Taiwanese have over jellyfish is the “crunch” factor.  It is pretty much flavorless so I never really got it.  However, this salad contains other veggies and a light tasty dressing so I’m “back in” on the Taiwanese jellyfish train.

White Fish or Monkfish?

It tastes good and we assume it is some sort of white fish.

Fried Pig Skin?

From a textural standpoint and a “health concern” standpoint I’m out on this one.  Nobody is positive as to what it is but the consensus is the aforementioned.

Taipei Station or Grand Central?

The ceiling is huge and given this Christmas tree I briefly forget where I am.

Train to Hualien

Trains are clean, comfortable, the seats recline and pull-out food trays are built-in.

A Map to Nearby Restaurants

This map at the CarPlus rental car office in Hualien is another indicator of Taiwanese priorities.  Our vehicle is a Luxgen van equipped with at least six cameras.  If you initiate a turn signal, a large monitor displays an image of all vehicles surrounding you on that side.  Also, the side doors auto shut via a touch.  Furthermore, the dashboard monitor continuously changes to display the posted speed limit as you drive.

Bella, Myself and Dad @ Tropic of Cancer

We stand at one of three Tropic of Cancer markers in Taiwan.

“Hot Pot” Meal

Tonight we stay at the Bunun Tribal Leisure Farm (W: bunun.org.tw).  Surprisingly, they are offering Taiwanese “hot pot” which involves cooking your own meat and veggies and eating piece by piece as you cook.  Multiple sauces are available for dipping.  This is dad’s first “hot pot” experience and he enjoys it.

Carved Stone Table

There are several of these tables along with chairs outside of our cabin.

A Pair of “Wall Tigers” Climbed our Wall

We observe a pair of these miniature geckos climbing our interior cabin walls.  The Taiwanese have the best names for insects, reptiles, mammals etc.

Dad with Wooden Taiwanese Indians

David with Wooden Taiwanese Indians

This feeling of height inferiority doesn’t happen to me often in Taiwan.

“Culture is the arts elevated to a set of beliefs” — Thomas Wolfe

These “COCKS” Woke us Up…

We were “fortunate” that their pen is directly across from our cabins.

Kitten in Demo Area

A tiny stray kitten appears out of the rubble…

School & Museum: 1968 LLWS Champions

The “Maple Leafs” team won the Little League World Series in 1968.  We watch some little league players practicing.

Taipei “Maple Leafs” vs. Japan

This sculpture is outside of the Hongye Little League Memorial.

Taiwanese “Maple Leaf” Team…

I grew up watching the super competitive Chinese Taipei Little League baseball teams in the LLWS held in Williamsport, PA each year.

Old Gloves & Bamboo Bats

The museum is small but there are some interesting items.

Maple Leaf Team “Then”…

Maple Leaf Team “Now”…

Other Taiwanese Little League baseball teams have won the LLWS since 1968 but not the Maple Leafs.

Another Sizable and Funky Taiwanese Insect

Good Coffee @ the Bunon Coffee Shop

If it wasn’t “monkey hot” we would sit on the terrace with canyon views.

Performance by the Tribe

The farm produces their own organic produce, jams, olive tapenade, soaps etc.  I am a definite fan of their fresh mulberry juice.

Dumpster Art…

Up the road from the Hongye Little League Memorial.

Giant Snail Won’t Release the Leaf…

Smart snail…camouflage.

“Make Him Stop Staring at Me”…

This praying mantis is HUGE.

“I realized that Eastern thought had somewhat more compassion for all living things.  Man was a form of life that in another reincarnation might possibly be a horsefly or a bird of paradise or a deer.  So a man of such faith, looking at animals, might be looking at old friends or ancestors.”

— William Orville Douglas

“Buddha Head” Fruit

We purchase this “Cherimoya” (a.k.a. “Buddha Head”) fruit from a roadside vendor.

“Buddha Head” Fruit “After”…

The taste is really nice and sweet and similar to an apple and pear with a custard quality.  Its secondary name is “custard apple”.

Dad Feeling “Hip” @ the Chu Lu Ranch

We enjoy a delicious soft-serve organic milk flavored ice cream cone (supplied by their Holstein cows) at the Chu Lu Ranch (chuluranch.com).  It has such a fresh taste and an almost “eggy” quality to it.  I know J.B. will LOVE this photo.

Chu Lu Ranch: “Elf” Feeds a Baby Goat

This crafty little goat immediately slid under the fence when he saw Bella approach.

Baby Goat “Chowing Brains”…

Chu Lu Ranch: United Nations “Cow”

Bella and Dad Circumnavigate Boulders

They are trekking down to the Xiaoyeliu area beach.

Xiaoyeliu Beach

Ants Carry Away Dead Crab

We stop at “Water Running Up” in Dulan (near Taitung City) where water actually does run uphill.  Many people fail with their “science experiments” but Dr. Bella Tseng (a.k.a. “Daughter of a Scientist”) uses a small portion of a leaf and it makes it to the top where it disappears over the hill.

Resort Hotel: Lobby

We will enjoy their mineral springs at the Formosan Naruwan Hotel & Resort (naruwan-hotel.com.tw) later tonight.  The basement features: various shops; large game room and arcade; mineral spring and spa; bar.  They have a dining room off of the lobby featuring a Western dinner buffet and piano bar which is also on the agenda.

Window in the “Can”?

Doesn’t everyone find a window feature in “the can” useful?  “Canning” is now a spectator sport.

View from Beach @ Sansiantai Island

Stunning views are plentiful here.

“Eight Arches Bridge” & Sansiantai Island

This is one of my favorite spots on this trip.

David @ “Eight Arches Bridge”

I make it across the bridge but no further as the “greasiness” (heat and humidity) is too much for this “cold weather bird”.  My dad amazingly treks on with Papa Tseng and explores the island.  Dad is “sweating biscuits” when he staggers back whereupon I provide him with our favorite thirst-quenching sports beverage.

Sports Beverage

It isn’t carbonated but has a grapefruit taste similar to Squirt soda.  It is a lifesaver on these “greasy” days where trekking is involved.  It is available in cans at Ranch 99 Markets in California for those interested in trying it.

Tour Buses: Mainland China Tourists

These tour buses are everywhere in Taiwan.

The Pacific

“Political Auto Caravan”…

It’s an election year and these caravans are visible all over Taiwan with built-in electronic megaphones blaring.

Tropic of Cancer Marker #2

The Tropic of Cancer passes through: Algeria; Niger; Libya; Egypt; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; Oman; India; Bangladesh; Burma; China; Taiwan; Mexico; Bahamas; Mauritania; Mali.  Taiwan has three (3) markers throughout their country.

“Throw-down @ the Tropic of Cancer Corral?”

Two female Mainland Chinese tourists engage in a loud and aggressive shouting match.

The Pacific…

“Painting is so poetic, while sculpture is more logical and scientific and makes you worry about gravity.” — Damien Hirst

These are NOT Pieces of Tofu…

“Wait for it…waittttttt…for it”…

Yanliao, Shuilian & Jiqi Area

Compare and contrast with the black and white shot (below).

Yanliao, Shuilian & Jiqi Area

Rustic Modern Day Rickshaw?

You see these now and then in Taipei City and beyond.

Grittier Parts Fairly Common in Taipei

Fancy Clothing Store @ Night Market

Young Taiwanese seem to be following other Asian countries in their desire to be very fashionable.  Fancier clothing stores are becoming more common.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Its huge and prettier at night (of course).

Changing of the Guard

This ceremony takes place inside the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

The Lin Family Mansion & Garden

Papa Tseng and Bella’s aunt bring us here for a guided tour of the Lin Family Mansion & Garden (9 Ximen St., Taipei, Taiwan).  The house and grounds date back to 1851.

“Whole Lot of Scooter Goin’ On”…

According to Bella’s family only Thailand has more scooters on roadways.

“Mrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr”…

Baked Goods Vendor

Similar to the Japanese, the Taiwanese love “Frenchie” style bakeries.  Bear in mind, they are a “salty” first and “sweet” second culture so most pastries are noticeably less sweet than what most bakeries serve in the United States.

Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra

Papa Tseng takes us to this concert in the park outside of the Concert Hall at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial.  We watch on the big screen with a fantastic sound system.  The crowd is respectful and most sounds of the city are drowned out as a light misting rain falls.  The crowd erupts with loud clapping as this sold-out concert ends.

Afterwards we learn that the “green party” (pro-Taiwan independence) “kicked butt” over the “blue party” (pro-China control) across the board in today’s election.  That is fantastic news for Taiwanese who are not thrilled with Mainland China constantly trying to meddle in their affairs.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial grounds: Concert Hall

Shin Pu Yuan Chinese Restaurant

Becky pre-ordered a Peking duck from Shin Pu Yuan (shinpuyuan-group.com) and treats us to a seriously delicious and fancy lunch.  Becky was one of Bella’s students when she taught at the University of Southern California (USC).

Fresh & Tasty Watermelon Juice

Another tasty beverage I highly recommend are papaya milk drinks in Taiwan.

Bamboo & Veggie

This is healthy and tasty as well as visually appealing.

Pork & Century Egg in Pastry Dough

It has a light sweetness to it with light and flaky dough.  Delectable…

Mr. Duck is “Smiling at Me”…

For those “A Christmas Story” lovers out there.

“Let the Carving Begin”…

From beginning to end, this is an upscale dining experience.

My Amazing “Duck Taco”…

I can’t even begin to describe how good this is.

Duck Soup

I’ve never had duck soup before.  It is super tasty with a touch of sourness.

Creamy Egg Yolk Custard Balls

I create a volcano effect by carving a hole in the top due to the “scoriaceous” cream inside.  They are moderately sweet with a firm skin and delicious gooey cream inside.

We shop for souvenirs at the Taiwan Handicraft Promotion Center (handicraft.taiwan.org).  I pick up baseball themed tea cups for J.B.

Baseball Themed Tea Cup Set

The box is designed as a player’s “old school” striped uniform.

Daan Park: Night Heron

Rumor has it that this pond is a dumping ground of exotic pets.  One such pet are crocodiles and in the past observers saw a baby crocodile chewing on the remains of a stray puppy.  😦

Daan Park: Drummer Playing with Dad

I meet one of Bella’s former music teachers, her young protege drummer son and husband.

Bella’s Cousins @ CPK in Xinyi District

I’m thinking a seafood pizza with shrimp and calamari isn’t on the menu in California at California Pizza Kitchen (CPK)?

Cute Asian Baby but “High Maintenance”

We endure the “terrible two’s or three’s” throughout the meal with consistent attempts to get whatever she wants at the expense of her older sister.  Not nice…

Best Iced Latte @ 7-11 Stores

We take the bullet train to Chiayi where we pick up a rental SUV at CarPlus.  This iced coffee has a near perfect blend of premium coffee, whole milk and light on sweetener.

Dad Loads our Rental Luxigen SUV

I nearly “puke brains” as a seriously smelly dumpster is nearby.  The rental process takes forever in Taiwan compared with the U.S. so we are near “Smelly Nelly” for over 30 minutes.  Also, one of the seat belts is buried and it takes an employee forever to locate it and free it.  The odor is as if a giant pig ate a skunk and then puked and blew out his o-ring simultaneously.  Horribly smelly…

Purple Yam…

Outside of the Chukou Visitor Center we have a snack.  Yes, they taste as good as they look.

An “Elf” and a Bear…

This is next to the Eternity Suspension Bridge at the base of the Alishan Forest Recreation Area.

Fencihu: Bento Box Lunch

At the historical streets of Fencihu we have lunch.

Fencihu: Shops

Fencihu: Chestnuts?

Fencihu Shops: One Pretty Chicken

Thick Fog @ Fencihu Train Station

Alishan Youth Activity Center

The Alishan Youth Activity Center (alishan.cyh.org.tw) will be our accommodations for the next couple of days.

Alishan Youth Center: Room

The lodgings are often rustic at the youth centers but they supply everything you need.  And this unit had a nice newly remodeled large bathroom.

Siphon Coffee Brewing Method…

Initially I thought this guest at the Youth Center traveled with her own brewing kit.  After breakfast I see it in a box in the lobby so possibly the Youth Center owns it.  Both tea and coffee are grown on Ali Mountain.

Alishan Mountain Train Station

Inside the station approximately twenty Mainland Chinese tourists (per Bella) are congregating.  I turn to my dad and say “Oh my god, how can it be this noisy when there are only twenty people in here”.  Where upon dad wittingly responds, “even more puzzling is that only three of them are speaking”.

Ali Mountain Train Station: Train Yard

Mama Tseng Fighting Her Way Off the Train…

A tour group of Mainland Chinese tourists refuses to wait until we exit the train.  I will simply cite from my previous blog titled “50 Smooth Moves” and relate it to “Elevator Offenders”:

Elevator Offenders, #14

“It isn’t brain surgery people; etiquette says you wait for someone who has the superior position to leave before you enter.”

“Um…ah…okay”…

This sign is in front of a tall redwood tree.

Mainland Chinese are Everywhere on Ali Mountain

As are their giant umbrellas.  We quickly discover that if a walkway accommodates four-people-wide this particular tour group elects to walk four-people-wide in THEIR direction thereby failing to allow one-person-wide traveling in OUR direction.  Truly bizarre.  Once again, possibly we arrived on a “bad week”?  Bella advises us that if we want to survive the day with our sanity intact we need to lose the “nice guy perspective” and force our way through with a “dogged determination” (okay, this may be my translation given the verbiage) and if some bodies get “bounced” around a bit, so be it.  Sometimes in life we must remember it’s a — “dog eat dog world”.

“A writer is a spectator, looking at everything with a highly critical eye.” — Bernard Malamud

Alishan Mountain

This view is from an area directly above the gigantic redwoods.

Alishan Mountain: Hollowed Out Tree

Poor Trees are on the “DL” (disabled list)

Pig-Shaped Old Stump

Note the pig nose with “nose holes” and pig ears.

Sister’s Lake

Reaching this area involves trekking up some steep and slightly awkward stone steps but it is rather pretty.

Crispy Grilled Pork with Fresh Wasabi

A vendor offers this to my dad for free but Papa Tseng pays her in spite of the kind offer.

Davy is Actually Cold Today…

It is “official”, I am — “NO LONGER AN EMPEROR PENGUIN”.  I’m not sure if it is my recent loss of 15 pounds of “insulation” but the temperature today hit a low of 40 degrees Fahrenheit with wind and rain and this windbreaker jacket, thin and airy knit cap and thin sweater are clearly “not cutting the mustard”.

Snow on Ali Mountain?

“Not so fast, my friend”.  It is actually fuzzy green mossy growth on the trees.

“What Happened When the Monkeys Crossed the Road?”

I didn’t realize that about five different sets of monkeys were going to come down the mountain and cross the road.  Otherwise, I would’ve moved in for a better shot.

Alishan Youth Activity Center: Pork Belly

This is becoming one of my favorite dishes in Asia, much to the chagrin of my doctor.  Our eight course dinner which feeds five people costs $30.00 U.S. dollars.

Taiwanese Sweet Creamed Corn Cakes

If you’ve ever had corn pudding you should love these.  Amazing…

Eggplant and Ground Pork

Paper napkins in Taiwan often consist of 3″ x 3″ squares which are barely firmer than a 2-layer facial tissue and are equally as thin.  On average, I need about twenty of these to get through a single meal.

Youth Center: Light Box @ Night

These are located on their front lawn.

Ali Mountain: 6:30am or so…

Today we take a train chock full of Cantonese tourists and thankfully it was NOT “nutbalz” like yesterday.

Ali Mountain: Sunrise…

Unfortunately, the weather and clouds fight off our viewing of a nice sunrise.

Ali Mountain: At Sunrise…

I tend to prefer overcast days, cloud displays and fog anyway.

“Tin Man” Art @ Taipei Station

This is directly outside of the railway station.

I’m “Cornfused”, but Sometimes “Art” Does That

This is around the corner from our hotel.

Graffiti isn’t Any Prettier in Taipei…

On a side note, I am noticing that the architecture in Taiwan has shifted to dark brown and dark gray tones on the tile exteriors of homes and offices.  The light grays and whites are gone surely due to their inability to hold up visually via the beating sun and heavy rains.

“Hoof Massage” is Great in Taiwan

For about $28.00 U.S. dollars you receive a one hour upper body, lower leg and hoof acupressure massage.  NOTE: it is not customary to tip in Taiwan.  With all the walking we have done this is a mandatory treatment.  We choose Flyfar Massage (flyfarmassage.com) located near the Shilin Night Market since Bella says they have a great reputation.

Gingko Taiwanese Cuisine: Chicken

Chicken rarely makes a statement to food lovers but at Gingko Taiwanese Cuisine (ir-gingko.com.tw), it does.

Egg Tofu in a Sweet Sauce

Not a huge tofu fan but “egg tofu” is much more agreeable.

Pork Ribs

Very tasty and a winner with all of us.

Corn & Ground Sausage

YUM!

Relatives & Friends @ Gingko

Gingko: Taro Rolls

A nice “root vegetable” dessert.  If you like sweet potato, you should like these.

Gingko: Roselle Tea

The color is spectacularly bright and the taste is flowery, slightly tart and sweet.  There is almost a medicine-like quality to it which I’m guessing is why my dad isn’t a fan.

The Shilin Main Presidential Residence

Papa Tseng accompanies dad and I here for an audio tour of the former president’s home.  He confesses that he himself has never been inside.  We learn plenty of interesting “nuggets” about Chiang Kai-shek and his spouse.  NOTE: Tours must be scheduled in advance and photography isn’t allowed inside.

Agei (stuffed tofu) with Vermicelli Noodles

In Danshui, dad “enjoys” tofu in a sweet sauce and fish ball soup.   “Nice try!”

Penguin Mailman Statue

This cute penguin is inside the Taoyuan International Airport.

THE END!!!