TAIWAN - TAJVAN

Taiwan was a really nice surprice from the beginning to the end! I booked transfer to the house of my e-friend Vita, who lives an hours drive from the Tayouan airpoort. Green Path Transfers  As with previous rides the driver was at the airport on time and when we came to my friends house there was nobody at home. Bu he was so nice that he called her ind drove us a few houndred meters away for no extra cost.
In the next days we had fun visiting Hakka village with all tempting stalls, great food and souvenirs. Best of all was Hakka tea made of grounded sesame seeds, peanuts,tea and water.
 Sun Moon lake - a must stop with idyllic lake. Lots of possibilitis for walking, ciclying, even driving in a segway style - with Taiwanees wander car - Reabo, which can be rented near the tourist office.
 

Next highlight was the boat ride to the island and even better with gondola to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village  It is not just about the great view and thematic fun park - bigger part of it is represented by houses which used to be built by some 16 aboriginal island tribes. It is a museum - skansen, with lots of dancing, singing shows...
 


Three hours or so long bus ride to Alishan was another gem. We climbed more than 2000 m high, felt some frost and hoping for the snow. But there was none. Although stay in Alishan recreational area was fun for two days. Just wandering around the magnificent forests. There was a train once upon a time driving all the way up from Chiayi to Fenquihu. But now the old Japaneese train runs just to the village. Scenic ride not to be missed!
Chiayi is a perfect base for train ride and we founded ultra new and cute hostel just some hundred meters away from the train station - An Lan Jie , Town has got a great night market not far away.








Tainan - another interesting town on the west coasts. Lots of temples, night market and attractive old port. If you plan to stay there I'd  recommend the hotel Tainan inn . A bit of a (bus) ride from the train station but with a walking distance to the historical part without the luggage. The best surprise was the breakfast - We got vouchers which We could spend in different local restaurants on the nearby market! Try the fish soup!
 

We were not lucky with the supposed tousands of butterflies in Maolin so we went to the east coast. Dulan, small village not far from Taitung. Some interesting restaurants, decent black beach, unusual hostel Jail House! Real chalange if you want to feel how is it like staying in a comfortable jail... Eastern coast is the most attractive on the island, with far less people, lots of scenic points...
 

It was time to take a deep rest in one of the best hotel resorts on Taiwan - Promised land, near Hualien. Real gem surrounded by gardens and big water lagune. Not to mention Spanish arhitecture, tempting food and lots of activities - for affordable price! And Hualien was not far away- the best starting point for visiting the most attractive gorge on the island - Taroko.
 Well we stayed in Hualien for two nights as it was quite convenient. And guest house  Errantry Lodge was another special place! The owners were super friendly, rooms designed in a unique way, fabulous breakfast.... And there was a surprise at the end - The owner Arthur took a photograph seance in his studio and made a set of really interesting portret photographs! A gift for everyone, who stays in his house more than two days!
 
Taipei was our last stop. Longer than we planned as the city and surroundings offer a lot. First of all, districts full of restaurants, shops, night markets... The best is pedestrian area Ximending. Among the  obvious tourist sites (Chiang Kai-shek and Sun Yat-sen memorial hall, Presidental palace...), the best was visit of once biggest building in the world, Taipei-101. It is not just another skyscraper. For a fee you get a ride with the fastest elevator in the world, fantastic view, and learn about symbolism of buildings segments, ornaments, ...


Another city gem for me was the old Chineese property- The Lin family mansion and garden. With all attractive paths, old buildings, flowers, trees...it is a fairy tale oasis.
Where to stay? Interesting upmarket option was the hotel Quote  Modern design, hi-tech equipment, great lounge with free snacks and drinks. Also good location and quiet rooms.





For a budget option try hostel May rooms. Very attentive owners and staff, near Nangang metro station, lots of restaurants, shops around, also not far from the stop of airport bus... And on weekends they often provide a free sightseeing of towns attractions.

Hungry? Night markets are a must - cheap, good, fantastic ambient on the street! Be adventurous, dont ask what it is, just try the food! Looking for a special restaurant - Modern Toilet is the one! I had far the best lunch on a toilet seat in my life!
 





Health? No worry! Free drinking water avaliable all over the island- restaurants, bus-train stations, Just in case - get travel insurance; Coris served me well during my travels.


















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