TAIWAN
THE ASIAN SERIES PT5
Taking a gondola up to Maokong Mountain today. Its safe to say the Taiwanese love their tea as there are nothing but tea huts at the top, each 1 of them with an unbelievable view! Believe it or not these views were easily beaten by the view from elephant mountain.
ONE OF THE BEST VIEWS I’VE SEEN
Elephant Mountain is only a 30min walk from the hostel but the view of the city is incredible! If this was in New York or London it would be renown and full of tourists!! The weather had been great all day which lead to an incredible sunrise behind the city. The vibe up here was super chilled with friends and families all relaxing, playing music and just appreciating the view of Taipei 101, now one of my favourite buildings
The best views of Taipei
BACK TO THE NIGHT MARKET
Went back to the night market tonight and had a go at anything I missed out on last night. Fried potato with shredded bacon, chocolate filled sponge cake, egg/dan tart and I went to a teppanyaki restaurant. I ordered plenty and asked the girl medium spice which was a mistake, but I didn’t even realise this until I added chili flakes from the table. The chef had his eyes on me until I tried it, it was so hot I would’ve taken off my t-shirt and bottoms had I been allowed! Always taste test before hand!!
The best views of Taipei
LIEF
Met up with Lief (Taiwanese who I met in Oz) and I was half thinking would I recognise him when I see him. Well there was little doubt, he was still the same pleasant guy and his English had improved so much! I remember always explaining stuff or talking real slow for him as there is nothing worse for someone not to understand! We only got about 30mins together as we both had buses to get.
The best views of Taipei
GENT
He said I would be better walking to the bus stop that getting a taxi. His reason for walking was that it gave him more time to talk with me! haha Things have moved on a lot for him as he is now married with a son. He’s working locally as a firefighter in Taipei but his family live in his home city, 5 hours away. So he just goes home on his days off. Said he finds it difficult but not much he can do! He sums the attitude of the Taiwanese up perfectly!
RELATED READ: LAOS MOST DANGEROUS ACTIVITY
YOU DON’T CHOOSE WHO YOU SIT BESIDE
Got to the bus stop and started chatting with this older woman from Oz. It was all well and good until she stopped listening and wouldn’t stop talking but I just wasn’t in the right frame of mind for any of that. We were sitting on opposite sides of the bus and I was thrown a lifeline when 2 people got on the bus between us leaving us at the window seats.
That was until 1 minute later she asked if they wanted to sit together so she swapped with the fella beside me. I’d talk to anyone even if they bore me but I won’t prolong it anymore than it needs. One hour later and we arrived at the airport, bolted to check in and through security for a bite. Made my way to the gate and scanned an area which didn’t have many people in it that was until I went to sit down and there she was!
The best views of Taipei
RATINGS….
- PEOPLE – 9/10
- BACKPACKING – 7.5/10
- WEATHER – 8/10
- THINGS TO DO – 7/10
- FOOD – 8/10
- VALUE – 8/10
SUMMED UP….
- HIGHLIGHT – The hike
- LOWLIGHT – N/A
- MVP – Lief
- VISIT AGAIN – Yes to visit the south
- RATING – 7.5/10
FINAL THOUGHTS
I’ll admit I didn’t see enough of what this place has to offer, the mountains in the south are apparently something else. Elephant mountain, the night markets and seeing Lief made it all worthwhile!
NEXT UP
Heading to Shanghai tomorrow but need to sort out where all my hostels are the time I’m there as you can’t use Facebook, Google Mail, Google maps and YouTube. Not something I’m used to being without, should be fun. Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
30/229
This episode is part of The Asian Series. Click to view episode1.
