Wenquan Street passes Langshen Bridge where the hiking trail begins. At this same juncture is the tourism tram service. Originally used for transporting ore it now takes passengers a short distance while paralleling the Nanshi Creek and walking path. After snaking through…Read More

Wenquan Street passes Langshen Bridge where the hiking trail begins. At this same juncture is the tourism tram service. Originally used for transporting ore it now takes passengers a short distance while paralleling the Nanshi Creek and walking path. After snaking through a tunnel, the tram terminates at the Wulai Forest Life Museum. Whether you choose to ride the tram or walk, you will pass the museum.

Exquisite scenes of nature comes into view. Passing small pools of turquoise waters flowing through a narrowing into yet another pool one right after another. The scenario continues until the path opens onto a large platform extending over the cliff until the waterway in nearly directly below. Seeing the sandy bottom with larger rocks every so often, the clarity of the water becomes very apparent. From the source through the winding gorge, the untouchable water remains pristine.

With cherry trees on side, hopefully in bloom, the gondola overhead, and the gondola station on the other side the road follows a hair pin turn to an upper level with the visitors center. Here, on the outside deck of the visitor's center the middle section of the Wulai Waterfall is clearly visible. Across the street is the kiosk for the aerial tram which not only takes you Yunxian Hotel, but offers excellent scenery and calm as well.

Another hairpin turn and rustic wooden planks come into view where the vegetation becomes thicker and the air dense with moisture. Oddly enough no signs of biting gnats making the gently curving path a welcome "shortcut" in lieu of another hairpin turn on the asphalt. A short, but uphill, distance lead to waterfall park where unusual artistic statues and memorial plaques were found. With restrooms and drinkable water as well as benches and tables, this was the place to stop. The sounds of the breeze whistling through the trees and the gentle drops falling off leaves filled with dew was the perfect respite.

This was the turning point for most tourists. Others that seek solitude or prefer to return without passing any merchants or signs of civilization can continue along the road terminating at Lansheng Bridge, back through Wulai Old Street and to Bitan for a nice meal or train back to Taipei.
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Bitan is the waterfront city that the MRT terminates and bus 849 whisks people to Wulai Hot Springs. This is an area worth perusing before or after visiting Wulai Waterfall and Hot Springs. Bitan Lake preserves its serenity and calmness in spite of being…Read More

Bitan is the waterfront city that the MRT terminates and bus 849 whisks people to Wulai Hot Springs. This is an area worth perusing before or after visiting Wulai Waterfall and Hot Springs. Bitan Lake preserves its serenity and calmness in spite of being very popular. Hoards of paddle boats from plain versions to swans seating four people ply the water. The Karst caves on the other side not accessible by foot are quite a draw during the day while the regular fireworks display captivates during the evening.

Landlubbers enjoyed the waterfront dining along with live entertainment from teenagers’ break dancing to young ladies performing traditional fan dances to a local drum troupe playing. Large screens projected the shows to the ever increasing crowds.

Meanwhile, the photographers ventured out onto the suspension bridge to get a better view of everything. However, making the trek across the entire lengths of the bridge had its rewards. In addition to several temples, both Taoist and Buddhist, is Red Cliff. The latter scene looks very much like the Red Cliff of the Yangtze River area in Hubei. The surroundings and cliffs are very much a miniature version of the famous area.   Close

Although the lighthouse itself can’t be visited, the area around it is worth a few visits at different times. During the day and being on the tip of a peninsula, looking inland you can see the highest points on the island rising upward.…Read More

Although the lighthouse itself can’t be visited, the area around it is worth a few visits at different times. During the day and being on the tip of a peninsula, looking inland you can see the highest points on the island rising upward. There is even the occasional bleat to be heard from the wild goats. The bay created next to it comprises a large turquoise pool ideal for swimming and snorkeling as it is both shallow and calm. Oddly enough the pool itself doesn’t require traversing sharp coral or volcanic rock which surrounds it. However, walking in the sand at the edge of the sharp terrain or performing some gingerly walking on top of the sharp formations, you will be rewarded with brightly colored pieces of red and purple coral. The remains of slugs and crabs can be found in the form of cone shaped shells, cowries, and clams.

In the evening, the lighthouse is an ideal spot for viewing sunsets. How convenient that it is located on the west side of the island. The lack of artificial light makes it a good place for star gazing as well. During the full moon the setting was even more wonderful. The moon glistened off the water and then the light from the tower would swing around to make it seem unworldly.

Be advised it is windy and cool, particularly in the evening so a wind breaker would be advised. Then again, the time of year was late fall. That is fall, as in harvest moons. Better still, is that it is within walking distance of Chaikow, one of the nicer towns, if you will, to have accommodations.   Close

The tourism bureau at Taipei Main Station, across from EZStay Hostel, called to make arrangements for me per my request for a hostel on Green Island. At most accommodations, a 2 night, 2 day motor scooter rental with ferry boat passage was the typical…Read More

The tourism bureau at Taipei Main Station, across from EZStay Hostel, called to make arrangements for me per my request for a hostel on Green Island. At most accommodations, a 2 night, 2 day motor scooter rental with ferry boat passage was the typical package. I was booked at the A-Li Hostel and was advised that no English would be spoken by the lady. I would probably be picked up at the dock by someone holding a sign with the name of the hostel in Chinese. I figured if I was the last person standing around and someone remained holding a sign it would be for me.

The gentleman I had spoken to on the boat had offered me a ride to the hostel as it wasn’t looking like anyone was holding up sign. Upon arriving at the hostel it was apparent that nobody was scheduled to pick me up. The lady at hostel spoke absolutely no English so she beckoned me with her hand. She drove me back to the ferry where she pointed to a scooter. There, with the keys in it, was my transport. She pointed to the empty gas and motioned me to follow her to what was the only station on the island. She took off and I was left to find my way back to the hostel. After only one wrong turn, I arrived.

A beautiful 3-story, red brick building greeted me standing tall above neighboring structures. Through the open garage, where I would park my scooter, were the reception room and a narrow staircase that would lead to an immaculate room. Neither top sheet nor bath towel were provided, but a nice comforter lay folded on the bed.

The location, I realized two [hours] later, was walking distance to the lighthouse where a beautiful beach and bay would be found. It was also a block away from a 7-11 where I conveniently purchased snacks and beverages for my daily outings.

After figuring out the end of my second day that she was asking what time my ferry was to leave the next morning, I handed her my ticket. Along with it, I showed her a piece of paper with a later time and arrow indicating I wanted to change the time from 10:30 to 12:30. After plenty more hand gestures and nodding, she indicated she would do it and notify me by 9:00am. How she got that across, I barely recall.

In the morning I brought my bag down and went to hand in my room and scooter keys. She accepted the room key and let me keep the scooter key. I would continue to be able to travel around the island for a couple of hours. Upon returning for bags, I noticed nobody was around. Riding back to the harbor with my bags, I carefully parked in the same spot as before. It was then that I noticed keys left in all the other bikes as well. Guess I shouldn’t have picked myself up when I arrived.
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Kinmen Island or Jinmen on some maps was known as Quemoy back in the days when Taiwan was known as Formosa. A mere 60 minute ferry ride from the west side of Xiamen Island, China and 30 minutes from the east side, Kinmen Island…Read More

Kinmen Island or Jinmen on some maps was known as Quemoy back in the days when Taiwan was known as Formosa. A mere 60 minute ferry ride from the west side of Xiamen Island, China and 30 minutes from the east side, Kinmen Island belongs to Taiwan. Up until 2008, ferry travel was restricted to residents of the Fujian province in China. While the restriction to Chinese residents of the Fujian province continues, it has been opened to foreign travelers. Mainland Chinese are still not able to travel as freely as many others, but since many Fujian people's relatives and ancestry comes from Kinmen travel is now an option.

The difference between the two countries is evident immediately. Upon arriving at the dock, the lack of honking horns and people speaking loudly is apparent. Not only were horns not blaring, but yielding to the pedestrian, stopping before making a right turn driving courteously were the rules as oppose to the exception. Furthermore a line between the crosswalk and where auto traffic stopped was for motor scooters. This was rather nice that if there was traffic a scooter could go to the front of the line where typical they have a faster take off than a car and of course take up less width room.

The lack of trash and spitting was also quite clear. There were plenty of trash cans and signs indicating there are fines for littering and signs indicating smoking was prohibited. No only was it prohibited upon entry to the country at the dock, people pass out little pack of tissue to passengers that have a picture of a cigarette with the red circle and slash and message printed to please not smoke.

Interestingly on the other hand, Kinmen's attractions and parks are free due to the income the island receives from its production of alchohol that fetches a pretty penny in Xiamen and other parts of China. The percentage of alcohol in the various liquors can be quite high. Tours are available of the famous, moneymaking distillery.

The island is full of military related structures, features and memorials. The claim to fame from this tiny island about successful fighting off the Japanese and communism is well deserved. Meanwhile, the peaceful parks and incredibly friendly, kind people give no indication of past problems.

Another interesting feature are the wind gods found throughout the island. Semi lion, semi dragon, these characters protect the island from bad winds and encourage good breezes. Wind has a tremendous affect on the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen alike, not to mention the structures. This island, not unlike mainland China and Taiwan, is in the path of monsoons and typhoons. Purportedly there are 63 such statues on the island, some colored, some not, some holding items, some not, some wearing capes, some not. Each one is different is size and facial features. Some seemed to be smiling, for a lion dragon type creature, while others appeared fierce. All being good, though.   Close

Jincheng offers a very nice self-guided walking tour that begins at the information center, which is conveniently located next to the bus station and entrance to the Civil Defense Tunnel. Although the map isn't in English, photos with the names of buildings are in…Read More

Jincheng offers a very nice self-guided walking tour that begins at the information center, which is conveniently located next to the bus station and entrance to the Civil Defense Tunnel. Although the map isn't in English, photos with the names of buildings are in English and the walking streets are highlighted making it easy to follow. Also next to the information center is one of many free bicycle rental facilities providing other options for sightseeing.

In addition to three beautiful old Buddhist temples still in use, complete with bright lanterns and elaborate dragons climbing the lengths of the eaves, there are several old structures with historic significance.

One such example is the former command headquarters of Quemoy not serving as a museum. This single story, modest compound houses a variety of historic items as well as typical home furnishings. Buildings form a square with a huge foyer in the center. Here, large trees with hanging roots provided a peaceful respite in difficult times. Furnishing of bedrooms and living rooms filled some of the rooms while others displayed weapons, uniforms, maps and old photographs.

Completely opposite to this site on the tour is Qui Liang-gung’s Mother’s Chastity Arch, which serves as a memorial to the widow that lived for 28 years without remarrying while her husband served. The wonderful stone arch dates back to 1812.

Yet another highlight is even more unique. Mofan Street appears to be the model of a perfectly design street infusing Japanese style architecture on one side of the street and Fujian style on the others. All the structures are the same height as the one next to it and constructed of evenly colored red brick. Beautifully clean streets and walkways with well-preserved exteriors do appear to be an example of the ideal street.

More unusual features from octagon-shaped buildings to shutter doors and Romanesque columns can be seen along the route. The hour-long trek covers plenty of styles and periods.   Close

With map in hand pointing to Chinese characters meaning Wutong Pier to the taxi, I arrived at the ferry dock. Choosing a seat by a window, I realized all were too dirty to see out. A man sat down next to me and…Read More

With map in hand pointing to Chinese characters meaning Wutong Pier to the taxi, I arrived at the ferry dock. Choosing a seat by a window, I realized all were too dirty to see out. A man sat down next to me and began talking in English, clearly knowing that was my native tongue. He was a businessman from Taipei who was taking the ferry from Xiamen to Kinmen in order to get a reasonable flight to Taipei.

George was an affable gent I felt comfortable asking questions. I learned the Taiwanese felt as I did regarding Mao, which contradicts the sentiments in China. China is viewed as communist as well, whereas Taiwan is democratic.

He told me his driver would take me to my hotel. When I explained I needed to secure one, preferably a home stay, he said he would instruct his driver, who spoke no English. After dropping George off at the airport, I was taken to hotel where Judy informed me that it was a holiday weekend. Hence, banks were closed and exchanging money wouldn't be possible. The rates at the hotel were much higher than I was prepared for anyway. I had told her I had actually wanted a home stay and if the rates were decent I wanted to spend three nights. I also told her I had no local currency. She had me take a seat while she found a place and arranged for me to be picked up and stay three nights and rent a scooter where my Chinese currency was accepted.

She asked what I would eat and I told her I had brought some crackers and soda. She offered me to get a bite from what remained at the buffet breakfast. Although I declined, the offer was incredible thoughtful and I thanked her profusely.

I hopped into the care with a man who spoke no English but motioned with his hand directions each time we made a turn. Twenty minutes later I checked into a traditional Fujian room with no address or room number that I could see. He wrote down the figure for the room and scooter and gave me change in local currency. Holding two fat billfolds he somehow indicated he would exchange money for me if I wanted for which I was grateful.

He walked me over to five motorcycles, all of which were grey except for one red one. He showed me the key, how to turn it on, where the gas tank was, and that it was on empty. Within minutes, map of Kinmen in hand all in Chinese, I headed off trying to recall how to get back to Jincheng. This was the name of the main city, I later learned.

Somehow, the fact that I didn't know the name of the village I was in, the address, the phone number, or the proprietor didn't seem to weigh heavy on my mind. I managed to navigate my way around with the slogan, "thank heaven for 7-11" playing in my head. Not only is this where I bought water and a bowl of noodles for dinner that night, but also where I learned about fueling. As a man rode up on a scooter, I said hello in Chinese, pointed to my gas tank, shrugged my shoulders and motioned in a circle with my arm above my head. He seemed to understand, pointed up the street a block and to turn right. Success! I filled up the tank.

Despite burning daylight due partly to being distracted by an extremely low tide, and a mistake requiring retracing steps, I arrive at my room and sleep very well. The only sound around was my breathing.   Close

My official job role is an English tour-guide at Paper Dome, Taomi Village, Puli Township, Nantou, Central Taiwan for 7 weeks. However, my actual role is more than just that –photographer, blogger, internet marketer, basically a Taomi-Village evangelist. :D Taomi Village, where Paper Dome is…Read More

My official job role is an English tour-guide at Paper Dome, Taomi Village, Puli Township, Nantou, Central Taiwan for 7 weeks. However, my actual role is more than just that –photographer, blogger, internet marketer, basically a Taomi-Village evangelist. :D



Taomi Village, where Paper Dome is located, was a small agricultural village that was on the verge of decline. In 1999, it was badly damaged by the 921 earthquake but instead of wallowing in sorrow, the people of Taomi turned crisis into opportunity to not only re-build their hometown but also to re-brand it. The Taomi Village we see now prides itself as an eco-village, the model of environmental conservation in Taiwan. After being here for several weeks, I am inspired by the strength and resilience displayed by the villagers of Taomi and feel that I’m obliged to be its advocate, to spread the Taomi philosophy of co-existing with nature to the rest of the world. Whereas for the Paper Dome, it is a new addition to the village, its story spans across 2 earthquakes and is a symbol of love and mutual assistance between Japan and Taiwan.



Ever since, I’ve started an English blog to document my observations of Paper Dome and Taomi, as well as to advertise Taomi on the internet, especially the English-based tourism sites. This is especially because in this part of Taiwan, English is not a very pervasive language and there are not many that can speak it (I’m their only English tour-guide). I think it is a pity not to let the rest of the world be aware of this beautiful place and hence I love my job as a Taomi-Village-evangelist. :))

check out the blog that I did for them here: http://paperdome.blogspot.com/    Close

This was the very first visit we had to Asia and as jet lagged as we were, we set out to explore immediately on a 12hour layover, returning for an additional week on the way back from Australia.The first thing that struck us was how…Read More

This was the very first visit we had to Asia and as jet lagged as we were, we set out to explore immediately on a 12hour layover, returning for an additional week on the way back from Australia.

The first thing that struck us was how incredibly friendly everyone was to us. It was amazing how many asked to help when they saw us staring at our map exhausted and bewildered.

The second thing was how easy it was to get around, considering we didn't know the language. The MRT is great and so easy to figure out...in any language.

The shuttle buses are the answer for transportation from the airport .( only $5.00 ) There is a ticket counter inside the airport in the arrivals area and the buses stop in convenient locations all over the city. Not knowing where the ticket counter was we went directly to the bus . The driver was kind enough to buy our tickets inside for us solving our language barrier. Not something we had ever seen before or since!!

Since we only had the day to explore we simply took our time roaming around , We started by enjoying a tea house . This is a favorite pastime in Taipei and a wonderful way to relax and slow your pace. Small snacks are also served . My husband ordered peanut butter on toast. It seemed to take an unusually long time to be served . It was only later we realized the peanuts are ground and prepared fresh !

Next we thought we’d check out a hotel where we would stay on the return portion of our trip . Since this was our first time in Asia ,we chose the conveniently located and appropriately named First Hotel . There are loads of restaurants nearby and shops for browsing. Little did we realize that most would be closed on our return since it would be NEW YEARS…




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I always said after taking 18-hour bus from Ankara to Trabzon in Turkey, 2006, I could always travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung since it's only around 5 hours drive. Yet, I had never done the traveling once. Tuesday, my screen popped up a MSN message…Read More

I always said after taking 18-hour bus from Ankara to Trabzon in Turkey, 2006, I could always travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung since it's only around 5 hours drive.

Yet, I had never done the traveling once.

Tuesday, my screen popped up a MSN message from a Journalist friend who was covering World Games in Kaohsiung, saying "You should really come down to feel World Games!

That was the first impulse for the past two years telling me: I had to travel south to Kaohsiung.

The idea was completely impulsive and the travel was not planned at all. I decided to take a night train Friday night from Chungli, Taoyuan to Kaohsiung, not knowing what to expect the next day after waking up in Kaohsiung.

5:31 am, I woke up, finding out I arrived at Kaohsiung Train Station. Being that early, I idled around the station before going to the Kaohsiung MRT, it was my first time as the system was not running when I served in the military early 2008. I felt the stations were more artistic compared to those in Taipei. But the gap between the trains were too long as averagely it took 8-9 minutes for a train to come. Not as convenient as the Taipei MRT's.

I arrived at Formosa Boulevard Station at 7 am in the morning to see the Doom of Light, a fantastic public artwork invented by Maestro Narcissus Quagliata from Rome. Seeing the blue, red, green and other colors of lights formed the huge doom, I could not help but feel amazed by this public artwork.

Later in the morning, I set out to watch inline hockey at the gymnasium in Yi-Saw University. Taking the shuttle bus was such a convenient way to get around the World Games venues, not to mention they were all free during the World Games period.

Upon entering the venue, Czech and Italia were playing on the field. They were at the same level so the atmosphere of the game became a bit tense as I saw one Italian player kept trifling with the helmet of the defending Czech player. That was not what I would called the spirit of sportsmen.

Then, finally, long awaited time was worthywhile as the next game was Taiwan versus Switzerland. You couldn't imagine how I'd like to watch this game because it would be something to brag about to Matthias, and other Swiss friends.

Within the first ten minutes of the first half, the Taiwanese team managed to hold back the violent offense of Swiss players. Our goalkeeper kept saving some dangerous ball minutes by minutes, keeping all the audience breathless and applauding. The roof of the stadium were almost got off because of the overwhelming rooting for the home team. Nevertheless, once the Swiss scored the first goal, the whole situation slided to Switzerland as the gap between the two teams were still enormous.

Nevertheless, at 10'10'' in the second half, Kai-Hsiang Chang of Taiwan still managed to score the first goal on a beautiful assist for team Taiwan in this game, and in Taiwan World Games Inline Hockey History. Whole Taiwanese players hugged each other, shouting with audience applauding crazily as if we won the Championship. Later team Taiwan were able to form several offence yet failed to score anymore against Swiss goalkeeper, Mile Daniel Schmocker.

1:9 was the final score.

After the inline hockey, I decided to go to the main stadium to watch Rugby. I had never watched rugby live and I don't quite really understand the rules. However it might sounded boring to watch a boring game alone, I still went to the stadium for it's a must for me to sit laid-back in the world-class stadium, watching world-class competition.

Team Taiwan and team United States were fighting for the 5th place. Although with the supports of 15,000 local fans, team Taiwan still failed to beat team U.S.A. two games in a row, losing the game with a margin of two points, ranked 6th of all 8 teams. But still we ranked best in Asia.

After the game, team Taiwan walked around the stadium, responding to the ovation from the crowds. They even came closer to the seats to high five with local fans. Team America did not hesitate their love, also high five with the crowds as a way to thank the supports from Taiwanese fans.

Then, it was the bronze medal competition between South Africa and Argentina. At last South Africa shut out Argentina to win the bronze medal. At the gold medal game between Fiji and Portugal, no one can ignore the the impressive touchdowns performed by no.8 Roko of Fiji. Eventually, Fiji had the tri-peat in World Games Rugby history as they played with no sweat a sliding victory over Portugal. By the end of the game came with the biggest surprise as a foreign fan ran naked through the field with the screams and shouts from the onlookers. The players seemed pretty used to this kind of situation but it was definitely a headliner for the breaking news and a memory for local fans to keep.

Huge thunder storm drew the rugby series to an abrupt end as whole audience were running trying to get some shelter from the heavy sudden rain.

Later, at night, I was trying to get the tickets for Aerobatic Gymnastics or Tchoukball but both sports were sold out. Outside the stadium of Tchoukball, I met the korfball coach of Team Netherlands, who just finished the World Games with 7-time Championship. What an impressive accomplishment. I walked with him back to the MRT Station while asking how he felt about the people, the city and of course the games. He's such a nice gentleman by praising the Taiwan team, nice citizen, Kaohsiung city and the whole organization. Although I'd love to accompany him to the night market, I only showed him the directions, leaving him with the friendly image of Taiwanese people.

I feel so glad that I did come down to Kaohsiung to participate in the world-class event. As the slogan goes, may this change could lead more positive changes in Taiwan. And I am looking forward to Deaflympics in September in Taipei.
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