I woke up feeling energized! Yay! The main highlight for the entire trip!
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| Waking up to this! |
So, while we were still in Singapore, 2 days before the trip, Lin called and asked me exactly what we would be doing in Taiwan. I planned the ENTIRE trip...All on my own! And she only asked at the very last minute. She was pretty shaken when she found out that we would be embarking on a hell lot of adventure.
Well so fast forward to that morning..We woke up. Lin felt ill. She blamed me for talking too long with the guide at the river tracing place the previous day. She took the remains of some cough syrup which was kindly given by the minsu owners that was meant for their baby. Hehe. Thankfully, she gave in to me and went ahead with the trek.
So, Will from RoundTaiwanRound was our guide. I found his service online. Cost NT$5000 which is more on the steep side if you compare to ordinary cab drivers. But...The thing is... It is worth every penny.
Since we have decided not to attempt what tourists will usually do; the normal sightseeing covering places like Swallow's Gatto, Baiyang Trail and all, we opted for Zhuilu Old Trail. RoundTaiwanRound is the cheaper alternative as compared to the other outdoors trekking group I have found online. I am unsure if there are other Mandarin agencies out there but Will is definitely a very caring and responsible guide :)
So first, he drove us to 曾记。It's the most famous muah chee / mochi chain in Hualien. We went to their factory where fresh ones are made constantly.
Can't really tell the flavours here. There are red bean, sesame, peanut and yam. NT10 for one. Not bad. However, the freshly made ones have a short shelf life. So, to buy for friends there are others with preservatives available.
Lin was still feeling unwell. Will told us that he could refund us part of the money since there is no point in going up if one of us is sick. We decided to play by feel. So we went to the police station in Taroko Gorge to have our mountain permits verified for the last time. Oh ya Zhuilu Old Trail is only limited to 60 people on weekdays and 90 people on weekends. A local Taiwanese is needed to lead the team as there were instances where mishaps happened. Also, heard that there may be fugitives on the run moving from mountain to mountain and so they were pretty strict on this.
After we are done, we finally went to begin our trek.
The man at the gantry checked the permits and opened the gates for us.
We passed by this bridge to begin a journey of a thousand steps.
Another bridge.
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| Will lending Lin a hand |
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I was really eager to see the peak. Could go faster also because Will helped me to carry 2 bottles of 1.5litres of water on top of the bunsen burner and stove he has prepared
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| The pretty mundane terrain for most of the journey |
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| Seems like there was some paranormic stories |
Finally we came to a point where we were able to see the clouds whooshing past! And I was surprised throughout the entire climb, there was reception - even at the peak!
Forgot how many feet we were up there. It was really a ravishing sight.
Oh ya the helmets were rented way beforehand.. A rock we kicked at such high altitude would be falling stones for people down there going through the normal touristy routes.
Lin who finally felt better once she saw the breathtaking view.
This is how pretty the view is.
We were really lucky. Sun shone brightly and there was also drizzles which ended in 5 minutes. So when we reached up there, we could see clouds and the view was clear. As we stayed in the cave drinking our 爱心tea brewed by Will, there was more mist and it was just like heaven. Thankful to have witnessed the transitions right before our very eyes!
Came and conquered!
As we made our way back to the same gantry, saw hordes of tourists from China. They eyed enviously at us as they are unable to step foot and experience for themselves the alluring beauty the gorge offers.
We raised our hands like we are some superstars as they stared at us :D
QixingTan 七星潭
We then made our way to the next destination since it was still pretty early.
As the car maneuvered itself across turns and twists, blasting aloud classic songs from Jay Chou, I can't help but feel a surge of emotions. What could be more enjoyable than an experience of a lifetime coupled with music from my favourite artiste? <3 I imagined myself returning to this place again with my other half once he appears in my life....
Because of my water sign, I am always marveled by oceans and seas. And right there, it is the PACIFIC OCEAN!!! Ok I know I'm a little sua ku, but the last time I saw such beautiful blue waters was 9 years ago in Bali. Haha. Hell yeah. Again the scenery totally captivated me.
We made use of whatever time we have with the sunset and took as many photos as possible.
失恋疗伤最美的声音 haha. Will said many Taiwanese will drive there just to destress. How I wish Singapore also has such a secluded spot that is not known to most people. I really love that feeling man. Listening to the sound of the waves just made me really thankful to be alive :D
Parting shot - we love this place!
Will brought us to this place which is famous for its dumpling soup, as a reward for such an exhausting day :) NT60 a bowl. After we left the place, I saw the stall next door selling Ru Wei! Totally in love with it after I went Shida Night Market. Ordered quite a bit and we shared this for supper.
All the ingredients that I love. Super Super love this. Soupy and spicy. Totally brilliant <3
Alright that's all for Day 2! Shall continue the rest soon!
Signing off!
Sarah
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