Instead of working more hours during summer, we finally got a real summer vacation.
take a look at our Flickr photos
take a look at John’s Flickr photos
Day 1: Linkou – Xiao Wulai (camping 100 NTD)
An easy drive from Linkou. “Camp anywhere” is what the locals said. We set up under a shelter near a “haunted house”. The falls are huge and the river is great for swimming.
Day 2: Xiao Wulai – Wuling Farm (camping 400NTD)
The drive here was not pleasant. They have landlocked fresh water wild salmon but we didn’t see any and you can’t swim in the rivers because they are protected for the salmon. Oh yeah, it gets a bit chilly at night because of the elevation.
Day 3: Wuling Farm – Taroko Gorge (camping – free!)
The drive to Taroko was awesome and frightening! There had been two recent typhoons that had hit the island before we headed out so we ran into lots of landslides. Taroko is amazing but should be avoided during weekends or holidays!!
Day 4: Taroko – Hualien (Amigos Hostel 450 NTD per person)
An easy drive. Hualien is a cool city. The hostel was a little spendy. The owner and dog are great and told us about a great swimming hole just outside of town.
Day 5: Hualien - Rueisuei Rafting Service Center (camping 300 NTD)
Seemed like a longer drive but a definite change in landscape.
Day 6: Rueisuei (camping 300NTD)
Rafting!!!!!!!!!!! Lots of fun!!!!!!!!!!
Day 7: Rueisuei – Dulan (camping 400 NTD)
Once out of the mountains the driving becomes much easier and faster. The campsite at Siaoyeliou was under construction. We were directed back to the Dulan police station for free camping but had to pass on the offer. Found an ok privately owned campsite just north of town that was quickly taken over by locals come the weekend. Nevertheless, we were able to get to the beach easily.
Day 8: Dulan (camping 400 NTD)
Swimming at Shanyuan Beach.
Day 9: Dulan - Fugang Harbor – Green Island (camping 500 NTD)
Quick drive. The ferry is a little ruff and nausea ensued quickly. (note: don’t put your bags or sit near the trash cans…it can get messy!)
Day 10: Green Island (camping 300 NTD)
Tried to swim but the water was to rough. Drank beer and hung out with campsite dog!
Day 11: Green Island (camping 300 NTD)
Snorkeling!!!!!
Day 12: Green Island – Taitung (Fuyuan Hotel 700 NTD)
The ferry but was much smother. We made a quick trip south to check out Chihpen National Forest Recreational Park but was chased back to Taitung by the rain.
We loved Taitung! Cool and laidback city!
Day 13: Taitung – Shihtiping (camping 300 NTD)
This was a long day! We first headed into the island via the South Cross-Island Hwy to check out Wulu….Stunning cliffs!! Again we were chased away by rain so we hauled ass back over to the East coast.
Day 14: Shihtiping (camping 300 NTD)
Great swimming, snorkeling, and seafood but hot as hell!
Day 15: Shihtiping – Nanao (camping 200 NTD)
We had planned on a short drive back to Taroko but arrived on a holiday weekend….nightmare!!! So we again hauled ass up the East Coast racing sunset to Nanao. The campsite was tricky to find, especially in the dark so we asked the local police for clear directions. They gave us a police escort with red and blue lights….surreal!
Day 16: Nanao (camping 200 NTD)
Awesome swimming holes! Super friendly campsite with puppy!
Day 17: Nanao – Pinglin (camping 330 NTD)
Kind of a long drive back into the windy mountains.
Day 18: Pinglin (camping 330 NTD)
Headed over to Pingxi for some exploring and swimming! Great swimming hole!
Day 19: Pinglin – Taipei & Linkou
Packed up early and headed to one last swim hole….F*%king Great!!! Then made our way back to Taipei for lunch….Burgers (veggi, chicken, or beef) at KGB. In a state of bliss we haphazardly weaved through the streets of Taipei back home to Linkou.
Things we learned on vacation:
1. Being outside is good for you
2. Friends are fun
3. Camping is cheap
4. Scooter chasing dogs are scary
5. Fish are beautiful
6. Swim when it’s hot
7. Eat where it is busy (with some exceptions)
8. Be prepared for rain
9. Wear sun screen
10. Landslides suck
11. And NEVER buy camping gear from Carrefour
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Wufenpu market
After Chinese class Stoic and I wandered over to the infamous Wufenpu market. Here you can check out the newest styles and pick up something for cheap.....we will go back!
Guanyinsan day hike
We made our way over to Guanyin Mt. via a 25 min. scooter ride north.
It was a perfect day for appreciating the view and a hike.
It was a perfect day for appreciating the view and a hike.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Dragon Boat Festival
It was a very hot and humid day but we still made our way over to the dragon boat races. It was something we wanted to check off our list and i don't think we will make it there next year.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Another Earthquake!
Last night i woke up and felt like the room was shacking.
By morning i had for gotten everything....and then the news channel reminded me---EARTHQUAKE!
:A STRONG earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale has rocked northern Taiwan today, the Central Weather Bureau said.
The quake, which could be felt in most of northern Taiwan, struck at 2.59am Monday AEST and was centred 20km north of the northeastern city of Yilan at a depth of 95.7km, the bureau said.
"There were no reports of damage or casualties after we checked with local units," said an official of the National Fire Agency, which coordinates the island's rescue work.
The US Geological Survey said the quake had a 5.3 magnitude and struck 40km southeast of capital Taipei.
Buildings in the Taipei area shook for about 10 seconds.
"Since it struck from a very deep epicentre, much of its strength was offset," Kuo Kai-wen, head of the Central Weather Bureau, said.
"It was an isolated temblor, had nothing to do with the earthquake which hit earlier in the day," he said, referring to a 6.4-magnitude quake that struck the northern Philippines and southern parts of Taiwan yesterday.
Taiwan, which lies near the junction of two tectonic plates, is regularly shaken by earthquakes.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Xiu xi Ma fan (Rest Troublesome)
we saw this running down the street in the rain. he came to us and we couldn't put him down, could you?
Saturday, March 22, 2008
When the fam comes for a visit!
When teachin' abroad, it is always nice to have family ,any ones, come for a visit.
It was really great gettin' to meet Marisa's family and even better going out for drinks.
I think next time we will have to meet up in Nebraska.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Time out in Thailand
We made it to Thailand for a needed vacation! Bangkok was cool but the beaches were better. Our high point was Hat Yuan beach, Ko Pha Ngan @ Ocean Rock Resort. We had a bungalow on a huge rock, on the beach!! We eventually moseyed over to the west side to Krabi and Ko Phi Phi. Eventually we made our way north to Ayuthaya...also very cool! Overall, we got some sun and ate a lot of good food!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Holiday In Cambodia
Stoic and i pulled off a “Holiday In Cambodia”. It was the most challenging trip we have ever taken. Full of highs and lows; the most amazing places and people juxtaposed with poverty and post-genocide. It is a difficult place to say we have vacationed given its history and poverty but life goes on, and must! Angkor Wat was unbelievable! Siem Reap was cool and had some surprises. We want to return!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Jingo Records
Some rockin South Africans friends of ours turned us on to this record & more so turntable shop in Taipei. The record collection is good but the turntables are out of this f**king world!! If you can read Chinese or just like to look at beautiful turntables check out Jingo Audio ....click it!!!
Bao-an Temple
Vacation has given us the time to do some of those things in the Lonely Planet we hadn't gotten to yet. Having been in asia a couple of years now we have been to many temples but the murals in Boa-an temple really stood out to us.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Our New Apartment
We moved to Linkou! This apartment has stairs, a great view and two gas burners in the kitchen. We are a 30 minute bus ride from Taipei and a short scooter ride to the north shore. Linkou is at a higher elevation than Sanxia and is a little colder in the winter and not as hot in the summer.
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