Day 13: Wulai Recreational Area with the Tram and the Oldest Gondola Ride

This time of the year the weather should be dry, fair and a lovely time to travel in Taiwan. But, it rained almost everyday in the northern part of Taiwan so far this winter. The unusual rain pattern made traveling a bit uncomfortable and wet. However, in the meantime, we embraced poetry-like scenery and fresh air. That was the good parts of the rain. Our last scenic visit for the entire trip was Wulai hot springs recreational area. 

Wulai

     Wulai hosts one of the 14 official recognized aboriginal tribes which is called Atayal. One of its traditional customs was its facial tattoos. It was the symbol of honor and beauty. When young women's waving skills were judged and approved by the elderly, they would be tattooed on their faces which also meant that they could get married. If young men passed the head hunting test, they became real men and they were also marked with facial tattoos. This is the most popular reason why the Atayal had facial tattoos; however, facial tattoos also have some other meanings. But, this cultural activity or custom is no longer adapted by the Atayl people due to the integrating of the Han cultures and changing norms

of  society.    

Wulai main street was lined with food and souvenir shops 
There is also an Atayal Tribal Museum awaiting visitors to understand their unique cultures.   

Taken by Ann
Wulai is in a remote area. It preserves some old lifestyles. A  mobile food market selling on the main street is one of the old lifestyles.  

Day II-- The North-East Coast

     After one good night of rest, we were ready for our 13-day trip around Taiwan. But, according to the weather broadcast, there was a torrential rain warning in the north part of Taiwan. Also, the unusual rain pattern had caused some damaged on the roads and some scenic spots which we were to visit. 

     Our driver called me two days prior to the trip started and gave me a suggestion which was to change our itinerary. He asked me if we could start from the west coast instead of the east coast due to the weather situation. It sounded to be a good idea but it also meant that we had to compromise our hotel reservation, a none refundable cancellation. If the government closed down any transportation methods, it would be another story. Hence, I was not comfortable with the weather situation and also worried about our driver situation. At that point, the only thing I could do was to keep my fingers cross for our trip.  

This was the bus, a 9 passenger mini bus including the driver, that we hired. 

One Day Trip in Taipei with B.M.W

     It was the first day that we started our travel journey in Taiwan. The day before was just a warm-up day for the entire 13 days trip. It was unusual that it rained during this time. Normal, it was a dry season in Oct or Nov. It was not good for our plan because we were going to experience the true Taipei life with B.M.W. ................Wait, don't even think about that we really had a BMW car waiting for us.  

      B.M.W is a transportation system in Taipei for ordinary people, students, or commuters between home and working places.  B represents the bus system or bike,  M is MRT (Municipal Rapid Transit), and W is for walking. It is also a very convenient system for a traveler who is on his or her budget.  You can take a bus or walk to a MRT station. After getting off MRT, you can walk or take a bus to your destination. It offers many bus schedules in many places, especially at tourist spots. MRT starts at 6 AM and closes at 12 PM. The bus system is cooperated with MRT schedule, starting at 6 AM to 12 PM, depending on which bus line you are taking.  After the completion of the MRT system, the traffic congestion situation was improved tremendously.   

MRT Official Website: http://english.trtc.com.tw/MP_122032.html

     

In order to having energy for dealing with our schedule, we would need a good breakfast. 

It offered various selections. It was good enough to me 

     Since we were not a typical tour group, we had changed our schedule due to the weather condition. Originally, our first stop was Taipei 101. Its visibility would be bad because of rain. So, we decided to visit National Palace Museum first.  We spent 3 hours in the museum. It seemed too long for us because we were exhausted by just working in the museum. 

The picture was taken by our friend Ted & Anne 
Learning how to take MRT

This photo is distributed by Anne & Ted
Waiting for MRT

Maokong Gondola Ride in Wunshan District, Taipei

     After one day rest for my sister-in-law and her friend, it was time for us to depart to Taipei. We would meet and join other Americans for a 14-day-trip around Taiwan. We decided to take the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) to Taipei. It would save us about 1 and half hour from Taichung to Taipei due to its highest speed up to 300km per hour. Normally, it would take us 2 and half hours from Taichung to Taipei by bus. 

     

      This was in Wurih station which is in the suburb of Taichung. When the government started this project, its idea was to improve the development of the economic situation and life standards in the urban areas. Thus, it would balance the differences among cities and remote areas.