T a i w a n - 十分

We made Shifen 十分 our last destination as Kevin wanted to show us how beautiful the place is when the sun set. 

 十分 is indeed a very charming village, and is better known for its Sky Lantern 天燈.

 What is interesting is, this tiny village has a train track that passes through it. The track becomes a playground for everyone before the next train comes. 

 Releasing of 天燈 with well wishes into the night sky is a tradition with the Chinese, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

 It has become so popular that tourists come to 十分 to release 天燈, regardless the occasion. This provides business opportunities for the residents to set up stalls that lined on both sides of the track.

天燈 is generally made from paper on a bamboo frame. You write well wishes and blessings for your loved ones on the lantern. Once lit, the small hot air balloon is set to float into the sky. 

The fuel burnt off after about half-an-hour and the 天燈 would eventually drop onto the surrounding mountains. The villagers would collect back the bamboo frame the next day and recycle it with paper to become another new 天燈.

 Releasing of 天燈 is very popular amongst the younger generation, and regardless the nationality.

 We have Japanese....

.... and Koreans joining in the fold for an evening of happy activities. 

Everyone cleared from the track when the train arrived. 

 The excitement is about experiencing being close to a passing train (MRT does not count), and snapping selfies before it is gone.

 Kitty playing with wife amidst all the excitements.

Kevin suggested this pose instead of our signature saranghae.

A group photo to end our day trip.

This is my last post and thoughts for the trip. Going to Taiwan was a late decision as we would usually not travel in September. We decided to travel by redeeming the air miles as it would expire soon. I did not have enough miles for the preferred destination of Japan or Korea, and we were not keen on Hong Kong or Thailand. Taiwan became an easy choice since both of us have not visited it for eons. 
So, what is my assessment for this trip? Let's just say that we would be better off visiting Hong Kong or Thailand....maybe not Thailand. I do not find shopping in Taipei City to be interesting. To begin with, I am not a departmental store person as I prefer street shopping, like those of Myeongdong or Kichijoji. Ximending or Zhongxiaodong as equivalent just doesn't cut it. They have setups that would one moment get you excited, but let you down on the next. They simply do not have the 'wow' factor. Travelling out of the city sort of compensated the disappointment, momentarily. I have no doubt that Taiwan offers many beautiful places of interests, and where we have been, has been an eye-opening. This may sound silly, but every place we visited, we encounter hordes of other visitors. Walking & enjoying the place were simply not possible, and I believe this is felt by everyone - locals and tourists alike.
All these aside, I do like the night markets and their street food. By immersing with the atmosphere and do what the Romans do, at least I got to enjoy the great tasting local food. Perhaps I should give Taiwan another chance. After all, I never liked Korea the first time, but grew to love it after several more visits.

And another travel trip awaiting....

*Here is my assessment of Kevin's service:
When I first contacted him, I wanted to book him to go to Jiufen & Shifen only, as I feel that travelling to too many places would not allow us to enjoy it thoroughly. But Kevin suggested we could do more for a day, and we ended up visiting Yangmingsan, Yeliu, Jiufen, Houtong and Shifen. He also recommended us to visit Hualian on another day to see the Taroko Gorge, instead of spending it in the city. I am glad we followed his suggestions.
On those day trips, Kevin drove with care throughout. It is especially important on the narrow and winding coastal road to Hualian. He knew where the sights are and made efforts to explain to us the places of interest. He patiently accompanied us while we sight see. On a couple of occasions, he bought cold isotonic drinks for us, as we took shelter from the heat. He helped to take our photos and even included some 'behind the scene' pop shots of us which he later sent. 
En-route, he took us to buy some local produce. He took the initiative to bargain with vendors to give us better deals and helped us with our shopping bags. He never rushed us through the places but is quick to see that our needs are fulfilled. On the days when we did not use his transport, he text me to find out if we were okay, and if we needed any assistance. Kevin gave us souvenirs at the end of our trip, and we are grateful by his kindness. His thoughtfulness, patience, and hospitality have certainly given us a wonderful experience in Taiwan. Big thumb's up for Kevin. I would highly recommend him to anyone wanting to do day trips out of Taipei City.

If you are interested to hire Kevin, you may reach him at:
Mobile : 0988-205-513 / 0930-000-186.
LINE @ kevin11230330 or wechat @ lienkai0330

T a i w a n - 侯硐貓村

Enroute to Shifen, we requested a stopover at Houtong 侯硐. Kevin diligently obliged as he too, wanted to see what is in 侯硐, since he has never been there before. 

侯硐 was still a coal mining town back in the 1990s, but the industry went into a decline thereafter. 

Today, 侯硐 is well-known for its free roaming cats. Being a cat lover, l have to pay the town a visit. 

The easiest way to get here is by Taxi. You could of course, take a train to 侯硐 via Ruifang.

An arty painted train arrived at the station, bringing it hordes of cat lovers like myself.

With the free roaming cats, the town has to be 'catified' to ensure their safety is taken care of.

The booming cat tourism brought opportunities for the locals to set up cat related businesses.

You can buy post cards, T-shirts, pineapple tarts, and almost anything that is cat related. 

Cute girl trying her hand to print out a cat coin.

This shop displays LPs of popular Taiwanese legends. 

To get closer to the cats, you can buy cat food to feed them, or play with them with a cat toy.

Cat prints guiding us the direction to the cat village behind the train station.

David and Goliath.

Tabby has a large playground to roam about.

Roof with a view.

An attention seeking cat.

You can run, but you cannot hide. There is no escape from the searching eyes.

Ginger cautiously waiting for an opportunity to escape from the haunting tourist.

The cats are usually well-fed. But if the tourists kept giving them kibbles, I am sure the kitty would get sick of eating it.

Spotted this chap doing his business on the grass patch.

Cat paw prints are added on the pathway to beautify the village.

I don't care. Shoot all you want, I am getting my nap now.

A sulky white Persian warning me not to encroach her space.

Sticking her tongue out to show her displeasure. Bleah....!

Most of the cats are friendly. Some would come up to you for a stroke while others are oblivious to human interaction.

This pair is caged because the owner does not want them to stray away. Generally, domesticated pets are better taken care off than the strays.

No more kibbles please. I am not interested at all!

Besides cats, there are dogs who live harmoniously with their feline friends.

The locals are tolerant of the animals, and they welcome the income that the tourists brought to them.

Home style cafe provides tourists a resting point from the incessant hunt for cats.

Mommy prepares the food while I serve desserts. 

View from the cat village, overlooking 侯硐 station and its surrounding. 
Diorama mode of the same station.

From my conversation with a local, there are about 100 felines in the cat village now. It used to be more, but due to natural attrition, the number has come down. You see, the cats are neutered before they were put there. That is the correct thing to do, in order to control its population. If it is not done, can you imagine the havoc the cats would create by its ever growing numbers? There would be fights for territory and some might get injured. The costs to feed and care for them would escalate. When in heat, the caterwauling would disturb the residents. The environment and its habitats would also be affected as cats do tend to hunt. 

The volunteers have done a wonderful job to keep the numbers down. They check on the cats regularly and gather feedback on their conditions from the locals. They provide medical aid to cats that are unwell and nurse them back to health. All these require a continuous effort and commitments from the volunteers. Kudos to them all! 

As Gandhi once said "The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated". They are the least protected creatures in our society, and as animal lovers, if we do not put their well-being first, who else would help them? Spare a thought....

And another travel trip awaiting....

T a i w a n - 九份

One of the best places for street food in Taiwan can be found in Jiufen 九份. I have heard and read so much from travellers suggesting everyone to visit 九份, regardless the limited days one has. For fear of missing out, we too paid it a visit.  

There is never a good time to visit 九份, because it is always crowded, regardless the weather. It is better, of course, not to come during the monsoon period.

Today, being a public holiday, is no exception. Throng of tourists came in coaches and started to stream into the tiny shopping street of Jishan 基山街.

It is a challenge to stroll along the street, especially in the hot, humid and limited space one has. 

The trade-off is of course, the wonderful and delicious food on either side of the street. 

To be able to enjoy it all, the trick is to come with an empty stomach, and slowly chomp from stall to stall. Om nom nom nom...

The signature sausage lady of 基山街 donning a uniform (sewn into one) that represents Taiwan's most popular boys and girls schools. 

Lost in thoughts.

The mushrooms are amazingly huge!

Oooh, those lovely nuts...I mean eggs. Oops!

Melted sugar 麦芽糖 of cartoon characters candy.

Crispy tasting prawn crackers.

Balls made from different types of fishes are worth a try. 

With all the walking and eating, a much needed rest is imminent.

Handmade ocarina, a wind musical instrument similar to a flute.

This man hand painted some pieces of ocarina, while showing off his musical talent that attracted us to his shop.

Following the red lanterns would lead us to the theatre street. 

Ah Mei Tea House 阿妹茶樓 offers an excellent view of the valley as you enjoy your afternoon tea.

The popular tea house has been beautifully restored. Together with its surrounding buildings and complimented by its architectural elements, one feels being transported back to the 1930-40s era.

The elaborated 霞海城隍廟.

The residences of 九份. Many of the locals have converted their units into cafes, souvenir shops and galleries. 

This is the spectacular valley and sea view to wake up to if you have a unit overlooking it.

Although the tourist boom has transformed this town into a popular tourist spot, there are areas that could be improved. The buildings on the hill may have brought more services to the visitors, but they remain old and unsightly. It would certainly help a lot if they spruce up the area with new coats of paint (think Santorini of Greece). Instead of tourists coming in cars, buses and taxis that ply the narrow road and pile the already limited parking facilities, they could install cable cars or trams and transport the tourists up. Not only can it reduce the carbon footprints in the town, the ride could also offer tourists a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains and sea. Perhaps the Taiwan tourism board might see my blog and introduce my idea up. Who knows, my next trip up here could be via a chair-lift.

And another travel trip awaiting....