getting some fresh air

Wow, what an interesting weekend. I saw a little of everything!

I.

On saturday, I took a trip into the countryside south of Taipei to a place called Wulai (鳥来). It's up in the mountains--you have to take the bus through a winding road to get there. Once you do, it's a great break from the hustle and bustle of Taipei. The landscape is fascinating--I enjoy unspoilt nature, but I also enjoy seeing how people and nature are entertwined so little mountain villages are just my cuppa. Wulai is famous for three things: hot springs, which it has a lot of; aboriginal tribes; and a big-ass waterfall. I didn't see many of the tribesfolk, but their dress and crafts (which they sell to tourists) seem similar to the native people of the Americas. I didn't try any of the local specialties, because after hiking around in the woods under the withering sun for 5 hours doesn't really make me want to eat large slabs of grilled pork or greasy snausages. Maybe next time. Same for soaking in the hot waters (which are known for their healing powers, by the way) The hiking was great, though...nothing but the sound of the wind and the frogs. And the waterfall--now that was pretty freaking spectacular! The waterfall is something like...well, just look at the picture.