3rd May
My wife and I were supposed to be in Europe 2 weeks ago. But thank God our flight was canceled due to the volcanic ash all over Europe, otherwise we probably would have been stranded there. We were desperate for a getaway, so a quick look at the world map brought us to Taiwan.
We started our trip with a stinky tofu supper by the roadside in Taipei 
Then we followed a local tour which took us to Hualien on the east side of Taiwan island. This is the scene from Baci Lookout Point.
The next day was a tour of Taroko Gorge National Park. We started at the Iyax Valley (Shakadang Trail).
On a wobbly rope bridge…
The Swallow Grotto
A dance show by Taiwan aborigine folk
Jioufen was a nice half day trip from Taipei, pity it rained.
A koi pond near the Taipei Botanical Gardens.
We enjoyed Dansui, at the northernmost MRT stop in Taipei. Here we got our portraits drawn by a street artist.
An ocarina shop. These are cute musical instruments that can be played like a flute.
Street food in Dansui. My favourite was the sui kow (dumplings) from 2 places: a sui kow specialty shop in Ximending (Taipei) and a roadside shop in Hualien town.
I’d like to recommend our driver, Steven. He’ll bring you around the city (or island) in his very well-maintained Volkswagen T5 van. To set things straight, I don’t personally know him, but once in a while I come across someone who deserves a mention. So if you’re going to Taiwan, give him a call:
(Taiwan country code is 886) 0916-880-828 or 0981-397-928
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Nice photos as always, Andy !
While it’s a total opposite from what you can get in Europe, I’m sure both of you had fun. My wife & I enjoyed ourselves there when we visited Taipei & east coast last February. We will surely return to visit some friends, for the food & shopping !
Will contact Steven once we got our plan firmed up.
kim
Thanks Kim! Do contact Steven, he went out of his way to help us.