February 2, 2008 · 10:45 am

Final Day Of Tour

Final day of the Grand Tour of Taiwan started off bright and sunny. We headed straight for the train station as we were catching the 8 am train to Hua Lien. Have to say that Tai Tung is really quite backwards with nothing much to see. Even the train station is kinda old and rickety.

Entrance of Tai Tung train station

Masses of people waiting for the train

Ticket from Tai Tung to Hua Lien

Me and Dad on the train

View of padi fields from the train

Old school train ticket conductor

Me and Dad in front of the train we took to Hua Lien

Me and the driver in front of the mini van we took during the tour

Our purpose of visiting Hua Lien was to visit the famous Taroko Gorge. I must say that after visiting the gorge, I felt so small. Toroko Gorge is home to most of the marble and jade stones that are mined in Taiwan. The mountains were so majestic and you can't help but feel in awe of Nature. The scenery was beautiful, the air so fresh and we hiked through various trails include Swallow Caves and Tunnel of Nine Turns.

Entrance of Eternal Spring

Eternal Springs, a memorial built for the workers who lost their lives while constructing the roads for Taroko Gorge

Me and Dad in front of Eternal Springs

Me in front of the river that runs through the gorge

Can you tell which of the stones I picked from the river is marble?

This one!

Me and Dad in front of Swallow Caves. We didn't encounter any swallows as it was winter. The tour guide shared with us that when swallows do build their nests, no one can harvest the birds nest as the cliffs are too steep.

In front of beginning of Nine Turns Tunnel

Natural steps carved by nature

Me and Dad in the tunnel

Yay! I completed the tunnel hike!

Two mountains which are inches away from touching each other

We are supporting the rocks from falling!

Beautiful scenery of the gorge

Can you see the frog stucture behind us? It was a pavilion on its head and a bridge on its back. Legend has it that this was a frog monster who used to haunt the dreams of the workers who worked in the gorge. In order to subdue it, they built a pavilion on its head and a bridge across its back so it would stop haunting the workers.

Resting at the pit stop

Buffet Lunch at the Taroko where we had local cuisine

Me and Dad in front of Grand Formosa Hotel where the Taroko restaurant was

After a satisfying buffet lunch, we decended from Taroko gorge to head to one of the largest marble factories in Taiwan. There, we were introduced to the many different stones mined from Taroko and also taught how to tell if a piece of Jade was genuine or not. I must say I was quite impressed by some of the pieces we saw and I can truly appreciate things like cat's eye and star stones now. Unfortunately, I didn't buy any of the jewelry back as I felt it was simply too overpriced. My dad almost bought me a "Pi Xiu" as I shared with him the idea of starting a business and Pi Xius are known to be good for businesses and to protect wealth. But we both agreed that it was simply too over-priced. He'll get a pair for me when he nexts goes to China. After we were done with the factory tour, we headed to purchase some famous local muah chee before heading to the train station to return to Taipei.

Nine dragons carved out of a single piece of marble. The amazing contrast of colours is created by retaining the outer coat of colour and only polishing the insides.

Huge slabs of marble getting ready to be sent to buyers

This piece is genuine as you can see the light through the stone

Me and Dad with our horoscope signs - Sheep and Horse

Bunny!

VW that was in the muah chee store. Don't ask me what it was doing there...

Ticket from Hua Lien to Taipei

We arrived in Taipei at around 7:30 pm, but due to traffic and rain, only managed to check in at the hotel after 8 pm. Since it was raining, we abandoned the idea of going to Shihlin market and headed for a nearer night market instead. Therefore, at around 9 pm, I found myself enjoying local snacks at the Lin Jiang Street Market. We carried umbrellas cos of the rain, but that didn't stop us from enjoying all the food! I even managed to get yet another bowl of mee sua into my tummy! I wanted to do some more shopping, but decided against it due to all the rain. I must say, the street delicacies in Taiwan? Unbeatable! Would be so easy to get fat in Taiwan cos the snacks are just so darn good!

Entrance of Lin Jiang Street Market

Fried stuff heaven including great chicken and tempura

Yummy fried mushrooms. Taste so good!

Grilled corn like you've never had before

Peanuuuuuuuuuuuuts!

The many flavours of the Taiwan Xiang Chang... someone should bring this to Singapore!

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