Monday 21 January 2013

Taiwan: Taroko National Park to Chingjing

This is another picture-full post. Hehe. I really enjoyed taking pictures in Taiwan, there are just so many beautiful things to capture. And this, has to be one of the best places in Taiwan. This is the most scenic route we took; from Taroko National Park all the way to Chingjing, stopping by the peak of the mountain range, Hehuanshan. When we were there, Hehuanshan recorded a temperature of -2C. Luckily, when we reached Chingjing, where the sheep are (as you will see), the weather became very kind to us. It was about 13C, with bright blue sky. Again, I can never tell you enough, how much I love a BLUEEE sky.

This is going to be a chronological post. You will see how the scenery changes from Taroko National Park, all the way to Chingjing. It's really mind-blowing. First, we saw amazing rock/mountain formations at Taroko, then we encountered think fog at the Divine Tree Boulevard, then a SPECTACULAR display of an endless blanket of clouds below us. In Mandarin, it's called "yun hai", 云海. This is what I learned from the tour guide. Hehe. It's truly amazing, truly breath-taking, that at that moment, I thought I made it to heaven, where the angels live. Our tour guide mentioned that we were so lucky to see the sea of clouds - it does not happen everyday. I guess Mother Nature worked its magic specially for us, or maybe it was my birthday gift from the Gods above. ;))

At Chingjing, we had so much fun chasing the sheep, feeding the sheep and watching the sunset at Green Green Grassland,  and then strolling in a little park called Little Swiss Garden. We were at Chingjing from Christmas eve till Christmas. So happy I got to experience Christmas high up in the mountains, with sheep as my company. Hahaha.

I believe this is a must-go destination, and this route is a must-take route, should you visit Taiwan. I hope my pictures will do the place justice. ;))

Taroko
Taroko
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Chingjing
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Chingjing
Chingjing
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Chingjing
Chingjing
Chingjing
Chingjing
Chingjing
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Chingjing
Chingjing
Chingjing
Chingjing
Chingjing
Chingjing
Chingjing
Chingjing
Chingjing

Told ya, this route is definitely worth it! Charter a vehicle, and go up the mountains!

Friday 18 January 2013

On antibiotics

I am down with lymph node infection and fever. Went to Sunway Medical Center to check what's wrong with me, because this lump under my chin has been with me for about a week. Did an ultrasound scan and confirmed that it's a lymph node infection and nothing dangerous. *phew*

My fever is on and off, therefore, I have to stay indoors these few days and avoid all things spicy and fried. At times like this, I always wish I could be out in the sun.

Like this.

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Hahhahahahaahahahahaha.
I know, this is damn funny.
The sun was super gorgeous but I just had to spoil the picture with my second favourite pastime - eating. -.-

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Okok, erase the image above from your mind and replace with this!
White sweater and navy blue flowy outerwear from Forever 21, scarf from Cambodia, orange leggings from The Spring, Kuching, red Longchamp, red boots from Taiwan.

I got my red boots for only RM19 in one of the night markets in Taiwan! First saw it in Ximending, Taipei for RM39, but the inner cheapskate in me told me that there may be something similar for a cheaper price. So I waited. And my inner cheapskate was right when I found it later in Yilan for RM19! Kareen said, "Trust in power of waiting". Lesson well-learned. ahhahahaa. And after traveling in Taiwan for 16 days, yes RM19 is still the lowest you can find, for these kind of boots. :D

photo

And, at times like this, Vishnu just had to send me a picture of Thai tomyam from Khunthai restaurant.

Thanks. :P

Saturday 12 January 2013

Taiwan: Yilan in pictures

Yilan is a very peaceful town in Taiwan. It may not be the most popular tourist destination in Taiwan but we are glad we visited Yilan. It's really relaxing and we had a lot of fun just being on our own. We also tried to do some "elevation" shots as you will see below. Haha. ;))

National Center for Traditional Arts
National Center for Traditional Arts
Yilan
National Center for Traditional Arts
National Center for Traditional Arts
National Center for Traditional Arts
Luodong Sports Park
Yilan
Luodong Sports Park
National Center for Traditional Arts
Yilan
National Center for Traditional Arts
Luodong Sports Park
Yilan
Yilan Train Station
National Center for Traditional Arts