My trip out of Taipei and around the coasts of Taiwan has been nothing short of spectacular. From Hualien, with its amazing gorges, participating in various aboriginal festivals and dances, to Kenting with its breath taking east coast, Taiwan really has captured my heart.

Hualien, however, was one of the places where I stayed the longest and met the most people. Sunny and Gloria, from Colourful Taiwan Hostel, were awesome hosts with a wealth of information about Hualien and even spoke to me in Mandarin the whole time, being ever so patient when I struggled with my limited Mandarin vocabulary.

That in general, has been my experience with Taiwan. On one hand, I want to blend in and be local. On the other hand, as soon as people find out that you’re a “wai guo ren” (foreigner), they have awesome conversations with you.

Back to Hualien, I had the pleasure of Sam, Eva and Emily’s company. I had met the trio, also from Canada, only two nights before in Taipei. When we found out we were heading in the same direction, we decided to explore the Taroko Gorge together.

Taroko Gorge is definitely a beautiful nature reserve. Clear spring water provides sweet swimming opportunies for people looking to spend some time in this mountainous region.

As you walk through man made, hand chiseled walkways, you can’t help but admire at the beauty of mountanis touching the skies, shrouded amongst the clouds.

But for untouched beauty, you have to visit Mukumuyu. It is a very protected mountainous reserve much like the Taroko Gorge. The difference: only 300 people are allowed in before noon, and a further 300 people in the afternoon.

“Please don’t tell too many people about this place,” said Gloria. She was worried that it might become a touristy area much like the Taroko Gorge.

I also met and talked to my first “yuan zhu ming”. Or aboriginal people. I thought this was a cool picture as the girls each came from a different tribe. They asked for my facebook but I guess must have lost it as they haven’t added me. :( Sadly, I did not get their info in return.

Mukumuyu really is a much quiter, tranquil version of the Taroko Gorge, while the gorge has more geographic variety. I highly recommend both if you have the time.

While looking for the Mukumuyu entrance, I scooted around the base of the mountain and found many aboriginal dwellings. The next day, I dropped by again while heading to the Li Yu lake. This time, the whole community was in a church compound for a harvest festival.

I guess I was dark enough to be aboriginal as long as I didn’t open my mouth. Well, there were reporters around too, so I assume that they thought I was either reporter or aboriginal.

I love the festivals. Drums, dances, it all makes for a very upbeat and happy afternoon.

My trip that day took me pretty far south, as I also endevoured to reach the Eight Immortal Cave. These caves were carved by the sea through centuries and early inhabitants of the island then used them as a temple for their gods. Archeologists have discovered tools from the early paleolithic ages in the cave.

Instead of one cave per immortal, these caves contained many gods with only the highest cave housing the Eight Immortals. As I had arrived too late to see all the caves, I ended up joining this monk, and another layman who lived in the actual Eight Immortal Cave, for tea. The latter said that I resembled one of the immortals. Even these older folk were happy to hear I was “wai guo ren” and endeavored to have a conversation with me despite my atrocious Mandarin.

That night, I did not realize how far I had traveled as it would be a two hour scooter ride home, along the east coast and through the mountains. To compound the thrill of that evening, my scooter light switch had come loose and the light intermittently flickered on and off. Sometimes, I would be rounding the corner with no guardrail and the light suddenly went off. I am lucky I see pretty well in the dark!

The next day, I decided to take it easy and head to the beach. One of the toys they sold was an awesome bubble making device.

It was supposed to be a relaxing day on the beach. However, when I heard that the fishermen were bringing in their catch, it was a race to find out where.

It was quite the community event. People all flocked to the boats to watch them unload, then to the nearby market for some fresh fish.

Unfortunately, there was no “Man Bo” fish, a gigantic fish that they usually caught in the area. Still, it was interesting seeing how the fisheries operate here.

Many of the people come by the beach to catch the waves. these waves are HUGE. Some hit the shore at five feet high. This one in the picture is probably at about four feet.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures! This post was really picture intensive.

Trying to keep up with the blogging but it’s hard when you’re having a great time.

Now to check in. Heading to Hong Kong!