From Dongshi to Kaohsiung

On the 8^th April we started our cycle trip all around Taiwan. We left Yen’s hometown Dongshi and took the cycle path till Houli. From here we cycled on major roads to Dajia where we visited an famous temple. We looked up our campsite before in the internet and stayed on a farm close to Dajia. We were the only camper, it was windy and we put our tent under the observation tower. Our first day was relaxed and we cycled 35 km only.

The second day of our trip was the most difficult day for me. We left the coast and cycled through higher populated areas. I got headache, my eyes burnt and I got problems to breathe. It was because of the smog. I wanted to get off the road asap but we were not sure we can stay today, we planed only the first day. Finally we went to Changhua and found a hotel there. It was 1000 TWD (30 Euro) for a room, we decided to stay two nights. The hotel doesn’t has a 4th floor. Yen told me the number 4 is not a good number, spoken in Chinese the number 4 sounds like death, so people avoid to use this number. I got better on the next day and we visited the Engine Shed and the Eight Trigram Mountains Buddha in Changhua. [...]

On the bus drive from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to Dongshi I saw so many apartment blocks. We already drive for a while when I asked Yen if we are still in Taipei, she said that’s another city. For me it looks like one mega city. Taiwan has one of the highest population density in the world. They are living 23 Million people on an Island that has the half size of Tasmania. The last two years I spent in Australia and New Zealand. I appreciate my time there. Coming to Taiwan it’s a big difference for me. It took me a while to get used to it. Fortunately Yen lives in Dongshi, a small town, situated on a river and surrounded by mountains. At her mothers home I receive great hospitality. Her mother cooking for me every day delicious meal. I really like the Taiwanese cuisine. Nearly everyday I taste new flavors. [...]