Alishan

29th Dec 2008 - Up the mountains to Alishan

Travelled to Chiayi by train from Taipei Main Station. Didn't realise we bought the (qu jian) tickets which is for the slower train which will stop at all small stops, thus used 2hr to reach Chiayi.






















From Chiayi, we intended to take the Coach bus to Alishan. But, we were approached by drivers that can drive us up Alishan with the same price (NT200) and at a faster timing. Accepted it and sat in a van with several other tourists and off we went to Alishan~

The uncle (driver cum tour guide) was very friendly, explained alot of stuffs to us, let us stop halfway to take photos etc.




































































Our initial plan was to stay at Xian Yun Homestay. However, we were told that it was very inconvenient and dangerous to stay there as it is not in Alishan, instead, it's located midway up the hill.

Indeed, it doesn't look safe when we drive pass there, hence, we choose to stay in their recommended place, Da Feng Hotel. (they had the heated bed which is really warm and comfortable!)










































Cold and misty~ slight drizzle as well

















































went to send postcards to friends.. haha






















A very different Starbucks Cafe outlet






















Surrounded by clouds~










































My fav maple leaf!! ^.^
(there was a mix of some normal leafs, but it still look nice)





















The Alishan aboriginal dance group performed a few dances and invited the tourists to join them in their final dance.

And, yes, we did join in the mass dance. =)





















He's the tribe leader of the dance group.






















Didn't get to ride on the small train of Alishan as the weather was too misty and it was too dark for it to operate. Thus, we decided to walk our way round the place~ Before we get to explore the place and reach our desired destinations, more clouds gather and the sky has darken.





















30th Dec 2008 - Where's the Sunrise?

Woke up at 5am in hope of catching a glimpse of the sunrise.
Unfortunately, it was raining since yesterday night and there was a lot of mist gathering around, hence, no sunrise. (T.T)


Packed our stuff and moved on to our next destination - Taipei.

On our way down the hill, the van (same as the one we took earlier to Alishan) drove us to Fencihu.

we thought there was a beautiful lake but turned out that it was just a name.

Ate the traditional Tie Lu Bian Dang





















and the famous Ai Yu (lemon flavour)






















nothing much to see around Fencihu, so off we went to Taipei~

on our way back to Chiayi, we saw this "Di Jiu" Bridge. Where's the "Tian Chang" Bridge??




























Took the Guo Guang Bus from Chiayi to Taipei, didn't expect the whole journey to take more than 4 hrs! It was mainly due to the new year season where everyone is travelling home that caused such a huge traffic jam.

A torture to be on the bus where we were so urgent and hungry.