TAIPEI
As one who has always been interested in history and current events, the times of the civil unrest in China, the retreat of Chang Kai-shek from the armies of Mao Zedong to Formosa seems like it happened just a short time ago, but in reality it was another generation. Formosa, now Taiwan is an economic machine that has grown to be one of the worlds most productive nations - a success of capitalism and democracy that took another generation for mainland China to achieve.
After arriving in Taipei in the dark (seems to be a habit of ours), we arose to a wet, overcast day, and taking our time decided to go to the Lungshan Temple, to explore this famous Buddhist shrine. Though the day lacked the sparkle of a warm sun, to see the many people moving from shrine to shrine with their joss sticks, fruit offerings and prayers filled the area with a special light.
We were fortunate to meet an elderly gentleman who proceeded to explain to us what the worshippers were doing and why, and comparing the Confusism, Buddhism, and Taoism methods of prayer as paralleling that of Greek mythology.
Moving away from the Temple to the side streets, the scenes are very similar to those of other Far Eastern cultures.
After arriving in Taipei in the dark (seems to be a habit of ours), we arose to a wet, overcast day, and taking our time decided to go to the Lungshan Temple, to explore this famous Buddhist shrine. Though the day lacked the sparkle of a warm sun, to see the many people moving from shrine to shrine with their joss sticks, fruit offerings and prayers filled the area with a special light.
We were fortunate to meet an elderly gentleman who proceeded to explain to us what the worshippers were doing and why, and comparing the Confusism, Buddhism, and Taoism methods of prayer as paralleling that of Greek mythology.
Moving away from the Temple to the side streets, the scenes are very similar to those of other Far Eastern cultures.
TAROKO GORGE
Planes, Trains and Automobiles. An early wakeup and we are on a plane to Hualien for a day of touring the Taroko Gorge, one of Asia’s 7 wonders. Situated on the eastern coast of Taiwan, from the number of visitors we encountered, this must be the Grand Canyon of this far eastern paradise. Rising from near sea level to 10,000 feet, through millions of years of wind and flooding, the sides of the gorge and the boulders strewn along the way expose the beauty of the National Park at each turn. The tunnels created to build this road in only 4 years (and many lives) are too numerous to count, but each major one has a name to describe it, and new tunnels and roads are being continually upgraded.
Returning to Taipei by train gave us ample time to view the countryside, as for most of the trip, the train hugged the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
Returning to Taipei by train gave us ample time to view the countryside, as for most of the trip, the train hugged the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
Our last full day in Taipei,
with the sun shining brightly (for a change), we walked for several hours through the streets and parks getting a better feel for this vibrant city.
Tomorrow we fly to Hong Kong to meet our ship and begin our cruise.