Tourist Group Dance at Formosan Abroginal Village: Video by Hoang Khai Nhan:
Dance at Formosan Narawan Resort, Hualien, Taiwan - Video by Hoang Khai Nhan:
Dance at Formosan Narawan Resort, Hualien, Taiwan - Video by Hoang Khai Nhan:
Dance at Formosan Narawan Resort, Hualien, Taiwan - Video by Hoang Khai Nhan:
Eternal Spring Shrine - Video by Hoang Khai Nhan:
Eight Arc Bridge, Hualien, Taiwan - Video by Hoang Khai Nhan:
Tales of Taiwan
Poem by Dona Malan
Another reunion trip with Thomas Chen? We all wanted to know where and when. We met at LAX on September the first Hope this check-in line is our worst.
The flight was nice, but oh, so long Every position in ones seat seems to be wrong But after 14 hours we did arrive Now learning about Taiwan we would strive.
Our first day in Taipei our time was free Each decided where to have one’s own spree With metro passes and maps in hand Exploring Taipei was really grand.
MRT in Taipei:
Tonight a dinner of dumplings to delight We had so many there was nary a fight The soup dumplings were full of flavor Sucking out the broth was something to savor
The Howard Plaza breakfast buffet was a great treat Surely we all had plenty to eat The National Plaza Museum held amazing treasure The artisans spent much time so had little leisure
The jade cabbage is an amazing sight But not sure the pork would be good to bite The patience and skill shown is truly amazing At these treasure we could still be gazing
At 11 we watched the changing of the guard Standing still in that heat had to be hard Here honor was shown the heroes of Taiwan The grounds and buildings were surrounded by lawn
Changing of the Guards at Martyrs Shrine, Taipei:
The Chiang Kai Shek Memorial hall was grand Pictures and objects and cadilacs on hand It was surrounded by elaborate gates With his countries people he really rates
Guards of Hornor in CKS Memorial:
Soldiers Marching at CKS Memorial:
Changing Guards at Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, Taiwan:
The tallest building in the world has 101 floors The bottom five floors were full of stores A food court for lunch with ample choices Food from many cultures here had their voices
Taipei 101 Fireworks:
The bullet train was like a race Clean, efficient and plenty of space In tunnels some time was spent Then by rice fields, trees and small towns we went
Breakfast today introduced us to mango ice Many went back for more at least twice That started many in on ice cream and popsicles We liked a variety flavors, so we are kind of fickle.
Friday we visited Sunmoon Lake Here many pictures we did take Over to an island on a little boat It seems this island really can float
Taiwan Sun Moon Lake:
The Wen Wu Temple blew our minds The nuns and monks were so very kind The grandeur and sculptures an amazing sight Most would return there without a fight.
The temples in Taiwan take many forms Zen and Taoists fit the norms Some were playing pick up sticks While others lighted incense wicks
A long ride to Tainan city A little rain to make it pretty The green of many a fern and tree Then rice fields so green to see.
Tainan Night Market:
Dinner was at a traditional Tainan place We overate just to save face None is loosing weight on this trip Will is go to the stomach or the hip?
The breakfast buffet in Tainan was 10 star For each cuisine there was a separate bar The only things missing was mango ice But to this hotel all would go twice
The Confucius Temple was plainer than most To his scholarly life we can truly toast Koxinga Shrine told of his life He conquered the Dutch to create less strife
Taiwan Kaohsiung - Tainan Confucian Temple:
The Lotus Lake is very dry Swimming in it we would not try But all climbed in through the dragon’s mouth Then out the tigers mouth to the south
More temples for us to view We have visited more than a few Each is lovely in a special way But crossing the street here could turn you gray.
The dinner that night- surprise! - Chinese food Hope all for it were in the mood The corn soup was especially good We all overate just like we should
Love River, Kaohsiung, Taiwan:
Sunday we learned of the Taiwan Aborigines In costumes with their music they danced with ease. Their homes wee built from grass, stones or sticks Getting their tribe tattoo is how they got their kicks.
Then South down the Taiwan strait Rocky beaches and swimming here do not mate We crossed the mountains full of various trees Finally reaching the Pacific Ocean and its breeze
That evening another indigenous talent presentation Six tribes performed to represent their nation The costumes and music and dances were seen Some from our group joined in the final dancing scene
Dance at Formosan Narawan Resort, Hualien, Taiwan - Video by Hoang Khai Nhan:
Monday we traveled along the eastern coast The beauty here should cause Taiwan to boast The seashore, rocks, green and sun Made for a HOT day but filled with fun.
We made a quick stop for a steamed bun Most of us tried at least one Some ate more flavored ice Lots of flavors were tried including sticky rice
Quick Stop for Stemed Bun - Banh Bao - Video by Hoang Khai Nhan:
A stop was made at a marble factory that was big The twelve zodiacs were out front, including the pig The marble came in many shades and hues How they can care it we really have no clue.
Taiwan's beauty- TAROKO national park:
Toroko Gorge had enormous boulders We enjoyed the view while driving on the shoulder Big falling stones often occur here If you hear them coming- run with fear
Nature Wonders TAROKO GORGE Taiwan:
The rivers and waterfalls added to the views A few famous rocks like the frog make news We rode and walked to see it all It was great fun and we had a ball
Complete Taroko Gorge Ride:
The last night was dinner to say farewell The mongolian barbecue had a good smell We filled our bowls and gave them to the chef When he gave it back there wasn’t much left
Finally to the airport most did go The airport is so lovely and added to the show It is quiet and clean and had a children's play place An aboriginal display and craftsman display space
Traffic here is really quite OK More scooters than cars save the day The drivers all seem patient and restrained Could they come to our country and our drivers retrain?
Scooters here are a way of life Everyone rides them including the wife Helmets for adults are luckily worn But finding yours parked in the line might make you forlorn
The country’s cleanliness can’t be beat All were friendly when we did meet Great memories we did create Now this must end before its too late
Thanks to this group as you have been great Seeing us all part I will really hate No one in the group did complain or while But lots of smiles as well as sweat did shine
We all remembered if we were A’s or B’s The times and levels and what to see But remembering our room numbers became a chore Maybe we should tattoo them on us once more?
Our super bus drivers kept us all alive Anywhere in the world they could drive. They could turn those big buses on a dime And back up around curves and corners anytime.
Beral and Teresa- each was a great guide And lots of information to us they did provide Sharing their country seemed to bring them delight Now if we could just remember everything right
To the Taiwan Tourist Board we say thanks You have shared your country and how it ranks All of us go home with great stories to tell About Taiwan and how you are doing everything so well
Thank you Thomas, you have done it once more Provided us with views and experiences galore We will all have good memories of this place And of your smile and cheery grace.