Nanka Express Chiayi

... I collected our train tickets using the pre-booked slip (NT$399/pax/trip). We also paid for the entry ticket (NT$150 / ticket) to Alishan Forest Recreation Area (&#38463;&#37324;&#23665;&#26862;&#2651 9;&#28216;&#20048;&#21306;). There wasn't a queue yet but it got longer as the train departing time approached. At 10am, we took the forest train to Alishan.<br>(Continue in next entry...)<br>

... branch lines on the major island of Luzon. The 266 km long Northline from Manila to San Fernando city in La Union was closed in the late 1980&#8217;s and shows little sign of resurrection due to poor infrastructure and lack of government funding. Fortunately though, we are also big fans of ferries and it certainly appeared as if there would be plenty of chances to indulge ourselves with literally thousands of remote islands to choose from. The more I read the more it ...

... many individuals had to go elsewhere to make a living, now they all can come back and work on their land. We only managed to see 10 dancers but apparently normally there are at least more than double. Theresa made a bracelet while we settled down from lunch and unfortunately it started to rain. Anyways it was a great afternoon, it was the first day where I actually felt that it had gotten cold which at the time was exciting. 

Theresa found us a three bedroom apartment very close to the school. It's very tall with sort of like domes on the top. Although most people [taxi drivers] don't really know it's name they pretty much all recognize it. The building has a computer lab, gym, pool, pool table and ping pong table for our disposal. The building is gated and there are two security booths with round the clock surveillance. Course.... we've definitely caught them sleeping.

... one of the best massages ever. It is a tough life, but someone has to live it right? Today is the wedding day. I am also attaching a pic of the couple. In a few days, I will attach a pic of us all decked out. Apparently we are having an eight course meal tonight. I am not sure what that is about but looking forward to a ton of good chinese and japanese food. Hugs and kisses to everyone. Chao.

Route: Shihteping - Fongbin ( by bus ) - Road No.11 minor - Taibalang Amei tribal village- Guangfu town - Rueisuei ( by train ) at No.9 - Hongye Total Distance: 26 km Altitude up: 350m Altitude down: 350m Wake up 5:20am, pack tent and backpack and then up to the main road to catch the bus at 6:10. We wait for the bus of the Hualien bus company, but no bus comes. The answer we get from the locals is that the bus has already passed earlier. Damn - the next one ...

Route: Yuli - Antong - new road No.30, not yet open - Jhuhu - Shiteping Total Distance: 20 km Altitude up: 400m Altitude down: 450m Plan in general: You may ask yourself what will he do now that he is back on the East side where he has already walked. I had the same question at first. I wanted to go around the island and all crossways from West to East. The East I have done, all major cross ways. Now I want to walk the short cross ways between the ...

Route: Lidao - Wulu ( hot spring in hotels ) - Wulu historic Japanese trail - Wulu village - Hsin Wu village - Chulai village - Chihshang ( last part by police car ) - Yuli town ( by train ) Total Distance: 33 km Altitude up: 400m Altitude down: 1.200m Having a good sleep - now I am convinced that it will remain an unfulfilled dream. Unluckily this night the hunters gunshots echoing in the mountains are not the last noise in this quiet village without traffic. Loud ...

Route: Lidao - Motien ( natural hot spring ) - Lidao ( by bus - already walked ) Total distance: 7 km Altitude up : 500m Altitude down: 500m Wake up at 6:00 am after a finally pretty good night's sleep. Beakfast is downstairs. I order and get - Hot dog / 4 small suasages with nothing else - Dan Ping/ no egg - Hamburger/ meat patty, o bread Now you mix all these unhealthy things with some onions and you have a different kind of breakfast. We learn ...

Route: Yakou - Chiang Yang Forest Bureau Center ( start for many trails ) - Motien village ( with hidden natural Hot Spring ) - Lidao Total Distance: 33 km Altitude up: 170m Altitude down: 1460m Wake up at 4:30am and at 5:00am it is 13 degrees outside, but luckily the wind has died down. Today it is mostly downward from km 149 to km 177 and from 2.560m to 1.100m. The sky is clear, landscape beautiful, but dryer and softer. A big bird ...