Taiwan thoughts.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHLpUZSJ_ZudPCa87RuU7527nm5vheaXgNMXRewzhVaxV-4jPQmCn6WXOVHLVkwof8s8-OHdWmjCPb7Kt4zjUByrUUsMFLdGvhNfruYKUke7k7Cxx1caEH24UV-2GDo6mW1H1YPSOaHeL/s1600/hsinchutemple-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHLpUZSJ_ZudPCa87RuU7527nm5vheaXgNMXRewzhVaxV-4jPQmCn6WXOVHLVkwof8s8-OHdWmjCPb7Kt4zjUByrUUsMFLdGvhNfruYKUke7k7Cxx1caEH24UV-2GDo6mW1H1YPSOaHeL/s1600/hsinchutemple-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />if I had to pick one word for Taiwan, it might be <b>juxtaposition</b>.<br /><br />bright temples and billboards add contrast to the cement buildings that don't stand a chance of looking new for long in this climate. modern high-rises and Starbucks spring up next to ancient moats and abandoned lots. crumbling brick structures in a lush green rice field, scooters zipping down a road that winds through mist-shrouded mountains...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBHDGp79wGPtyCRTom_g1HsdH-OPXbgow0FPj8Fe9LRFRGGNs5WxRthLmf1SB8P99IN133ouAtF6GSCnQ91sFS6tDM0WvqeEuK0leHRwdNhVG-usa9A8QhCJz5de7DS0vnmUp0hEeu2qB/s1600/hsinchutemple-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBHDGp79wGPtyCRTom_g1HsdH-OPXbgow0FPj8Fe9LRFRGGNs5WxRthLmf1SB8P99IN133ouAtF6GSCnQ91sFS6tDM0WvqeEuK0leHRwdNhVG-usa9A8QhCJz5de7DS0vnmUp0hEeu2qB/s1600/hsinchutemple-2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBLxDHJ7__X-XLQM5clys42BL7_tYvN8Apx8Pd3kKZtGHj1oXNl0DYdf-0l6Kv-raA1TarWmb0ROdQ-DJDVKSoBbITUE7483oytJ5xboSDjxy8vh6ptxjIhOJm1pdRHIcOMsAxyu0DDBF/s1600/hsinchutemple-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBLxDHJ7__X-XLQM5clys42BL7_tYvN8Apx8Pd3kKZtGHj1oXNl0DYdf-0l6Kv-raA1TarWmb0ROdQ-DJDVKSoBbITUE7483oytJ5xboSDjxy8vh6ptxjIhOJm1pdRHIcOMsAxyu0DDBF/s1600/hsinchutemple-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHVR8r8TuEjDVyth-DhQn-0d73KJx_DsoafPiasaqtA0sKV-gQDVFf0bUAAkblv94G0mc-JCvHIoanS69l7zLphleSe76u8Fjc0nj5UJW-qC_Ak01M7Qkg19q6frZ29_v9FcsceEPFb8W/s1600/hsinchutemple-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHVR8r8TuEjDVyth-DhQn-0d73KJx_DsoafPiasaqtA0sKV-gQDVFf0bUAAkblv94G0mc-JCvHIoanS69l7zLphleSe76u8Fjc0nj5UJW-qC_Ak01M7Qkg19q6frZ29_v9FcsceEPFb8W/s1600/hsinchutemple-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwKK1_QrYttit7Pb4W3pPcbR-4CuufT-GUaz73wKeA2lmaFgKE2hLv2GqCycBxEgTHIqG7UDOX1eV2IhpevUKEoe7xf6LhTWKMgd0r9TnoU5coVpZaOSGjSMSfFgZhrZ6rbUV6PV5BM9r/s1600/hsinchutemple-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwKK1_QrYttit7Pb4W3pPcbR-4CuufT-GUaz73wKeA2lmaFgKE2hLv2GqCycBxEgTHIqG7UDOX1eV2IhpevUKEoe7xf6LhTWKMgd0r9TnoU5coVpZaOSGjSMSfFgZhrZ6rbUV6PV5BM9r/s1600/hsinchutemple-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUD0QhDlPbAHIZjN5jf2X9ag4RecyA6AF5p1kVeXbqtbBf2uwNgikJymP_YgBZtN_VHHiv89RO4oiwYZsiyO8DOLCu_9xnQKLAD3eNjedKJvKsg3FW3ktE8cpelScGAZpr735-jyuxYYqF/s1600/hsinchutemple-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUD0QhDlPbAHIZjN5jf2X9ag4RecyA6AF5p1kVeXbqtbBf2uwNgikJymP_YgBZtN_VHHiv89RO4oiwYZsiyO8DOLCu_9xnQKLAD3eNjedKJvKsg3FW3ktE8cpelScGAZpr735-jyuxYYqF/s1600/hsinchutemple-4.jpg" /></a></div><br />Taiwan can be dirty and dingy, blindingly colorful, or peaceful and refreshing. sometimes all at once.<br /><br />and as much as some days I don't love it, <b>I do love it</b>.<br /><br />and those are your Taiwan thoughts for today.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPE8eKlu-ndR6PUnPjIQDASwdK7zdJoSDy75140bUu3UhLI6STCH08xoxM-WHSIK6lis8kj7RXjsjMCEyYJCEfgwkbDYa9J840C189e4cAZ1_jZLYInXYFE86O7C9QbqbPPmh6ZMOWSL7N/s1600/hsinchutemple-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPE8eKlu-ndR6PUnPjIQDASwdK7zdJoSDy75140bUu3UhLI6STCH08xoxM-WHSIK6lis8kj7RXjsjMCEyYJCEfgwkbDYa9J840C189e4cAZ1_jZLYInXYFE86O7C9QbqbPPmh6ZMOWSL7N/s1600/hsinchutemple-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i>now: meet <a href="http://www.routebliss.com/" target="_blank">Christina of Route Bliss</a>. photographer and road-tripper extroidinare, she also shares a little bit of everything on her blog. if you're looking for wanderlust inspiration - check out her <a href="http://www.routebliss.com/2014/12/rb-dream-destinations-black-forest-of-germany/" target="_blank">dream destinations series</a>. she's also got you covered for the holiday - with everything from <a href="http://www.routebliss.com/2014/12/rb-budgeting-10-affordable-last-minute-gift-ideas/" target="_blank">budget-friendly last-minute gift ideas</a> and <a href="http://www.routebliss.com/2014/12/rb-roadtripping-holiday-travel-tips/" target="_blank">holiday travel tips</a>, to an adorable and festive way to turn your<a href="http://www.routebliss.com/2014/12/rb-roadtripping-making-ornaments-from-souvenirs/" target="_blank"> souvenirs into ornaments</a>! this lady has been hanging out on my sidebar for a while now, but today you'll get a chance to know her a little better. check out her interview below, then head to her blog to say hello!</i><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7phVrUnEjYREWJzmaHGpOTXWK1MreOYa6DDdRe_rJtvrdz1KUnDj0F-g8YQmIibUcOcTrqKlRiL3SfoBYOuEgpPdiOh6xaduCU6bEUOrzSUaQy5D6ayRYzDMWmcDtqAyIzCEh6yj82Viw/s1600/septembersponsors-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7phVrUnEjYREWJzmaHGpOTXWK1MreOYa6DDdRe_rJtvrdz1KUnDj0F-g8YQmIibUcOcTrqKlRiL3SfoBYOuEgpPdiOh6xaduCU6bEUOrzSUaQy5D6ayRYzDMWmcDtqAyIzCEh6yj82Viw/s1600/septembersponsors-2.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>I'm Christina</b>, the girl behind the scenes here at Route Bliss. I'm a 30-something single wannabe vagabond whose practicality and realist side keeps her planted in East Texas. By weekday I write lots of reports at my job as well as daydream frequently where I want to travel to next, ways to motivate myself to getting fit for health and happiness's sake, and experimenting in the kitchen to make my favorite not so healthy foods healthier. I also like to take lots of photos of pretty things, furry critters (aka canines and felines), and beautiful destinations.<br /><br /><b>two of your favorite posts: </b><a href="http://www.routebliss.com/2013/08/goals-and-dreams/" target="_blank">The post that 'launched' Route Bliss</a> in August 2013. One of the handful of posts where its my heart instead of my brain, pouring words out on the screen.<br /><br />And this post from <a href="http://www.routebliss.com/2013/11/11-12-13/" target="_blank">11.12.13</a> -- while its a mini night photography tutorial, its also the first astrophotography image I shot. <br /><br /><b>any travel plans or goals you have for next year?</b> Right now I'm in the process of mapping out a huge summer roadtrip in the western US for Summer 2015. I've had the time off approved by my supervisor, but due to some major work changes in the near future, I am not revealing too much in case it has to be shortened/altered between now and then.<br /><br /><b>what is your favorite trip/vacation you've ever taken?</b> Oh geez, that's a tough one. As a youth, both trips my family took to Disneyland and the Grand Canyon. I love the Disney parks and the stops at the natural wonders along the way, especially the Grand Canyon, are what started my love of the national parks as well as photographing our natural wonders. As an adult ... I can't choose. There's things about <a href="http://www.routebliss.com/category/the-photography/travel/austria/" target="_blank">Vienna, Austria</a> I loved even though it was a bittersweet trip. I loved <a href="http://www.routebliss.com/category/the-photography/travel/the-roadtrip-2009/" target="_blank">the 2009 roadtrip</a> I took as well as <a href="http://www.routebliss.com/category/the-photography/travel/the-roadtrip-2013/" target="_blank">my 2013 one</a> ... and I can't forget <a href="http://www.routebliss.com/category/the-photography/travel/route66/" target="_blank">the parts of Route 66</a> I've covered so far either!<br /><br /><b>share one of your favorite travel moments from 2014.</b> The only traveling I've done this year was to Little Rock, Arkansas to visit my best friend ... so spending time with her and capturing her engagement and bridal portraits as well as experiencing every moment of her wedding day with her.<br /><br /><b>any special plans for the holidays?</b> Other than sleeping in for 10 straight days, absolutely nothing beyond the norm with my parents and brother on Christmas Day!<br /><br /><b>where would you dream trip take you?</b> Either to Iceland or New Zealand. <br /><br /><b>describe yourself in 3 words:</b> Determined. Loyal. Overachieving.<br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>learn more about Christina on her blog: <a href="http://www.routebliss.com/" target="_blank">Route Bliss</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">and follow along with:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/christinamccall">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://instagram.com/christinamccall">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/10866421">Bloglovin</a> | <a href="https://www.google.com/+Routebliss66">Google +</a></div></div>

Taiwan thoughts.

if I had to pick one word for Taiwan, it might be juxtaposition . bright temples and billboards add contrast to the cement buildings that do...

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visiting Wulai waterfall + hot springs

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5KP81Vl_yxTyGKJLQrzrVJxS6QWd5wDhnezyhIhPx0_Rgo3d0n2v85ri1F4ZOi2CAUFm2TGvQZQzONo1NlPQpDVNJtgl40ZnJbKErBNZqSD_k8f-8RwEXZTLx7_12uL0v3x6t_LLFR-V/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5KP81Vl_yxTyGKJLQrzrVJxS6QWd5wDhnezyhIhPx0_Rgo3d0n2v85ri1F4ZOi2CAUFm2TGvQZQzONo1NlPQpDVNJtgl40ZnJbKErBNZqSD_k8f-8RwEXZTLx7_12uL0v3x6t_LLFR-V/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-10.jpg" /></a></div><br />Wulai is a small town outside of Taipei known for its natural hot springs, aboriginal culture, and of course Wulai Falls. many locals and tourists go for a soak in the river, or rent a room at a hot spring hotel which pipes water in for a more private experience. the water here is not sulfuric, so would be a good choice if you are put off by the smell of other springs.<br /><br />to get to Wulai, take the MRT to Xindian station and hop on bus 849. Wulai is the last stop, about 45 minutes through a winding and hilly drive. [you can also take a cab, but it will cost you 600 NT instead of 15]<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggG4TjAA4e2mqQ_xZONMMBgJxsjCFUOTsiRbrVA2STT3jbDPPYS1kxjGswYT-XXth0v7Il0_HOOceCG-XC1eKRsqqkWhRMDLllryT1j71uTi8NyE4VsaT5LwzMVs5CrfuTQXbLkJf8UxFh/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggG4TjAA4e2mqQ_xZONMMBgJxsjCFUOTsiRbrVA2STT3jbDPPYS1kxjGswYT-XXth0v7Il0_HOOceCG-XC1eKRsqqkWhRMDLllryT1j71uTi8NyE4VsaT5LwzMVs5CrfuTQXbLkJf8UxFh/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAkIGxidWtE1qALv1PkawsB4VAfF6u928nZiqOU9aVOnn25hOfbMuLSkTgrNYjeexa4gTl1C6q8dt8LelRTU_yD9fHLV8lAJQqz-J0X5EOCzmj-2oCd2gKlzF6X6P2R8-A29HzySAKxUz/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAkIGxidWtE1qALv1PkawsB4VAfF6u928nZiqOU9aVOnn25hOfbMuLSkTgrNYjeexa4gTl1C6q8dt8LelRTU_yD9fHLV8lAJQqz-J0X5EOCzmj-2oCd2gKlzF6X6P2R8-A29HzySAKxUz/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJQTYnzubuSchpfp-iOoEm-Q2rDo2EuUdxUXo_USN0ByB3L6OrBkDBI572EDsJKPmt6RBZ3tMskE09muhrNwLEhPcnYiQj57KxyNuyXY3I0So_qO5GErnz04EJhllj85dqjgcnxpzdg6_/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJQTYnzubuSchpfp-iOoEm-Q2rDo2EuUdxUXo_USN0ByB3L6OrBkDBI572EDsJKPmt6RBZ3tMskE09muhrNwLEhPcnYiQj57KxyNuyXY3I0So_qO5GErnz04EJhllj85dqjgcnxpzdg6_/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2f9I5c-5aAHfqy1_Czz2guvhtOCF8Rmpt0H2vgM2L21fKqX_Jj50XRAJCIHbq3iSwsuDqRnXoocSsA-2vhH0n6hrJUgZxwk5IV4ayUrYLum1m6Y7WRNGTOLVpVgcHka9ZACfMUl_oEGCs/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2f9I5c-5aAHfqy1_Czz2guvhtOCF8Rmpt0H2vgM2L21fKqX_Jj50XRAJCIHbq3iSwsuDqRnXoocSsA-2vhH0n6hrJUgZxwk5IV4ayUrYLum1m6Y7WRNGTOLVpVgcHka9ZACfMUl_oEGCs/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTYFy02EaiKwKNjoPjus0iTdGut7g-rRYOEHYWAk6k1AfZ3KTpD4_Y5mAxAxSsxeHGIH2E4wucd8zmJ7m5Otl9rMZeP4you_Q8enm6-Yp0SG2kpn-QyD7lSsdWTzJkx1AEYh2EEaUGgXj/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTYFy02EaiKwKNjoPjus0iTdGut7g-rRYOEHYWAk6k1AfZ3KTpD4_Y5mAxAxSsxeHGIH2E4wucd8zmJ7m5Otl9rMZeP4you_Q8enm6-Yp0SG2kpn-QyD7lSsdWTzJkx1AEYh2EEaUGgXj/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I visited on a hot and misty day last June with my brother - intending to explore the town, see the waterfall, and take a dip in the famous springs. after strolling through the main drag and crossing over the river to the hillside crowded with hot spring hotels, we discovered a strange little blue train. for 50NT, or less than $2US, it zipped us up to the waterfall viewing area in no time. thanks to the misty day and recent rains, the falls were flowing freely. [don't be fooled by how refreshing it looks in these photos though, it was HOT out.]<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQOeeFky4f4fxbgRIZ9MiJR-tVaq_q2h3RfvXQM-IxKAH6HeF6gb2LJPHhDoUCrG3ttu5E2BpXUikd4T2IDGUm-Ebgsn-Y6HE6noLadjXTBkOFWb_2253unldNluSqwcPkOroECKvxGlP/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQOeeFky4f4fxbgRIZ9MiJR-tVaq_q2h3RfvXQM-IxKAH6HeF6gb2LJPHhDoUCrG3ttu5E2BpXUikd4T2IDGUm-Ebgsn-Y6HE6noLadjXTBkOFWb_2253unldNluSqwcPkOroECKvxGlP/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-6.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LVxpkp4gNzag2KbLh2SvhsLNOYXQJspSTrffiUTqXpDjwAiPZDQjMzRyfYew1-nyiGg2IrGmza7ZF57R5XhYcmaj0zPDzfNUrWpWFgrqgB7KTxBBfZPnsVS9QI9pf0LEMdH9anOeylll/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LVxpkp4gNzag2KbLh2SvhsLNOYXQJspSTrffiUTqXpDjwAiPZDQjMzRyfYew1-nyiGg2IrGmza7ZF57R5XhYcmaj0zPDzfNUrWpWFgrqgB7KTxBBfZPnsVS9QI9pf0LEMdH9anOeylll/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-16.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SpFZfYyryXOIG7QSn8oqWhi1PLXDyB0aSniwL0alyk4oLyPCmkzrrOoY8YJMKD00hJms123K8Kj-ddVGjiYdN86kMgvctTxM5G6ddd-NQ3xkVmYTdupVgsBmIsDjN71B771zKpDTellL/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SpFZfYyryXOIG7QSn8oqWhi1PLXDyB0aSniwL0alyk4oLyPCmkzrrOoY8YJMKD00hJms123K8Kj-ddVGjiYdN86kMgvctTxM5G6ddd-NQ3xkVmYTdupVgsBmIsDjN71B771zKpDTellL/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-1pwXL0MHBTgzUAKRiIPkTWDdC4X3bvoMuJwnFqrj29Hi-T34qZsMlrN0ImD9k5GnsZUb5iWBmxon6_puP4nnnbjyFhYhcTNJ36FmMLiFR92Yj8QwE8cAQ5O4wwbghQOEDEOWZN5D-_t/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-1pwXL0MHBTgzUAKRiIPkTWDdC4X3bvoMuJwnFqrj29Hi-T34qZsMlrN0ImD9k5GnsZUb5iWBmxon6_puP4nnnbjyFhYhcTNJ36FmMLiFR92Yj8QwE8cAQ5O4wwbghQOEDEOWZN5D-_t/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />we were promptly befriended by a cat. both my brother and I love cats, so we spent a few minutes giving this stray some love before washing our hands and heading back to the waterfall. aside from the animals and some dancing shop girls in aboriginal gear, the area was nearly deserted. we visited on a weekday so the lack of crowds was a refreshing change from the crush in the city.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUWAUqiV23S7v0z6q0A-AAFzjQ-E7RJyIRJsXRUEr91zYveh7zoj0kDBWE46ZZq3dedqXdQwuu85ix28Y9-6Gi79JWFxjM53KBUNB9cJ_DqSL71L5bJNsXd1_1q7up6l2FNxsrc1rptgf/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUWAUqiV23S7v0z6q0A-AAFzjQ-E7RJyIRJsXRUEr91zYveh7zoj0kDBWE46ZZq3dedqXdQwuu85ix28Y9-6Gi79JWFxjM53KBUNB9cJ_DqSL71L5bJNsXd1_1q7up6l2FNxsrc1rptgf/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-14.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsoXwsCWKLRbDffqzH53buVApIHA4_dOW4IAg5__MuUL05RTuYgxf1sIibIVEvpwQdi1Od4TTBk36SORRrb0QY1NSr6uzKsZD0MasuY7RVRXZxYZrFNjIV7vygX2hCUm_aFypeq_M5ZpY/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsoXwsCWKLRbDffqzH53buVApIHA4_dOW4IAg5__MuUL05RTuYgxf1sIibIVEvpwQdi1Od4TTBk36SORRrb0QY1NSr6uzKsZD0MasuY7RVRXZxYZrFNjIV7vygX2hCUm_aFypeq_M5ZpY/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-15.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />if you climb back into the streets near the viewing platform, you can find the cable car station and take a ride up and across the gorge. round trip tickets cost 220NT [about $7US] and allow you to wander the park at the top of the waterfall as well. even though the day was steamy, we decided to continue our explorations.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZ1ofA5bK9QJVO4ouc2SuBote66kOQ53hRZBPAoDM1kmHDD8F8jId4x8rY5AgIH8z3-a0J-RSQAzjhawHBIpyvAcZJ_qLBn_uBWQgECrWSeyPPM7XZQyfwtWsY-Mxv9AEyZFSgnhOLI0J/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZ1ofA5bK9QJVO4ouc2SuBote66kOQ53hRZBPAoDM1kmHDD8F8jId4x8rY5AgIH8z3-a0J-RSQAzjhawHBIpyvAcZJ_qLBn_uBWQgECrWSeyPPM7XZQyfwtWsY-Mxv9AEyZFSgnhOLI0J/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixnlk69cnzBLt_-chcxwQWV-ixEfi0uwR5XtjsqGPAg9E2sNzkiKB1fYbbIcfIlwJsQOHsMwf0eeQxZ2vWZ9HvBtAfkjVKpzNsO3iOSZqKwbKlucxZVxuWmYcPmArSojraEs8UoYinHxB/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixnlk69cnzBLt_-chcxwQWV-ixEfi0uwR5XtjsqGPAg9E2sNzkiKB1fYbbIcfIlwJsQOHsMwf0eeQxZ2vWZ9HvBtAfkjVKpzNsO3iOSZqKwbKlucxZVxuWmYcPmArSojraEs8UoYinHxB/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0Y2do1YuK8t3rFVg2DJrf-eVjoKziG0tQIQWvq8wbKSqX9UciEyWJE2HDA5AC-LiIqhL1T24C37leFKjDsLe1e22Rxh0e-Z2Jm4LgEMRncEl47c3Caajp9WerdOeDGgzRlEoEIFFjon9/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0Y2do1YuK8t3rFVg2DJrf-eVjoKziG0tQIQWvq8wbKSqX9UciEyWJE2HDA5AC-LiIqhL1T24C37leFKjDsLe1e22Rxh0e-Z2Jm4LgEMRncEl47c3Caajp9WerdOeDGgzRlEoEIFFjon9/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhVq5vIGxVC7Vb_Ju90OfK6uEzN_dSNSr9klqYR86C8EPH9_kUURuk64I8AGJtJ7hswRsM_bV3as_S9__lXRf90IBI39PZrXxavJn1sjDd489yQozsILw5DoibYLbKUj5k0iTIouMnMOM/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhVq5vIGxVC7Vb_Ju90OfK6uEzN_dSNSr9klqYR86C8EPH9_kUURuk64I8AGJtJ7hswRsM_bV3as_S9__lXRf90IBI39PZrXxavJn1sjDd489yQozsILw5DoibYLbKUj5k0iTIouMnMOM/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-20.jpg" /></a></div><br />we discovered from the top that a series of smaller falls lead up to the large one. there is also a hotel, several cafes and food stands, and what looked to be a children's amusement park. we spent a few hours exploring the park and trails [and accidentally going for a dip in the river - a story for next time!] before taking the tram back down.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nlVSJ8arNxVPb58PQns3KC6alryM1QZYZMXT9PfmY3VZIyGjhAK0VUu02RhNosTGs-XmURQbYxW56Qguw3S8Jgnce5P42YmJsCIY0uxdWr2_OZ6Gb6RUqLfGJWSSjiUlEEWUKwjPEMci/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nlVSJ8arNxVPb58PQns3KC6alryM1QZYZMXT9PfmY3VZIyGjhAK0VUu02RhNosTGs-XmURQbYxW56Qguw3S8Jgnce5P42YmJsCIY0uxdWr2_OZ6Gb6RUqLfGJWSSjiUlEEWUKwjPEMci/s1600/wulaiwaterfall-9.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i>you might also notice that I've added a new page specifically with links to my <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/p/taiwan.html" target="_blank">Taiwan travels</a>. my other travel destinations around the world are <a href="http://www.inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/p/travel.html" target="_blank">still listed here</a>, but as I plan to explore and share more about Taiwan over the next few years, I felt this island deserved its own page.</i><br /><i><br /></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: right;">linking up with <a href="http://bonnieroseblog.co.uk/">Bonnie</a>, <a href="http://www.adelanteblog.com/">Courtney</a>, <a href="http://www.adventurings.com/">Cynthia</a>, and <a href="http://welaughanyway.blogspot.com/">Yalanda</a> for Travel Tuesday</div></span>

visiting Wulai waterfall + hot springs

Wulai is a small town outside of Taipei known for its natural hot springs, aboriginal culture, and of course Wulai Falls. many locals and to...

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the temples of Lotus Lake

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8AM8V4aMCKdH8RFWOsc9t1ERIo1jxMJsJW1MfTdoigoECgvnxf6jRiSag9BB1fvwgPRTsu-LTtxD7jEZg4j94ON1j2VEZeAZBcWdopIUTzNoGoCAj1pBvGLr3j-kL7S9GqXYMB-H9kd1/s1600/lotuslake-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8AM8V4aMCKdH8RFWOsc9t1ERIo1jxMJsJW1MfTdoigoECgvnxf6jRiSag9BB1fvwgPRTsu-LTtxD7jEZg4j94ON1j2VEZeAZBcWdopIUTzNoGoCAj1pBvGLr3j-kL7S9GqXYMB-H9kd1/s1600/lotuslake-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KiMu_UZve4XsCpfe7Q9t-06RWdy1NUJLfCyQ-3kuYaVtNzkzHw7oO3ZafUWPpFvE8pebfGdVq6OF1lbjlZSGAz5Y1vXuY5sfGhDVz4d7-juCACiYvBAdtGNdWj0_YV1UNUI_aRIxFPKA/s1600/lotuslake-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KiMu_UZve4XsCpfe7Q9t-06RWdy1NUJLfCyQ-3kuYaVtNzkzHw7oO3ZafUWPpFvE8pebfGdVq6OF1lbjlZSGAz5Y1vXuY5sfGhDVz4d7-juCACiYvBAdtGNdWj0_YV1UNUI_aRIxFPKA/s1600/lotuslake-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />the Lotus Lake area of Kaohsiung is packed with temples, pagodas, and pavilions. [I've already shown you the <a href="http://www.inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/10/kaohsiung-confucius-temple.html" target="_blank">Confucius temple</a> and the <a href="http://www.inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/11/kaohsiung-dragon-and-tiger-pagodas.html" target="_blank">Dragon Tiger Pagodas</a> - but there are plenty of temples not marked on the tourist map that I still found beautiful and photo-worthy.<br /><br />I've said it before and I'm sure I will say it again a thousand times over the course of living in Taiwan: one of my favorite things is that you can find temples while wandering just about anywhere.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXmUKRvqqY7q2qKtIlSPA-D1XHnI70DMStrXodgGhleK97b18SJsCoKWeBXkqgZtCJ-hmJorPabeXhkUNBGqnfH2GWhGTVTkz0QVJ5A6gNQFgR6KK1cSybKqPd9YjWE12OQyMbHmd41h6/s1600/lotuslake-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXmUKRvqqY7q2qKtIlSPA-D1XHnI70DMStrXodgGhleK97b18SJsCoKWeBXkqgZtCJ-hmJorPabeXhkUNBGqnfH2GWhGTVTkz0QVJ5A6gNQFgR6KK1cSybKqPd9YjWE12OQyMbHmd41h6/s1600/lotuslake-4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnHXpmZduhYTC31WYpjHhQ6RYOS0hA5IHGAArDnTYtiSJqOIl8FVyw-IASoxUkNtQ2vrnS9TaHYls8bSX4KvdwStMU6r9Ix_m58K0C8ZLYOW6_2UuJXN9CnbUl829Zvvk0kQuEsbOnsgM/s1600/lotuslake-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnHXpmZduhYTC31WYpjHhQ6RYOS0hA5IHGAArDnTYtiSJqOIl8FVyw-IASoxUkNtQ2vrnS9TaHYls8bSX4KvdwStMU6r9Ix_m58K0C8ZLYOW6_2UuJXN9CnbUl829Zvvk0kQuEsbOnsgM/s1600/lotuslake-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_48fe-oLe2zP17aHXmv3ZIRPn1mFGmCZ5KgIZUq5-3CzAG2fujHp397ii-KIEKuxt4sLFWr4XyotNHP-zc5yhHrlVv7UM892UkAWVBSB0uNrUhP2Qnr3WAy5SZ-as-Q_deZENKByDsW6/s1600/lotuslake-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_48fe-oLe2zP17aHXmv3ZIRPn1mFGmCZ5KgIZUq5-3CzAG2fujHp397ii-KIEKuxt4sLFWr4XyotNHP-zc5yhHrlVv7UM892UkAWVBSB0uNrUhP2Qnr3WAy5SZ-as-Q_deZENKByDsW6/s1600/lotuslake-2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyW61CpaJqy_kcNwqZq2HwEDlfUPVZOT81-sz5FR0UwX7A1tk5CHkx3JptXUapJr7qwR-ZaJMxhSI-9hvRRWu4cjvfumQtLVvgXYIS4g25rYvP8o-QFrU2U_adLHG-jYi3OvBhxd2QQ_Kk/s1600/lotuslake-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyW61CpaJqy_kcNwqZq2HwEDlfUPVZOT81-sz5FR0UwX7A1tk5CHkx3JptXUapJr7qwR-ZaJMxhSI-9hvRRWu4cjvfumQtLVvgXYIS4g25rYvP8o-QFrU2U_adLHG-jYi3OvBhxd2QQ_Kk/s1600/lotuslake-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORwJ4zwPpFHwbNVbZKCR3B8oc7kK9sQzmzKQAJBgnioBabdLFEHLAhw5xAfXJr3mylXnyit6pMGuLSNDG98MRREf58YgnvqCKD-b7uwv8gCidq2dqvumArZ9tEiD-K9W1rV5IbFCldzhT/s1600/lotuslake-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORwJ4zwPpFHwbNVbZKCR3B8oc7kK9sQzmzKQAJBgnioBabdLFEHLAhw5xAfXJr3mylXnyit6pMGuLSNDG98MRREf58YgnvqCKD-b7uwv8gCidq2dqvumArZ9tEiD-K9W1rV5IbFCldzhT/s1600/lotuslake-3.jpg" /></a></div><br />all of these temples were visible just by walking around the lake path - and we could spot plenty of dragon-topped roofs just a few blocks further back. just another reminder to keep your eyes open and look beyond the guidebook.<br /><br />- - - - - - - - - - - - -<br /><br /><i>and now I'd like to introduce you to my featured sponsor this month. Olivia is the Australian traveler behind the blog <a href="http://halfwaysomewhere.com/" target="_blank">Halfway Somewhere</a>, where she shares her travels and tips on everything from taking <a href="http://halfwaysomewhere.com/how-to-take-solo-travel-self-portraits/" target="_blank">photos while traveling solo</a> to how to survive an <a href="http://halfwaysomewhere.com/survive-overnight-train/" target="_blank">overnight train journey</a>. I'm also in love with this clever DIY project she imagined - <a href="http://halfwaysomewhere.com/foreign-coin-magnets-diy/" target="_blank">turning leftover foreign coins into magnets</a>. read on to get to know her better, then stop by her blog for more!</i><br /><b><br /></b><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQ34AKdoWmbPwukIZz6IzeYOjbJSrgtp7ctZplBimDTAjUCW0OM6xHEE9ZrgRJIlky7VIZKnh7BnqySfdcO_6MckI8ZlcQzrUPw_F3RlaDA-EN7olZ1FA-uWfr9-7iuUkFiqGZA-QA0n_/s1600/20141026-IMG_0059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQ34AKdoWmbPwukIZz6IzeYOjbJSrgtp7ctZplBimDTAjUCW0OM6xHEE9ZrgRJIlky7VIZKnh7BnqySfdcO_6MckI8ZlcQzrUPw_F3RlaDA-EN7olZ1FA-uWfr9-7iuUkFiqGZA-QA0n_/s1600/20141026-IMG_0059.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>I'm Olivia</b>. I'm an International Studies student from Melbourne, Australia, although I try to get out of the country as much as I can. I like to move overseas and spend 6 months or more in a place as opposed to taking trips where you're constantly on the move, so that's what I write about the most on <a href="http://halfwaysomewhere.com/" target="_blank">Halfway Somewhere</a> - moving overseas, studying overseas, taking a gap year, all that fun stuff.<br /><br /><b>what are some of your favorite posts, and why?</b> I recently wrote one called <a href="http://halfwaysomewhere.com/australians-first-impressions-america/" target="_blank">An Australian's first impressions of America</a> that was both really fun to think up while I was in the States this year and seems to have resonated with a lot of people, both Americans and visitors, which is always nice. <br /><br />Another one I really like is <a href="http://halfwaysomewhere.com/can-harry-potter-teach-you-a-new-language/" target="_blank">Can Harry Potter teach you a new language</a>? I grew up on Harry Potter and basically love everything about it, so using it to learn Spanish was a lot of fun. Turns out it's not an uncommon thing to do, which is awesome.<br /><br /><b>what is your favorite trip you've ever taken?</b> While I've never had a bad trip yet and I love all the trips I've done for different reasons, my favourite is probably my first big one <a href="http://halfwaysomewhere.com/afford-big-trip-in-high-school/" target="_blank">when I moved to Ireland</a> after high school. It was the first time I was on my own and out of my parents' house and I was living and working with some great people who I still see as much as I can, even though we're all spread out across the world now. I'd always wanted to spend my life travelling and that trip was like confirmation that this is what I want to do.<br /><br /><b>where would your dream trip take you?</b> My dream trip is to buy an old Winnebago and spend months (years?) driving slowly around the world. I'll have to get it in the States since they're so cheap over there, so I'll explore Canada and America for a while and then bring it home to Australia somehow. That's probably two years away now, but I talk about it all the time. I try not to write about it too much since it's not happening soon, but every now and then I can't help it and <a href="http://halfwaysomewhere.com/go/winnebago/" target="_blank">dedicate a post to that dream</a>.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>learn more about Olivia on her blog: <a href="http://halfwaysomewhere.com/" target="_blank">halfway somewhere</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">or follow along with:</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11396161" target="_blank">bloglovin</a> + <a href="http://twitter.com/halfsomewhere" target="_blank">twitter</a> + <a href="http://instagram.com/halfsomewhere" target="_blank">instagram</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div></div>

the temples of Lotus Lake

the Lotus Lake area of Kaohsiung is packed with temples, pagodas, and pavilions. [I've already shown you the Confucius temple and the D...

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Kaohsiung // dragon and tiger pagodas

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtM_V-AN8MvJtmzG0_wEQIofWdJKnqfhZgspX-Tlj3L6cMwDn4sv9bjUyHPq26O1tFpY6mayTTY5lEjety9iH90wisXGL_Fu9H6IZYji6V_QBy4FkJRGhTycP5SAyun-ang0UTOu5ZE7f/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtM_V-AN8MvJtmzG0_wEQIofWdJKnqfhZgspX-Tlj3L6cMwDn4sv9bjUyHPq26O1tFpY6mayTTY5lEjety9iH90wisXGL_Fu9H6IZYji6V_QBy4FkJRGhTycP5SAyun-ang0UTOu5ZE7f/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-25.jpg" /></a></div><br />have you ever wanted to stick your head in the jaws of a tiger? or know what it's like to be swallowed by a giant, scaled beast? our visit to the dragon and tiger pagodas at lotus lake in Kaohsiung let us do both in the the span of 20 minutes.<br /><br />[warning: this is going to be a photo-heavy post... because you know how I love my dragons]<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-C3NwYNxDw_rrNi481XD67G8dBZKaf9oZ9VgM75nfNNSQ5XgOTzLa75PQYAttetRyQEVEsmtexudABxSN94nfCfe2lRps0yjMhTK1odF-SiXkW3dYgTsEvq5TbaEbycP_Ft4KaGSKAFM/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-C3NwYNxDw_rrNi481XD67G8dBZKaf9oZ9VgM75nfNNSQ5XgOTzLa75PQYAttetRyQEVEsmtexudABxSN94nfCfe2lRps0yjMhTK1odF-SiXkW3dYgTsEvq5TbaEbycP_Ft4KaGSKAFM/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBoritG-EarGd1wAaGUTbV7mvaHwrsYIko0ylGm88Xyr3bcmEu7l6rIQsQVfL0qMXAH2plfukDyFAL8Tqq-lXTk7tZTTpfK92MrXGFqX_TSGq5TlEJSzcYtn-5g0DMUp7aObc1fB02ZTi/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBoritG-EarGd1wAaGUTbV7mvaHwrsYIko0ylGm88Xyr3bcmEu7l6rIQsQVfL0qMXAH2plfukDyFAL8Tqq-lXTk7tZTTpfK92MrXGFqX_TSGq5TlEJSzcYtn-5g0DMUp7aObc1fB02ZTi/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-24.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhVb06IK5a7HErxh4yiQDbZzgvv21tFE5Ko542ODxvySX5yfEDooVp7rKDDZ26vJnpDXhLPcv_pMLfUuyb0S4XbT_CGoMctjkWNv_9auvZgXw-D6fWC49dieRhg6iJivT5TSiU3Au3pfs/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhVb06IK5a7HErxh4yiQDbZzgvv21tFE5Ko542ODxvySX5yfEDooVp7rKDDZ26vJnpDXhLPcv_pMLfUuyb0S4XbT_CGoMctjkWNv_9auvZgXw-D6fWC49dieRhg6iJivT5TSiU3Au3pfs/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjTsfu0AOnfEt-B19i9tXNcitIz0aYZGFQWHrtPbgx91y8_I7h33zzVKnN_wyiaRwhfJSD5BwrFll_cBuEhGAc1lB25x1aqRj_Cg-bGxctVmFjDKB01DpPydJe9SMg_DQ_8NUQ246ufqA/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjTsfu0AOnfEt-B19i9tXNcitIz0aYZGFQWHrtPbgx91y8_I7h33zzVKnN_wyiaRwhfJSD5BwrFll_cBuEhGAc1lB25x1aqRj_Cg-bGxctVmFjDKB01DpPydJe9SMg_DQ_8NUQ246ufqA/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfDNudEM8Whbh9tq9GxJPUnHo5zDSQwnkHwI1wEfJ1UBsLgL58RZNdSAI7xKw3vfwSKhLyUrqLRpjvXTXPMcY-HbWwAAikBz-a3BdIcp3syca6VsaEF9MoF7GYrdWNMswYRE7vh_PDKHS/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfDNudEM8Whbh9tq9GxJPUnHo5zDSQwnkHwI1wEfJ1UBsLgL58RZNdSAI7xKw3vfwSKhLyUrqLRpjvXTXPMcY-HbWwAAikBz-a3BdIcp3syca6VsaEF9MoF7GYrdWNMswYRE7vh_PDKHS/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZZSwMuV-IrLYu4KwMeTbbvMzzIrT7sVCCqW6rzLOvuM3aQv1DnKQ9gyNQ5ABkPWjY4t477okPkNxXs7m_uaZhEKzdT4BsgysNz_8kIXLcNtcmIKSKze3hyphenhyphen2bs2dbqTQObAFSt4bW_KW9/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZZSwMuV-IrLYu4KwMeTbbvMzzIrT7sVCCqW6rzLOvuM3aQv1DnKQ9gyNQ5ABkPWjY4t477okPkNxXs7m_uaZhEKzdT4BsgysNz_8kIXLcNtcmIKSKze3hyphenhyphen2bs2dbqTQObAFSt4bW_KW9/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-19.jpg" /></a></div><br />these twin pagodas are perched on the south end of lotus lake, seven stories tall. you begin by walking a winding bridge path, then enter through the enormous dragon. climb a few levels of spiral staircase and you'll find yourself face to face with dragons on a smaller scale [but no less fascinating.] this was the second time I've gotten up close and personal <a href="http://www.inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/09/temple-dragons-hsinchu-taiwan.html" target="_blank">with my scaly friends</a>. I love how they are always similar but not quite the same.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbbvXk3IylsF9tx4LxXYDTFMsAcvMvNZXm2GUeLG6-VX_VXUq3ugZO-5h4RcdqsU7G6FFq0E8jQZ0qba7KrfFIo7qT8q-YCF-1N09z4caS1YWm4z6YaRibBqwD2QKrGbHTMn95KBsA_uJ/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbbvXk3IylsF9tx4LxXYDTFMsAcvMvNZXm2GUeLG6-VX_VXUq3ugZO-5h4RcdqsU7G6FFq0E8jQZ0qba7KrfFIo7qT8q-YCF-1N09z4caS1YWm4z6YaRibBqwD2QKrGbHTMn95KBsA_uJ/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-21.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssEGFRf0EF36AIqGFCr8_q3bbIF_wPN48DAbMf4CuoXLuBZEv2OLU-gx7LYaopVGzIHhIcpTVNcM1W8HNVjyEe6LEYPO96ocDxtPfn_-twXXyL-A4kf47YeqyfUmyAv6XxtTcc4FBT-RB/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssEGFRf0EF36AIqGFCr8_q3bbIF_wPN48DAbMf4CuoXLuBZEv2OLU-gx7LYaopVGzIHhIcpTVNcM1W8HNVjyEe6LEYPO96ocDxtPfn_-twXXyL-A4kf47YeqyfUmyAv6XxtTcc4FBT-RB/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lsZRYLAsyxlNtEsttKN4ujLkqGN57A9rUOfGiB0OWjsZ271BUVZZqYIkzuwrf3qnG5PNH37Z6yrYfVNZ8COuHNh11cHEPg_SkjPCtI8_R4QD7KrApAje9WavRW279sWRnJcqeEO9DdQ7/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lsZRYLAsyxlNtEsttKN4ujLkqGN57A9rUOfGiB0OWjsZ271BUVZZqYIkzuwrf3qnG5PNH37Z6yrYfVNZ8COuHNh11cHEPg_SkjPCtI8_R4QD7KrApAje9WavRW279sWRnJcqeEO9DdQ7/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJ40_2ZRWJzeQ4yI8-1SSF2ZG3s0xDxJYdL_uuZsSnw8RAnNJdf4Ya5ctv_Xhbjfqjqr-MoEbd_PlctFOJXUVTBO64U3AiKdTIwFidFgawczIXz8Qh99RAlQe-GHhOIhY45JlaCetS_ps/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJ40_2ZRWJzeQ4yI8-1SSF2ZG3s0xDxJYdL_uuZsSnw8RAnNJdf4Ya5ctv_Xhbjfqjqr-MoEbd_PlctFOJXUVTBO64U3AiKdTIwFidFgawczIXz8Qh99RAlQe-GHhOIhY45JlaCetS_ps/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />both pagodas are decorated inside and out with elaborate carvings, paintings, and tilework. they aren't exactly ancient... the pagodas [and much of the other attractions in the lotus lake area] were constructed in the 1950s and 1960s. but then again, much of Taiwan is not any older than that either.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C7h1kMnIkSC_m0qzsZVUFZBRntUnE-FW8KHcZLPGIe2iPTU4dCXtd8aVIwMjJZTH0AKM2DuwNKyNZAVlqeVbPitK5Qk2gmjeCBX5AdzpS4MfgP0nJrFeVYz3b8_XuxBzMioVkEBF064V/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C7h1kMnIkSC_m0qzsZVUFZBRntUnE-FW8KHcZLPGIe2iPTU4dCXtd8aVIwMjJZTH0AKM2DuwNKyNZAVlqeVbPitK5Qk2gmjeCBX5AdzpS4MfgP0nJrFeVYz3b8_XuxBzMioVkEBF064V/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakc3gEyzKuA7B_RU9uJvSwhB11vTPCVhc7o4i_Q7eqY5XvwlqZZ7_sb67bvPuYlsCLE_Js2gXWPJnCecc0LeZ5wlBr_KCPlipz2A06HgS2ZWOMicsbqUvJ63Na4y_uVtq-3gU0NxCaqTs/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakc3gEyzKuA7B_RU9uJvSwhB11vTPCVhc7o4i_Q7eqY5XvwlqZZ7_sb67bvPuYlsCLE_Js2gXWPJnCecc0LeZ5wlBr_KCPlipz2A06HgS2ZWOMicsbqUvJ63Na4y_uVtq-3gU0NxCaqTs/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-20.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6r3Y2KMBqwXLb9pXQ1g0APaxjHI-zPnMhBATUS3R896edgVfd9ek4PkmKxb5YTbX7BGNiNbcJr1U5TwcWmwzYLQgLdgRku3NOSb8NWmm04qsyB6Vl1TfKVnvpf3L8L1DqfSdxgzablyc/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6r3Y2KMBqwXLb9pXQ1g0APaxjHI-zPnMhBATUS3R896edgVfd9ek4PkmKxb5YTbX7BGNiNbcJr1U5TwcWmwzYLQgLdgRku3NOSb8NWmm04qsyB6Vl1TfKVnvpf3L8L1DqfSdxgzablyc/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJ3U1m5OJMO3JeuyQtyBHBUrvOx9an5oDKjXVBgDONNmJhImdPSrMKBm62Bli5UeUozqiqNcDEpOLQx8sftdRjJgxPJOwn9SwfVkg1UPChtXGRhb9UiqD7o15t9AiSUypdtcJomhIBEM3/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJ3U1m5OJMO3JeuyQtyBHBUrvOx9an5oDKjXVBgDONNmJhImdPSrMKBm62Bli5UeUozqiqNcDEpOLQx8sftdRjJgxPJOwn9SwfVkg1UPChtXGRhb9UiqD7o15t9AiSUypdtcJomhIBEM3/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-yQ6P-o27ura5FeAyB7eFeLMBMoXf2FhTQAwi2HowtO1mDpULllksuMTYnHgI6lq9bNkCRAQxDcTTgYrqHzQzWB-OQBtXxpf4mICehLiU_r948E_63ePgk5iWqpcxJwjx9DjmyfOrlQ4/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-yQ6P-o27ura5FeAyB7eFeLMBMoXf2FhTQAwi2HowtO1mDpULllksuMTYnHgI6lq9bNkCRAQxDcTTgYrqHzQzWB-OQBtXxpf4mICehLiU_r948E_63ePgk5iWqpcxJwjx9DjmyfOrlQ4/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-23.jpg" /></a></div><br />you exit through the tiger's mouth, since "entering a dragon's throat and coming out a lion's mouth symbolizes turning bad luck to good fortune." or at least according to <a href="http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002121&id=R157" target="_blank">this website</a>. the tigers done up in tilework were also pretty amazing. I've seen a few creatures other than dragons, but these guys with their stripes were a unique sight. [or maybe this is just because I love cats?] we also enjoyed the breeze from a few levels up, since it was well into the 90F range.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQv7Wz04ZmkWuyTzx2otghViJfm1qud9ZzRLTyWZys_vDJRaswFab6QKB7A6X4L3bxoTrR9mtddQCAOeLNDGhjvNwKVSUFKXgX_AE8Fn2FglPF_d38XEfExcMZdxDOodQ5JmYD4pbuLytF/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQv7Wz04ZmkWuyTzx2otghViJfm1qud9ZzRLTyWZys_vDJRaswFab6QKB7A6X4L3bxoTrR9mtddQCAOeLNDGhjvNwKVSUFKXgX_AE8Fn2FglPF_d38XEfExcMZdxDOodQ5JmYD4pbuLytF/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEdXEv0HSCUJY1jTiAWV7GiPhcR2ioZObt02aR0VS3YKUxjKjMY3zn5jO644B5fG0cuaEP7eYtYnjqarmc1UXp_csTRXEgsTTWp3lFunbvXGV2Xov_IDPR0I9q85KisRcEKRnTQ5ww9ar/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEdXEv0HSCUJY1jTiAWV7GiPhcR2ioZObt02aR0VS3YKUxjKjMY3zn5jO644B5fG0cuaEP7eYtYnjqarmc1UXp_csTRXEgsTTWp3lFunbvXGV2Xov_IDPR0I9q85KisRcEKRnTQ5ww9ar/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-17.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2n4TwWqYEDCE5ePh95plMcZq4AzzK3e1P_nnRpVxQ5gbDc01dspYXiFbURiMAqjbgXRWZlcsMe0742jnwCmh_UyZc6_n8OWtMburJZF6rVbLBTCIhfo51jSgV-hts1fMSLoy7nH6KOiEe/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2n4TwWqYEDCE5ePh95plMcZq4AzzK3e1P_nnRpVxQ5gbDc01dspYXiFbURiMAqjbgXRWZlcsMe0742jnwCmh_UyZc6_n8OWtMburJZF6rVbLBTCIhfo51jSgV-hts1fMSLoy7nH6KOiEe/s1600/DragonTigerPagodaTower-18.jpg" /></a></div><br />if you are in Kaohsiung and looking to spend a few hours, you can walk around the lotus lake and visit these pagodas and several other attractions, including the <a href="http://www.inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/10/kaohsiung-confucius-temple.html" target="_blank">Confucius temple</a>. this area is definitely touristy, but still fun to explore. [I mean... how many opportunities will you have to walk through the belly of a tiger?]

Kaohsiung // dragon and tiger pagodas

have you ever wanted to stick your head in the jaws of a tiger? or know what it's like to be swallowed by a giant, scaled beast? our vis...

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