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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Hsinchu // Jhulian Temple

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0aLDO_iMRYAZ44aHVXGuX-wEsiFIAD72jQ7kJ6UEIwTw8lVTmaFEY00gBJDdUK8vx5TtjaoPHnYYZahjPsCxysDgh99JgKsNMYOYNyGQlr_Av-NxDX2HL4fvKvdfwLImiYHVBKCrBsQT/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0aLDO_iMRYAZ44aHVXGuX-wEsiFIAD72jQ7kJ6UEIwTw8lVTmaFEY00gBJDdUK8vx5TtjaoPHnYYZahjPsCxysDgh99JgKsNMYOYNyGQlr_Av-NxDX2HL4fvKvdfwLImiYHVBKCrBsQT/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />unlike some of the <a href="http://www.inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/10/legends-of-hidden-temple.html" target="_blank">smaller temples</a> around town, the Jhulian Temple is tough to miss. an imposing courtyard flanked by food stalls and stone carvings, a large golden brazier for burning incense, and [of course] dozens of colorful dragons.<br /><br />according to the helpful sign posted nearby, the Jhulian Temple [also known as the Bamboo Lotus Temple] is one of Hsinchu's 3 main temples. it is dedicated to the boddhisatva Guanyin and subsidiary deities Jhusheng Niangniang [Registrar of Births], Fude Jhengsheng [Lord of the Land], and Jing Jhugong [Lord Protector of the Boundary]<br /><br />I don't really have much to add to that [other than: "blue sky, pretty dragons"] so how about some pictures?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NJpe7UEcLM18Pn9apTcw2vEE8ks_X5pTTS-jQ554Vjn5HE3rqDT75tZlFJCCUy0_NGZKzYL4eYxv4kkgaFlxnDYbveUlWEgv1cWKV3KK4RIXAs5NlAso9Q_Fl6mG4UoL3nUg75s8PeWm/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NJpe7UEcLM18Pn9apTcw2vEE8ks_X5pTTS-jQ554Vjn5HE3rqDT75tZlFJCCUy0_NGZKzYL4eYxv4kkgaFlxnDYbveUlWEgv1cWKV3KK4RIXAs5NlAso9Q_Fl6mG4UoL3nUg75s8PeWm/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8comuevZOnWootVHYBocRwV7KivfOOMq58gbBbqNyedDPXl8gTwlOEGpiwuk6xNV4wJgq7ZoOTUaPTYsiCr1jO4a6ISff8XNU2XquMBtL2xSqO7sFVYIkubyao6b4KwYLtGrx2HDbLNj/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8comuevZOnWootVHYBocRwV7KivfOOMq58gbBbqNyedDPXl8gTwlOEGpiwuk6xNV4wJgq7ZoOTUaPTYsiCr1jO4a6ISff8XNU2XquMBtL2xSqO7sFVYIkubyao6b4KwYLtGrx2HDbLNj/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10xxF66oQo2huaG17lB8tKt9ddDqf1PbDMC-KUiSUk7RtC-LLfrHmpi_DEtrMc17cR7yt6ERPH4hhdtvOdQFT2MFZ434dUJK0t-GnXP749b3UQSJHk97edDNzepuqCeUua9NOXU-RY5s7/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10xxF66oQo2huaG17lB8tKt9ddDqf1PbDMC-KUiSUk7RtC-LLfrHmpi_DEtrMc17cR7yt6ERPH4hhdtvOdQFT2MFZ434dUJK0t-GnXP749b3UQSJHk97edDNzepuqCeUua9NOXU-RY5s7/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmJFhSDodHuOBP8D672f03YM6F2tzz8knRx0jKGioWmtoh1YkYzMQxuz_g4NQ79gqZndoIvhxosZuDNEXDrPuBCK_zIyGEbbW43gTpQR8ssjj2NsTFbfPn17H90JFfgGjdmNMh79gEZ4r/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmJFhSDodHuOBP8D672f03YM6F2tzz8knRx0jKGioWmtoh1YkYzMQxuz_g4NQ79gqZndoIvhxosZuDNEXDrPuBCK_zIyGEbbW43gTpQR8ssjj2NsTFbfPn17H90JFfgGjdmNMh79gEZ4r/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWe8pLGgdJwapirUp5dc_Xu8g18XYnbH5u4yJv70CksHhXD7xwEq4m7FDIB9y-tZZLy2Kcq2pAx_D6-kj1cfy_d0lmFu-1tCMiX6ggav-rT9LbIJYiO33JE16bprZzCM1BNl0DjrZnxXU/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWe8pLGgdJwapirUp5dc_Xu8g18XYnbH5u4yJv70CksHhXD7xwEq4m7FDIB9y-tZZLy2Kcq2pAx_D6-kj1cfy_d0lmFu-1tCMiX6ggav-rT9LbIJYiO33JE16bprZzCM1BNl0DjrZnxXU/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWZ5GisBD_oeHI7XW74n3vZkYP9P6-ftZEGs6zx_C988OKLXXRgGLTyJqB0V-XzyXYXpXUrhkth7IgP9EYpLNKskeC5M96wG6-YGtZ9ywq6xx-c2C_XlX-AadlnwQbMvKa-ep1XlMqsXY/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWZ5GisBD_oeHI7XW74n3vZkYP9P6-ftZEGs6zx_C988OKLXXRgGLTyJqB0V-XzyXYXpXUrhkth7IgP9EYpLNKskeC5M96wG6-YGtZ9ywq6xx-c2C_XlX-AadlnwQbMvKa-ep1XlMqsXY/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CYcdnQYSEeQrzij7XzfT-11qVNgPJL4UaSdEnd3iOs38G5U7DpkaNusX670odKmoCFR4Y_1RPu9mcIk3YFrkhgGUY962DRat9DxAQYEjCQ4SQuOcdJ2JfyHcghhNkKnQeshuDKg0RYLJ/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CYcdnQYSEeQrzij7XzfT-11qVNgPJL4UaSdEnd3iOs38G5U7DpkaNusX670odKmoCFR4Y_1RPu9mcIk3YFrkhgGUY962DRat9DxAQYEjCQ4SQuOcdJ2JfyHcghhNkKnQeshuDKg0RYLJ/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmvs45MGZPhFBwIkOtHSN0RlAHHV-LKZ9Qp_5uwcpA3PYPSNOy8vKbu-9aYrLM5heTplgkSswliz9Si-XfdNg6J78Odm98eg_DmTZlHr8fEsUschb2K15t5bPxrX-DiM_msiQv5ResBqR/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmvs45MGZPhFBwIkOtHSN0RlAHHV-LKZ9Qp_5uwcpA3PYPSNOy8vKbu-9aYrLM5heTplgkSswliz9Si-XfdNg6J78Odm98eg_DmTZlHr8fEsUschb2K15t5bPxrX-DiM_msiQv5ResBqR/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPn7fhBvQC5S-Kk4PLfZ06nwdVeTJegaBdRuCz-4Rdal9ZFFHgEHVmUHXo9M3AV4Dcd6OTOSpf85IBY-DiTfnu3m1NBRlTOzNXOO1iaMYD8YVuUldFGzG4YNloKKI8R6vAF16KeMAjOt8T/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPn7fhBvQC5S-Kk4PLfZ06nwdVeTJegaBdRuCz-4Rdal9ZFFHgEHVmUHXo9M3AV4Dcd6OTOSpf85IBY-DiTfnu3m1NBRlTOzNXOO1iaMYD8YVuUldFGzG4YNloKKI8R6vAF16KeMAjOt8T/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Jhulian Temple is probably the most impressive I have discovered [yet] in Hsinchu. I love the tiny temples tucked into alleyways, but places like this are real stunners too. I hope you guys don't ever get sick of seeing photos of dragons, because I doubt I'll ever be tired of taking them...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifd7n89qM5Wjf50xzj1HCfOmhUUaSXmdC6Y9fttPevTrkiznLVpkcM6Yalsjt3jRjCa7ZEuiWFpzwsV_Mql06er0SaL_j_FgnAtZnzmvCJTSXA6OeXDdBIcsadeFG0MdghKER-3ofG6Rjg/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifd7n89qM5Wjf50xzj1HCfOmhUUaSXmdC6Y9fttPevTrkiznLVpkcM6Yalsjt3jRjCa7ZEuiWFpzwsV_Mql06er0SaL_j_FgnAtZnzmvCJTSXA6OeXDdBIcsadeFG0MdghKER-3ofG6Rjg/s1600/JhulianTempleHsinchu-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span>

Hsinchu // Jhulian Temple

unlike some of the smaller temples around town, the Jhulian Temple is tough to miss. an imposing courtyard flanked by food stalls and stone...

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legends of the hidden temple

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kl-bnA6KXysLkjjY8kwdV9Li60Gdbtc-mgpcb5AH51v6RH3_r1EUHqVovkFzEaf2D9RDGQ7StokUoTYek71tzKodvRSe1cK53vCgQbUuskqSnIE5quIY_PFGYR4LUni45hCu4u6JlWAf/s1600/hiddentempleHsinchu-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kl-bnA6KXysLkjjY8kwdV9Li60Gdbtc-mgpcb5AH51v6RH3_r1EUHqVovkFzEaf2D9RDGQ7StokUoTYek71tzKodvRSe1cK53vCgQbUuskqSnIE5quIY_PFGYR4LUni45hCu4u6JlWAf/s1600/hiddentempleHsinchu-7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">for the past 2 years, I have been spying this temple out of the corner of my eye. a quick flash of red and a dragon-topped roof, peeking out of an alley. it's just off one of the main roads I drive on a weekly basis.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">nearly every time I'd drive past, I would tell myself "I should stop there are and take pictures." or "I should drive down that alley and check it out." BUT I didn't have my camera, or was on my way to get my haircut, or had groceries that needed to get home. so in my mind this place became more and more of a mystery. I started referring to it as "that hidden temple in that alley" which inevitably led to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legends_of_the_Hidden_Temple" target="_blank">90s gameshow flashbacks</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">well, I finally made it a point to stop with my camera and grab some pictures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCZy3Wfn_TF1uJg-BjRdWniM0N9-B0KqaB4tTkQBsknGmo24dvhpRntlKJnbSrnsXtnLJW7p07erTin8FA2cWbQaBXvU0qZ9Rik_jBlOIh5WYzVjBPbddfpp_G1voFgM9lapPubt0dtxT/s1600/hiddentempleHsinchu-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCZy3Wfn_TF1uJg-BjRdWniM0N9-B0KqaB4tTkQBsknGmo24dvhpRntlKJnbSrnsXtnLJW7p07erTin8FA2cWbQaBXvU0qZ9Rik_jBlOIh5WYzVjBPbddfpp_G1voFgM9lapPubt0dtxT/s1600/hiddentempleHsinchu-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-oc0BcN0EaysyvoQJj-KWzT-qnjimEC2qA-TpX_86e0jEv8SGSpGEBaMJOTJoKJ3hwaXOw4puTLl1y-dwb1jNczmjQAe4U95keQj6xmISMu_chEJxntndU3I7OPs4IxJdntzpwJnr_ry/s1600/hiddentempleHsinchu-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-oc0BcN0EaysyvoQJj-KWzT-qnjimEC2qA-TpX_86e0jEv8SGSpGEBaMJOTJoKJ3hwaXOw4puTLl1y-dwb1jNczmjQAe4U95keQj6xmISMu_chEJxntndU3I7OPs4IxJdntzpwJnr_ry/s1600/hiddentempleHsinchu-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbhcErNoGPixnZAULqtDibMZOdvy9t3ANWt12356VbXGYvci_FlxJcG3Z8HM_TaYIJlQmcAVXCh9UK92PFSqYAiiaFR8EwyoNnrx0dxMUX0323-PqtOvHHSRyoME95YA0IW_j0OC2AZZ0/s1600/hiddentempleHsinchu-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbhcErNoGPixnZAULqtDibMZOdvy9t3ANWt12356VbXGYvci_FlxJcG3Z8HM_TaYIJlQmcAVXCh9UK92PFSqYAiiaFR8EwyoNnrx0dxMUX0323-PqtOvHHSRyoME95YA0IW_j0OC2AZZ0/s1600/hiddentempleHsinchu-6.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-pCg570GqpJ4ULdmP6sJcafWdyxBz63O5nvYENsczc41v8bhUhgZqw3eYE07X6BEeOAooHNkhS25Zc42esFo6CUvStsfXO3QuAkTPZBnDGEl9IBj2XCKUE6AM66UmppUoyfmdZeT6_jT/s1600/hiddentempleHsinchu-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-pCg570GqpJ4ULdmP6sJcafWdyxBz63O5nvYENsczc41v8bhUhgZqw3eYE07X6BEeOAooHNkhS25Zc42esFo6CUvStsfXO3QuAkTPZBnDGEl9IBj2XCKUE6AM66UmppUoyfmdZeT6_jT/s1600/hiddentempleHsinchu-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><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;"><br /></div>it's not the largest temple. not the prettiest or oldest. it's build in the most awkward of places. but it's a symbol of something I love most about Taiwan - the <i>unexpectedness</i>. because around these parts, you never know when a hidden temple will reveal itself around the next corner.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVF7ZXvMGQKzJSIZiE9Ks4rqrnavgMiYTAvNuUX4qLIfcsERTVj-gnzxARCglTQPx2DNjW0qFzF7miOYAqgsiUNSIzsg11-fFM6JRBh5ZMN-Ac3LsTpJLOs2LFyqwPAXO8ljCyWyfJWpd/s1600/hiddentempleHsinchu-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVF7ZXvMGQKzJSIZiE9Ks4rqrnavgMiYTAvNuUX4qLIfcsERTVj-gnzxARCglTQPx2DNjW0qFzF7miOYAqgsiUNSIzsg11-fFM6JRBh5ZMN-Ac3LsTpJLOs2LFyqwPAXO8ljCyWyfJWpd/s1600/hiddentempleHsinchu-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i>and now I'd like to introduce you to this month's featured sponsor: Maria of <a href="http://wanderlust-mac.blogspot.pt/" target="_blank">Wanderlust.</a> she is currently living on the coast of Portugal, and it is every bit as lovely as you'd imagine. [I'm dying over the <a href="http://wanderlust-mac.blogspot.pt/2014/06/costa-vicentina.html" target="_blank">photos of this beach</a>!] her recent posts detailing <a href="http://wanderlust-mac.blogspot.pt/search/label/London" target="_blank">her travels to London</a> are filled with gorgeous photos as well.</i><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TX1bvCHGbvUq0vC04XPIRjZjKnGHM9Ruw4vV3o5hdi_AMmmW_h_dq-uu1jX1tQJ6zVDD-gdXOosTvRHYKiPPy0inNa1jPT0B_-Dtyvf2FbNH0wnYUVfTy9o_Dep4OXv0RFUl5_ssedWq/s1600/20141003-inkpic.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/AVvXsEj2TX1bvCHGbvUq0vC04XPIRjZjKnGHM9Ruw4vV3o5hdi_AMmmW_h_dq-uu1jX1tQJ6zVDD-gdXOosTvRHYKiPPy0inNa1jPT0B_-Dtyvf2FbNH0wnYUVfTy9o_Dep4OXv0RFUl5_ssedWq/s1600/20141003-inkpic.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>I'm Maria Ana</b>, an nineteen-year-old university student who's currently living in Lisbon. My biggest passion is to travel and that's the main subject of my blog. Explore new cultures, its people, its food, its art, its language, fascinates me. I'm also very interested in photography, books and cinema. In regular days, I like to take long walks to rest my head from this crazy world or enjoy, with good company, some hours talking about anything and everything.<br /><br /><b>your two favorite posts to share: </b>One of my favourite posts is about <a href="http://wanderlust-mac.blogspot.pt/2014/03/barcelona.html" target="_blank">Barcelona</a>. It was such an amazing trip, and I loved all the photos I took. Barcelona is such a vivid city: the architecture, the markets, the streets... The beauty of this city is beyond words. <br /><br />I think it's important to travel inside our country. That's why I really like to share some photos and info about the beautiful places near where I live. <a href="http://wanderlust-mac.blogspot.pt/2014/06/costa-vicentina.html" target="_blank">This post is one of my favourites</a>. It's about my "home", it's about the beauty of the region and it is something I like to share, because I think everyone would enjoy to visit these places.<br /><br /><b>what is your favorite trip/vacation you've ever taken - where to and why?</b> It's really hard to choose one favorite trip, I must say it is impossible! I've been to quite a few places, but I didn't have my blog back then, so you won't find any photos or details about those adventures. I loved every trip I've been, but I can refer two "special":<br /><br /><i>New York City</i>: I was only ten years old when I went to NYC, but I will never forget those days. I was astonished with the tall buildings, the people, the environment... It was all new, different and amazing at the same time. I was just a kid, but since those days that I wish I could live there. There, you have the world in just one city. I remember that when we went to Chinatown, it amazed me how every neighbourhood made you feel your where in a different part of the world. I also visited Newark, which is where many portuguese live and I felt like I was home when, truly, I was in NYC. I can't find the words to describe the hapiness and the marvel of a kid that was suddenly transported to the most amazing city in the world.<br /><br /><i>Italy:</i> I went on a nine-day trip to Italy with my mother and some of her friends back in 2009. From Milan to Rome, we visited many many italian villages and cities along the way. This country is so welcoming, so comforting. The culture, the food, the language, the people, it is impossible not to love it all. In almost every city, you are literally walking through history. You have beautiful monuments everywhere. You have the most amazing museums. And of course, you'll eat the best pizzas of your life, what's not to love? I can never forget Italy, it's a magical country where the history and the art really touch you, deep in your heart.<br /><br /><b>where would your dream trip take you?</b> That's an excellent question! I wish I could travel all around the world, but there are certain places that are definitely on the top of the list, such as: Egypt, Mexico and a road trip across the United States.<br /><br /><b>describe yourself in 3 words:</b> I think I can describe myself as a fair and compassionate person who is, above all, a dreamer. <br /><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>learn more about Maria Ana on her blog:</b> <a href="http://wanderlust-mac.blogspot.pt/" target="_blank">Wanderlust</a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">or follow along with:</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11887957" target="_blank">bloglovin</a> + <a href="http://instagram.com/maria_acampos" target="_blank">instagram</a></div></div></div>

legends of the hidden temple

for the past 2 years, I have been spying this temple out of the corner of my eye. a quick flash of red and a dragon-topped roof, peeking out...

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Kaohsiung // Confucius Temple

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhklH2TAkSVxP2sPRDdyBcMYbJRJKzU3gaXoHbUSU2MMrO996G1P810V30IGQeYmiZZqkdmhTprQngdJYH5aqKZYMY4L7IHy_ms_jiF2EoeE4Hrg5VC5U5Iyc6kSPOlIfxMjTcc5CbLSa/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhklH2TAkSVxP2sPRDdyBcMYbJRJKzU3gaXoHbUSU2MMrO996G1P810V30IGQeYmiZZqkdmhTprQngdJYH5aqKZYMY4L7IHy_ms_jiF2EoeE4Hrg5VC5U5Iyc6kSPOlIfxMjTcc5CbLSa/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />even after living in Taiwan for 2.5 years, I don't consider myself an expert on the culture or religions here. my knowledge of temples [for as much as I enjoy photographing them] is still pretty limited. part of the confusion is due to the blending of beliefs that happens here in Taiwan - some temples are places of worship for over 80 different deities. and many people here have created their own personal mix between Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Chinese folk worship.<br /><br />some of the temples even blend Taoist and folk deities [these are usually the colorful ones <a href="http://www.inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/09/temple-dragons-hsinchu-taiwan.html" target="_blank">topped with dragons</a>.] these are the ones I most often stumble upon, because they seem to spring up between buildings and around alleyway corners. and... a roof full of dragons is hard to miss. Buddhist temples are still colorful, but usually simpler and focused on the Buddha, obviously.<br /><br />temples dedicated to Confucianism are the most plain, and I never really went out of my way to visit one. the Confucius Temple in Hsinchu has been under construction since we moved here, so when we had the opportunity Confucius Temple on Lotus Lake in Kaohsiung I was extremely curious.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRlOgxCXleQMw-Anh3k0tRR2oI-27ih_9fLqf_fIXqmdIc7zFlmxvdE1gpcubFgMFPpCaYDJ4F21QFhCQ5urO60c9wHn4SOjW-pTZZwwfCwfSoBBbophb1K4JeIAq0_c1w0FpfwEGfbAL/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRlOgxCXleQMw-Anh3k0tRR2oI-27ih_9fLqf_fIXqmdIc7zFlmxvdE1gpcubFgMFPpCaYDJ4F21QFhCQ5urO60c9wHn4SOjW-pTZZwwfCwfSoBBbophb1K4JeIAq0_c1w0FpfwEGfbAL/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAjo-wlR4vdIQPe5pNMlucKOeM07sMzOexoOYbZ3cNGKKZZa4D2aqOHvJr-8fiSsuiYvEBErOUUKumzC6fgpkEqoFpGK7huKYMfKdbTRB98LDn8dulMwa_LcezaGtYWDuLvXffHcmIJow/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAjo-wlR4vdIQPe5pNMlucKOeM07sMzOexoOYbZ3cNGKKZZa4D2aqOHvJr-8fiSsuiYvEBErOUUKumzC6fgpkEqoFpGK7huKYMfKdbTRB98LDn8dulMwa_LcezaGtYWDuLvXffHcmIJow/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyM4QIdxvE1MJ6AxE69zOusDzEKion52kM36_lwaYZM2wt0hMk69QH89rhL4R6VixUhISV8tAkOjFUkhfH7cW459_nyDA9C7E2YYwksiupz_HYgw7bUzY5M3BPawKZmaImQwjrQ5K5JtL/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyM4QIdxvE1MJ6AxE69zOusDzEKion52kM36_lwaYZM2wt0hMk69QH89rhL4R6VixUhISV8tAkOjFUkhfH7cW459_nyDA9C7E2YYwksiupz_HYgw7bUzY5M3BPawKZmaImQwjrQ5K5JtL/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViqf9L36OPqK6OYRFCkLsQy05hCOF9xAtop4kVpy_AUpGkgvO4FtM7xSu5pB1ED-8qY5DS7Uar-YYnH7lMUspQTK5Jouiukk6SrmWhoA5tUI-uCh8W0cCvXQB7pJrMCJBHxJcXXZ9qZWV/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViqf9L36OPqK6OYRFCkLsQy05hCOF9xAtop4kVpy_AUpGkgvO4FtM7xSu5pB1ED-8qY5DS7Uar-YYnH7lMUspQTK5Jouiukk6SrmWhoA5tUI-uCh8W0cCvXQB7pJrMCJBHxJcXXZ9qZWV/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuVeU1qBjctupvF8900m-A33QoXEYgVHXc4FA2kz8vSHABYABEXNr4E06ubconK7b5s9dNVb3ml4V5ua0TEeaKyvkxOwe49IkPI6tn8fT8hHqnzdOA07oCq4OKLtFZOzx4qNIWIIJLTGU/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuVeU1qBjctupvF8900m-A33QoXEYgVHXc4FA2kz8vSHABYABEXNr4E06ubconK7b5s9dNVb3ml4V5ua0TEeaKyvkxOwe49IkPI6tn8fT8hHqnzdOA07oCq4OKLtFZOzx4qNIWIIJLTGU/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />we walked up to the front door and two old ladies seated at a table waved us in. I gestured to my camera and they nodded yes, but then repeated something that sounded to me like "you can only take six." I always hesitate because I don't want to be rude, so I resigned myself to not taking pictures if I couldn't understand the rules. thankfully, a young family was exiting the temple and the wife explained to me that the rule was "pictures are ok, but no flash."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaFOFD3qSBfeKK-hAg8M1lGteKyAlyV3z5u7290_-oX5Ie27JQVO0JQGnSSmQmW4iKU_UFxriu6u4nonzOXSmpQm54sXZ1cuhK07KjSLNLA2myVQlEJEVIc66-zcQwLYbqexHWOZUhTzw/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaFOFD3qSBfeKK-hAg8M1lGteKyAlyV3z5u7290_-oX5Ie27JQVO0JQGnSSmQmW4iKU_UFxriu6u4nonzOXSmpQm54sXZ1cuhK07KjSLNLA2myVQlEJEVIc66-zcQwLYbqexHWOZUhTzw/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-16.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5-B3wtv9vQwvIv2pN-aZUPqUr6Q_h4n7B64mKlpgd8RSOoTkOBvQlgoDw2Gc_S_iW02hzZ16wLTP864k5N-PBEoNnE4X5Q74u6vyViJM1NbU4q8IG6xKMrdYIdpWhdsSq6GOD-B8Mwln/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5-B3wtv9vQwvIv2pN-aZUPqUr6Q_h4n7B64mKlpgd8RSOoTkOBvQlgoDw2Gc_S_iW02hzZ16wLTP864k5N-PBEoNnE4X5Q74u6vyViJM1NbU4q8IG6xKMrdYIdpWhdsSq6GOD-B8Mwln/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RfHr0EaNt-ovok_P5bEIhyG9qJ_LmuIdrvGBFbnq09BIPDmyboxMv0dpbTR63Fi9onCqdHQ2hBsVLiuEDWm3EMKRAZygugwUYvRKCrelEe6C9lFhdJencrAg5KQbPxEVu5GharqDngky/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RfHr0EaNt-ovok_P5bEIhyG9qJ_LmuIdrvGBFbnq09BIPDmyboxMv0dpbTR63Fi9onCqdHQ2hBsVLiuEDWm3EMKRAZygugwUYvRKCrelEe6C9lFhdJencrAg5KQbPxEVu5GharqDngky/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDs1TmR3tLGenUznbVavWVxLNEeFKKRxF8NrkGwupQGIXKH1W1_kBMNIRKjwOkc3a8pxhwy6YfVELnjDxJmLAXUGXwMVvyXcEhZJS-w9ixqTQZ1cx_4apjBjehGbE6DHqtLkgCeUHCB7aq/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDs1TmR3tLGenUznbVavWVxLNEeFKKRxF8NrkGwupQGIXKH1W1_kBMNIRKjwOkc3a8pxhwy6YfVELnjDxJmLAXUGXwMVvyXcEhZJS-w9ixqTQZ1cx_4apjBjehGbE6DHqtLkgCeUHCB7aq/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VXBLMvkKDtFaVNZX5eE4extgV2GPhsZ0cjs5BbHXIb6A-NB-lYXPAzslQY6Nm_B0EB7VPILtxpZR2VLd5a-6srDHXM0Pq7VAe-s-FGeb3iD3wfZH5qKgpLjcUsm4ogx53DSa_nBvXNXO/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VXBLMvkKDtFaVNZX5eE4extgV2GPhsZ0cjs5BbHXIb6A-NB-lYXPAzslQY6Nm_B0EB7VPILtxpZR2VLd5a-6srDHXM0Pq7VAe-s-FGeb3iD3wfZH5qKgpLjcUsm4ogx53DSa_nBvXNXO/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-17.jpg" /></a></div><br />I can't believe I almost didn't have any photos of the details inside this fantastic temple. the patterns in this place were amazing. the carvings, the hand painted details... everything was so symmetrical and repetitive. I could have taken a <i>thousand</i> pictures. [but, I had guests with me and we had other things to see.]<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgQn05Y8AGqJac7m9DeHdg-vP3r3BSxfJMX5fq6WQwr14hz4vcHX5kvOt-wgbG_TNu-FSXK-GXjy16e7uXH505dvn_9Rs6JthwHtt79QY_ZSOlmor6y77HouH8N4mmhhhG6A-nKrtmGEb/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgQn05Y8AGqJac7m9DeHdg-vP3r3BSxfJMX5fq6WQwr14hz4vcHX5kvOt-wgbG_TNu-FSXK-GXjy16e7uXH505dvn_9Rs6JthwHtt79QY_ZSOlmor6y77HouH8N4mmhhhG6A-nKrtmGEb/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2h8N1oIbz-bPBWc4072W_xpVx-1bfBkNmkz2DCV0hWbRG8PkATLQPcgkJoOzSVVpMUixk8eg0e_niyW_xZdgEn59cn34kwhZo2vd4w8D51WnF4bitMAq73BM9DRNX3eK-vNaUAhtQfC4/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2h8N1oIbz-bPBWc4072W_xpVx-1bfBkNmkz2DCV0hWbRG8PkATLQPcgkJoOzSVVpMUixk8eg0e_niyW_xZdgEn59cn34kwhZo2vd4w8D51WnF4bitMAq73BM9DRNX3eK-vNaUAhtQfC4/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWK-oqe8lVcQcqw2Ig1orNJwh7O8ZmOBo9cWpnD3hG299jlR-uPja_w2o_uqZ2KKbmo5-ah452XkXLBtO8DVzbmC7tnlug51Y0gjgasZ2ofzgIqPHR1U3gfJgsniKrhCDLPspiaNBVRq8/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWK-oqe8lVcQcqw2Ig1orNJwh7O8ZmOBo9cWpnD3hG299jlR-uPja_w2o_uqZ2KKbmo5-ah452XkXLBtO8DVzbmC7tnlug51Y0gjgasZ2ofzgIqPHR1U3gfJgsniKrhCDLPspiaNBVRq8/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20xJ-5-U41sefmo3PYJXmiJR9cvVzh4fzP5yFwFdpCou4_OqwR2ehd8yb3DXv9ZDS0EVVgsWOX1JF4EjWHjX0Q4vfMb1BTmRUmW7mkzd_Hkl2ti0H_jycXmGWQj72PUlmLz_XY_vjh_6k/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20xJ-5-U41sefmo3PYJXmiJR9cvVzh4fzP5yFwFdpCou4_OqwR2ehd8yb3DXv9ZDS0EVVgsWOX1JF4EjWHjX0Q4vfMb1BTmRUmW7mkzd_Hkl2ti0H_jycXmGWQj72PUlmLz_XY_vjh_6k/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8RDCgdFxtByNQttGOUdzhbpEzk1VprDq7TCYnkghqwbpMOrMou9ZWMjBSGNNcAwoA5acJFIB2Md69Kpd1EFgbeePf5n_S13ZWcaiG6EFdW951r_AOAQdObtNGYV1ynw7fcdyl6XOL3eu/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8RDCgdFxtByNQttGOUdzhbpEzk1VprDq7TCYnkghqwbpMOrMou9ZWMjBSGNNcAwoA5acJFIB2Md69Kpd1EFgbeePf5n_S13ZWcaiG6EFdW951r_AOAQdObtNGYV1ynw7fcdyl6XOL3eu/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLybOfLh8peqpj12emxD4eX-Em1LZT10lI1N6qR-d6eqFb-6ZqvFqXJ6igB9ixR9Y992HHkJXzv2j2FQEh0MEI2AXvso-vppDAeKLRypIQTzmMNiYF9UJRbSr3YSinDTAnmLhVUbQQyr_I/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLybOfLh8peqpj12emxD4eX-Em1LZT10lI1N6qR-d6eqFb-6ZqvFqXJ6igB9ixR9Y992HHkJXzv2j2FQEh0MEI2AXvso-vppDAeKLRypIQTzmMNiYF9UJRbSr3YSinDTAnmLhVUbQQyr_I/s1600/ConfuciusTemple_Kaohsiung-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I still love my dragons, but from now on I won't be dismissing Confucian temples as potentially plain and boring.<br /><br /><i>the cup of coffee that fueled the writing of today’s post was sponsored by <a href="http://www.nearandfarmontana.com/">Jenn</a>. she drinks her coffee with Truvia + almond milk and blogs about lifestyle + home improvement over at <a href="http://www.nearandfarmontana.com/">Near and Far Montana</a>.</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/category/traveltuesday">Bonnie</a>, <a href="http://thethingsiamcrazyfor.wordpress.com/">Camila</a>, <a href="http://www.twofeet-oneworld.com/">Jessi</a>, and <a href="http://www.amyandthegreatworld.com/">Amy</a> for Travel Tuesday.</div></span>

Kaohsiung // Confucius Temple

even after living in Taiwan for 2.5 years, I don't consider myself an expert on the culture or religions here. my knowledge of temples [...

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in search of dragons

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJY2YWrp4c6wG5VwgB06Ar616qAv65lYMmqo4zHwPupuPjg7QWAhRfy7ZuFgiqBqUgUqQpf7h8C-9N0OQRwuJuK_T06oAC9SRXA8Oi-4Tw4zQ3Hf9WyJ77oTn1QGwCTfyal3UDznPoRa1/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJY2YWrp4c6wG5VwgB06Ar616qAv65lYMmqo4zHwPupuPjg7QWAhRfy7ZuFgiqBqUgUqQpf7h8C-9N0OQRwuJuK_T06oAC9SRXA8Oi-4Tw4zQ3Hf9WyJ77oTn1QGwCTfyal3UDznPoRa1/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-26.jpg" /></a></div><br />two friends set out one blistering hot afternoon to explore the hidden temples of Hsinchu. we got over the "what are those white girls doing?" stares and poked our cameras [respectfully, of course] into some of the most beautiful places in the city.<br /><br />we stumbled upon one large temple in search of another, and were waved in and given the "ok" to take pictures by some men painting. red lanterns galore greeted us, and a set of stairways leading up.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJv7m8-I-SN9_B6KOqbDTUN8wMmoNdU-q-3ky0mymWyVfQnFVkxDUjWWyBoAZSpw0R23Os0Swu7svtZEzGGHibht2UbfNX1HEuHHfgZhEhztptHkplSzG7saPQNbcA-3pGM7EIT27AyNu/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJv7m8-I-SN9_B6KOqbDTUN8wMmoNdU-q-3ky0mymWyVfQnFVkxDUjWWyBoAZSpw0R23Os0Swu7svtZEzGGHibht2UbfNX1HEuHHfgZhEhztptHkplSzG7saPQNbcA-3pGM7EIT27AyNu/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />for an incredible 15 minutes, we had this temple space to ourselves. and I was able to click away on undoubtably my favorite subject in Taiwan. dragons. the upper level put us at the perfect hight for viewing the lower roofline's decorations. up close and in-your-face. I have never been so close to temple dragons, and probably never be will again.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4Y6sscCCRvqpt6JOskjXuB3yCyFOWIRBl7DaXU4rvaHMUGKp0dB1PwSOEFoRJg6KBeQzq60KFOnyjxxrP7mLXHcULMs3hpQlmVB_fNRs_ve_mSRFpqMVhKwhEGc2WXN9RvPAXxA00MbU/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4Y6sscCCRvqpt6JOskjXuB3yCyFOWIRBl7DaXU4rvaHMUGKp0dB1PwSOEFoRJg6KBeQzq60KFOnyjxxrP7mLXHcULMs3hpQlmVB_fNRs_ve_mSRFpqMVhKwhEGc2WXN9RvPAXxA00MbU/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCa1o7YHb-m55RXptLGPitamuMEpvymPGfkeaeWNMh2jmpxk9kAkQE6P4DT1CYBEG2jepDB321hHUwXmAy5Z3Qs9NfiPerYUvT6zyoVpI0FJJZfdeBadwa1ZmMMCKhh1StsihKAPMzFWn/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCa1o7YHb-m55RXptLGPitamuMEpvymPGfkeaeWNMh2jmpxk9kAkQE6P4DT1CYBEG2jepDB321hHUwXmAy5Z3Qs9NfiPerYUvT6zyoVpI0FJJZfdeBadwa1ZmMMCKhh1StsihKAPMzFWn/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-21.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/AVvXsEgjY1OBvUFkazOWSu0prMF4yYwFFibmWvL7u8dlQ0oaJnQeM0Hzwkjfi1bHJQ7wsVokCjlSKfkleLmDZj_5DiW_58uy6PEGdm5vOD8MGUxjIe52_7AQLENKXjtSflI8lYqT99nD9hyXQSaz/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjY1OBvUFkazOWSu0prMF4yYwFFibmWvL7u8dlQ0oaJnQeM0Hzwkjfi1bHJQ7wsVokCjlSKfkleLmDZj_5DiW_58uy6PEGdm5vOD8MGUxjIe52_7AQLENKXjtSflI8lYqT99nD9hyXQSaz/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />every scale, every tooth and claw, every wire whisker was right there in front of me. set in beautiful contrast to the half-abandoned cement buildings surrounding the temple. I might have shed a tear I was so happy. or maybe that was just sweat dripping down my face? either way, it was magical.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpquwCySTDTFmAsvm31OWwUET_Kc66zkmezW5tmQIZezc2qvt49xswGIgf-qYegKiKys4e6nS9_10vNoDHBsLm7hoq8XGpHmzwXydYpNCGNkJkPRFtVl9oUn1go76hztLa5w07UWub6JVI/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpquwCySTDTFmAsvm31OWwUET_Kc66zkmezW5tmQIZezc2qvt49xswGIgf-qYegKiKys4e6nS9_10vNoDHBsLm7hoq8XGpHmzwXydYpNCGNkJkPRFtVl9oUn1go76hztLa5w07UWub6JVI/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinO83o04u2M-msCtdWDiniFvJUM0a4ShzPpY6r3PGavQdRaLwlugKVR963AKYXU1nRMdv-sv7SCsn7J3gms9ZpJkkYrJ9qfuTRglzSORSulJ1t4gyfCizdPjbNfNSZ9bCN6HK-UaQS6oGd/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinO83o04u2M-msCtdWDiniFvJUM0a4ShzPpY6r3PGavQdRaLwlugKVR963AKYXU1nRMdv-sv7SCsn7J3gms9ZpJkkYrJ9qfuTRglzSORSulJ1t4gyfCizdPjbNfNSZ9bCN6HK-UaQS6oGd/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwf8f6sBwJWfcx7oVptzI1wnNjJ6vfUhurQe4wa_uQg6udE_hmGWO9rPC-6ZguIeYGqJip3Xt5RuRY49y4DT5s28bToGfEAYpg00n9ERjhyphenhyphenk27dg4xBwLQlN4QHV0j9JIfw4iMvCjymRb/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwf8f6sBwJWfcx7oVptzI1wnNjJ6vfUhurQe4wa_uQg6udE_hmGWO9rPC-6ZguIeYGqJip3Xt5RuRY49y4DT5s28bToGfEAYpg00n9ERjhyphenhyphenk27dg4xBwLQlN4QHV0j9JIfw4iMvCjymRb/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fs1xQ8l7NZ7LwD9qVvDfAqdhmRRQ33BH9zmrxJJaVMwwTQ9B32zvjGrklQwzVnZdCdoS0vy7H7ejdDipSJQpyEhA0wCGQPYvp47EmD6LIC5yA6CptKWAmVcm_DDtnXEnVqAP7Br52HFz/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fs1xQ8l7NZ7LwD9qVvDfAqdhmRRQ33BH9zmrxJJaVMwwTQ9B32zvjGrklQwzVnZdCdoS0vy7H7ejdDipSJQpyEhA0wCGQPYvp47EmD6LIC5yA6CptKWAmVcm_DDtnXEnVqAP7Br52HFz/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qPXhyzU7BrkoJlT6aV23xPZBvA1WrrsqYp-cItdmOg906mpHuVnOIN5lmxf5HzcRTcf1vMm_88A5YikKijvMnYZy7lBxNcFaCKQYzZ2frFXmQjVExBnTHOoqehKKopYgG2kc3ldcZ9E0/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qPXhyzU7BrkoJlT6aV23xPZBvA1WrrsqYp-cItdmOg906mpHuVnOIN5lmxf5HzcRTcf1vMm_88A5YikKijvMnYZy7lBxNcFaCKQYzZ2frFXmQjVExBnTHOoqehKKopYgG2kc3ldcZ9E0/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkOMODZwMtBNQ7LFNdha1Hw3e1yPgrwev-4snK8-aVbEaus_aNS1-Niq9bRgiq76LbC-dJ2N3Ad8RNSa8i1BaqR-l1vHyJG6PhfFRqvhyphenhyphenHH2-lUDs2CaC3w9TRhVzYctZARgmpdHfbFFl/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkOMODZwMtBNQ7LFNdha1Hw3e1yPgrwev-4snK8-aVbEaus_aNS1-Niq9bRgiq76LbC-dJ2N3Ad8RNSa8i1BaqR-l1vHyJG6PhfFRqvhyphenhyphenHH2-lUDs2CaC3w9TRhVzYctZARgmpdHfbFFl/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOILw8tdvA-iD4j4sIBFGr1NM6bd96hWAn7Np-SVldVMRXgyIlqYkh39OBoVWCDlsPG9m1Angz9FgCXvQn1wTwYO7QAZGOafrCVSdb4-oIBFj4ZdTFPMelp8Tm2qa0OyQS5ssmkdA08gpz/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOILw8tdvA-iD4j4sIBFGr1NM6bd96hWAn7Np-SVldVMRXgyIlqYkh39OBoVWCDlsPG9m1Angz9FgCXvQn1wTwYO7QAZGOafrCVSdb4-oIBFj4ZdTFPMelp8Tm2qa0OyQS5ssmkdA08gpz/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-25.jpg" /></a></div><br />flowers, birds and other strange creatures were all right there for the photo-taking. I could have stayed there, clicking and sweating, all afternoon. but mostly looking at the dragons.<br /><br />discovering places like this makes me so grateful that I've had this opportunity to live in Taiwan. having a friend who is willing to come and sweat alongside me while exploring - even more so. spending an afternoon dragon hunting would have been beyond the realm of my comprehension five years ago, but now it's hard to imagine life any other way.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLpLYs5B9aPOvaNcTwdPnWS5IkVqt5Y3iurAXMkngO8bDviQZiWU6L5WQ_0m1FKidMTDbieas7SSTbCrKu_NueLvgjWILfeYo3Vyywi34e6iefxaAhFkdEOOMWgH17Om11jl2kvjpNgrv/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLpLYs5B9aPOvaNcTwdPnWS5IkVqt5Y3iurAXMkngO8bDviQZiWU6L5WQ_0m1FKidMTDbieas7SSTbCrKu_NueLvgjWILfeYo3Vyywi34e6iefxaAhFkdEOOMWgH17Om11jl2kvjpNgrv/s1600/Taiwan_dragontemple-27.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">linking up with <a href="http://bonnieroseblog.co.uk/category/traveltuesday">Bonnie</a>, <a href="http://thethingsiamcrazyfor.wordpress.com/">Camila</a>, <a href="http://www.twofeet-oneworld.com/">Jessi</a>, and <a href="http://www.amyandthegreatworld.com/">Amy</a> for Travel Tuesday.</span></div>

in search of dragons

two friends set out one blistering hot afternoon to explore the hidden temples of Hsinchu. we got over the "what are those white girls ...

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