Sunday, June 5, 2011

Taiwan is the Most Beautiful Country in the World

Today was an epic, awesome, beautiful day of relaxation: a perfect Sunday! I woke up and had breakfast with the kids, one of the perks (?) of living in a boarding school. At noon, three coworkers and I took off on our scooters for the waterfall that we know about up in the mountains. I had never been there so I was very excited. I had no idea what was in store for me.

After about 35 minutes on the scooter, driving around switchbacks and up steep climbs through some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen, we reached our lunch spot. Not only is the food/tea absolutely delicious up there, but the view is breathtaking to say the least.
Perched on the edge of a mountain- nice lunch spot!

Fresh apple tea and some taro, a staple of Taiwan food.

After that, we drove back down the mountain a little bit and parked our scooters. We came to a river bed after hiking down for five to ten minutes. Then another twenty minutes of somewhat strenuous walking/hiking up the river bed over large boulders, we came upon a scene from a movie. I never thought things like this existed anywhere but the silver screen to be honest. The pictures do not do this place justice either, too beautiful and peaceful and relaxing to capture on camera.

Getting to the waterfall.


So pretty.

My friend Chris jumping off. I did not do such a thing: I love having the use of my legs and don't particularly want to die. He didn't actually die, but I'm just saying.


After scrambling over large rocks in 90 degree weather for a while, a dip in cool river water is probably the best reward. It is days like today that make me realize how lucky I am to live in a country like Taiwan: I'm starting to seriously believe it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I've never seen anything else like it yet. I love it.
Gotta love a staff that hikes to waterfalls together on the weekends.

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