bens big trip

I have finally been able to get round more of this island and have been overwhelmed by the rich mix of destinations. From the breathtaking Toroko Gauge to the tranquil Sun Moon Lake. The Hectic ciities of Kaohsiung & Taichung to the chilled sun dreanched beaches of Kenting. The beaches were amazing. Clear blue waters, clean beaches and safe seas with plenty of fish to swim with and chase. Bars a plenty kept the lazy sea side atmosphere going well into to the night and as with everywhere i've been in Taiwan the people have been as warm as the weather and friendlier than anywhere I've known. Taichung and Kaoshung were really laid back, clean and more relaxed than Taipei. The slower pace of life was great for a holiday mood. Unlike tapei there was cafe ... read more

The first six months in Taipei seem to have traveled so fast. The troubles and trials of adapting to life seem so long ago now that it was hard to see why they happened at all. For me it was not an easy transistion into Taiwan life. We arrived in late September and the humidity was rife. Taipei is not on first glance a beutiful city and the hazey skyline offered little respite from the heat that seemed to press down so heavily on my smile. Layers of sweat, smoke and mosquitoes hung in the air like a bad tempered rainbow in our hostel and even the roaches seemed to worn out by the heat to do anything but sit and wait. Only the typhoons were strong enough to life the blanket of heat and came ... read more