Taiwan GSE: Going South

A most warm welcome to Taiwan at the airport.

District Governor Victor, GSE Charman Car, and GSE Team Leader Fred.

A fun-filled and interesting day touring with new friends.

Amazing buildings old and new: A traditional temple and the famous Taibei 101.

We spent a whirlwind six days in Taibei! What an amazing, eye-opening scene. Taibei is extremely busy and congested like something out of another world. Yet, the people are as gracious and friendly as any I have ever met. We did so much and saw so much and ATE so much that it is as if we are cramming for the big test on Taiwan. As soon as we felt like we were getting our bearings, off we go to Hualian. The ride South took only two hours, but it is as if we are in another country. I am reminded of Hawaii here because the mountains rise up from the Pacific Ocean and the population lives on a thin strip of land between the warm ocean and the lush, green mountains. Hualian is a smaller city than Taibei, but still very industrious and bustling. Our first adventure was a trip to the Taroko Gorge National Park. Taroko Gorge is the starting point of the Central Cross-Island Highway. It is a deep gorge carved by a river out of solid rock over millions of years. The Easternmost portion is carved out of marble and has many streaks and striations. As we moved West, we saw that the type of stone changed to a much darker type. We hiked up to an area which is home to a few of the indiginous people who harvest various agricultural products from the forest. They also produce very beautiful hand woven articles. It is so interesting that half a world away there are indiginous people whose art and artifacts are so similar to North American native peoples.