The day started out with the team half asleep - 5am after about 5 hours sleep. We were collected by Rotarian and tour guide for the day 'Fund', and proceeded onto the world renowned 'Mount Alishan'. After a quick stop at 7 Eleven for snacks for the road, we arrived in the mountains as the sun was rising. Watching the sun rise over the mountain was amazing. It appears to leap into the sky over the mountain. Quite spectacular. 
Upon arriving at Mount Alishan, we stepped out of the car to the thermometer at the carpark reading 5 degrees. After an amazing walk through the forest areas, where the trees were up to 2000 years old, we were taken into a temple and provided with a wealth of information from Fund. His knowledge of the Taiwanese culture is amazing. Upon leaving the temple, we caught the railway back to the start. We were surprised by the sign that read 'fare adjustment office', which we understood as meaning that if you had not paid for your fare at that point, you should. Brunch was then enjoyed in a small restaurant at the top of the mountain.
We left the mountain and chose to close our eyes in many instances on the trip back as cars, buses and trucks hurtled in all directions (double lines, blind corners, one lane) in an organised chaos with steep slopes off the sides.
We stopped in for a tea demonstration on the trip back and learn the traditional art of preparing tea. We then arrived back at the hotel.
A 2 hour break prior to dinner and a Rotary meeting is currently being enjoyed by GSE members.
Upon arriving at Mount Alishan, we stepped out of the car to the thermometer at the carpark reading 5 degrees. After an amazing walk through the forest areas, where the trees were up to 2000 years old, we were taken into a temple and provided with a wealth of information from Fund. His knowledge of the Taiwanese culture is amazing. Upon leaving the temple, we caught the railway back to the start. We were surprised by the sign that read 'fare adjustment office', which we understood as meaning that if you had not paid for your fare at that point, you should. Brunch was then enjoyed in a small restaurant at the top of the mountain.
We left the mountain and chose to close our eyes in many instances on the trip back as cars, buses and trucks hurtled in all directions (double lines, blind corners, one lane) in an organised chaos with steep slopes off the sides.
We stopped in for a tea demonstration on the trip back and learn the traditional art of preparing tea. We then arrived back at the hotel.
A 2 hour break prior to dinner and a Rotary meeting is currently being enjoyed by GSE members.
Looking good guys
ReplyDeleteHi Guys,
ReplyDeleteIt has taken me a few days to catch up on all your blogs. You do seem to be eating a fair bit!!
When next we plan for the GSE teams visit to Oz should we include so many meal stops as well?
I am glad you enjoyed Taipei and also your 5 minute Rotary guest speaker spot.
Cheers
David