Luzhu

My silence the last few days was because I didn't do much! I visited the National Palace Museum, which was interesting, but nothing out of the ordinary.
It was also raining all the time, so my plan to go hiking was also not executed.

The pictures are some random ones I took during my time here that didn't quite make it into my previous posts!

Wrap up!
Cycling tour, yay or nay?
It was definitely a yay. Some people that I met looked at me funny when I told them I never cycled as a hobby before and now I am doing a 1000km cycling tour around Taiwan.
And I am honest, I would NOT recommend doing this if you don't do any sport at all. I was just lucky that I have strong legs from hiking (we talking 10h hiking with 2000m elevation gain, not your general 2h hike around a nice lake). Aside from some knee pain for 5 days, I was feeling totally fine.
But there were sections that you just have to power through. You can stop anytime in the cities, but when you are in the middle of nowhere, you have to keep on going.

Logistics were easy though. I booked the hostels on the same day, there was always space. Except for major cities on the weekend, do that in advance.
Food? There are so many food options along the way, just pack enough water for drinking (stay hydrated!).

So if you like cycling? This tour is definitely something for you!

Taiwan in general was really nice. The food is especially nice (hence me doing a whole Instagram post just about food).
The people are super nice, even if they don't speak english (they don't mind using translator apps).
What will I remember? All the milk teas that I have consumed here. Probably at least one a day, if not two.

Another thing: the temples. The temples are a place to rest, a place to sit down for a minute. Often enough on my cycling tour, stopping at a temple there was a person working there giving us water, snacks and sweets (for free). Everybody is welcome here. It is a very sweet community.

So if you are in search of a not (yet) so touristy place with good food, nice people and beautiful landscapes, Taiwan might just be the place for you.

And this is the end, as I am soon will be boarding the plane for my next destination.
See you soon and one absolutely big WOW from me!Read more