Working holiday in Taiwan's B&B by Sally_7

AT FLOWER PALACE_NO. 39 GUEST HOUSE (三十九號招待所)


After some ride, stomach started to growl ! Fortuante Arthur called me and checking on my safetly....and suggested me to try out Bro Mao (毛哥) dishes. Took down the address and heading there!


Arrived at Bro Mao's restuarant...I The restaurant was quiet (but with some jazz music) and simple. I was the only customer. Bro Mao began to chat with me and our conversation broke the emptiness in the restaurant ☃
The restuarant wall was pasted with old newspapers and children drawings. Bro Mao explained the meaning of each drawings. All these drawings were drew by primary school kids age of 10. Their drawings and mind had showed the meaning of Hualien. So creative ㊣

                             

                             

                             

                             


                             


                                           

During our conversation, I realized that Bro Mao managed the restaurant himself. He is the waiter, chef and bartender (liquor only serve after 9pm). Bro Mao recommended to try "braised lion head" (紅燒獅子頭) as I mentioned to him that I want to pork and with vegetables. While Bro Mao was preparing the food, I shot some pictures of the restaurant...and waiting my dinner to be ready ｡◕‿◕｡


Finally my dinner was ready...°¤*(¯`★´¯)*¤°
My first impression: simple and quite colorful (braised beancurd, scramble egg, wild vegetables and braised pork with cabbage soup) - NT 170
Bro Mao knew that I was super duper hungry and gave me alot of rice! Gosh...made me so full and bloated..hahaha But I had managed to finish up all the food (all ingredients are organic) The cabbage in the soup was so soft and it absorbed the soup essence. When I tried to chew, the soup essence splashed out inside my mouth! Yummy!!! Really go well with rice and the soup was not salty at all. Beside that, the wild vegetables were also abit crunchy. A simple dish yet with colorful taste!

                           
                                                  Braised pork with cabbage soup

                            
                                           Braised beancurd, scramble egg, wild vegetables

After dinner, Bro Mao offered me _"Revolution Coffee" (革命咖啡)
This coffee has 18 years history, specially mix with 4 coffee beans and even after cooling still remain mellow sweet. The taste really special. After dinner ..a cup of "Revolution Coffee" was extremely perfect (>’.’<)

                            
                                                              Revolution Coffee

                           

                            

Another dish I would like to recommend to everyone. If you like fermented bean curd, you should order steam fermented bean curd. You can inform Bro Mao of your spicy level so that he can prepare specially for you. Of course the smell is extremely unbearable however taste is really awesome. Really go well with rice. This is a must try dish. Thanks Theresa for this recommendation...she knows my preference.

                             
Steam fermented bean curd - NT120
My tastes are simple: I am easily satisfied with the best (^_−)−☆
Taste it and you will LOVE IT


No. 39 GuEsT HoUsE (三十九號招待所) Business Hours
Lunch: 11am - 2.30pm
Dinner: 5pm - 9.30pm
Every Thursday rest day


No. 39 GuEsT HoUsE (三十九號招待所) Map

Sally's Blog



AT FLOWER PALACE_EANOR COFFEE (伊 諾 咖 啡 館)

Sudden had an urge for coffee...cycled around the district ...managed to locate a nice cosy coffee place along Guangfu Street. This place ambience is quiet ....had given me cosy fu~
Looking at the coffee menu (actually not the main menu, just the coffee mellow graph) Oops...I was so bimbo ツ


Ordered Panama Santana's Tear (巴拿馬聖塔那眼淚) to my surprise ...came with 1 pot and 2pcs of coco. First taste was very surprising and the acidity is quite enough. Will not feel uncomfortable in my mouth. Chewed a piece of coco, it neutralize the bitterness and brought out some cream and rugosa rose fragrant after second sip of the coffee.
The combination aromatic ...till now still cannot forget ღ


The shop atmosphere is nice too...warm lightings accompanied with jazz music ♬
Especially on the rainy weather...hearing the raindrops and sitting at this cosy cafe having a pot of coffee to warm up....Feeling extraordinary awesome! ♥‿♥
Not only that, magazines, books and newspapers also provided for reading too!


Chat with the boss and his nice wify..their friendliness and sociability had brighten up the gloomy weather and quiet environment! SoOooo comfy ☂
The boss also offered me orange juicy...so sweet ...☃


Miss this place ...nice boss, nice coffee, nice and cosy environment cafe 유 ♥ 웃


                            
                                         Panama Santana's Tear (巴拿馬聖塔那眼淚)

                           

                                           

                                           
                                                                  Bar counter

                           

                           

                                        

                         

                         

                         

                         

Eanor Coffee 伊 諾 咖 啡 館 Facebook Link


Cafe Map Link

Sally's blog



AT FLOWER PALACE_HUALIEN RAILWAY CULTURE MUSEUM (花連鐵道文化園區)

Weather is relatively hot and warm! Cycled around the town area ...stopped over at Hualien Railway Culture Museum! Walked around the quiet street ...Looking at those histroic structures and understand these stuctures! Those olden days.....the life of the workers ♡


Sharing the information of these historic structures ♡



                                


                               
                                                 Factory-rest station for railway workers
                                                         Built in Year 1941 January
                                                         建造年代: 民國30年1月

The factory was originally a place for railway workers to rest and for equipment storage. It is now used as a warehouse for construction materials


                                 
                                         Guarding railway safety-the old railway police station
                                                                Build in Year 1954
                                                             建造年代: 民國43年

At the end of the Second World War, Taiwan underwent a period of social unrest. People too the train without buying tickets and build illegal housing along the railroad. To handle these disputes and maintain order, the government established the Railway Police Force in 1946


                                  
                                   Guarding railway safety-the old railway police station (front-view)

                                 
                                                                    The old railway track

                                                   
                                                                           Old letterbox

                                                   


More information of the Railway Culture Museum

Map of the Railway Culture Museum

Visiting hours:
Tuesday - Sunday 8.30am to 5.00pm
Close on every Monday and National Holidays

Sally's blog

Working holiday in Taiwan's B&B by Sally_6

At fLoWeR PaLaCe_Chishingtan Bay (七星潭)

 Today weather seems pretty good (cloudy) and I had no other plans at that moment. Arthur and Theresa decided to go over to Chishingtan to get some fresh fish back. Of course, I tag along with their plan. During the journey, Arthur guided me the way (short cut) and also advised me to avoid the busy street.Upon of arrival (around 4 plus late afternoon), weather was cooling and windy. Felt the sea breeze against my pores… ❤

                                        
                                                          Crowded Chishingtan Beach

While Arthur and Theresa went over to the fish stall selecting the fish, Ruby, Jam, Jelly and I went over to the beach to see the clear turquoise ocean pacific. The super clear turquoise waves were relatively strong.
While Arthur and Theresa went over to the fish stall selecting the fish, Ruby, Jam, Jelly and I went over to the beach to see the clear turquoise ocean pacific. The super clear turquoise waves were relatively strong.

                                                          Powerful clear turquoise waves

Alot of people around fishing….Jam and I walked a distance….towards to the ocean. Stepping on the small rocks …viewing the powerful waves coming inwards… Playful Jam is extremely active and running around. Love the nature and the breeze. His naive mind and his cheerful laughter had occupied my loneliness. Of course, Jelly was too young to run around. She was trying hard to catch up with us. At the beach, besides enjoying the breeze, we picked up some small rocks too! (◑‿◐)

                                                                      Fishing Time

Fishing Time

Shortly, Arthur and Theresa were back. We roamed around the beach and enjoy the peaceful moments. Looking at Arthur holding Jelly small little hand and walked towards to the seaside. My mind was thinking….when was the last time that my dad held my hands… I was trying hard to recall and memories started to flash into my mind. Sweets … It had been 6 months but the pain has yet to go away. Lost of directions and minds not cleared. Perhaps time will heal the wound…. I was trying hard to struggle not to let the tears rolls down on my cheeks. ..Envy little Jelly! She is too young to understand and treasure the precious moments. Hope Jam and Jelly have a bright future! (a◕‿◕a)

Authur and Jelly

Authur and Jelly

                                          

Theresa and Jelly

Sally's Blog



AT FLOWER PALACE_SHAPODANG STREAM RECREATIONAL AREA (砂婆礑溪)

Today seems abit exhausted. Weather seems to be slightly warm. No plan at that moment. After some discussion with Jam, we decided to cycle to this “little palace” which known as Shapodang Stream.
Getting gears ready and here we GO! GO! GO!


Errantry is located very near to this "little palace". Distance estimate 3.5km. However, we still halt at 7-eleven to get drinks and snack (for tea break as both of us felt hungry even after heavy lunch...Gosh) (a◕‿◕a)


Surprisingly upon arrival, not much people. But still saw some people swimming and fishing. Jam immediately took off his scandals...threw his barefoot into the cooling spring water! And he began to splash the water. He enjoyed it so much.... His laughters and playful thoughts had always brightened my days!


Both Jam and I enjoyed soaking our barefoot into the super duper cooling spring water...surrounded with more than 1000m high mountains, rocks and forest. Stream source is clear, broad vision, a beautiful landscape is the upstream-lover's paradise. I was totally attracted by this beautiful nature landscape (a❤‿❤a)

Little details of this stream:

Shapodang stream (Saha Dang, Atayal language) is one of the Meilun Creek and also Hualien City’s and Jian Township water source. It also goes by the names, Sha-p'o-tang Ch'i, Sha-p'o-tang Hsi, Shapodang Xi. It is a body of running water moving to a lower level in a channel on land in the country of Taiwan. Its center lies at a latitude of 24.01667 and longitude of 121.6 and it has an elevation of 13 meters above sea level. This stunning section of river is an exciting spot for river tracing, but it isn’t technically difficult and thus suitable for just about anyone. However a permit is required for such a trip. The clean blue waters are a great place to cool down in the summer heat. Not only that, Shapodang stream is endowed with abundant natural resources...rich alluvial gold, clean water and forest resources. The water is not deep at all. It is like a natural swimming pool. The water only comes up to about the knees or thighs of an adult. The water is crystal clear; the streambed can be seen as well as little fish or stream shrimp swimming in it. It is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon having picnics and barbecues, and is particularly suited for a good swim.


Sally's Blog

Working holiday in Taiwan's B&B by Sally_5

AT FLOWER PALACE_TAROKO GORGE NATIONAL PARK (太魯閣國家公園)

»-(¯`·.·´¯)->Taroko National Park<-(¯`·.·´¯)-«

Kate, from England, one of the guest at Errantry Lodge. Alone travelling to "Flower Palace" ...cycling around the estate and explored. Really cool and adventurous.

I was so fortunate that I could travel with her to Taroko National Parktogether (as I was off). Hired Ms. Ho (cabby lady cum mandarin speaker tour guide) picked us up at 9am. At here we began out adventure trip. Kate, is able to understand simple mandarin however I could assist on the translation. So she can understand Taroko better!

Arrived at Taroko around 10am (estimate an hour ride from Errantry Lodge).
During our ride, Ms.Ho introduced some sightseeing places. Very well detailed. We began our trip starting from Shakadang Trail (砂卡礑步道) . The scenery is pretty awesome. Fresh and cosy air and high mountains. Kate and I walked pretty fast and we managed to track quite a distance (an hour for round trip). Due to time curfews, we did not manage to finish the whole track. We covered some major scenic spots such as Shakadang Trail, Eternal Spring Shrine, Buluowan, Swallow Grotto, Tunnel of Nine Turns, Tianxiang..and some which I could not recall (so sorry) (✖╭╮✖)
We really enjoyed our trip very much (all thanks Ms. Ho, her professionalism had made us avoid the super duper crowd). Alot of China/Korea tour buses (unbelievable). Estimated 20 and above..gosh {{{(>_<)}}}

I suggest if anyone who wish to go to Taroko National Park, you can hire Ms. Ho. She is very professional and plan your route smoothly in order to avoid the super duper crowd. Beside that, she will also provide detailed information of each scenic spots ❤

Below is Ms. Ho information and trip fare (2-way)
Name: Ms. Ho Jia Ling (何佳凌)
Mobile: +886 932 651 572
License cab plate number: 916-XQ
2-way trip fare: NT 2,500 (excludes lunch at Buluowan Service Station)

Some Scenic spots details:
Taroko National Park is also known as Marble Gorge. It is one of the world heritage and it is famous for it spectacular mountains and marble canyon created by erosion process few thousand years ago. Situated 15km north of the city of Hualien. It has 19km long marble and granite canyon craved by the Liwu River that is one of the deepest in the world.

Shakadang Trail (砂卡礑步道) known as Mysterious Valley. It has natural scenic beauty and offers the deep blue marble water flowing in the first curve of the trail. Originating from Shakadang River nearby Siaosing Mountain, Shakadang River Valley stretches towards the Liwu River near Taroko. With a total length of 16.65km. It used to be an important venue along Shakadang River where the Taroko people held their traditional activities. Shakadang trail was established by the Japanese in the later phase for the construction of Liwu Power Plant. This trail goes through Wujianwu and Sanjianwu which were formerly part of the Huhus tribe. Shakadang trail runs for 4.5km and takes about 4 hours (round trip by walking). This is the best route to explore the living past of Taroko people. The best time to visit is the month of May when the Tung tree flowers bloom making the trail with flowers the air like snow flakes. The Shakadang River's flow is both fast and unpredictable thus swimming is prohibited. Need to watch out for falling rocks and farm vehicles too.

Shakadang River

Buluowan - Eternal Springs Shrine (Changchun Trail) was built to commemorate 212 personnel military veterans who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway. The trail winds along the cliff face. The ground rock is unstable in this area and it is susceptible to rocks falls. The track length around 2.03km. The stairs are steep and slippery...so must be extra careful.

   

Eternal Springs Shrine (Changchun Trail)

Swallow Grotto known as Yanzhikou (燕子口). It offers you a great spot of gorge wall and magnificent blue water. However the weather (rainy and windy) had caused the water to be brownish. Need to be extra careful when turning into narrow snake turn (if you are driving). Both Kate and I took a leisure walk along the Swallow Grotto and enjoy the gorge scenery. Swallow Grotto is consider as part of Taroko Gorge and overall the spot was composed of marble cliff faces covered with small holes. The track length covers 0.6km. The forest along the trail is verdant, giving you a short forest bath. The beautiful colors painted naturally on the rocks in Swallow Grotto. The natural erosion by Liwu river and ground water created the wonderful shape on the Gorge cliff. There're alot of holes among the gorge cliff of Swallow Grotto and you should be able to locate swallow nest inside.

Swallow Grotto

Cimu Bridge (慈母桥) known as frog bridge. There's a gigantic frog sitting beneath the bridge. The name of Cimu came from a tale story where a mother was washed away while tried to save her child. The pavilion / frog's crown was built by former president, Chiang Kai-shek in the memory of his mother.

Cimu Bridge

Tianxiang (天祥) is the site of an old Atayal village at the confluence of the Liwu and Dasha Rivers. Its name commemorates Wen Tianxiang, who lived in the 13th century and was the last prime minister of the Song Dynasty. Scenic spots at Tianxiang include Xiangde Temple, Tianfeng Pagoda, a suspension bridge, the Wen Tian-siang Memorial Garden, the Plum Garden, and Tianxiang Church. In winter each year the Plum Garden blooms forth, forming a sea of white blossoms stretching from the highway to Xiangde Temple. Shanyue Village at Bulowan, another old tribal settlement in the gorge, offers a new and unique type of accommodation for the area. The air around Tianxiang is fresh and I felt the peaceful wind blowing into my face. The area around Tianxiang was just silence enough to have good medication.

Xiangde Temple

Yue Fei Pavilion (岳王亭) is situated at 173km on the Central Cross-Island Highway, between the Tzumu Bridge and the Houliu camping ground. The Yue Fei Pavilion is an excellent place to watch the waterfalls on the opposite side of the Liwu River. The pavilion, built early on during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway, is named after the folk hero of ancient China, Yue Fei. There is a suspension bridge across the river that leads to roads that were used to access the forests of some major mountains in the part of Gorge-the main peak of Liwu Mountain, Panshi Mountain and Chilai Mountain. The east access point leads to one of the park's Ecological Protection Areas, entry to which is not allowed expect with a permit. The bridge is closed to general access and can be dangerous.

Yue Fei Pavilion

Kehen (刻痕) a reaching sky-steep cliff. This cliff is called Zhuilu Cliff extends eastward from Liufang Bridge to Jincheng Bridge. With width 1200m and height 1100m. Zhuilu Cliff is the widow and highest precipice in Taroko Gorge. Right beneath the cliff, you can see lay heck on the deck viewing changes in clouds and lights of the Gorge.

Kehen

More information of Taroko National Park Homepage Link

More pictures Link

Sally's Blog