All the places I'd been to will always be too beautiful for words, but here I am again, trying to document the magic of it. My quick trip to Taiwan made me so happy that up to this day I'd often catch myself smiling just remembering all the things that happened. Maybe because it was a trip that was never planned but circumstances allowed, a much needed break that fell right into the palm of my hands. It was one of those rare moments when reality is better than what you imagined. We all need that. I guess one thing will never change, my love for adventure.
Our trip to Taiwan's Northeast Coast was scheduled on the second day of the tour. Yes, we were on a tour, unlike my previous trips abroad, this one was pre-arranged by a good friend (thanks to her), a far cry from my DIY travels. I was almost not in this trip because of, you all know, "adult priorities" but I've learned that "adult priorities" should also include self love and sometimes self love includes impulsive but healthy decisions. It was a pre-birthday gift for me, from me, plus, I decided to low key surprise a very special person in my life. Alright, enough of the back story, so here's what happened...
Our first stop was the Yehliu Geopark in Wanli. When we arrived, a lot of tourists were already roaming around, but the place itself is breathtaking. I'm so thankful the weather cooperated. Btw, if you're planning to visit Taiwan soon, please include jackets and coats in your wardrobe list, it's seriously chilly there now.
It's not like I've never been on a shore or ocean before but every time I visit one I'm always left in awe, they are all beautiful and each one seems to be telling an interesting story. The sound of the waves is a symphony to my ears.
A little trivia, these rock formations were once mountains which were called the Datun Mountains, but according to history, thousands of years of geological movement and strong waves made this work of art possible. No wonder why it's one of Taiwan's top destinations.
So I was so captivated by these rock formations and I guess the initial reaction was to be as close to it as possible, I decided to sit on it to get a quick snap, and that's my big mistake. As I was posing, a local official who watches the place immediately approached me. Unaware that every piece of these rocks were formed thousands of years ago, I got careless and forgot how fragile they are. So please don't make the same mistake :) Thank God I didn't break anything. Kudos to Yehliu's preservation team.
Whew! I admit I got a little bit nervous on that, but I was happy to see that they are really trying to protect their natural gem. Imagine if I'd broken anything, I'd be really really upset, the last thing I want to be is person who sees beautiful things and breaks it. Awareness is key.
So I sat on a wooden bridge instead :) just got a little bit tired of walking honestly haha! Yes to wearing comfy shoes!
The waves were on a rage that day. Still so beautiful.
If I could just take of my shoes and feel the water on my feet.
Outside the park is a mini market where you can buy local street food and pasalubongs, look at that giant sugarapple! If you're planning to buy pasalubongs, I suggest you buy on each destination bec. the prices are cheaper. We made the mistake of buying on the last day, we ended up in city stores where items are much expensive and hard to find.
The busy street photo unlocked! This is just outside Yehliu Geopark. There are so many tourists that day but we still had fun. Our next stop is the Elephant Trunk Rock. Actually, there are so many rock formations around the place but we just visited a few because we still have so many destinations on the list. Northern Taiwan is such an interesting place.
The salty smell of the air calms me, it lingered on my coat. I loved Taiwan's smell.
Absorbing and trying my best to store the panoramic view in my mind.
Happy to be a pop of color under this gray colored sky :)
We had to climb up this steep little hill to be able to see the view, I suggest you use really comfy shoes. Exploring North Taiwan includes lots of mini trekking.
Hola! Took a bite of this toasted mamon before we climbed, needed some energy lol.
So this is the view, the ocean seems never ending. I wonder what she's thinking about.
Finally we've reached the famous Elephant Trunk Rock. I'm so amazed by this brave little girl :) She just politely smiled while her mom and dad took snaps of her.
And for the last photo, the very special person I'm talking about, my Mom. I've traveled alone but I say nothing compares to a trip with the special people in your life. So that's just the first part of my North coast adventure , see you on part 2 :)
