Taiwan: The End of the Natives (page 2 of 2)

I'm replying after 6 years—no idea if anyone’s still around to read this. On December 2, 2018, the date of Elcoyote69’s post, I had cycled up to Wuling from Hualien. I’m a cyclist, and I’d rented a bike to tackle the climb through Taroko Gorge. My stay in Taiwan was wrapping up just a few days later. I’d come to Taiwan to explore the country by joining this guided cycling tour: https://www.panagoetour.com/coastline, organized by a small Taiwanese family-run company. The father is Han, a military man who came from China with Chiang Kai-shek’s army and married an indigenous woman, so their kids all grew up with a dual culture—something that really showed in their choice of hostels. There were only five of us in the group: a New Zealand couple and an Indian couple, plus me. The Kiwi woman was learning Māori and noticed similarities with the local languages. After Tainan, like the New Zealanders, I continued on my own with one of my goals being to return to Hualien and tackle the famous Wuling climb—3,275 meters high. It’s a legendary ascent that hosts well-known races. What really struck me in Taiwan was how kind people were—their eagerness to help and go out of their way for a lost tourist like me, more than once. I’ll stop here since I’m guessing no one’s left reading this. If you *are* reading this and can make it happen—go to Taiwan. It’s truly one of a kind. François

I went there 6 years ago. Trip was less active than yours, but I totally agree about how friendly the locals are. A bit of Japanese discipline mixed with a lot of Chinese spontaneity—such a great blend to be around!