Alishan

Alishan 

We made our way to the Alishan National Forest Area in the late morning on the second day of our trip. I dont recall seeing the information online that the famous railway is CLOSED! After a serious typhoon 4 years ago!! you think they would mention that..... But Vicky let us know of a bus to take and we were able to head out there for a small day trip all the same.

The bus ride is really not the best experience. You are able to purchase a ticket for 250 NTD at the small bus station near the main train station in town. WARNING!!! If you get car sick easily, I would recommend this trip. Its a 2 1/2 hour ride in a crazy bus around sharp corners and a bumpy road. We were lucky and got a nice 1970's looks driver who drove like he had a brick instead of a foot. It was an interesting journey to say the least. But we did get to see some puppies at the rest stop. So ....there's that. 

Have Tabi-Chan will travel! My new journey buddy TABI! He got a great deal of attention on the trip. People seemed to think he was real at times. He was glad to meet so many people.  

 THE PUPPIES! On a short stop on the bus ride to Alishan we ventured around a shop corner and found a fair size pack of puppies. So cute and happy. It brought some cheer to the boring bus ride. The girls that saw us fawning over the puppies may have thought we were crazy.

The pups loved on us but weren't too keen on the other girls... oh well pup love anyway 

 Our crazy bus driver! With his vintage 70's glasses and a heavy foot, he got us there in no time. Even after a short stop for some food along the way. We had no idea what he was doing at the time but we figured it out. 

 Something about eggs. Taiwan and eggs! I thought Japan really loved eggs but not compared to Taiwan. These are, I believe, tea soaked/cooked eggs. 

 Waiting at the train station to head up to the sacred tree area in the Alishan National Forest Area. Yuou can purchase a ticket at the station once you arrive. Its around 15 NTD and the view along the short ride up is incredible. 

Alone in the car on the ride up to the scenic area Tabi was horsing around! I see you Tabi, I see you. 

Some of the beautiful trees along the way as we rode in the train. 

 A glimpse of the little train as we headed up to the Sacred Tree area.  

 The man made paths that lead to all areas on the mountain were beautiful to walk along and take in the scenery. 

 Tabi was on the hunt for a perfect tree, but maybe this one was a bit too large for his three toes

 A small pond at the top near the temple.

Inside the shrine/temple there were some quirky offerings and colorful "gifts" for the gods.

 These flower papers didn't have a smell but they were well crafted. 

 A little heart break for Tabi-chan! No climbing sir, off the trees!

 People got a good laugh out of me taking this picture. Tabi-chan loves swinging ! 

We headed back down and to the bus ride home. At the bottom you can take in some of the touristy shops and check out some of the delicious Alishan Green Tea at the lovely shop up the stairs. 

This is where Tabi made friends with a little boy who was just obsessed with him! He got some serious love and Tabi was claimed by him. You dont need to speak the language to know that this kids was happy as a clam to have a Tabi. 

After Alishan our journey in Chaiyi was finished and we headed up for 5 days in the colorful city of Taipei.