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Elephant Mountain and the world's first Cat Cafe!
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It was yet another early one this morning, as we made our way towards the Elephant Trail in Taipei. The Elephant trail, East of the city of Taipei, at the end of the red MRT line, takes you to an amazing vista, overlooking the city; it is really a site to behold. Rain was expected to fall by lunchtime, and we wanted to fit in as much as we could beforehand.
As it happens, there was no rain today in Taipei, right up until we had dinner at 6pm, so we really had no reason to get up so early. Part of the problem with predicting the weather in Taiwan, is, just like the UK, you can't get it entirely accurate. As an island, the weather systems change constantly, often without warning. I've learnt to take anything my weather app says with a pinch of salt, and just do what I feel is right.
As it happens, there was no rain today in Taipei, right up until we had dinner at 6pm, so we really had no reason to get up so early. Part of the problem with predicting the weather in Taiwan, is, just like the UK, you can't get it entirely accurate. As an island, the weather systems change constantly, often without warning. I've learnt to take anything my weather app says with a pinch of salt, and just do what I feel is right.
The trek up to the viewing platforms, showcasing Taipei's city scape in all its glory, was at times painful, but also exhilarating. The temperature wasn't too hot at 8.30 in the morning, but as soon as we began the long walk to the top, the sun came out and the mercury began to rise. By the time Darrell and I reached the first viewing platform, we were sweating like a glass blowers ar*e. Puffing and panting, we had a long way to go, before we reached the top!
There were plenty of locals and tourists alike walking the Elephant tail, so many in fact, it was often difficult meandering between the growing throng of people. Most of them were of course polite, and allowed others to pass, the narrow, winding stairs easily. There were a few however, who were just darn right rude, and entitled, and as usual, the Americans came top of the list. Blocking stairs, talking loudly and preventing people from trying to get past them, seemed to be top of their list of annoyances. Asians are a lot more respectful and deferential to others, and it is to America's shame, that their citizens act in such a rude way! As an individual, I always let others pass before me, and was brought up to hold doors open for anyone following closely behind. Manners in America, appear to be sadly lacking
There were plenty of locals and tourists alike walking the Elephant tail, so many in fact, it was often difficult meandering between the growing throng of people. Most of them were of course polite, and allowed others to pass, the narrow, winding stairs easily. There were a few however, who were just darn right rude, and entitled, and as usual, the Americans came top of the list. Blocking stairs, talking loudly and preventing people from trying to get past them, seemed to be top of their list of annoyances. Asians are a lot more respectful and deferential to others, and it is to America's shame, that their citizens act in such a rude way! As an individual, I always let others pass before me, and was brought up to hold doors open for anyone following closely behind. Manners in America, appear to be sadly lacking
We finally reached the top, after just over an hour of walking. It was comforting to see a defibrillator on every landing, on our way up to the summit, but made me a little anxious, as I gingerly made my way up to the top, breathing heavily as I went. I was well aware of just how unfit I was, as I stumbled, and finally collapsed on a waiting bench overlooking the city of Taipei, at the pinnacle of the mountain.
The views were truly magnificent; unlike anything I had seen before. Although I was out of breath, I also had a great sense of satisfaction, that I had completed the marathon climb. It certainly does make you feel invigorated, and full of life.
The views were truly magnificent; unlike anything I had seen before. Although I was out of breath, I also had a great sense of satisfaction, that I had completed the marathon climb. It certainly does make you feel invigorated, and full of life.
Despite my achievement, I was tired, exhausted, and shattered as I started to make my way down the other side of the mountain. By the time I had reached the bottom I was ringing in sweat, and badly in need of a drink. Looking over my shoulder at the mountain behind, I was amazed by just how far I had come personally. It wasn't that long ago; I was weighing in at 100kg, and out of breath after just walking up a flight of stairs. Today I can walk up a mountain, and most importantly, I am 25kg lighter. Thankfully, I can now enjoy doing the things I've always wanted to do, and that really does make me happy.
Soaked in sweat, with temperatures hitting 32 degrees, we made our way to the MRT underground line and headed to Starbucks for a cold drink. I love coming here as a blogger, because they literally have the fastest WIFI in the World. I was able to upload all of my photographs and videos in a matter of minutes. I mean, how the hell can Starbucks have a decent internet connection, but everywhere else doesn't?... It really beggars' belief. Still, I'm not complaining, since it gives me more time to enjoy my holiday.
Darrell has already complained I spend too much time blogging, but, as a writer, it is something I have to do, every day, I know Darrell does find that difficult at times, but it is just a fact of life for me; I would love to take a break and switch off, but I know it just isn't going to happen.
Darrell has already complained I spend too much time blogging, but, as a writer, it is something I have to do, every day, I know Darrell does find that difficult at times, but it is just a fact of life for me; I would love to take a break and switch off, but I know it just isn't going to happen.
From Taipei 101, we jumped on the MRT Red line and went to our next destination - Taipei's famous cat cafe. In fact, we went to the World first Cat Cafe, opened in 1998. Once again, I would love to tell you the name, but it is in Taiwanese, as you would expect, which I am unable to decipher. However, if you watch the brief video below, you will see me reference it at the end of the recording.
Darrell and I have been to many Cat Cafes all over the World, and I can safely say this one was the best. The cats, dogs and a bird in the care of the owners were happy, well cared for, and looked after, and I was delighted to sit there, drinking Taiwanese Apple Tea, and eating a delicious homemade piece of cake.
Cat Cafes can often be terrible places to visit. The last one we went to in Chiang Mai, had a profound effect on me, and I vowed never to return to one again. The animals there were badly looked after, and the place stunk of urine. Here in the World's first Cat Cafe, the animals were squeaky clean, and a joy to be around. I did breathe a sigh of relief - my faith in humanity had been restored.
This is a must-see destination for any cat lover that comes to Taiwan, and I would happily return again and again. I have never felt so welcome at an establishment in my life, but things didn't stay happy for long.
Darrell and I have been to many Cat Cafes all over the World, and I can safely say this one was the best. The cats, dogs and a bird in the care of the owners were happy, well cared for, and looked after, and I was delighted to sit there, drinking Taiwanese Apple Tea, and eating a delicious homemade piece of cake.
Cat Cafes can often be terrible places to visit. The last one we went to in Chiang Mai, had a profound effect on me, and I vowed never to return to one again. The animals there were badly looked after, and the place stunk of urine. Here in the World's first Cat Cafe, the animals were squeaky clean, and a joy to be around. I did breathe a sigh of relief - my faith in humanity had been restored.
This is a must-see destination for any cat lover that comes to Taiwan, and I would happily return again and again. I have never felt so welcome at an establishment in my life, but things didn't stay happy for long.
By the time we left the cafe, at 2pm, both Darrell and I were ravenous, the last time we had eaten was at breakfast, so we tried to find a place to get a late lunch. Now this was the one aspect of Taiwan I detested. We could not find anywhere to eat! We spend a good two hours looking for somewhere, just to sit and relax - to no avail. Everywhere was either full, or hosting events, and there was just nowhere to go.
How can a place with so many inhabitants, have so few decent places to eat? I have never had any problems, in any other country, seeking out a bistro or cafe, but here in Taipei, it had become an impossible task. In the end we gave up, and started to make our way back towards our hotel. Luckily however, we stumbled across somewhere to eat, a block away from the COZZI, where we are staying - Nora's Kitchen.
This was a particularly disappointing end, to an otherwise fabulous day, which has been somewhat tarnished. A large International city like Taipei, should have better facilities. Whether you are crammed nose to nose on the MRT, fighting over a seat in a restaurant or just looking for somewhere to grab a quick coffee, there should be more choice on offer and please provide somewhere to sit. Not everyone wants to stand up eating a pastry.
Tomorrow, we head south to Kaohsiung, and the hope is, we will find a more relaxed vibe, where we can unwind a little more. Taipei has been a wonderful place to visit, but both of us just haven't spent enough time relaxing. This is a large, hectic city, so you expect a lot of hustle and bustle, but even when we stayed in the bigger Bangkok, we could find somewhere to relax - In Taipei, it can be an almost impossible task. Nevertheless, it has been a fantastic journey in this friendly city, and I have some wonderful memories to take home to Australia with me!
How can a place with so many inhabitants, have so few decent places to eat? I have never had any problems, in any other country, seeking out a bistro or cafe, but here in Taipei, it had become an impossible task. In the end we gave up, and started to make our way back towards our hotel. Luckily however, we stumbled across somewhere to eat, a block away from the COZZI, where we are staying - Nora's Kitchen.
This was a particularly disappointing end, to an otherwise fabulous day, which has been somewhat tarnished. A large International city like Taipei, should have better facilities. Whether you are crammed nose to nose on the MRT, fighting over a seat in a restaurant or just looking for somewhere to grab a quick coffee, there should be more choice on offer and please provide somewhere to sit. Not everyone wants to stand up eating a pastry.
Tomorrow, we head south to Kaohsiung, and the hope is, we will find a more relaxed vibe, where we can unwind a little more. Taipei has been a wonderful place to visit, but both of us just haven't spent enough time relaxing. This is a large, hectic city, so you expect a lot of hustle and bustle, but even when we stayed in the bigger Bangkok, we could find somewhere to relax - In Taipei, it can be an almost impossible task. Nevertheless, it has been a fantastic journey in this friendly city, and I have some wonderful memories to take home to Australia with me!
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