On a flank of the Yushan is located at 2600 meters altitude, the Alishan Forest Recreation Area. This large, closed nature park is on the one hand a mega touristy developed, but on the other hand cleverly (with smart and beautiful walks and offers), that nevertheless everyone can enjoy their "piece of nature". So here, in contrast to the Yushan, busloads of tourists, but it hardly bothers. As everywhere: once you are 500 meters from the nearest bus parking lot, you are safe.
Previously, the area was used by the Japanese occupiers for felling. For this purpose, many railway lines were built on the mountain, which you can either drive along nicely, or - if closed down - walk along nicely! And then comes out of eg a giant tree, 5 meters in diameter! Trees there are some weird ones anyway. And cherry blossoms.
Back in the lowlands (Chiayi) I wanted to try something new again: Couchsurfing. Even though this way of sleeping really fits like ass on bucket to my ultimate soul, I had never tried it before.
My hostess Peggy was as funny as she was smart, so I stayed three nights instead of two. She even changed her roster and accompanied me on a scooter trip to Guanziling. There are muddy hot springs and we went to the simplest and cheapest pool that could be found. The whole indoor, separated by gender and naked, also only locals. As the only white man there one is already very exposed ?
But like everywhere in Taiwan: whether it's there, in the restaurant or on the train ... People like to talk to one. In doing so, one quickly leaves the small talk level and is in politics and the big wide world.
As far as this form of openness is concerned, Taiwan has so far come closest to the experiences in Iran. Yesterday my restaurant bill had even been paid by my interlocutor, as I found out when I wanted to pay!
Photo bonus material today: Toilet Sign in Alishan - Chance or Open Religious Discrimination? ??
Of my couchsurfing days in Chiayi, unfortunately, except for a funky Hinoki wood building, I have no photos.
