(^14) Taipei – Shimen - 50km
Though not raining, the weather was bitterly cold as a scenic bicycle path led out of
the city along the Tamsui River. The ride was stunning, past many colourful temples,
while the town slowly disappeared behind me. Being weekend, the trail was popular
and packed with friendly cyclists, all interested in my doings. I cycled with William for
a while, who treated me to coffee before returning home.
Outside the city limits cycling was straight into an icy wind accompanied by a slight
drizzle, no fun at all. Shimen had both room and food and it was a blessing to settle
in under a thick duvet.
Shimen – Keelung - 40km
The weather was again miserable. It drizzled, a drizzle which lasted all day and a
frigid wind blew in from the ocean. My path continued past more fascinating temples,
one being the 18 Lords Temple or Dog Temple. Legend has it a man went out fishing
but never returned. His loyal dog pined for days until he could no longer bear the
suffering, and it’s believed he leapt into the foaming ocean, drowning himself. People
were so astounded by this act of loyalty, they built a temple in honour of the dog.
In Keelung, a gigantic version of a giant yellow rubber duck graced the harbour. It
was pretty bizarre, but it seemed thousands braved the cold, bundled up in scarves
and jackets, to witness a rubber duck floating in the bay. The duck further created a
lively touristy trade selling anything from T-shirts and hats to umbrellas, even duck-
themed food. Who would have believed a massive rubber duck could be that
popular?
Keelung’s famous night market was a delight and the food well known throughout
Taiwan. The streets were crowded and one could barely move, joining the madness, I
pushed towards massive pots of steaming soup – just the thing needed on a cold
night.
leana
(Leana)
#1