(^56) The remarkable thing was that a strong Japanese influence appeared when brewing
coffee. The specially-designed kettles and filters allowed water to drip through, one
or two drops at a time, resulting in brewing one cup at a time. The beans were
weighed, grounded, emptied into the filter, and the cup and saucer warmed. A small,
swan-neck kettle was used, but instead of flooding the filter and letting it drip, the
lady only poured a small amount of water in - a process which took several minutes.
I sat watching in fascination and once my cup was placed in front of me, I felt it
should be savoured.
Taipei – Keelung - 90km
I finally left Taipei and cycled the 90 kilometres to Keelung. The ferry boat to China
was only in two days, but having itchy feet, I moved along. The weather was
beautiful. The sun was out and aided by a slight tailwind, it became a good day of
riding. The route led past odd rock formations created by aeons of wind and sea
erosion. Reaching bustling, Keelung was in good time and there remained more than
enough time to explore the night market, famous for its wide variety of food.
Around 16h00, I cycled to the harbour, where I bought a ticket. Although the ferry
had been in port since my arrival, we waited hours until we were finally allowed on
board.
Keelung, Taiwan – Xiamen, China - By boat
The Cosco Star was far more substantial than envisaged but there weren’t many
people on board. The interior was quite luxurious and cabins had six bunk beds to a
cabin, but I was the sole person in my compartment. The ship rolled wildly, and I felt
it best to stay put.
Reaching Xiamen, China was around 9h30 the following morning and provided an
uncomplicated entry into China. I changed my last Taiwanese money, drew a few
more Chinese yuan and was excited to see what the area held.
leana
(Leana)
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