Nantou, Taiwan - Sun Moon Lake

I didn't expect much from Sun Moon Lake, thinking it was some over-hyped tourist magnet. Well, as it turns out, the touristy places were mediocre and crowded, but the less visited places like atop the pagoda (tour groups don't climb stairs up 7 storeys, they need elevators for that), command priceless views and interesting insights. It's so much like a peaceful solo pilgrimage, and one of the better ways to soak up the tranquility of the Lake.

Yuki decides to be a model and send me off the next morning. She's really photogenic and that's a temple right behind. It looks uncannily like some ministry's building I know.

Off to develop some photos for my best host family

Streets of Puli. Much better without my backpack.

Their ONLY KFC

My breakfast. Anything brewed with rice, is not nice.

Resisted buying these

The bored boy did a ton of other things

Scary to live here?

'How much is that umbrella, doggie?'

OPEN character

Piping out, good for a cold day. Very crowded

Biker ah-mas?

As a pilgrim

Temple was closed for reno

'Well, HELLO!'

The 2 best things to do: Either

Or

Up Cien Pagoda

For awesome panoramic views worth the arduous climb

 

'Hello Again!'

At a temple

Looked all over for the birthday stairs! 365 steps for each day of the year.
It was just right ahead, with an obscure entrance near the sea. The foot of the stairs is January. Mine is halfway down. At least, I found my sister's step (she was born in December).

For the long wait, here have some Coke!

Boring, but I just HAVE to try the ONLY KFC in Puli!! And some 50 Lan Bubble tea to go with it!

Next stop: Kaoshiung

Related Posts:

My Taiwan Itinerary (December 2011 and June 2013)

Taiwan Day 7 - Puli, Day 1: 

• Puli

Taiwan Day 8 - Puli, Day 2: 

• Sun Moon Lake