Return to Elephant Mountain

Elephant Mountain has been one of my favorite adventures so far. That is why I had to return. Albeit this time better prepared. Water is important when you are hiking in high heat and humidity. Also the right clothes and shoes. Really, the first time just spur of the moment, but this time I put some thought into it.

Always a good view from the mountain.

I woke early in the morning and got dressed. I packed up my adventure bag with two bottles of water. After a quick breakfast I rented a ubike and was on my way. It was an easy ride through the streets on an early Saturday morning. The crowd and traffic was light, letting me zip down the sidewalk. I cruised along by Taipei 101. I watched as other early risers enjoyed the park as I parked my bike.

The hike up was just as I remembered it from last time: exhausting. This time I was ready to deal with it though. I had plenty of water this time and the right set of cloths. The sun was bearing down, but I paid it little mind.

Just as the time before, I trekked my way up the steps. I took in each sight as though it were new. I looked out across the vistas that were presented and smiled at the feeling of having escaped the jungle of concrete and steel for a short while. I listened, looked, and smelled my surroundings. The mountain was flush with life.

Which way to go?

This time I opted to try a new trail. I walked across the mountain ridge till I found a trail heading down. I walked down the steep stairs and into a new world. I found a nice rock outcrop to sprint up and look through the canopy to scan the area. The trees were spread out before me like a great green roof. Farther down I found something unexpected. Areas had been cleared away and looked like they had been set up as some kind of sports area in the past. I could imagine people hiking up the trail for an early morning game of badminton. To me, now out of use, they looked like a good place for morning martial arts practice. That would wait for another day.

Reminds me of Old Man's Cave

Continuing down I came to a point where the path branched off. It was a tough choice, but for this trip I chose the path that I figured would lead me back around to where I had hiked up the mountain. This trail took me past steep cliffs. I was happy to find that there was even a passage through a stone tunnel. It remind me of the hikes at Old Man’s Cave back home.

I came upon a nice rest area. It had awnings and tables to relax under. Even better, it had bathrooms. I rested there for a good while, taking in the view and just thinking. With few people out and about, it was an ideal place to clear my mind. Being away from the noise of the city is the only way to hear myself think some days.

The hike came to an end as I followed the trail to its conclusion. It had wrapped be back around the mountain to intersect with a portion that I had hiked up earlier. I headed back down the stony steps towards the park. I had to purchase more water from the lady at the foot at the mountain. Two bottles was just not enough water for the humid weather. The hike had invigorated me, however, so my day was far from done.

Bidding the mountain farewell for the day, I hopped back on a ubike. I cruised down the sidewalk along one of the better bike lanes. I traveled past Taipei 101 once more, but now I was focused on the Holiday Jade and Flower Markets. I always enjoy looking at jade, even pieces I cannot hope to buy. I was more of a window shopper that day, but it was relaxing. The flower market made me hunger for the day when I would have my own place to move into. It would be a first stop for me to procure some house plants. Finally, the craft market is nice, though I spent most of my time at tables selling binoculars, microscopes, and other gadgets. An hour later, the only things I left with was a bag of  peanuts and some passion fruit to make a meal.

A great spot to rest and think.

For the next few hours I took a bicycle tour of the city. Pedal power can get you to a lot of places. I cruised by various monuments and temples. I made the mistake of getting lost in some market areas. A word to the wise, bikes do not do so well when the sidewalks are narrow and crowded. I did make a few attempts at shopping, or at least research for shopping. So much to buy, so little money. Adventures are expensive, at least if you want a good camera to capture the memories. Fortunately, the people are friendly, and that eases a great deal of the journey.

Riding buy some of the government buildings.

Once I had thoroughly exhausted myself, run up a great debt for the ubike, and ensured my butt would be angry at me the next morning, I turned myself towards home. A tricky ride itself. With only marginal effort I un-lost myself and rode back to the hostel. It felt good to have accomplished something for the day. So after a good shower I relaxed and enjoyed my peanuts and passion fruit.

Night Markets

Night markets are one of the most exciting things about Taiwan. To me they feel like a mix of festival and boardwalk. I am reminded of walking down main street during the Apple Festival back home. Colorful lights flash in the night. Food stalls sell a variety of dishes to a hungry crowd. Vendors try to sell their goods to everyone that passes. The only thing missing are games and rides, and some do have games.

A crowded night at Shilin.

The night markets are crowded affairs. People stream through the streets in a massive press of bodies. It is easy to be caught in the flow and pushed along. To add to the traffic the omnipresent scooters are still on the road, along with cars sometimes. People walking in the streets does not close them down.

Street crafts. Who doesn't love giant robots?

For all of their hustle and bustle, the night markets are fairly safe. Crime is low in Taiwan and this is not different. While I have heard of pickpockets, they are not some omnipresent scourge. If you keep good situational awareness and watch out for scooters, then you should be safe.

A store devoted to One Piece

There are plenty of night markets to choose from. Some are known for specializing in a particular good or service such as food. They come in a range of sizes as well. Some are huge bazaars where almost anything can be found, while others are just a street where the locals get dinner. There are also a few areas that are almost like night markets, especially on the weekends. The Ximending shopping area sees a lot of street venders pop up on friday and saturday nights.

Shillin is hands down the biggest night market in the city. It is a winding maze that worms through what feels like a thousand miles of stalls and stands. The streets are packed with shoppers to the point of pedestrian traffic jams. Those who lack stalls will throw down blankets and sell their goods in the middle of the street. This adds to the congestion by creating bottlenecks.

Venturing through the crowd can be very rewarding though. Deals can abound and haggling is possible. The merchants keep their prices pretty reasonable though, so it is not necessary to fight over prices. Next to designer boutiques you can find nicknack shops. The Taiwanese love their cellphones, so it seems like every other shop is selling smartphone accessories in every size, shape, and color. There are entire stores that are nothing but smartphone cases.

Food does not take a backseat. There are stalls, carts, and restaurants galore. One can gorge on snackfoods and local treats or settle in for a meal at trendy steakhouse. I tend to muddle along, eating whatever catches my fancy, and has a short line. Of course, one of the most famous things about Shillin is its food. Keep an eye out and you will see the famed penis shaped cakes.

A trip to Shilin isn't complete without seeing some interesting food.

Not far from the school I work at is the Lehua night market. I favor it some nights after work for a treat. A huge candy store supplies me with treats to pass out in class. It is a small, but lively market. It keeps your attention with a wide range of stalls. Buy shoes, eat food, and play games. I think the best meal I got there was a Cambodian shop. Healthy, yet filling.

Raohe is known for its food. I was glad I had my friend Grace to guide me along the cramped street. The experience that made it special for me was a soup shop where chinese medicine was used in the recipes. The temple just outside the market was nice to stop at while a short walk away we were able to look out over the city from across the river.

Temple at the heart of Shilin

The most recent night market adventure for me was finally visiting the infamous Snake Ally. It is famed for selling snake soup and drinks of snake blood. Wandering down the street you can see shops with live snakes. Several featured cases with large Burmese pythons. Of course, snakes are not the only thing Snake Ally is famed for. It is noted for being a more adult district. It is as close to a red light district as you will find in Taipei. However, you are more likely to see shops selling porn and adult toys. It is kind of funny that for a conservative society you will see stands full of porn right next to a family restaurant and no one thinks much of it. Couple often visit to pick up a few aids before hitting the abundant love hotels.

A puzzle store

And that is but a small sample of the night markets, and only in Taipei at that. Over time I hope to explore many more. I have hit most of the big ones in Taipei. I still need to cross the infamous Snake Alley off of the list.

I hunt for deals on goods I need and baubles I do not. Cloths are a touch harder to find as the markets cater more to women in that area. That said, Shilin provides a good place to search out gifts for female friends. It is little junk stores that I enjoy. After searching around for a bit I can walk out with some supplies for teaching, a plate I need, and that thing (you know, the thing that you always needed but never knew about).

It is, of course, my stomach that drives most financial exchanges at the night markets. With such treats to be tried, I can always expect something new. Everyone that I go with wants me to try their favorite bubble milk tea. I still need to try the stinky tofu, just to say I did. Sausage and pork buns and fried chicken, oh my!

Thinking on all of this makes me hungry. Maybe after writing I should make plans to head to Shillin for some good eats. I need some new earbuds as well. A shopping trip is in order it seems. Dinner, some cheep goods, desert, and maybe some entertainment.