A beautiful day for a hike in nature. The Jangtaesan Recreational Forest just south of Daejeon is perfect for such a ‚Forest Adventure‘. Various hiking paths and facilities like tree top walks, view tower or suspension bridge invites for exploring the nature there. But it wouldn’t be called ‚recreational forest‘ without having a picnic area under the trees with relaxing chairs and coffee facilities.
While in Daejeon i visited the Hanbat arboretum too. It’s situated just behind the Daejeon Museum Of Art, which i skipped due the lack of time. The sunny day let me stroll rather trough the park, although it was bit too early for flowers. At least i had a calm and peaceful atmosphere within and could collect some more impressions.
At the outskirt of Daejeon lies a hidden gem: The Uam Historical Park.
Uam Historical Park, situated in the eastern part of Daejeon, is both a cultural heritage site and a park. It was once the place where Uam Song Siyeol (1607-1689), a scholar and government official during the Joseon dynasty, conducted his research and educational activities. The traditional houses established during his time and the relics left by Song Siyeol are still preserved, and visitors can view these artifacts at the historic museum. The park also features a pond within its premises.
On my way back from Mt. Palgongosan i noticed a sign saying ‚Bullo-Dong ancient tombs`. I got curious about it, and since it was still time before dusk, i decided to get out of the bus spontaneously.
A board on the edge of this hilly site explains there are about 210 tombs from the fifth or sixth century. The atmosphere was pretty calm when i walked trough the hilly landscape. There were hardly any people. In silence i looked over to the city and enjoyed the scenery. Only when i got closer to a prominent tree at the top of a hill, another photographer approached. It turned out to be a student from the nearby university of Daegu. We had a chat when he showed me beautiful photos he made after rain, when all the hills were covered in lush green grass. I must come definitely back on another time of the year.
On my visit at the Dongwhasa temple near Daegu i noticed a small cabin car going up into the area of Mt. Palgongsan. Spontanously decision was made to take a ride uphill. When i asked for a hiking trail back, they told me there’s one, but might be rather difficult. However, the view from the cafe on the top is beautiful. I got a coffee there and had an interesting talk with Momo, who was a visitor from Thailand. The way down wasn’t as difficult or even dangerous as i’m told, but beautifully lonely and with pretty views over the mountain forests. I truly enjoyed it, but made too many selfies 😉
Near the city of Daegu, settled on the foot of Mt. Palgongsan, is the beautiful temple complex of Dhongwasa. It’s surrounded by lush forest with small streams and nice walk ways trough nature.
The first temple dates back around 1500 years ago. Nowadays are existing older buildings beside new houses and temples with huge statues and figures. Among them are also some figures from African animals. No idea they just like them here too or there’s maybe a deeper meaning about it. More clearly seems the meaning of angry looking guards at the entrance and the calm Buddha inside the complex.
There was one more chance to meet my friends in Taiwan. Despite the rain we decided to go for a walk in the historical area of Tamsui.
Among other historical buildings there was the massive Hobe Fort, Fort Santo Domingo and the former British Consulate Residency. And of course there was time for a coffee and having lunch together. Always a good time to chat and learn more about the life in Taiwan.
If anyone wants to know more about living in Taiwan should follow my friend Lucy’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MamaLucy. and/or Instagram: instagram.com/mama.lucy1215
There’s an important historical place outside of Tainan, called Fort Zeelandia. It’s the place where Dutch people arrived and build their first trading outpost on Taiwan.
Beside a museum and a tower with nice view, there’s also a beautiful garden with cherry trees. It’s just the right time of year to enjoy the cherry blossoms here.
There’s one last place i wanted show you on Lü Dao.
Okay, actually two. Because there’s also this small cave, called Guanyin Cave, which considered to be holy and worth a short stopp anyway.
And then there’s the tipp i got. An abandoned house on a hill near the lighthouse. There’s no road up there, just a path overgrown by dense bush. It took me awhile to find my way up to the hill, but it was completely worth it. That ‚lost place‘ appeared a beautiful spot for a quite hour or so. It would be also a nice sunset point. But i preferred another coffee on my favorite place @coffeestray
There’s a hike on Lü Dao which leads to the highest point of Green Island. And there was the most beautiful weather to do that. So, hiking boots on and up the hills.
The path is wide, well maintained and not to miss. But on its side is dense forest with rich flora and fauna. Most obvious are the many butterflies fluttering in the air, buzzing insects and the calls of different birds. Also obvious became these big spiders and their sticky webs, especially when you run into it. They use the space on the path and once i missed it, i was busy for quite awhile to get rid of the gluey threads all over my face and head.
A nice surprise was but the sights of these little deers. Even twice they crossed my path, had a look at me and jumped back into the bush, before i could grab my camera for it. And there was more. Small lizards and even a pretty big snake, which flee from me too. I could just take picture from its tail, before disappearing.
At the summit i was rewarded with a splendid view almost over the entire Island. From here, once more you can imagine how it came to its name Lü Dao, the Green Island. This day surrounded with the deep blues, not only by the sea but also from the sky. And look closely, the air is clear enough to see even the town of Tauting on mainland Taiwan.
Another beautiful day on this remarkable island. Only to finish with a local speciality, an omelette with local seaweed and of course a coffee in my favorite cafe @coffeestray
(sorry for the many butterflies, but they were too many too nice ;-))
rene bauer photography 