13 December 2013

A little sad to be leaving the homestay so soon because we didn't have the chance to take in the fresh air and gorgeous surroundings due to the bad weather. We went even further uphill today but we were still within the beauty of serene villages and tranquility nonetheless.

Our first stop was the Swiss Gardens. A pity it was drizzling and we had no brollies with us. After a few snaps of photographs out in the rain, we hid in 7/11 for cuppas of coffee, tea and cocoa (hot chocolate and marshmallows in this weather is puuuuurfect). I love how their 7/11s function like cafes with proper seatings for customers. 

Cingjing didn't have that many attractions but I felt that the best part was definitely the fresh air and lovely weather. The gloominess thanks to the rain was actually quite soothing. The place reminded me of Malaysia's Cameron Highlands, except colder and definitely fresher. I found it especially calming basking in such relaxing surroundings.

Anyway, we spent about 3 hours exploring the largest green (okay it was more yellowish because it was the winter season) pastures. A lot of sheep, horses, cats and we took many pretty pictures (my favourite out of the entire trip). So glad I feel better today because I would hate to miss this beauty.

Homely breakfast the Ah-Yi made for us

With Butter photobombing us (with his butt)

Overlook greener (yellow) pastures

Cute sheep with their butts facing us

Still my favourite picture of the three of us

Han who's always willing to be my photo-buddy

Isn't this really gorgeous?

My dad always making funny faces and force-kissing my mom in every picture

Dad with his favourite snack the entire Taiwan trip - tea-leaf eggs

Sheeeeeeeeep

And me destroying the camera

Super delish cheesecake that didn't come cheap

Hotpot for lunch (perfect in the cold weather)

After we checked into our B&B for the day

While my parents were taking a nap in the room, Han and I explored the area

Sunrays

I don't know why my brother always looks so good whereas I pale in comparison...

Red brick walls

Sunset

And everyone woke up for a simple home-made dinner

Today was basically a chill day because Cingjing is the more peaceful and slower part of Nantou with nice weather and absolutely friendly locals. To be honest I was really disappointed with the weather because the rain brought a lot of clouds that night. This may sound so very silly but I came to Cingjing with high hopes of lying on the grass looking up to see a blanket of stars above me. First, the grass was so muddy there was no way I'm lying on it. Second the stars were hiding behind the clouds :( Disheartening. And I woke up at 4am to catch the sunrise but the clouds were too thick and before long it was already bright... 

I'll be coming back again just to scratch those off my bucket list, but def during a better season.