Taiwan experience, Part 1

TAIWAN. A PEAC group picture was taken on the steps of Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall. (Debb Bautista)
TAIWAN. A PEAC group picture was taken on the steps of Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall. (Debb Bautista)

THE Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) treated its coordinators to a trip in Taiwan. We discovered interesting sites in this country where history, nature, art and technology are combined in a way that made each city unique.

One of the well-known attractions in Taichung that definitely stands out for its one-of-a-kind art display is the RAINBOW VILLAGE. This art complex is the work of “Grandpa Rainbow,” a former soldier whose real name is Huang Yung-Fu. Now in his 90s, he picked up his paintbrush years ago to brighten up his environs and to keep the old village from demolition. Everyone enjoyed posing with canvases of animals, flowers and cartoons which adorn the walls and the ground. It’s a small compound but it brought a smile to our faces.

SUN MOON LAKE is famous for its clear, sparkling water with mountains as its backdrop. The name of the lake is inspired by the beauty of the expanse. The east side is round, like the sun, while the west side is long and narrow, like a crescent moon. Sitting majestically on a hill above the lagoon is the magnificent WEN WU TEMPLE that offered a spectacular view of the area. I thought that this ornate shrine was remarkable, with its carved stone, bright red and gold decorations, and extraordinary sculptures. Another attraction we experienced was riding the cable car that traveled over 2 mountain valleys which afforded us for stunning shots of Sun Moon Lake.

CHANG KAI SHEK MEMORIAL HALL was built in memory of Chiang Kai-Shek, the first president of the Republic of China. I was here a few years back, and it’s as impressive as I remembered... lovely all around and getting amazing pictures from so many different angles. The architecture is imposing, although the statue makes the hall slightly reminiscent of the Lincoln Memorial. Try to catch the changing of the guards when you are here which happens hourly. A must-see landmark is the architecture wonder that is TAIPEI 101, with the fastest elevators in the world and an observatory with a view of Taipei City. Step into the Guinness World Record-breaking elevator and hold on tight for 37-seconds. You don’t even notice you are traveling straight up at 60-km/hr. Exit on the 89th floor observatory for unobstructed views of Taiwan in every direction. This was one of the best happenings we experienced in Taiwan!

Our venture will continue next week...

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