TAIWAN has opened its door for Filipinos to check its rolling mountains and vibrant sites without the painstaking worries of getting a visa approved. This sparked my interest as I usually leave the country to enjoy the holidays elsewhere.
Never have I been so sure to pursue this adventure as the Taiwanese government is scheduled to lift its visa-free status for Filipinos this year.
As frenzy as I can get for being naturally spontaneous, I find myself lining in the immigration of the highly industrialized Taoyuan International Airport, with a head buzzing with so many ideas on what do and where to eat in metropolitan Taipei.
December is the best time to enjoy Taipei's cold breeze as it ushers to the winter season. I ditched my usual airport outfit to a bulk of heat sustaining jacket over another jacket. I always liked cold places as it reminds me of how I enjoyed rubbing many Styrofoam against our unfinished walls and pretend that we had snow at home during Christmas. I got scolded, after.
Taiwan lived up to my expectation. It was colder than its usual number even without the snow to freeze its grand looking skyscrapers. Apart from its iron towers and majestic skyline representing its flourishing economy, I am here to enjoy its countryside and check off a bulk local finds, gastronomic pleasures, and drool myself with a wide options for snap worthy walls.
From Mining to Cat Village
From the famed Ximen shopping and eating district, we found ourselves traveling to Houtong Cat Village that houses more than 100 stray cats. Even without any idea on what the Chinese speaking guide is talking about, the road to Houtong is such a pleasurable experience.
Aboard a bus of less than 15 tourists, one will get to enjoy an easy travel and enjoy scenery of greens blanketed with fog and drizzles. The site used to be the center of mining industry until it ceased, leaving trails of a golden past through its railway architecture and yes, cats that grew in number.
Today, cats are everywhere and they appear highly temperamental. There is no home without a cat to take care. As to how the cats literally "moved in," homeowners have little interest to explain and instead, will invite you to enjoy a cup of tea while petting its cats in the coffee stations solely devoted to these domesticated beings.
The Gold City of Asia
Once upon a time, Jiufen prides itself as the Gold City of Asia or Little Shanghai because of its active gold mining that attracted more than 4,000 families to live and toil its land.
Later on, the gold industry faded and so as Jiufen's glamorous reputation until it gained popularity because of its hills perfectly located in the uplands of northeast Taiwan. Even without a hint of gold, its rustic feel is more than enough reason to enjoy its vibe, this time, with many options for shopping, exotic dining, and a bulk of peculiar adventures that are not as pricy as gold.
No doubt, it has registered many "panda sleepers" and houses. Who would not want to catch the first rays of the sun from the magnificent Keelung and hear the busy buyers pick their options to delight while sipping on your morning cup. It could be recalled that the highly acclaimed movie "A City of Sadness" talked about Jiufen and nailed many recognitions as it tallied the golden past worth revisiting through the reels.
Recently, the movie of Jennylyn Mercado and Derek Ramsey for the Metro Manila Film Festival caught on film the beauty of the mountain village and later on we see the actors walking in its heritage streets adorned with well-lighted lanterns.
Lanterns for Love and Fortune
To see lanterns dancing freely in the skies is such a great metaphor about love and life. That is, first, true love should not expect to be loved in return. You love because you love. You lift your hands up, let the skies consume it and let the universe do you favor.
Just like the lanterns at Jingtong station, you write your wishes, include the fulfillment of your aspirations and the desires of your heart, set it free in the sky and carry the hope that one day, it will all make sense.
Today, the station is home to the famous lanterns festival that attracts hundreds of tourists to remind the higher being of their ignited hearts. As to me, I wrote down my prayers on healing, completeness, a streak of luck and a kind of love that is forgiving and honest. Oh well, if it comes true I will be the happiest, if not, at least, I got to put my hands on these famed Taiwan lanterns and snapped some post card perfect shots juxtaposed the railway of Jingtong.
When you reach Taiwan, you can call 0978-279-337 and get aboard its daily trips. It even features a night tour about food and you'll get to taste and truly understand the country through its street side kitchens.
There are also tours about its history and yes, a number of options that would include shopping and loads of it. Short to say, the tour company will arrange your day and it will only cost you a little close to P2,000.