We spent this morning touring Chiayi, accompanied by our tourist bureau sponsors. We visited the train museum, a red cypress sculpture museum, a replica Japanese dormitory, among other things. Because we were VIPs, we received a gift bag, met some transportation officials, and rode on a very special train hand-carved of red cypress wood. This train is not rideable by the public so this was a big honor indeed.
After that we had a burger lunch. This was not just any burger rather it was an all organic farm to table experience, which is also a Sacramento theme. All the produce is from local farms and the farmers are known by name. The Freen (fresh and green) Burger is one of many businesses opened by young Taiwanese who go back to their home towns to honor history and infuse new ideas.
After that we took the bullet train to Taipei; it travels at speeds up to 300 km/hr. Super clean, just like the rest of the country.
After arriving at 15:26, we had time for a VERY brief tour of Taipei because we had to head to airport at 20:30. Check out the photos!!
To summarize the trip, it was FANTASTIC! The country is so beautiful – it is compact yet offers so many different climates – mountains, beach, jungle, metropolitan city, charming towns. And we can’t say enough about the people, from Peter our tour guide to encounters with people on the street, everyone was incredibly nice, sweet, and helpful. If you are looking for a new destination that has it all, including some good cyclin hills, then go to Taiwan!!! It won’t disappoint!!
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Butch and Deb Ride Bikes 
I’ve heard of wooden ships but never a wooden train.
Great photos. The country certainly looks inviting!
I had a great time catching up with your travels. The nature looks just fantastic with beautiful mountain scenery. I am sure the bike rides were great, especially the one downhill. The photos of the foods were 100% in presentation and made some interesting foods look delicious. Great potos. It seems that your hosts really tried to show you a wide variety of their country’s best. A lot to see and do. You have really been able to do a lot and show how you can see Taiwan can be seen in a reasonable time. Wonderful sharing on your host part and on your part!! Save travels home! Betsy
Wow!!! What are a great trip! Your interesting pictures and colorful commentary exposed a Taiwan I had never imagined. I can see you two spearheading a Wheelmen trip there sometime in the future. Sign me up!
Love the train, Butch. Now don’t go standing on any toilets. oK?
What a wonderful time you have been having!
Reading about that burger is making me hungry! The red train is beautiful. The craftsmanship must have been incredible to see in person. (I guess that means I need to get myself there!)
I’m so glad you shared your experiences and photos of the trip. I felt like I was there with you 🙂
Thanks guys!
I am so glad I stumbled on this blog! Really makes me think this should be my next big vacation.
Great blog, great pictures! I so want to stand on a toilet now.