Sun Moon Lake

Tonight is our last night here in Sun Moon Lake. It's 8:30 pm and I have just finished up repacking our bags, and setting clothes aside for our early start in the morning. Our bus to Alishan leaves at 9am so we need to be in line at the Visitor Center before then.

Sun Moon Lake strikes me every time we are here. The beauty and colors of this place are just unreal. Even with the wet and grey cast spread over our days here the scenery is still arresting.

The fog flowing past and around the mountains, floating over the lake; the rain creating patterns and rings on the waters surface.

No matter the weather....just being surrounded by this beauty will never grow old.

We didn't do to much during our stay here, partially because of the weather, and partially because we are staying in such a nice hotel. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and they actually have heat! Most places in Taiwan are not equipped with heating (Radium Kagaya did not have heating so it was a bit chill).

The fog cleared for a little bit during the afternoon 

Our first night here we tried the Chinese restaurant here in the hotel. The food was pretty good for the most part, but the Sichuan Boiled Fish (I have not actually made this recipe, so not sure how this particular incarnation would turn out) was a major let down. The flavors were very weak, there was pretty much no fish and all bean sprouts, and no heat. For me to think there was no heat...means it was super weaksauce.

The pea sprouts were the highlight of the meal, super flavorful and really tasty. The smoked chicken was just alright. We had almond tofu dessert which was very nostalgic feeling and refreshing but I forgot to take a picture of it >.<'.

Lalu Island, The Lalu's namesake

View of the Ci en Pagoda, Xuanzang Temple, Xuanguang Temple, Lalu Island

Pretty Koi pond right below our balcony 

Our second day here we hiked along the Hanbi trail, and went up to the temple (I'll be posting photos from that later). After wandering around for a bit longer we picked up sandwiches from a 7-eleven and spent the rest of the evening in.

Our last day here we spent primarily in the hotel. Weather was particularly dreary today, raining in earnest for most of it. We wandered out late afternoon to Mos Burger, then once again stopped by a 7-eleven for water and sandwiches in case we got hungry later in the evening.

These are all the photos I have had the chance to edit so far. There are many many more :P Hopefully I will be able to find some gems among the masses. For now, it's late, and we have an early morning ahead of us.

Really looking forward to Alishan!