Made in Taiwan! EP1 After the Earthquake, English Road Trip in 4K

Summary

Join us on an unforgettable road trip through Taiwan, where adventure, culture, and food come together in one exciting journey. From the vibrant streets of Taipei and the serene Longshan Temple to the striking rock formations at Yehliu Geopark, we explore Taiwan's natural beauty and rich traditions. Along the way, we experience the thrill of an earthquake, discover delicious street food, and learn about Taiwan’s incredible fruit variety. Whether you’re interested in cultural rituals or scenic views, this trip offers a perfect blend of exploration and local flavor. A must-watch for any travel enthusiast!

Takeaways

• 😀 The trip starts with a visit to Long Shan Temple in Taipei, where the tradition of wooden wishing blocks is introduced.
• 😀 Taiwanese night markets offer a wide variety of food, including skewered meats and sweet lemon drinks with jelly.
• 😀 The group experiences multiple earthquakes during their stay in Taiwan, adding a unique aspect to their adventure.
• 😀 Yehliu Geopark is a must-visit location, featuring alien-like rock formations formed by erosion and marine life.
• 😀 The park is accessible to all visitors, with wheelchair-friendly paths and plenty of shaded rest areas.
• 😀 Taiwanese markets are known for their wide range of tropical fruits, with free samples available to taste before purchase.
• 😀 The group purchases six bags of dried fruit at a market near Yehliu Geopark after negotiating a discount.
• 😀 Zhengbing Fishing Village offers a colorful, vibrant harbor where visitors can purchase freshly caught seafood.
• 😀 A local noodle shop in Zhengbing provides an authentic experience, with the menu only in Chinese, but easily navigated using Google Translate.
• 😀 The group enjoys delicious wonton soup at the local noodle shop, appreciating the fresh, flavorful dish.
• 😀 Taiwan's road trip involves both scenic and cultural highlights, from ancient temples to modern markets and stunning geological formations.

Q & A

What is the significance of Longshan Temple in Taipei during the road trip?

Longshan Temple is a cultural and spiritual landmark in Taipei, where the travelers participated in a local tradition of making wishes with wooden blocks. This was a unique experience that gave them insight into Taiwanese religious practices and customs.

How do the Taiwanese wishing blocks at Longshan Temple work?

The Taiwanese wishing blocks are thrown on the ground, and if both blocks land either both face up or both face down, the wish is believed to come true. The travelers initially struggled with this, but a local guide helped them perform the ritual correctly.

What kind of food did the travelers enjoy at the night market in Taipei?

At the night market, the travelers were overwhelmed by the variety of food available, primarily savory skewers of meat, but also unique drinks like sweet lemon juice with jelly. The night market is a key part of the Taipei experience, offering both local and exotic flavors.

How did the travelers feel about the earthquake experience in Taiwan?

The travelers were initially surprised and a little scared when they experienced earthquakes during their stay, especially since they had been aware of a recent major earthquake before arriving. Despite the tremors, they remained safe and continued their journey.

What impact did recent earthquakes have on the travelers’ road trip plans?

The recent earthquakes caused road closures, which forced the travelers to alter their original plan of circumnavigating the island. Instead, they focused on the northeastern part of Taiwan, including a visit to Yehliu Geopark.

What makes Yehliu Geopark a popular destination in Taiwan?

Yehliu Geopark is famous for its unique geological formations, especially the hoodoo rocks shaped by ocean erosion. The park provides a surreal landscape, often compared to Mars, and is a must-visit spot for anyone interested in nature and geology.

Why are visitors not allowed to climb the rock formations at Yehliu Geopark?

Visitors are not allowed to climb the rock formations at Yehliu Geopark in order to preserve the natural integrity of the site. The formations are delicate, and climbing them can cause damage, so the park has strict rules to protect these geological wonders.

What role do the sea creatures play in the formation of the rocks at Yehliu Geopark?

The holes in the rocks at Yehliu Geopark are formed by marine creatures that secrete acid, which weakens the rock and allows the sea's erosion to create these holes. This fascinating process contributes to the park's otherworldly appearance.

How did the travelers use technology to navigate and translate during their trip in Taiwan?

The travelers used Google Translate, especially the photo translation feature, to navigate language barriers. This helped them read menus and understand signs, making their experience more seamless and enjoyable despite the language differences.

What was unique about the fishing village of Zhengbing, and how did the travelers experience it?

Zhengbing is a charming fishing village known for its fresh seafood. The travelers visited a pier lined with seafood stalls, where they could choose fresh fish to be cooked on-site. They also enjoyed exploring the colorful fishing harbor, which reminded them of Jellybean Row in Newfoundland.