Spring Excursion to Yi-Lan
Apr.15, 2008

The Land of Mountain & Rain – Yi-Lan County

On Tuesday, 15th April, I woke up much earlier to join the Welcome to Taipei Club members on a trip to visit Yi-Lan County; which is in the North-East of Taiwan.

Two coaches parked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were soon filled up with excited ladies and a few gentlemen. As we set off for our excursion, we were offered a healthy breakfast to keep us going throughout the morning activities.

A member of the committee soon welcomed all guests, distributed the program and highlighted the places we would visit. The route was to pass through the Hsueh-Shan Tunnel (12.9kms) which is one of the most challenging tunnels ever built in the world. The first stop was the National Center for Traditional Arts. After watching a DVD giving the history and activities of the center, the guide led us to different halls with displays of traditional home structures and layout, paintings, crafts, etc. The group even witnessed a live traditional wedding parade. At 12:30 p.m. we were treated to a sumptuous seafood buffet lunch.

At San-fu Garden Resort, the group strolled leisurely through a lovely botanical garden full of colorful species of flowers and birds. The group was also engaged in a DIY silk scarves tie-dye art, from vegetables dye. Each visitor was given a silk scarf, which they were to change into a colorful piece. After an exciting and creative exercise, everyone tucked into high – tea with a wide selection of cakes, biscuits and fruits.

We left the resort at 5:00 p.m. and headed for the Kumquat preserve factory, known as Orange country, where everyone was warmly welcomed with a steaming and refreshing cup of orange tea. The group was shown a DVD of the processing of the Kumquat fruit and later we tasted the different products made from the Kumquat fruit. Some members managed to fit in a brief tour of the production area. Everyone left having purchased products like preserved Kumquat, jam, even Kumquat Kim-chee (sp).

We left for Taipei in high spirits and arrived at the drop-off area before 19:00 hrs (7:00p.m.). I believe that everyone had a lovely time and we increased our intimate knowledge of the lovely “Taiwan.”

A very big “Chei-chei” to the committee for organizing a very interesting and educational outing.

　　　　　by Njabuliso B. Gwebu, Swaziland