First Outing - Yang Ming Shan

Before this trip began, my father had already planned what we would do each day, filling each day we were overseas with something new for my family and I to experience. Today, my father had planned for us to take a walk at Yao Ming Shan, one of the eight National Parks in Taiwan.

Orginally called Grass Mountains because only grass could be seen on the mountain, this national park is famours for its cherry blossoms, hot springs and sulfur desposits. It also houses Taiwan's tallest extinct volcano, Seven Star Mountain, at 1,120m tall. This national park was renamed Yang Ming Shan to commemorate a Ming Dyanasty scholar Wang Yang Ming. 

                   

Beautiful blossoms I saw on the way up to the rest station.

The walk up to one of the resting stations was very enjoyable, with many beautiful and unique flora to appreciate. My whole body was relaxed, just walking and walking, taking in the sights of the forest. There was an earthy smell about the whole place, as the calls from the cicadas rang in my ears. 

                                            

The cherry blossoms which Yang Ming Shan is famous for. 

                                      The Magnificent view of Taipei 

Soon, we took a left turn, walked a few more meters and reached a rest station, Lin Yutang House.  Leaning against the wooden railings, what I saw totally took my breath away. Beyond me, the view of Taipei stood before me. The top of  Taipei 101, currently the tallest building in the world, looked like it was at the same height as where I was standing. Cars which look so huge at ground level were so tiny that they were not even visible at this height. My family and I took a 15 minute break here and took a drink of water. The cool wind played with our hair as we sat under the pavilion, enjoying the breeze and the serenity of the place, taking our minds away from all worries that we have; at the same time taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.