Jiaoshi is two-hour ride from Taipei. We've learned to enjoy our time on the train. Usually we talk with each other (or attempt to practice Chinese with poor unsuspecting neighbors), read, journal, or listen to podcasts (our recent favorite has been Tim Keller).
After a quick stop at the visitor center, we started our exploration. First, we came upon the local swimming hole, complete with a clearly posted "NO SWIMMING" sign. About 30 high schoolers were splashing around, and we felt tempted to join them, but decided to press on.
We hiked a short trail up a mountain that took us to three waterfalls and--surprisingly--a Catholic church!
We picnicked next to one of the falls with a nun who was dipping her feet in the water.
On the way down, we stopped for some local snacks. Kalan tried this shaved peanut and ice cream wrap topped with cilantro. Yes, cilantro.
Next we headed to the Paoma Historic Trail.
It was mostly wide, but continuously uphill. We expected to hike it to the end and then take a bus back into town (a three-hour trip). However, once at the top, the locals told us that no buses went up there. A kind toothless grandfather let us hitch a short ride in the back of his truck to the narrow part of the trail, and we hiked back, enjoying the help of gravity. We didn't mind...it was a beautiful day.
When we did make it back into town, we were rewarded with a foot soak in one of the free hot springs in the city square while a saxophonist serenaded us.
A great ending to a great Saturday.
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