It's was only 2 days ago but feels like ages! Just before we had to leave Kaohsiung we were still deciding what to do, if go to Taroko National Park or to visit Sun Moon Lake. Despite being the hardest to get to we decided to go to Taroko National. The mountains and some colder temperatures were a welcomed change.

From Kaohsiung to Hulaien (the closest city) it's a simple and comfortable 6 hour train ride. Nice seats, kids go for free, on our laps! Good the legs space was huge we seated them on the floor at our feet lol!

We chose to stay at YU's Homestay Bed And Breakfast, one of the few places that is actually in Taroko  and not Hualien (30km from the park). With only 1 day to visit the park, it was the obvious choice.

A few minutes after getting there the owners took us to dinner on a near by restaurant, one that in theory had local food and was very good. Neither was true and it was on the expensive side but the restaurant owner's house 'was' the restaurant meaning is kids and toys were available for Francisco and Teresa. Priceless! We stayed outside drinking beers and a free nanny for the kids! When we got "home" rice wine shots were served and for the kids some chocolate. It was an evening well spent with the owners and the others guests. The place is great, it's like being at home among family.

The next morning we were on the road at 9AM with a guide (Peter) on our way to visit the park. We were a little scared with the trails and the 2 toddlers but since you go by car to every stop it's not so bad. We did a few trails, the ones that the little legs allowed us to and after we just gave up. We were not going to cary the kids on the shoulders for 300 steps. When we were walking around the mountains with incredible views, along the river, bellow the rocks, hearing the birds and other animal sounds we were happy with our decision. The kids were troopers and we managed to see a lot. The suspended wooden bridge was a hit! We had a bad start, Peter told us we could take the stroller and we obliged (one kid less to cary is always a plus) but we ended up carrying the stroller and the kids. It was impossible to push a stroller on that paths! lesson learnt! No more strollers unless we were absolutely sure we could use it in proper conditions (there are some trails where that is possible). It's hard to describe the park and all it's beauty, you really have to experience it! Kids were dead by the end of it but when they heard Peter talking about having a splash in the river they were very awake and full of energy again. So the day ended at the river, where the locals go, with the kids in underwear having a blast! Thank you Peter for the wonderful day!

Second day, second dinner, this time we had some company, a couple from Singapore that was staying at the hotel too and latter an indian couple joined us too. It was great fun! Kids don't count, we have "killed them" during the day, they were so tired that they felt asleep in the car and didn't woke up until we had finished diner and were back at home.

Às 9 da manha do dia seguinte já estávamos na estrada com o nosso guia para o dia (o Peter) de caminho para o parque. Estamos um bocado defensivos porque o parque tem vários trilhos para andar  com miúdos não aguentam muito mas como se vai de carro para todos os sítios não era mau. Andamos uns trilhos e outros desistimos, não íamos subir 300 degraus com os miúdos às costas! Quando estávamos a andar pelas montanhas, com vistas incríveis, ao longo do rio, debaixo de rochas, a ouvir os pássaros e outros animais ficámos com a certeza que tinhamos tomado a decisão certa. Os miúdos foram uns campeões e conseguimos ver imenso do parque. A ponte suspensa foi um sucesso! Começámos mal, o Peter disse-nos que podíamos levar o carrinho e nós obedecemos (um miúdo menos para carregar agradece-se) mas acabámos a carregar o carrinho e os dois. Era impossível empurrar o carrinho naquele "chão"! Aprendemos a lição! Nada de carrinho sem termos a certeza que dava para usar em condições (há vários trilhos onde o carrinho anda lindamente). É difícil descrever o parque e toda a sua beleza, uma pessoa tem mesmo que viver a experiência! Os miúdos acabaram mortos mas quando ouviram o Peter falar no rio e tomar banho despertaram e ficaram cheios de energia. Assim que acabaram o dia no rio, onde os locais vão, a tomar banho de cuecas. Obrigado Peter pelo dia maravilhoso!

Segundo dia, segundo jantar, desta vez tivemos a companhia de um casal de Singapura que estava no mesmo B&B e depois juntaram-se uns indianos. Foi bem divertido. Os miúdos não contam, adormeceram no carro a caminho do jantar e só acordaram quando voltamos para casa. Matámos os putos!!!