I’m fine thank you and you?

Woke up after a good nights sleep at the Taiwanmex hostel. Breakfasted on some delicious fresh Watermelon and yoghurt drink combo and cheese cake, then went and bought high speed train tickets to Kaohsiung. The guy who served us looked terrified but handled our English enquiries easily enough and even suggested optimum routes.

If you use the high speed trains in Taiwan be prepared to queue for that shit. We fought hard and managed to get a seat on the train, which was packed. Our friend Lulu met us at Zuoying, Kaohsiung’s HSR station. She had a cab waiting for us and we went to her place. Where we met our other pal Kim, got back in the same taxi and drove to Kenting – 90 minutes, about Tw$1,200.

Kenting is a national park on the southernmost tip of Taiwan. Sandy beaches with crystal clear waters nestled at the foot of wildlife filled fauna make this a most beauteous location. The placement of a nuclear power station in the midst of its most popular beach spoils the vibe only slightly and lends a neon glow to already beautiful sunsets.

Being fresh of the boat our hosts treated us to a series of Taiwanese delicacies. Bubble tea, stir fry not covered in oily crap likes its bastardized London brethren, fresh soy milk, dumplings, fried pounded rice things - I miss the food of Taiwan.

Kenting is a tourist town. We rented scooters, drove go karts, went to the beach, shopped and ate. The beaches are well kept, clean and pretty. They are not quiet though, with a multitude of motorized aquatic amusements to spend your money on and cheapen the tranquility.

I purchased a ride on a handle covered inflatable with an American who can’t swim. We were dragged around the bay at high speed by a local on a jet ski. It was fun. I managed to hold on but my hapless pal lost his grip on one occasion and went flying. This could have been because he was lying backwards on the float. When he assumed that position our driver asked him if he was sure he wanted to sit that way with a “What the fuck are you doing, you stupid foreigner?” look on his face. It was funny to behold, as was the non-swimmers attempts to get back on the floating device.

—–

If you have time seek out some of Kenting’s quieter spots. It is big and there are many secluded beaches. Rent scooters to avoid excessive hiking and be aware of rip tides as some of the currents can be devilish.