Final Adventure in Taipei

Beitou Park

Our time is Taipei has quickly come to an end.  For our final day, we split into two groups.  Taylor and David go to Costco.  After all, what marvels will a foreign Costco reveal to the American tourist?  Chia, Solomon and I head north to visit Beitou Park.

Beitou Park is a relatively short MRT ride from the center of Taipei to the hilly north end of the city. It was once a large hot springs and spa community developed during Japanese rule.  Today it is a park  that meanders up the mountain and is filled with many attractions to interest local day trippers as well as tourists.  We just had a small sampling of the area, and I want to return.

We took the regular MRT to the end of the line and transferred to a small train that only goes one stop. The atmosphere on the train had a happy, relaxed, vacation vibe.

We are waiting for the small train to take us the final short distance to Beitou Park.

We have arrived at the entrance of the park.  The MRT station is toward the rear of the photo.

Solomon spied this tree from the MRT station.  Of course, we had to see it up close.

Magic - snow was falling from the tree!

With the Christmas tree behind us, we began exploring the park.  The park is really a series of parks that wind their way further up into the mountains. We ambled along at the pace of two year olds discovering the joys of life.

We've been sitting still on the train for a while, so it's time for a little independence and time to run free.

What could be more interesting than a puddle next to a pond?

Behind the pond is the Beitou Library with the smaller pavilion in front of it.

Beitou Library

We climbed up these stairs to a wonderful set of cement slides.

After the slides and a picnic lunch we found a maze.  The hedges are the perfect height for short people.

We are simply parched, and have to stop for a dragon fruit popsicle.

Next we start walking up the Geothermal Valley where the hots springs are located.  When Solomon is older we'll have to come take a soak in the pools, but for now we are happy to look at the hot steamy water.

Wow!

This was such a special day.  I had fun with two of my favorite people, I saw a new part of Taipei AND I can't wait to come back and further explore this area.  Thank you, Chia and Solomon, for a wonderful experience.