Return From a Land of Dragons

I have returned from a land of dragons and modern skyscrapers, misty mountains and fast paced city streets.Taiwan is an island about the size of Maryland and Delaware combined, with a population of around 23 million people. Old meets avant-garde, and ocean is a short drive from the city center. I was fortunate to be immersed inTaiwanese culture and to get a genuine taste of its diverse offerings on my recent visit with friends there.

I am seriously jet lagged, and I still have a hard time remembering what day it is. But I have over 1200 photos to remind me of the experience of a lifetime. I have had a hard time choosing only a few to post on this blog! 

I spent most of my time in Taipei. Remembering this is a garden and nature blog, here are some city images. The tall tower is the 101 Building, the second tallest building in the world:

There are lots of birds in Taiwan. This egret was in a city park:

I spent a day in Taipei's botanical garden, where I ate lunch overlooking the garden's large lotus pond:

Some other lovely flowers and scenes from the botanical gardens:

I was fascinated with a plant labeled Ravenula madagascariensis, which looks like a large palm but is actually a member of the bird-of-paradise family, Strelitziaceae. I was also drawn to the fabulous bark of the Eucalyptus delupta tree:One evening we arrived just in time for this beautiful sunset over Fisherman's Wharf, located on the banks of the Tamsui river:

While the city is exciting and offers a lot, my heart was drawn to the countryside, where farmers grow tea and many other fruits and vegetables and where mist covered mountains stretch to the sea:

And of course, a trip to Taiwan would not be complete without seeing the Pandas. The highlight of my trip to Taiwan's zoo was my photo capture of a smiling Panda, though she could use a good tooth brush!

It was all quite a journey! May your own adventures leave you with smiles and warm memories, as well.

Deborah