My friend JP used to sing a Taiwanese folk song called “Ali shan de gu niang”. It was a popular song* about the women of Ali Mountain. The song was in Mandarin and JP was of East Indian background. I am always amazed at her talent especially because I can’t even sing a song in English. (I’m horrible with lyrics.)
On this post, we explore Ali Shan, the same mountain referred to in the song.
* I want to say it was popularized by Zhang A-Mei but cannot confirm.
Hotel room with a view.Train ride to the inner parts of the forest.My sister and me at the train station.Flowers on the mountain.The air is crisp and cold but perfect for a hike down.Here is the Sisters Pond.What makes this forest special are the thousand year old trees. These ones here are probably 30-40 years old. The fog and pristine air that allow the moss grow also add to this transcendent ambience.An elaborate and colourful Taiwanese Buddhist Temple.
There are shops of food and trinkets. High mountain tea and fresh wasabi are among its enamoured features.
The oldest standing tree in Alishan, about 3000 years old.I learn that this pose– where a lady appears to be holding onto a man’s hand, running on train tracks, and looking back at him– is a popular pose at this site.
Note to Self: Posing ideas for future travel companions. :)
