Yuli

Ahh! The East Coast of Taiwan . . . It really doesn't get much prettier than this. Those who have made here rave about it for years, and now I can understand why. As if our short stop in Kenting was not wonderful enough, rounding the bend to the eastern side of the island proved to be stunning beyond description--very reminiscent of some of our previous travels to parts of southeast Asia. 

After arriving in the dark the night before, we awoke in the most amazing home stay (Wisdom's Garden) that treated us to a healthy, organic breakfast, surrounded by the most lovely garden.

Can you see the mountains and mist in the background?

The kids immediately took to exploring what the place had to offer. Having just learned about the life cycle of the butterfly in her Taiwanese preschool, Coco thrilled at finding so many caterpillars.

And the boys took to their own favorite critters:

Following breakfast, we asked the landlord what he recommended us visiting while in Yuli. He said hands down we must hike the Walami trail, and so we headed out. (I kick myself for not getting photos of Yuli's countryside and the view on the way. It is a popular biking destination for a reason, because it has gorgeous flat scenery, riddled with bright green rice fields in every direction.) Thankfully, we got plenty of photos of the trail. Not only was it an easy, flat trail for the kids, but the views were spectacular.

Everywhere we looked there were butterflies (Taiwan used to be known for its butterfly export business) and flowers. Sassy initially got spooked about the idea of there being possible wasps and poisonous snakes, but we told her there was nothing to worry about. We'll be just fine . . . (ahem . . . more on that later.)

The first suspension bridge:

This thing is huge! The photos are really deceptive.
Would that they gave a better sense of scale . . . 

So lush, so soothing!

Love this lady!

Phew! Sassy was a bit nervous on the suspension bridge and
was relieved to get to the other side. 

Looking out for snakes.

Waterfalls everywhere.

Sweet dad.

Finally, we reached the Shan-Feng falls.

Sigh . . . 

My right-hand woman.

Of course, we had to get a look at the falls from below as well:

More caterpillars. Apparently Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf Education, said that it was crucially important for all young children to understand and witness the life cycle of the butterfly. It helps them understand their own potential to become. After watching Coco's fascination with them, I would have to agree.

We saw this injured butterfly and it kept trying to land on Coco's hand. 

She willingly obliged.

So beautiful!

All in all, this was one of the best hikes we've ever had with the kids. And in the end, I was wrong . . . we did see a bright, neon green, very poisonous snake that the boys were within inches of stepping on! Eeeek!

(Upon leaving Yuli we stopped at Antung Hot Springs, another hot spring novelty of the island. But since it was nothing compared to Guanziling, we didn't take many photos, nor worried too much about documenting it.)

Really, the main thing to behold was all this . . . 

I really miss Taiwan . . .