Summer Fun

Ah, the summer months in Taiwan are officially upon us! For what could be one of the worst springs weather wise in Taipei, Summer has really made up for it rather well! The days have been hot, humid, sunny and full of happiness and friends, just the way I like it!

This summer has seen many many many beach days. There are two main beaches in northern Taiwan that beckons foreigners to their sandy edges quite regularly: Baishawan and Fulong. Of course there are many other excellent beaches in Taiwan, but these two seem to be the favorites.


Getting out to Fulong is a rather long trip- about 1.5 hours if the traffic is reasonable. The ride is a summery, windy, hilly, array of fun and excitement. It takes us through Pingxi village with the old lantern festival, down into rice paddies, and out to the ocean.

Fulong beach is a fun, clean and modern beach in Taiwan. It comes with resort type changing rooms and showers. The last time we were there, we were present for the Summer Music Festival. The music was just ok, so we spent the majority of time lounging on the sand. While we were there, a movie was being filmed. It must have been some sort of Avant Garde type film, since it pretty much consisted of a goat wearing a poncho with a sign written in Chinese saying "Where are you?" It does not seem like a film I would like to go see.


Alternatively, Baishawan is another excellent beach I go to often. Last time we went, my good friend Yoyo borrowed her father's car and drove four of us up to the beach. It was a bright sunny day when we got there (except Yoyo ran a red light and got a ticket for it) and the beach was crowded with day trippers from Taipei.


We got a nice spot under a tent, and then lounged around before going for a swim. After a nice day swimming around, we enjoyed the quiet journey back into Taipei. Although I have driven that road many times, it was nice to take the car this time. I got to sit back and relax and watch the scenery go by. I don't get to do that often on the motorcycle as I am constantly on guard.


These are lovely summers with lovely people. I hope the good times continue on, even if we can't always be with each other.


From the guy who stretches right up and touches the sky, Michael.