Final instalment

And finally.  Could it get any colder? Yes it could.  But Taroko was stunningly beautiful.

Although apparently not without danger

The plum blossom was blooming

And it all looked very tropical

Sam even helped bring home the bacon

More dangers! But we survived

To walk along the Swallow Gorge for several hours

And back to the hotel up the world's longest staircase (this is just short bit)

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How we survived I do not know

For Sam, life in Taiwan has its own special challenges

We'd planned a longer walk the next morning, but floods had washed much of the path away

Sam enjoyed a moment with Mother Nature

And found himself in reflective mood

This carved lion saw the funny side. Check out the people way below, bottom left.

The hotel was run by a local tribe, with each room in a cabin. No heating, but electric blankets.

And some folklorique in the evening.

Finally back in Taipei, the famed hotpot, much anticipated. You dip stuff in this spicy broth.

Like these "flowers" which are actually shrimp and almonds.

Next morning we headed for the airport. Me for Dubai and Sam for Shanghai. But he still had time to make one more friend. See you again Taiwan!