Seventh stop: Beitou Thermal Valley Park
Once we got out of Yangmingshan, the beautiful forest gave way to more housing and a provincial city setting. It was the Beitou district. It kind of reminded me of the old times long ago in Santiago (in Isabela) – definitely the hub of the city/district, but also not the same hustle and bustle as the one I saw in Taipei. Lots of trees, lots of green spaces, fresh air and less cars. Not noisy, just generally a quaint provincial town center setting.
Once we got near the next tour place, Xiao Hei dropped us off at the entrance of the “Thermal Valley”, parked a short distance away, and met back with us. He told us about the history of the town, its affinity with hot springs and hot spring baths owing to its location near Yangmingshan, and what we were about to see for ourselves – the aforementioned “Thermal Valley”. It was basically just a round walkabout around a decent-sized active hot spring, so we were to spend our time going around and see what’s what, and to meet him back later at the entrance. I remember he said he had to park the car a little way up north.
We got inside, and as he said, it’s a small place, but it was definitely impressive from the get-go. Place seemed well-made and done nicely for tourism purposes. There was a small water basin made near the entrance that sprung out fresh clean water from the hot spring – not drinkable, but good for handwashing and that warm touch.
Once we got to the main roundabout, there were two ways anyone can go on here – left, or right. Clockwise or counterclockwise. I looked at the venue, and the map I saw earlier. Either route is OK. So I chose right, because I saw ahead something that factored to my decision – the left route side had lots of tourists. Seems that side is the optimal picture shot side. Right side had zero people. So I went to the right instead, maybe there’s nice shots to be had there as well.
While I was at the middle on the right side, I saw our tour guide has rejoined us, and was on the left side with the elderly couple I had lunch with. One advice I’d give to people visiting this park, is to bring a small towel for sweat or bring a cold drink, because it was hot. The wafts of hot air going around the place can make anyone sweaty. I sweated a lot there. Thank god I brought an extra handkerchief.
I finished a full walkaround of the place as well. Once I was done admiring the place (and a few more videos for my folks at home), I walked back to the entrance. But before that, there was a small gift/souvenir shop on the way just before exiting. It was staffed by two kind ladies with two assistants, and the shop was full of hot springs themed stuff for people to buy. I bought a hot spring soap, a pen and one keychain. These did nicely as my souvenirs.
Once I got out, Xiao Hei was there patiently waiting for us. As there was just three of us there for that time, we spent some more time waiting for the others – after all, we early. One couple opted to buy an ice cream from the vendors adjacent to the park entrance. For me, I went in the nearby convenience store and bought one more water bottle. Must’ve drank four already.
After everyone was accounted for and group was completed, our tour guide beckoned us to follow him. Seems our next tour stops are within walking distance.
Suprisingly for me, feet were still OK. I kind of wondered when these will start to make a fuss.
Briathrail // Albert 2MNG 
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