Back in the USA

Taiwan was awesome and a great way to wrap up the trip!  We were so sad to leave let alone our 30 hours of travel back to the US~ a car to a train to a bus to 3 planes, ending with a car.  The Island is great for biking around because the roads have designated bike lanes, there are several camp sites along the way, and the coast is untouched and open with ocean on the outskirts and mountains inland.  Taiwanese are incredibly helpful and friendly people making this a great destination for travelers.  I already have plans to make it back to Taiwan in the near future!

Our Hualien Parents

Taiwanese Plum Seller

Taroko Gorge National Park

Taiwan the Beautifulllll!

Quick updates!  Mason and I crossed the Vietnam border into Laos for a night after a grueling 12 hour bus ride and immediate 26 hour bus ride in which we were stuffed in the back of the bus next to the toilet which was definitely not air tight..The roads are a bit choppy and windy meaning we hit the roof every bump we went over.  Needless to say, stepping foot in Vientiane was rejuvenating before heading off to our layover in Kuala Lumpur for a night on our way to Taipei, Taiwan! 
Taiwan is full of bustling life and happy people.  Everyone seems to take much pride in their country meaning the streets, subways, and buildings are some of the cleanest I've seen especially for a city.  We visited The World Religions Museums, Taipei 101 (the former tallest building in the world) walked around indulging in noodles, baos, and milk tea, visited Night Markets, and road the subway everywhere.  Taipei is trully an undiscovered gem!
Little did we know that our visit would be heightened even more on our quick train ride south on the East coast to Hualien.  We have been staying with a Taiwanese family for the past 3 nights-we met them on our travels in Vietnam and they have endlessly opened their homes and lives to us!  We have eaten the most delicious food, karaoked and feasted in a Taiwan party room, travelled the unspoiled coast, hiked ocean side cliffs, trekked Taroko Gorge, and motoed around the city. 
We are currently in Yuli and just finished visiting a natural Hot Springs with a temp of 42.3 degrees celcious.  This trip is coming to a close o so quickly but with a wonderful end stop!