Listen to stories from Teacher Shan Zhu and stay at “Someone’s Home,” a treasure trove classroom in nature

▲ Someone’s Home, common area. (Photo / Reposted from Someone’s Home blog)

ReporterYan Xintong/ Comprehensive report

“Someone’s Home” is located in Likia Village, Beitun Township, Taitung, and it's also the home of Teacher Shan Zhu—Lü Jinyu. Lü is a research assistant to Dr. Zhao Renfang at I-Shou University, and he usually studies the ecology of Taitung, Green Island, and Orchid Island. Staying here is like entering a treasure trove classroom of nature.

Teacher Lü is someone who is passionate about ecological surveys and research. He once initiated the “Find a Home for Hermit Crabs” campaign after seeing the hermit crab ecosystem on Green Island being destroyed, with crabs having no shells to live in—some even using faucets and plastic bottles as makeshift homes. At that time, he received numerous shells sent in by the public, from individuals and seafood shops on Taiwan proper, even some from Japan, which deeply moved him.

▲ Someone’s Home (Photo / Reposted from Someone’s Home blog)

Teacher Lü said he enjoys chatting about ecology with guests who are interested in it, and occasionally holds ecology lectures. The format of the lectures is casual: “For example, when the Taipei Butterfly Club came and wanted to learn about butterflies in Taitung, we held a lecture called ‘Overwintering Butterflies.’” The homestay style is as laid-back and free-spirited as Teacher Lü himself—relaxed and carefree amidst the mountains and forests. Coming to “Someone’s Home” allows you to slow down and feel the leisurely pace of life of the people of Taitung.

▲ The book-filled library (Photo / Reposted from Someone’s Home blog)

Being a Cancer sign who loves home, Teacher Lü has set up this homestay like a home, nestled in Likia Village, Beitun Township. Together with Guan Xiaoguan, they protect and manage the place. Travelers who come here feel as if they've moved into a warm home. Due to its proximity to the local “Iron Flower Village,” Teacher Lü said that sometimes singers who come to perform will also stay for days, treated like family. “Yi Zheng Yi Jing also worked here through a work-exchange program, and there was also Jiang Songlin, among others.”

Sometimes musicians stay for ten days or even a month. “Come sing for us. I’ve got five guitars and two sets of hand drums here!” When asked how he has so many instruments, the teacher explained that they were all left behind by visiting musicians.

▲ Someone’s Home (Photo / Reposted from Someone’s Home blog)

There are a total of four rooms available here: two four-person rooms, one two-person room, and creatively named “Live on the Left,” “Live on the Right,” and “Live Next Door.” There is also one single room, uniquely called “The Room for One’s Journey.” The common area includes a living room, kitchen, a library, a vegetable garden courtyard, and a small stage. Sometimes performances take place on the stage, and other times second-hand markets are held. Whether it’s books or utensils, just remember to put them back where they belong after use.

It's worth mentioning that there is also a recycling space here. Teacher Lü said, “Many things are made from recycled materials, mainly with the help of my wife and many friends. A lot of it is recycled stuff.”

▲ Someone’s Home (Photo / Reposted from Someone’s Home blog)

▲ Someone’s Home (Photo / Reposted from Someone’s Home blog)

Someone’s Home is a cozy little cabin in the mountains that offers immense warmth. If you’re looking for the comfort of home while traveling, then Someone’s Home is the haven travelers aspire to.

▲ Someone’s Home (Photo / Reposted from Someone’s Home blog)

Someone’s Home
Address: No. 11, Lane 99, Limin Road, Likia Village, Beitun Township, Taitung County
Phone: 089-385055; 0919-527235
Room Rates: 2-person room / NT$1600 (small), NT$1800 (large); 1-person room / NT$800 (all excluding breakfast)
Rooms: Total of 4 rooms (2 four-person rooms, 1 two-person room, 1 one-person room)
Official Website:http://akaka0126.blogspot.tw/
Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/pages/%E6%9C%89%E4%BA%BA%E5%9C%A8%E5%AE%B6%E6%B0%91%E5%AE%BF%E5%8F%8B%E4%BA%BA%E5%9C%A8%E5%AE%B6/166313543234?fref=ts