Text by MOOK Scenic Spots / Mofei Photos by Charlie and Mark
After bidding farewell to their high school friends who were a couple, Charlie and Mark’s challenge today was to walk 32 kilometers from Zhushan Beitou in Changhua to their best friend’s grandmother’s house in Huwei, Yunlin. The National Day atmosphere of Double Ten Day seemed to have also rubbed off on the two of them, and the various wounds from their falls gradually healed, no longer weighing them down as they walked.
The two finally entered Xiluo in Yunlin after crossing the Zhuoshui River.
PART4 Yunlin Huwei - Chiayi City
When traveling from Changhua to Yunlin, in order to cross the Zhuoshui River, they had to walk across the Xiluo Bridge. Among the speeding vehicles, an auntie from Beitou stopped to ask if they needed a ride to a safer spot on the other side, so their first hitchhiking experience on the island-hopping trip finally happened. And while heading from Xiluo to Huwei, during the election period, they were given a big bag of supplies and water by a kind sister at a campaign headquarters, who encouraged them to keep going. The warmth and hospitality of the people in the south filled their hearts at that moment.
A beautiful-hearted sister insisted on giving them a big bag of candies, cookies, and water as they passed by a local campaign headquarters.
The next day, with a loving breakfast from their best friend’s grandmother and words of encouragement from a university friend, they bid farewell to Yunlin. Just when they thought the journey would be smooth, Charlie fell while skateboarding on a bridge. This time, in addition to scrapes on his body, his phone was also damaged. But his low spirits didn’t last long before they were mended by the overwhelming warmth and kindness of the people in Chiayi. From roadside betel nut stalls to fitness enthusiasts they met along the way, there were so many thanks to give and so much kindness to receive—everyone asked for nothing in return, only hoping to pass on this love and keep it circulating in the world.
Staying at their friend’s grandmother’s house while brushing up on their Taiwanese, which had nearly rusted from disuse in Taipei.
After passing through Minxiong, they finally saw the sign for Chiayi Railway Station. A college friend they hadn’t seen in seven years generously came to welcome them, took them around the city to enjoy local delicacies, and introduced them to Chiayi’s culture and customs, bringing back memories of their student days. Their next stop was the food paradise—Tainan—but with a distance of over 60 kilometers, could they really cover it all in one day?
Before leaving Yunlin for Chiayi, a college friend specially rode over early in the morning to cheer them on.
Q&A
Where do you think is the most beautiful place in Taiwan during your island-hopping walk?
Charlie C
Jin], a small town surrounded by mountains and forests. Before entering the town, you’ll pass by the beautiful Huatung Coastal Highway. The laid-back lifestyle of the locals will amaze you, making you realize that such a lovely town is hidden here in Taiwan.
Changbin, a very peaceful seaside town. Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city to a vast and healing place where you can enjoy the sound of waves lapping the shore feels like having no worries in life.
Mark M
Miaoli, because I rarely get the chance to visit the towns in Miaoli, but because of the island-hopping walk, I discovered how beautiful Miaoli actually is.
The two before walking onto the seemingly endless Xiluo Bridge.
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