Random Places Outside MiaoLi

2 places which the drivers detoured to that I think deserves to spend more time at.

GaoMei Wetlands 

This place hits me at the right spot. Personally, I really love windmills (because Singapore doesn't have those) and I love how this place came with a Marsh. You can't really catch any crabs there (conservation area) but you can watch them crawl around which itself was interesting. At the end of wooden pathway, there was actually an area which you can enter the water into marsh area. No crabs there, but the kids didn't want to get their feet wet. 

Best of all, this place is free. We went there around sunset, and the view was truly spectacular. It is one of those places I would have loved to stop and enjoy it over a nice beverage. If you could find a restaurant nearby, I am sure the sunset time can be used productively over dinner. 

Not going to lie, but the driver got onto my nerves at this place. This is really one of those places that you really need to come somewhat prepared. I didn't have any slippers prepared and fortunately I was wearing tights which could be rolled up. Though spontaneous at heart, I still prefer walking around with clean, dry feet. My shoes stunk a little after.

Also, it was not very near to MiaoLi and much closer to TaiChung (which is a place that should be explored on its own). I felt rather rushed towards the end - like a sheep being herded and couldn't really enjoy the sunset and the liberation of a holiday. Definitely a place suitable for the family (see how happy my kids and the elderly are). 

Lu Kang Old Street

To be quite fair, I don't really feel this place is suitable for children. We went for a bike tour around the area. This place has quite a bit of historical flair which I would have love to indulge in further with my husband (if we didn't come with the extended family and the kids) on a self-walking tour. I wouldn't have taken the bike tour cos the cyclist was just rushing us around and not all the temples are worth visiting. The tourist attractions are quite limited and it is more of the temple architecture which really caught my eye. (If you are not much of a temple person, this isn't for you.)

*** Aftermath correction, I was researching and realised I missed plenty of good food and pretty streets. :'(

As we didn't plan much cultural elements within our itinerary, the Sweet Osmanthus Lane Art Village provided a nice respite and education on the work of the craftsmen. I personally think the items sold there are very expensive (even with a strong exchange rate). I guess it depends how much you value handicrafts cos my in-laws supported quite a bit. We also checked out the Gentlemen's alley, which was a really tight and narrow alleyway. Wished I had more time at this place.