Rockin' and Rollin' on the South China Seas

Dwight surveying the weather from Horizon Lounge

As we made our way through the Hong Kong Harbor, three beeps warned of an announcement on the ship's PA system. The Captain calmly informed us that rain, 40 mph gale force winds, and rough seas would speed us to our first stop in Taiwan.  Too late to turn back now, although I thought about swimming to shore.  I hate to report that I'm not a good sailor, but I'm not a good sailor.  Let's just say that the "Ahhh" expected on the first day of the voyage turned into an "OMG",  and we can move on to our first port in Taiwan.

Early the next morning we docked in a drizzly Kee Lung, the principle port for Taipei.  March is living up to its reputation for coming in like a lion, but then I hear it's sleeting in Durango.   Several buses quickly filled for the long ride to Taipei, while others set off to tour the local area.  Dwight and I settled into the main dining room with a few other stragglers to enjoy a nice breakfast sans rocking and rolling.  We felt, however, that we had to earn that pin on the map in Taiwan, so we gaily sauntered through the long, deserted arrival hall and emerged at a drizzly taxi stand.  There we found a friendly taxi driver who offered us a short, dry tour of the area.  Kee Lung is a nice little town of a little over 300,000 residents.

Our friendly taxi driver

We drove up the hill overlooking the town for a photo op at Zhongzheng Park.  Within the park are two impressive Buddhas. A tall, white, standing one looks over the town and from his perch guards fishermen and sailors.  The other, a golden, seated, smiling, plump one sits in the square and presides over a water lantern procession at the annual Ghost festival.

We made one final pass by the market. I've read rave reviews of walking tours of the small market streets with it's many shops and restaurants, but today was not the day for that. weather limited both photo opportunities and quality, but it was a nice little tour into an unfamiliar world, one free of masses of tourists and worthy of visiting.

Tonight we look forward to the Captain's Cocktail reception and a nice dinner in the Polo Grill. Hoping tomorrow brings smooth seas.