A handful of Cherry Blossoms [櫻花]
Over the weekend we drove a two-car caravan to lunch at Green Ark in Sanyi [三義], Maioli County [苗栗縣]. The restaurant had some really nice scenery surrounding it. So naturally, we took a lot of pictures…
The grounds had a lot of flowering trees and was immaculately maintained. I think the actual restaurant was a side-attraction.
The pudding pictured above was by far the tastiest of what we had ordered.
Originally I was told that we were just heading out for lunch, so I was very delighted to find out that we were going to visit Shengsing Train Station [勝興車站] as well.
The Shengsing Train Station is located at the highest point of the western railway trunkline, 402.326 meters above sea level. The train station, completed in 1906, is built entirely of wood in the Japanese huya (lit. Teeth of a Tiger) style, which is supposed to ward off evil spirits. [source: Taiwan Hot Spots]
The whole area was a lot more touristy than I had imagined, so I practiced how to take pictures with as few people in the frame as possible. As you can see above, I failed.
Everyone posing together:
This kitten was behind the restaurant we stopped for Hakka-style tea [擂茶]. It kept a pretty safe distance from me and would temporarily run-off if I got too close, I had to use the longer lens for this:
The kitten’s mother had an absolutely vivid contrast in eye color. I’ve seen plenty of dogs with different colored eyes, but never on a cat:
The Daily Bubble Tea 
wow … great pictures n post 🙂 I had been there last feb, wonderful place .. did u take a walk through the tunnel nearby? i love these abandoned train stations sites. The picture of kitten is really great
Your portrait and animal photos are always magnificent.
Brian – thank you!
Ashish – Catherine and I walked through the tunnel (no one else we went with wanted to, they were too tired). If you like train stations, you’ll love my next post!
Sanyi is a nice place. I’m going to try to organize a photo trip out there sometime in the next couple of months for anyone who’s interested.
Hi Craig, there’s a lot in Sanyi I didn’t get to see this time around… I would be very interested in joining!
great pictures!! i heard about this place — and i’m planning on going there when i go back this summer. now i know what to expect!
Great photos! I’m planning to go to Sanyi in a couple of weeks. Do you remember seeing any bicycle rentals?
Edi – I don’t recall seeing any when I went, with my limited Chinese ability I tried a google search but couldn’t find any locations… good luck!