Well, it’s official. Tickets have been purchased. I’ll be in Taiwan for the first two weeks of November. If you’ve got a hankering for something Taiwanese, especially tea or teaware, let me know.  Itinerary isn’t set yet, but I’m hoping to make at least one or two major growing regions (probably Pinglin, Wenshan and then perhaps something in Nantou county). I’m hoping also to get some experience picking and/or processing, so stay tuned.
Of course, if you’ve been there and have suggestions on places I need to see or things I need to experience, I’d love to hear them as I set up the trip.
If you’re coming all the way out to Taiwan, you have to try the beetlenut while your here, just so that you can say you did!
“Wenshan” probably means Muzha/Maokung area – tourist area, nice restaraunts with views, easily exhaustible in a day.
“Pinglin” is the location of my favorite swimming hole in the mountains of North Taiwan. Good destination for a scooter trip from Taipei, hillsides covered with tea plants.
“Nantou” – don’t spend much time in the south, but you can get there but luxury bus or by train. If I’m not mistaken, there’s a lot of tea production in Miaoli as well, which would be closer.
If you’re not on a rigid agenda, I’d recommend you spend a few days in Hualien – no tea on the East coast, but you can see Taroko gorge and stay in a B&B next to the ocean.
Nihao Michael, I hope you have a great time in Taiwan. (I’m certain you will!) If you’re interested in checking out my new blog you’ll find a post about Pinglin. Please contact me if me if you get some free time… I’d love any chance to chat about that groovy little island!
Peace,
Brett