Sun Moon Lake (日月潭)

Chloe and I could not have picked a better week to visit Taiwan.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous.  The last time I was at Sun Moon Lake, it was rainy and humid.  Today, it was a perfectly sunny day in the mid-70's, not too hot, not too cold.  No jackets needed. Perfecto!

Sun Moon Lake, pronounced Ri Yue Tan in Chinese, is the largest body of water in Taiwan.  It is located in Yuchi, Nantou, which is about an hour drive outside of Taichung.  It is home to the Thao tribe, one of the aboriginal tribes of Taiwan.  The lake surrounds a small island called Lalu.  Sun Moon Lake's name originates from the shape of the lake itself, the east side looks like a sun, while the west side look like a moon.  There are three ferries that take you across the lake to three different parts of the island.  The ferry ticket for all three destinations run at 300NT$ (which is about $10USD).  

*Beware, if you are coming by car, each parking space is guarded by a different person riding around "their" parking area on a scooter.  They are in charge of their own space, so the money you pay goes to each person individually.  Many will try to get you to park with them, and some charge higher fees than others, but you can bargain for these parking prices.*  

Since we decided to go to Sun Moon Lake during Chinese New Year's, we knew that it would be packed; therefore, we started our journey out of Taichung at 7am sharp to avoid all traffic.  We managed to walk up and down the "strip" of small food and aboriginal souvenir shops without the craziness of tourists pushing you.  However, by the time we got to another side of the island, the more scenic side, the crowds had already started to come in.  Another reason this side had crazy crowds? 阿婆茶叶蛋..., which is the famous tea egg place, called, literally, "Grandma's Tea Eggs."  Sun Moon Lake is famous for two main things, Assam Black Tea and mushrooms, both flavors which are included in these delicious tea eggs.  As the time started to hit noon, the crowds started to form at every corner of the island as well as the ferries, so we about were ready to head back into Taichung.  

View of Sun Moon Lake from the main dock.  All ferries are boarded on the right hand side of this picture.  There are three options for the ferries, which take you to different sides of the island.  *Make sure to buy these tickets from a reputable company there (you'll be able to tell), because many people will be wanting to sell you these tickets at prices higher than original.*

The ferry dock. 

  

Welcome to Sun Moon Lake.  We tried and failed to be suns in this picture. 

Cabbage, mushrooms, and glass noodles wrapped inside a fried tofu skin like outside.

Pickled vegetables, peanuts (i think), cilantro, and a type of hot sauce sandwiched between bean curd.

The famous "Grandma's Tea Eggs"

View of the lake from the mountain side of the island. (The side that the tea eggs stand is located on).

Goodbye Sun Moon Lake.  We'll miss your lovely weather and delicious tea eggs.  Now onto getting stuck in traffic for the next four hours heading back to Taichung..fun...