Tainan - Fenglu Tag9

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December 23, 2018

The day started off well. Not. A mosquito had bitten me under the eye this time...I had sprayed my eyelids with insect repellent. But those pests always find a spot on me. Then I realized while packing that I couldn't find one of my gloves. It would be the first item I lose on vacation. I informed the reception about the glove and went to have breakfast. The breakfast buffet was Taiwanese, very good. For me, there were Baoze, tofu in sauce, peanuts, apples, raisin rice pudding, and an egg. I wanted to test if I would notice if I stuffed myself with food in the morning. After breakfast, a maid also found my glove. Happily, I set off around 9 am.

The route was similar to yesterday's. Industrial areas, fields, smog smog smog, and a slight headwind. Nothing remarkable. Thanks to breakfast, I was able to skip my second breakfast after 1.5 hours of cycling. For lunch, I made a discovery when I visited a train station restroom. A small inconspicuous shop that looked very neat and was full of people. After a short stop, I was on my way again when I turned back and decided to have my lunch break there. Mega decision. The food was the best I've had in Taiwan so far.

The last 25 km after lunch led me into the mountains where I could already catch a glimpse of what awaits me in the coming days. I reached the hotel around 4 pm, where the hotel owner gave me various new fruits to try. After taking a shower, I realized that despite all the smog (I never felt exposed to the sun), I got a slight sunburn. With beautiful stripes on my upper arm and wrist :-)

Today I also feel a bit of soreness in my left calf. Which is not ideal before entering the mountains. But I'll take care of myself. According to the schedule, I will try to ride for the next 2 days and then take a break.

If it seems like my life currently revolves around cycling and breaks where I eat, then that's exactly what occupies 90% of my thoughts right now. I am very far away from everyday life and also from Christmas. It doesn't bother me much. A mulled wine is probably the only thing I hesitantly give up when thinking about Christmas stress.

Best regards to all