Donggang - Tainan Day 8

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22.12.2018

The whole day was marked by smog and dust. What I saw from a distance yesterday became a certainty. The first meters in the morning led me to Donggang by crossing a river via a bridge. On the horizon, the skyline of a huge chemical company. If the day starts like this...

The surroundings changed between plantations of various fruits and vegetable fields and industrial areas. However, pollution was extreme everywhere, both in terms of smell and visibility. In addition, 95% of the route ran along the highway. It was somewhat depressing and monotonous. After the past week, just keep my head down and pedal. The pollution and the simultaneous cultivation of food, as well as fishermen and anglers standing in and by a stream that is anything but clean, makes me sad.

It is remarkable how much all of this can affect one's mood. I spent the whole day with my cloth over my mouth and nose to protect myself a little. It is the not so beautiful side of Taiwan where I didn't feel like taking photos and I'm glad when I can exchange it for nature again.

Now on to the small highlights of the day. I keep my 3pm break :-) went to a very spacious café, the owner was very enthusiastic about bicycles and told me that he participated in a 512km race from the north to the south of Taiwan in 2018. It took him 24 hours. Madness. Encounters like this, as well as with the 'world cyclist', put my actions into perspective for me. Something I consider positive for myself.

As a little entertainment factor, my booked 'business motel' turned out to be. My room on the ground floor has its own garage with an electric gate on the first floor. In addition, there is a condom next to the bed and if this is not enough, there is also a vending machine right outside the room door. I paid in advance, so I guess they can't bill by the hour.

Greetings to everyone