Once we were able to get off the boat and go for a walk on Saturday, our first intention was to find an ATM to get some money. We had no Taiwan dollars so until we could get some cash we couldn't top up our fresh supplies. After trying the island's two ATMs with no output of cash, we then exhausted all the hotels seeking either a Visa cash advance or to change some US dollars. No luck!! We then tried the airport and were told we would have to try the post office as they have a bank agency but they wouldn't be open until Monday. We also found that the service station owner would be prepared to change US dollars as well.
Well, today being Monday, we trotted off to the post office and we were in luck. We changed some US dollars for Taiwan cash so then spent some time wandering in and out of mini market type shops buying bread here, fresh greens and bananas there - enough to keep us going for a day or two. By now it was lunchtime though, so rather than going back to the boat we sought out a local restaurant for something to eat. A bit difficult for us as most of the signs are in Chinese!! In the end we settled
on a small place where we were gladly received by the owner and shown a table. First, he wanted to know if he could cook the greens for us! No, no, we just want to eat your food. We didn't really know what to expect but out came the dishes. First was a creamy tofu, covered in some sort of sauce and topped with dried fish flakes and black sesame seed, second was mango salad - seemed to be potato salad with finely chopped (maybe dried) mango, topped with mayonnaise and black sesame seeds and garnished with chopped dried cranberries. So far, it was all very different and new for us. Third was a squid salad - dried, sliced squid over sliced cabbage and carrot and topped off with a different mayonnaise. Now it was time for the soup - fish soup with noodles, cabbage, carrot and seaweed and last of all a mung bean dessert - cooked mung beans in a sweet thin sauce or soup. It was very delicious, didn't cost the earth and we can't wait until tomorrow to try somewhere else - we think we have had enough to eat for today.
In the meantime, the weather reports are not good for moving further north to Hua Lien, about 80 nautical miles away. We may be here for up to another week but we won't have any difficulty filling in our time. There is plenty to see and do - nature walks, snorkelling, hot springs, sight seeing, bird watching, etc. plus the inevitable eating out.
