The Atayal, an aboriginal tribe, occupied the area until the early 19th century when the Chinese and Japanese became interested in the area for the forest resources. Logging continued until the 1970s when Wulai was listed as a scenic area.
The Atayal were known as great warriors. Upon their enemy's defeat, they would display the decapitated heads. They are known for using facial tattooing and teeth filing as rituals of initiation.
In the past, men had to take the head of an enemy to show his valor as a hunter to protect and provide for his people (talk about taking it to the mattresses!). In order for the women to get their facial tattoos they had to weave cloth. Would you like to learn more about the Atayal and other indigenous tribes of Taiwan? Please visit the following website: www.atayal.org
This is the Wulai river. On the left is a small hydroelectric power plant. Wikipedia says: It is the most widely used form of renewable energy, producing no waste or carbon dioxide.
So, how the heck does water become electricity? The power plant uses the water as a power source to turn a propeller type device (turbine), which turns the electric generator, which produces energy. Get it? For more information on how a hydroelectric power plant works please visit: http://science.howstuffworks.com/hydropower-plant1.htm
This is the the Wulai water fall. It is 80 meters in height, the tallest waterfall in Taiwan.
You may not be able to tell in this picture but, Stacey and I are extremely sweaty from our walk to the waterfall.
This is a picture of me taking the Gondola ride to the resort area above the waterfall. At this point it started raining and by the time we got to the top, it was pouring.
This is a small lake area where you can feed Koi fish and enjoy the scenery.
There were also paddle boats and small row boats you could rent to go in circles around the pond. Given the small size of the pond and the weather, we passed on the boats.
We continued to hike from the pond area and came across what seemed like some kind of field exercise area. Stacey is crossing the rope bridge.
When she first started crossing, a black lizard started to scurry up the ropes towards her left hand. Unfortunately for the lizard, each step Stacey took resulted in the ropes shaking. One of her steps resulted in the lizard loosing his grip and falling several feet below. We both looked to see if he "got up" but, could not see him. We think he walked it off.
Stacey and I are posed for a traditional Atayal wedding ceremony.
However, Stacey did not take a head of her enemy and I did not weave any cloth. So, we did not earn our facial tattoos.
*** We dedicate this post in the loving memory of our courageous lizard friend. May he/she be happy living in harmony in lizard heaven. ***
No comments:
Post a Comment