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20. Final days, feeling Blue

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Well, I'm writing this entry a week after returning home and the trip is now a distant memory! Did it really happen? I take it as a massive positive that I'm not looking back, there's so much for me to look forward to here in the UK. Nevertheless, for a few minutes, let me wrap up the trip with a few words of description and reflection. Reunited with Bertha! As I journeyed from the airport to my Warm Showers host's house (where she was stored) I genuinely became excited about seeing Bertha again! My hosts were away when I picked Betha up but, such is the security of the suburb in which they live, they had left Bertha outside their house, safe in the knowledge that she would not be stolen. As I cycled to my hostel, I'd planned to pass a few bike shops in the hope of finding a bike box ready for the flight home. I got one from the first shop I tried, result! Bertha, her box and a new friend. Last time I was in Bangkok I stayed in Sukhumvit, this time I was in the Old ...
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19. Another side of Hong Kong

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 When I devised my Taiwan plan back in early February, I was enjoying the convenience and culture of city life in Phnom Penh. As such, I tacked on a five day stopover in Hong Kong for some bonus Asian big city action. 🇭🇰  In truth, by the time I was set to visit, my appetite for sprawling metropolises had waned. But I had a cunning plan… The fantastic Warm Showers host team of Katie 🇺🇸 and Dan 🇺🇸 stated a love for the outdoors and hiking in their bio, extolling the virtues of their rural location near Sai Kung with its myriad trails and captivating views. 🥾  Without hesitation I contacted them and was granted a stay, even though I was now travelling bike less.  We lucked out massively as, the day they were both free (a Sunday) was gloriously sunny, perfect hiking weather. 🌞  Before the hike, here we are with a Hong Kong institution, dim sum. With Katie ordering a diverse platter of dishes, I can now confidently say I have had the quintessential dim sum e...
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18. Last leg in Taiwan

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 The trail north to complete my loop of Taiwan ( 環島 HuándÇŽo)  continued… …with sunny but breezy days on the way to Sun Moon Lake. ☀️ 🌙 💧  Crossing the western plains, I followed this bike path, the Irrigation Canal Greenway, Taiwan’s longest dedicated cycle path at around 55 miles. As an alternative to riding through the middle of towns, dicing with traffic and being slowed by traffic lights, it’s a great piece of infrastructure. However, the monotony of endless rice paddies made it a slightly boring route at times and there were quite a few construction works meaning diversions off the path and loss of momentum. 🚧  This random park, a tiny oasis of grass and trees in the green desert of rice paddies, made for a decent camp spot after a blustery and somewhat tiring Sunday ride. ⛺️  The wind kept the droves of mosquitoes at bay as I set up camp. 🦟  Heading north, I crossed the Tropic of Cancer. ♋️  The airspace above me was regularly filled with the...
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