il Giardino Romantico

離開了演武場後，決定來到彩虹村。要說是天仙的個性還是命運好呢？我的個性就是不會刻意追流行（有時還會故意避開流行）所以偶爾想追流行的時候反而追不到。該去彩虹村拍的格友們應該都已經去過了吧！這篇其實也不稀奇了。不過既然來了，還是寫個文章，加深自己這次造訪的印象吧！
After our last destination, we decided to visit Rainbow Village. I know this is no place new, expecially for people who are into photography. I don't know if it's fate or just my character, I was never meant to follow the latest trend. This was my first trip to rainbow village! So although it's nothing new to most of you, I've decided to blog this entry anyway! 
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倫敦熊也來湊一腳
Here's London Paddy~
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看別人的部落格才驚覺原來她是蕭亞軒喔！！ @_@
Didn't realise this was Elva until I saw a caption on someone else's blog!
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落魄的Bart Simpson...
Homeless Bart Simpson (or drug addict Bart...?)
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小朋友給彩虹爺爺的加油打氣
Blessings from kindergarten kids to Rainbow Grandpa
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這就是彩虹爺爺。賦予這座小眷村繽紛色彩與生命的靈魂人物～
This is Rainbow Granpa - the one who gave colour and life to this small village.
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鋼鐵人也來了！？
Here's Tony Stark!
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其實唯一的街頭藝人是鋼鐵人，其他都是路人（大家都很入戲）
The only performer was the one in the Iron Man mask... All the others were visitors... 
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臺灣香腸文化
Sausage culture 
檢視較大的地圖 
Buses that take you to Rainbow village (requires a small-distance walk): 27, 30, 40

時間回到過年期間，情人節那天。其實我們四個女人也並不是只有整天喝酒。那天天氣真的很不錯，若不出去曬曬太陽，實在很對不起這種藍天。不過四個都在台中混過好幾年的人，要找個新鮮的地點實在很難。原本把近期熱門景點「宮原眼科」包含在行程裡，不料好像只有我一個沒去過（真是台北俗）。後來想到離家不遠處最近開放了一個新的地方，據說很適合拍照。我想連我自己都沒去過，應該對大家也一樣新鮮吧。唯一怕的就是過年期間人會太多。一去發現，台中景點還真是佔了坪數夠大的優勢，人很多但也還不算太壅擠。這棟歷史建築也成了我們當天的亂晃行程之一了。
臺中刑務所演武場，據維基百科，是台中市唯一僅存的日治時代武道館建築物。它建於1937年，經歷過火災及後續修復。今天大家能夠看到這棟具有歷史性的建築，還真的是一種福氣。無論是來拍拍照，或是來閒晃，其實都是很不錯的。
Turning back time to the Chinese New Year's break, on the day of Valentine's Day... 
The four of us did not just sit around drinking beer all day. Seeing the glorious weather, it was such a waste to not go out and enjoy the sun. But Taichung was a city that was familiar to all four of us, having lived many years in this city. It was difficult to find a new and interesting place to suit all of our needs. I did try and fit in the trendy "Miyahara" ice cream parlor into our itinerary, but it turned out I was the only one that had not been! In the end, I remembered that there was a new site near my parents', and it would be the perfect place to hang out for a while. The only thing I was worried about, was the fact that the holiday crowd might ruin our fun. Fortunately, Taichung's advantage of having so much space proved that I had nothing to worry about.
These buildings were built in 1937, during the Japanese colonial period. It originally served as a Training Hall for Penitentiary Guards. After having gone through a destructive fire and reconstruction, we finally got to see what see today. We are very fortunate to have this historical building still standing and serving as a cultural hub. It's a great place for photo shoot (casual or whatever), or even just to wander around.
畫家素描ing
Artist working on a portrait.
願望＋期許
Hope and aspiration.
To 親愛的家人
Blessings for loved ones.
祝福大家
Blessings for all.
射手
Archer
弓箭
Arrows
每小時200
NT$200/hour
大家還是想看妹吧
Female archer is much more interesting
所以再來一張～
So here's another pic...
泡茶文化
Tea culture
水底植物
Water plants
外拍麻豆
Posing 
幫把拔戴帽子
Put your cap on, daddy.
藍天
Blue sky
擊中
Making a hit
春到
Inverted"春"(spring), takes the meaning of 'the arrival of spring"
劍道
Kendo
 
護具
Protection mask
茶杯
Tea cups
武
"武" (pronounced "wu", third tone) meaning: of the martial arts, brave and daring... etc...
 
檢視較大的地圖 
List of buses you can take to get here: 50, 51, 55, 59, 71, 75, 75 (shuttle)

未成年請勿飲酒Please Drink Responsibly
在吃完大肥鵝之後，我們四個女人就在啤酒廠裡晃來晃去。其實我也不知道這裡除了啤酒還有什麼好玩的。不過，是說有啤酒也就夠了吧！？
After our scrumptious meal, the four of us wandered around the brewery. We didn't quite know what's to see, but I guess, since it's a brewery, I guess it's enough just to see lots of beer lying around.
不過除了很多啤酒之外，當然還有更好康的啦！
But, of course, what they had to offer was much better than just 'lots of beer lying around'.
台啤產品試喝時間！
因為當天人不多，所以即使有白紙黑字寫上「每人限一杯」的標示，可愛的阿伯還是讓我們喝了好幾杯～　*灑花*
Time to try out some Taiwan Beer!
Even though there was a sign limiting everyone to only one glass, because there weren't many people there, the darling old man gave us more than one glass of beer to try out!

台啤的各樣產品
Different products by Taiwan Beer
唯獨這味我最愛
But this draft beer remains my favourite.

接著開始來逛展示區，有著各式各樣、個年代的不同包裝。
This is the display area, where you can see all the different designs through out the years.


原來我們台灣賣過這個東西啊？！那我想他應該不是挺受歡迎的吧？不然怎麼會沒聽說有賣過呢？說穿了這個其實就是lager跟汽水（雪碧之類的）的比例各半... 自己調就好了，這麼大費周章出這樣的產品也難怪現在沒賣了～
We had Shandy in Taiwan? I suppose this hadn't been popular, or else it would still be in the market. I wonder if people know they can make shandy on their own. So probably it was quite obsolete to mass produce it for the market...


世界各式啤酒商標。找的到你喝過的嗎？
Labels of the world's beer. Can you find ones you've tried?


啤酒杯，大學問！
Lots to know about beer glasses/mugs...

你醉了嗎？
Chart to see how drunk you are...



商標故事
The story of the label.


很喜歡這個杯子，但還是最喜歡英國的pint glass
I like this beer mug, but I like the English pint glasses even more!

Monde Selection!


上青才有掌聲！
Advert for Taiwan Beer.


米酒廣告... 擺在雞堆裡感覺有點怪...
Rice wine for cooking... A bit wierd with that chicken and chicks by the bottle.


原來這邊不只有啤酒啊！
Ah! So there is more than just beer! 

雖然啤酒是很多，但這裡還有別的啦！
Although there are lots of beer, there are still other things to see.


這裡有個月老許願池
This old fella is like the Chinese version of the Cupid - he's in charge of getting people together, helping you find your soul mate.
 
這兩棵樹叫夫妻樹，或許也是越老幫它們牽線的？
These two trees are called couple trees. I wonder if this is the work of that old fella! 


晃完一圈以後，我們又來到另一間... 逛完，口渴了嘛！
After wandering aruond, we came to another place for another glass of beer.
 
其實我們也沒有喝很多啊！但不用緊張，這一天才剛要開始而已呢！（驚）
We didn't drink that much! But hey, the day has just started! Don't worry!!!


檢視較大的地圖 

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All we had wanted to do, was drift on the water and feel the breeze. We didn't bother to get off the ferry at any of its destinations. Being on the boat was the only purpose. 
我們只想在水上漂，享受微風輕輕吻著臉頰。所以我們完全沒下船。因為我們唯一的目的就是上船。
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And after our tranquil journey on the water, we, or rather I, found a pleasant surprise.
在結束水上行之後，我發現了一個驚喜：
 
Finis. 全文完。

For the first time, ever, in my entire life, I got the chance to ride a bike that costs as much as my one-month salary. The experience was, obviously, unforgettable. Not because of the bike itself (although I'd like to consider it as a bonus), but because of the view around the lake. 
我人生中第一次騎到一台價值比我一個月的薪水還要多的腳踏車。這個經驗當然是相當難忘的。不過不單是因為一台腳踏車（雖然加了不少分）而是因為一路騎下來所享受到的美景。
Riding off the route recommended to us by the bike rental guys, this is the first stop we made. I know temples are ubiquitous in Taiwan, just as churches are in western countries, but similarly, each one as a different tone which marks their uniqueness. 
照著出租店店員推薦的路線，這是我們第一個停下來的景點。雖然台灣到處都是廟宇（就如在西方國家到處都是教堂一樣），但每一間廟宇都有自己獨特的風格。
Chinese Dragon 龍
Chinese mystical bird, usually translated as phoenix. 鳳
Temple dedicated to the matchmaker deity. 月老廟
After our first stop, we rode off again. It's quite hard to imagine how short one hour can be, when you're really enjoying yourself.
離開第一個景點之後，我們隨後又騎著騎著。當你很樂在其中的時候，真的很難想像一個小時過的卻是如此的迅速。
Another friend of nature. 又是一個大自然的朋友。
Another view of the lake. 另外一個角度看日月潭。
 
We had the bike for one hour, as mentioned earlier. There are a couple of reasons for this. 1. It was a combo deal we paid for when we arranged the accommodation. It came with coupons, and one of them included a free one-hour trial of Giant mountain bikes. 2. Because we had other things planned later (because of the coupons), we had to limit the bike ride to a minimum. 
我們只騎了一個小時。原因是因為：一、我們住宿選擇的加購套票。其中一個優惠就是可以免費騎吉安特腳踏車一小時。二、因為套票有其他優惠，所以我們早已安排其他行程。所以只好把腳踏車的時間限定在一小時內。 

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Almost at the end of the footpath, this was what we came across. Tucked away like a secret that would only reveal itself to the worthy, the Apricot Platform was the highlight of our morning walk. 
在步道的尾端，就是這有趣的杏壇。隱藏在深處，彷彿只願意與有緣人分享。杏壇成了此晨間步道行讓我們印象最深刻之處。
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Can you see our little friend?
有看見我們的新朋友嗎？
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See it now? 現在看見了嗎？

After breakfast, we took a little hike along the footpath around the lake. The weather was great. Hot, but not too hot. And most of the footpath was shaded by greenery, anyway. 
吃完早餐之後，我們決定去湖邊的步道走走。因為天氣實在太好了。雖然熱，但不會熱到不舒服。而且整個步道都佈滿了樹木幫我們遮陽。
The beauty of the lake. 日月潭之美。
Friends from nature. 大自然之友。
The beauties of mountains and water. 日月潭山水美景。
Little pavilion. 小涼亭。
Spoon? 匙子？
It's actually a light. 其實是燈來著的。
An abandoned boat? 被遺棄的船隻？
In the midst of the lake. 漂泊在湖中。
Trees, mountains, and water. What more can one ask for?
樹、山、水。人生就這三樣就夠了。
Another pavilion. 又一小涼亭。
What exactly does this do? 這到底是做啥的呢？
Fishing people. 釣魚的人兒。
 
Shell of a snail. 鍋牛的殼。
Take the one less travelled by? 選擇比較少人走的路？
So beautiful, I couldn't resist jumping in... 
美到我都跳湖了！
Actually, I just sat by the bank. 其實我只是坐在岸旁。
I waited until the flowers withered. 我等到花兒也謝了～
Floating house? 水上屋？
More fishing people. 更多釣魚的人兒。
Another friend of nature. 又一個大自然之友。
Bigger than a folio! 好大一本書！
Rock flower. 石頭花。
 
Only after an hour, we got back to our hotel, and prepared to check out. There is still one full day of exciting events waiting for us!
一小時左右後，我們又回到了原點。準備退房。因為還有一整天精采的行程等著我們去探險呢！

I don't usually spend the night at places I go to, especially when I'm just looking for a short getaway. However, my friend and I decided to spend the night here, and enjoy as much as we possibly can. Sometimes you have to indulge yourself, in order to survive the day-to-day drudgery.  As I didn't have too much time to make a decision on where to say, nor did we have too much budget for the entire trip, I booked us one that looked decent enough and that charged a reasonable price.
其實我很少在外面過夜。尤其若是我只想出去走走，通常都是當天來回。不過這次我與友人決定要過夜，才能夠徹底享受這裏的一切。有時你必須要放縱自己，才能夠繼續挑戰現實生活中的枯燥乏味、壓力等等的。不過因為時間沒有很多，經費也沒有很多，所以我就找了一間看起來還不錯，價錢也尚可的地方訂了房。
It wasn't hard to find. Just a few minutes walk from the Tourist Information Centre. 
不太難找。從旅客活動中心走過來幾分鐘就好。
We had upgraded it to a lake-view room. It's right next to a harbour.
我們將它升級為湖景套房。窗外就是碼頭了。
I found it a bit small, but it's very clean and quiet.
其實有點小，不過很乾淨，也很安寧。
There is a tiny balcony, too!
還有個小小的陽台。
Bathroom. 衛浴設備。
View from the balcony.
從陽台俯瞰。
Morning sneak peak. 早晨的窗外景色。
The whole scene. 早晨全景。
Breakfast. 早餐。
 
Breakfast outdoors. 戶外早餐。
On the whole, the experience had been satisfactory. However, I know there are better places if I looked more into it. 
整體感覺起來還不錯。不過我知道若是當時有更充裕的時間做功課，依定能找到比這還要好的。 

Early June, I had a date with a lake. The lake that is now world famous for its beauty.  I had been here once before, I think. Once, when I was too young to remember, probably. This time, I, too, fell in love with this beautiful lake.
 
初夏，我與一座湖有約。這是一座世界聞名的湖。小時候曾經來過一次，不過印象很模糊。這次，我也一樣深深的愛上了這裡的美景。
Sun Moon Lake at dusk. 夕陽下的日月潭。
Live performance from aborigines of Taiwan. 傍晚原住民的現場表演。
The night slowly creeps up in the background. 
天色漸漸變暗。
Still full of energy with their gig.
還是很有活力的演出。
The harbour all lit up. 燈光照亮了碼頭。
 
To a perfect evening. 爲美好的夜晚乾杯。
Lights at work. 美豔燈光。
Artsy lanterns. 藝術燈籠。
Changing colours. 會變色喔！
Spider at night. 夜晚的蜘蛛。
Colourful web. 繽紛的蜘蛛網。
Green. 綠色。
Navy. 藍色。
Moonlit lakeside. 月光下的碼頭。
Light works adding a final touch. 燈光讓它更美豔。
 
Morning. 早晨。 

Annie Princess was our next stop. By the time we got here, we were all quite tired.  It is another one of those places where portrait pictures can be taken.  But as my old camera is not very good at taking pictures of people, I didn't bother to take too many photos.  
安妮公主是我們下一個景點。這裡也是一個很適合拍美美的美人兒照景點。不過由於拍人不是我這台相機的強項。所以最後我在安妮公主拍出來的照片可以說是少的可憐啊。
Cat plant pot.
可愛的貓造型植物盆。
Plant name tags
貓造型植物名牌
'Flowers' in a garden
園子裡的花
Popular photo shooting area
很受歡迎的拍照點
A scene inside the restaurant
餐廳裡的一角
Because we weren't given much time to linger here anyway, we've decided not to wait in the long queue for food.  The place was completely packed with people.  By the time we ordered and got our food, we would probably have to go.  Thus we decided to wait until we get to our next destination - Summit Resort.
因為我們在安妮公主停留的時間不多。當時人潮又很多。雖然肚子已經咕嚕咕嚕叫了，但未了避免等食物到了狼吞虎嚥，我們還是決定放棄在這兒用餐，等到抵達下一個景點之後再好好享用餐點。我們的下一個景點就是新社莊園。
Also, the light started to slowly slip away.  Another thing my camera is not very good at, is taking shots without the sun.  That is why I also ended up taking very few photos here.  But for us, the most important mission here, is to eat!
等我們抵達時，陽光也漸漸的消失了。我的相機在沒有陽光的輔助下拍出來的照片都會大打折扣。所以到後來在莊園拍出來的照片也是非常的少。不過我們到這來最重要的任務沒別的，就是吃！
Chicken set meal.
同學點的雞腿餐。
My fish set meal.
我的烤魚餐。
There is nothing special about the meal here.  Edible, and acceptable, but we suspect these are all pre-cooked and heated on the spot meals.  As we were practically starving by the time we got here, it was sufficient to fill out tummies with morsels. 
這裡的餐點其實真的沒什麼特別的。僅在尚可接受的範圍界線內。我們覺得這應該是料理包，不然就是事先就煮好，待人點餐時再加熱。不過當時我們已經快餓到昏頭了，所以只要是能夠添飽肚子，也就不那麼計較了。
After we finished our meal, we still managed to take a short walk around the place.  The place was built to mimic European castles and what not.  Even though I have seen some real castles before, I don't think this is a bad idea at all, for the satisfaction of people who have never seen one before.
用餐完畢之後，我們還是有稍微走了一下。這地方的建築物都像是城堡般。雖然已經有見識過真正的城堡，但我覺得這也是一個很不錯的主意呀。畢竟有很多人都沒機會看到真正的城堡吧！
最後，因為回程車潮多，我們在等接駁車的時候又跑去莊園大門對面販賣杏鮑菇的地方買了鹽酥菇來吃。其實前幾篇貼出來的菇料理裡面用到的杏鮑菇就是在那兒買的。不過沒沒圖沒真相。要真相，請麻煩找機會自己去～ 這莊園對面的鹽酥菇，是我們三人有生以來吃過最好吃的！！好吃當然有義務要幫忙宣傳一下。來，這家好吃到不行的鹽酥菇就是—天～下～第～一～菇～～～！！！