Taiwan (9) - Day 5 - Pingxi Branch Railway Line (平溪支線)

 

     It was P's birthday and we set off towards the Pingxi Branch Railway Line to head towards the small towns (such as Ruifang, Shifen, Pingxi and Jingtong) to release a paper lantern of wishes.

   It was really quite a long journey - considering all the traveling we had done in the last few days. We kept falling asleep on the train, drooping with exhaustion and a kind of unexplained for longing.

     First, you go to the Taipei Railway Station and take a train to Ruifang. There is really nothing to do in Ruifang - we walked the streets and it was like walking in your own heartland neighborhood, except this is the Taiwan neighborhood. You will have to buy a One Day Pass at Ruifang station and then wait for the trains on the Pingxi Branch Railway Line to go to the more touristy towns such as Huotong (Cat Village), Shifen, Pingxi and Jingtong. Depending if it's a weekday or a weekend, the frequency of the trains take at least 45 minutes. 

  The dessert shop near the Ruifang Train Station is quite good! 

     

      The train finally arrived (the first of many to come) and we sat on the train to the end of the line. There is always something fascinating about the end of the line. A declaration that the train stops here, but your life goes on.

      After exploring Jingtong, we headed to Pingxi. Although the trains were always full, the people always seemed to disappear once you walk through the towns. To where, I do not know. When there is no pulse on the street, the only thing you hear is your heartbeat.

    We walked all the way down the hill and reached this place with a little bridge over a long lake. In front, there were mountains ahead. A group of Japanese tourists were releasing paper lanterns. One burst into flames before it could fly. 

      We walked down a little further to a shop which had no one. We then began writing wishes. 

     When the lady boss lit up our lantern, the lantern started to balloon with a ferocious heat. When it became full, we nervously let go. 

       It flew as if it knew where to go. 

       Heading towards the line between heaven and earth. 

      "Mum always wanted to release a lantern," Dad said with a note of longing and satisfaction in his voice. He repeated it again and again. 

        As the lantern disappeared from our eyes, I asked, "Do you think it reached her?" 

        "I'm sure it did," He said, "I'm sure it did."