北投 地热谷 (Běitóu Dìrè Gǔ)

On 12/14/12, we went to 北投 (Běitóu), the exact location was 新北投 (Xīn Běitóu).  This area is known for it's natural hot-springs.  As you can see from the map below there is a lot to see and do.  We decided we would check out the location know as 地热谷 (Dìrè Gǔ) or Thermal Valley.

During the Japanese occupation (1895-1945), of Taiwan, the natural hot-springs were discovered and developed into a tourist attraction.

地热谷 (Dìrè Gǔ) or Thermal Valley

The Origin: Natural Sulfur Gas Geyser

Temperature: 80-100°C-You my know this, but, 100 °C is 212 °F the point at which water boils.  Can you see the tiny bubbles?  Needless to say this is not where you stick you feet in or take a relaxing dip!

Quality of Spring: Acid, Melanterite Spring, also known as green sulfur

PH Value: 1.2-1.6

Self-Portrait, Circa 2012

Artist: Known as 狄仁杰 (Dí Rénjié)

Location: 地热谷 (Dìrè Gǔ)

Artistic Inspiration: Unknown

Just a a short distance away you can frolic in a lukewarm stream that originates from the Thermal Valley.  There are also spots where you can be completely immersed.

This gentleman and his wife noticed us at the Thermal Valley and came over to say hello (his English is exceptional and I think, when he saw us, he was eager to to use it; we shocked him when we spoke back in Chinese).  They proceeded to accompany us for the duration of our visit.  He was very informative and his wife (who couldn't speak any English) was really sweet, every time we didn't pronounce something correctly she would have us repeat after her.  

They wanted to know why we were in Taiwan; we explained our purpose (to study the Chinese language).  A little later the wife wanted to know what our motivation was. We, then, explained that we were Jehovah's Witnesses (Christians) and we volunteer our time to teach others about the bible and that we specifically spend our time teaching Chinese speaking people. The husband then had a question about paying tithes (this surprised us, we had never been asked this question by a Chinese person before, but, he said he has a Christian friend who told him about this).  We were able to show him a scripture, using our iPod, and explain our beliefs regarding this...etc.  This is the first of three times, so far, we were able to use an electronic device to share bible information with someone.  (P.S.: I am not saying to go and purchase a tablet :-) )

The photo above is when we parted at one of the MRT stops.