Epic Taiwan Scooter Tour Pt2...... Silks Place Taroko.
Having ridden all day and over some challenging roads which demanded constant and complete concentration, I was feeling tired and very much looking forward to arriving at Silks Place Taroko. Silks Place holds a special place in my heart, Mrs.L and I stayed there during my first ever visit to Taiwan. I have been fortunate enough to return a number of times since, and was looking forward to some peace, a rest from the road and a chance to contemplate the journey past, and ahead.
Riding into the gorge I had met two other Brits enjoying a motorcycle tour, no sooner had we said hello to each other than we found ourselves posing for photographs. Apparently three white guys on motorcycles are more impressive than the gorge to those in the tour buses. Personally I didn't think we were, but now regret not making a picture of the three of us. JJ and Jamie have become friends and we stay in touch through Facebook. You can't really blame me for being distracted though...
...it is rather spectacular isn't it.
Located in Tiensiang a small town in the middle of the gorge, Silks Place Taroko was once used by Chiang Kai-shek to relax and entertain, the hotel now offers a luxurious experience available for everyone. A place to pamper yourself, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and fantastic facilities, which is what I was looking forward to when I rode my scooter from the road and up to the entrance.
The ride had been long and I wanted to get out of my leathers and shower as soon as I could. However when I arrived I was greeted and immediately went into a meeting to discuss the photographs I was to make of the hotel, it seemed the list was endless and I was to practically shoot a new brochure. Now, I am really happy shooting interiors, food and exteriors, I enjoy it very much. To do that properly takes time and a plan, I was on a travel piece and so had neither, not to mention only one speedlight. I did get to shower and change eventually but the marathon of photography began as soon as I reached my room. I always photograph my room before unpacking so it doesn't get messed up...
Finally after 2 hours of shooting food I got to eat, but my day still had not finished. After dinner I was requested to photograph the entertainment and rooftop cinema.
Eventually at around midnight I managed to get back to my room, I set up my laptop, uploaded the shots from the day. Took a cold beer from the fridge and the delicious chocolates left by the turn down service, relaxed in the bath and soaked away the aches of the day...
....bliss.
The following morning I got up early to start the rest of the shots on the list, so here we go...
The roof top pool (probably my favourite pool in the world)
The roof top hot tubs...
Breakfast...
Spa...
Yoga studio..
Gym...
Finally of course, the conference room..
At last I had completed the list requested from the hotel and was free to head off and explore the beautiful Taroko Gorge National Park properly. I packed my cameras and headed off for a hike.
The next part of this story will follow soon, I hope you enjoyed Silks Place, they worked me hard but I love to stay there and highly recommend it. It is a treat to swim in the spring fed pool and watch swallows stoop and drink as you do, all in the most beautiful mountain surroundings.
Until then, check out my Website, Instagram , Tumblr, Twitter and Linkedin. Remember to LIKE COMMENT and FOLLOW.
Feel free to get in touch, if you have any questions, bookings, assignments etcetera, I am always interested to hear from you (contact me).
Love to all...
One last thing (which is amazing), my blogs are now becoming available in Chinese and can be found here.
No comments:
Post a Comment