NOT in Taipei proper, this is a rough translation of the name of a spa located in the beautiful mountains near Taipei. You have to drive way, way up. Just like on the Gentle Giant. The roads are long and convoluted. We went at night. Ow-ooooooooooooo.

The baths were the nicest I have ever been to... rustic. There were pools of many different sizes and temperatures. You could tell the gay guy (other than me and my partner), sitting on a ledge around the main pool, which was square and covered with a roof-like structure. This guy was sitting wrapped in his towel, with a huge pair of black-rimmed Versaci or Gucci Glasses, all fogged over. I have no idea what he was trying to see there... hmmm. Maybe I do.

These baths were very heterosexual. I cannot really remember if women were there at all, though. There was a wonderfully woody smelling lodge-house when you came in, and I think this was where you left your shoes, clothing, etc. I remember also being very worried about my wallet, not a bad idea when you travel. So leave your wallet home, but bring your Gucci Glasses if you want! I guess Dolce and Gabanna are more the thing these days. I went in or around 2002.

There was even a series of mud baths, containing black muck of different temperatures and consistancies. I spent much of my time rolling around in this shit. It felt delectible, and even better was the bucket of rinse that came after.

I was told there were many such places in these mountains, and other places in Taiwan, which is a very active earthquake zone on or near the 'Ring of Fire' that surrounds the Pacific Ocean. I'm not a geologist, but I do believe this volcanic and seismic activity is what provides a plethora of Taiwan's hot springs, which have been developed and kept up by the locals who work there. JB