Description | Taitung|Juhu VillaJourney to a mountain residence of endless surprisesYou drive along a winding mountain road and the silence along the way gives you the feeling that you’re about to arrive at a secluded, secret place. The natural scenery out the car window excites you as you approach Juhu Villa; a quiet place brimming with vitality.A treasure chest of natural wonders deep in the mountainsXiao Hei, the lively little black dog, approaches the car to welcome you upon arrival. You see baskets of freshly-picked tangerines, and a bunch of hardy bananas on a wooden table. Wearing simple clothing and a bashful smile, your amiable host, Jin-Tian, approaches. Pointing to the freshly harvested bananas on the table, he says, “Have some! Don’t be shy!” This place exudes a generous and friendly ambiance. With no neighbors in sight, you quickly make the acquaintance of the sky, the earth, and the abundant wildlife.You walk with Jin-Tian up a sloping road towards the independent lodging area. Beautiful primrose blossoms line the road, butterflies dancing between them. Xiao Hei and the endless mountain scenery accompany you on your stroll as you feel your mind and body being cleansed. Jin-Tian points to the distant mountains on either side, saying, “Our land extends from here to there…” He names for you the many tree and plant species along the way; tomatoes, persimmons, dragon fruit, banana... “Listen! That’s the call of the muntjac deer!” Pointing once again to the far off mountain ridge, “Formosan serows inhabit those mountains!” Jin-Tian is even able to climb up the wire obstacle course they have set up with his bare hands, or quickly ascend the trees above the river valley like a young boy playing in the mountains. Following his footsteps, you feel like you are exploring a treasure chest full of natural wonders, discovering endless surprises.A mountain household with a view of the Pacific OceanAfter climbing the steep road, you catch your breath on the mountain terrace looking out between the high mountains. Suddenly you catch a glimpse of light reflecting off azure waters: the faraway Pacific Ocean. As the sea breeze blows by and you take a deep breath, you feel just like a mountain spirit.Three white bungalows sit to one side of the road, simple and elegant. French windows allow the beautiful scenery to merge into each residence. In the Maroon Oriole Residence, furnished in the style of a Chinese court, you feel immersed in the refinement of the pink and red decor. In the mustard yellow decor of the Collared Scops Owl Residence, you enter the magnificence of classical European style. The colors of the Formosan Blue Magpie Residence are just as lively as the bird for which it is named, with elements of maritime Greece mixed in, giving you the impression of an ocean voyage. No matter which residence you inhabit, all have a spacious balcony overlooking the mountains, and a large bathtub in a roomy bathroom to help spoil your world-weary body.Make your way to a world-class villa with unparallelled mountain viewsThe sky is still light after you finish checking in, and Xiao Hei seems to know that you want to go out to play, bouncing around and wagging his tail. Jin-Tian has finished his farming work and invites you to experience an activity with a set itinerary. With expectation and excitement, you and your friends jump aboard the little blue work truck as the steep mountain road and beautiful environs foretell of the unimaginable journey to come. Jin-Tian stops the truck on a flat section of the hillside as a crested goshawk spirals above your head and into the distance. Looking down you see the Changbin plains and the Pacific Ocean beyond. You seem to be able to make out Green Island in the fog off the coast. Hanging from a large tree by the hillside is a swing, and after being reassured by Jin-Tian, you bravely give it a try. Your extended legs feel the rushing of the wind as you surge forward, gripping the ropes tightly in your hands. You feel like a small bird enjoying the swiftness of soaring through the air. You feel you might even be able to jump into the Pacific Ocean before you. You can’t believe that such a private, world-class scenic spot could exist here in Taiwan.After dark, Jin-Tian’s wife, Mei-jyu, prepares a full table of organic cuisine for you. After dinner, you chat with your friends in the open air mountainside dining area, enjoying the comforts of this farming household. Afterwards, you might again explore the mountain environment with Jin-Tian, encountering once more a little muntjac deer, a flying squirrel, or perhaps an owl.In the early morning light, you enjoy a multicolored vegetarian breakfast. Deep in the mountains, you experience the beauty of a more primitive lifestyle, exploring the precious surprises that nature offers. When it is time to leave, your reluctance to leave transforms into immense gratitude as you give thanks to the rich offerings of the natural world, and to Jin-Tian and Mei-jyu for their passionate love of nature and their unreserved sharing. |