I stayed in Taiwan from May 17 to May 22, 2026.
My goal was simple.
To walk around Taiwan while using MeowSnap to record the cats I met.
Staying Near Taipei Main Station
This time, I stayed near Taipei Main Station for five nights.
Instead of changing hotels, I used my “Low-Energy Travel Strategy.”
I took the train to Hualien and the bus to Yilan.
My favorite Louisa Coffee, Ningxia Night Market, and the riverside at Dadaocheng Wharf were all within walking distance.
Looking back, it was the right choice.
→ The “Low-Energy Travel Strategy” — Exploring Taiwan with MeowSnap
Morning Runs
Every morning, I went for a run along the riverside or in the parks.
People in Taiwan start their day early.
Many older people were already exercising before 6 a.m.
One morning, I even did pull-ups with some local men.
Seven years ago, I felt overwhelmed in that park.
This time, I ran there with confidence.
→ Taipei at 6 a.m. — Thoughts During a Morning Run
Houtong Cat Village
I walked back and forth between both sides of the station, looking for cats.
At first, I couldn’t find many.
Then I crossed to the other side, and suddenly there were cats everywhere.
Before I left, the owner of a shaved ice shop smiled and said,
“Have a good trip.”
It was one of the happiest moments of the day.
→ Houtong Cat Village 2026 — Back Again with MeowSnap
Hualien
I took the train from Taipei to Hualien.
Then I rented a bicycle and rode to Qixingtan.
I couldn’t find any cats.
But I did find a sign that said “LOVE MEOW.”
That felt like cheating.
→ Cycling to Qixingtan, Hualien — A One-Day Workation Looking for Cats
Yilan
I couldn’t find any cats.
I even thought about taking the easy way out.
But then I found a cat in a small alley.
It was sleeping on top of a stone monument.
A woman from a nearby shop even let me hold the cat.
I’m glad I didn’t give up.
→ Yilan, Looking for Cats — A One-Day Workation
After Five Days
This trip was a little busier than usual.
I was taking photos for my blog, Instagram, and MeowSnap at the same time.
Sometimes it felt like a lot.
But after the trip, I opened MeowSnap and saw all the cat pins on the map.
Seeing them there made me smile.
→ MeowSnap (App Store) — Record the cats you meet while traveling.
