Distances can be deceiving

Distances can be deceiving.  From looking at a map, one would think that it would take only X amount of hours to travel a Y amount of distance.  One thing I learned from our vacation to the east coast of Taiwan is to ask other people how long it takes to get from point A to point B.  Before we embarked on that trip to Hualien, I asked my nephew and he told me it would take us 5 hours.  I was a bit skeptical as the distance did not seem that far.  Boy, was I wrong.  Here’s a summary of the driving time and distance from Taipei to Hualien.  I also include the time and distance for Taipei to Hsinchu for comparison.

Taipei to Hualien
Distance:  approximately 200 kms.     
Driving time:  5 hours minimum

Taipei to Hsinchu
Distance:  approximately 90 km.
Driving time: 1 hour maximum (no traffic)

It actually took us 6 hours to get to Hualien with frequent stops because of a carsick child.  The way back from Hualien to Taipei took 7 hours despite only one toilet stop.  The traffic on the mountains increased the traveling time.