My Favorite Place to Visit

#2026-0605

If you asked me which place has become my favorite during our extended stay in Hualien this year, my answer would come without hesitation:

Sea Sky Coffee — 海中天 (Hai Zhong Tian).

More than once, I told Jean that I hoped we could return there again and again before our long stay in Hualien comes to an end and we eventually take the train back to Taichung.

Jean understands my fondness for this place. In fact, she loves it as much as I do.

Of course, the scenery is part of the attraction. Perched above the Pacific Ocean, Sea Sky Coffee offers a magnificent view where the blue sea seems to merge with the endless sky. On clear days, the horizon stretches so far away that it invites quiet thoughts and pleasant daydreams.

Yet the beauty of the place is not the only reason it has become my favorite.

Over the past several years, Jean and I have shared this special place with many dear friends. Rev. Sam Cheng and his wife joined us on one occasion. The Camel brothers and sisters, including Mr. Shangguan and his wife, visited with us on another. My former NTNU classmate, Prof. Franklin Yang, and his wife also shared a delightful afternoon with us there.

As I look back, I realize that each visit added something special to the place. The conversations, the laughter, the cups of coffee, and the friendship we enjoyed together have become part of my memory of Sea Sky Coffee.

Perhaps that is why the place continues to draw me back. It is not simply a scenic spot overlooking the ocean. It is a place where beautiful views and precious friendships have come together.

When our long stay in Hualien finally comes to an end, I know I will carry many pleasant memories home with me. Among them, some of the most cherished will surely be those made at Sea Sky Coffee, beneath the wide sky and beside the endless sea.

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相關文章 (See also)：

1)  "Hai Zhong Tian" (再遊 海中天)     (2025)

2)  好友同遊 Sea Sky Coffee     (2026)

3)  Coffee and Grace at the Ideal Store     (2026)

4)  Camel Class Reunion, 2026 (照片A)     (2026)

5)  A Beautiful Scene in the Sky     (2026)

6)  A Translation of "The Clouds"     (2026)

好友同遊 Sea Sky Coffee

#2026-0527

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好友就像好酒，

　越陳～～越香。

Jerry Liang & Jean Huang

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

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Using a beautiful Pentel pen, I wrote the above words on the front page of the book that I gave to Franklin and his wife, Qiumei, as a gift today.

Truly, good friends are like fine wine; the older it becomes, the more fragrant it is.

The book, which was published in February this year, has a long title:《用拼音學說華語—專為英語人士和基督徒設計的會話教材暨中英文比較手冊》

I hope — and truly believe — that our friendship with Franklin and Qiumei will last for a very long time.

By the way, Franklin, who kindly let me use his pen to write the message in the book, later gave that very pen to me as a gift. He said, “Jerry, keep on writing. I hope your next book will be published soon, whether it is a novel or a collection of short stories.”

After exchanging gifts, the four of us went on to visit Hai Zhong Tian (海中天), also known as “Sea Sky Coffee” (see photos).

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相關文章 (See also)：

1)  海中天 (花蓮)     (2023)

2)  Life Notes: 好友相伴 at 宜蘭 (B)     (2023)

3)  好友相伴 @ 溪頭     (2024)

4)  "Hai Zhong Tian" (再遊 海中天)     (2025)

5)  Joy in Meeting Friends from Afar     (2025)

6)  Mandarin for Faith and Life     (2026)

森山舍 (Morning Mountain)

#2026-0526

Hualien has many charming cafés and restaurants in renovated old houses, but Morning Mountain (森山舍) stands out for its unique blend of history, nature, and comfort.

The restaurant was once a dormitory for the Hualien Forestry Bureau. Today, it has been lovingly restored while retaining its Japanese wooden architecture. Surrounded by old trees and a broad green lawn, it sits beside Tianpu Ecological Pond (田埔生態池), a peaceful green space that adds to the area's natural charm.

As soon as we stepped inside, we noticed the gentle scent of wood. The original timber structure and traditional Japanese-style design have been carefully preserved. Through the windows, we could see greenery swaying in the breeze, inviting us to slow down and enjoy the quiet surroundings.

The food is just as appealing as the setting. Most ingredients are sourced from local farmers, with an emphasis on freshness and natural flavors. Whether it is brunch, a rice dish, or dessert, each plate reflects the care that goes into its preparation.

Behind the restaurant, the scenery opens toward the ecological pond and its surrounding parkland, where birds and cats roam freely across the grassy fields. From our table, we enjoyed an uninterrupted view of the greenery while savoring our lunch.

For a moment, we felt as though we had been transported to a small café in the Japanese countryside. During our year-long stay in Hualien, Morning Mountain has become one of our favorite places to visit—not only for its food, but also for the sense of calm that seems to linger long after we leave.

Address: No. 10, Linzheng Street, Guofeng Vil., Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan

地址：花蓮縣花蓮市國風里林政街 10 號

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相關文章 (See also)：

1)  Tianpu Ecological Pond     (2026)

2)  花蓮港山林事業所 (Symphony of Wood)     (2026)

3)  上學的路 (Going to School...)     (2025)

4)  班親會 (Parent-Teacher Meeting)     (2025)