I’m back from Taipei and have a bunch of pictures to share!
I absolutely LOVED the city, its efficiency (even though it seemed like we always missed a train when arriving at the station, we never waited more than 3 minutes for the next one, even during off-peak hours), the organization (people lined up to enter the metro! There were painted lines on the floor, and people actually followed that. No pushing, no shoving!), the friendliness of the people (neither of us speak Chinese, but people were super nice and allowed me to make hand gestures and we understood each other out! People were so nice!), the amazing food (we had delicious street food!), the mixture of city life with lots of park and green space and a more moderate temperature than here (it was on the 60’s, and though it’s not like that all year, it’s nice that it does get like that).
We didn’t have luck with the weather, it was pouring all day on Friday, but we didn’t let that stop us, since we had such a short time there, we sucked it up and explored all day, even before we found umbrellas. Luckily, I had planned ahead and brought the two waterproof jackets I own, not pretty but highly effective!
We walked a lot, but also took full advantage of their metro.
I took a bunch of random pictures of the city…
We saw the Red House Theater (from the Japanese era, and no, it wasn’t that long ago)
Saw the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall…
Got pictures taken with statues around the city…
Visited the Longshan Temple in the pouring rain (it was beautiful, but hard to get pics at night while raining, no?)
Visited the Huaxi Night Market, a.k.a. the Snake Market – you can get your shot of snake blood there! And yes, we’re way too wimps for that…
I took sneaky pictures of HUGE snakes (I really hope those are not the ones that are killed for food).
The one thing we didn’t get a chance to do? Go to the top of the Taipei 101 building (currently the 3rd tallest building in the world). Not for lack of time, but for lack of lucky weather. Every time we went by it, this would happen…
And though we were able to get a couple of good shots with no fog covering the building, it didn’t last long. The line to go up was HUGE, it was raining and foggy, we decided it was not worth it. If there weren’t so many people, maybe we could hang out, drink a coffee, wait around until it cleared, but with the crowds, we knew everyone was thinking the same thing. That means we need to go back again, right?
I have way more pictures to share – part 2 coming tomorrow!
I love this picture of you and the baby buddah! so cute! Your pictures are amazing!
Thanks! I’ve been too lazy to bring my big camera around, and with all the rain, I’m glad I had the little waterproof one. It got the job done!
As for the little buddha it was the coolest thing!
This post totally made my day. Can’t wait to get to Taipei now. If you’re still there next summer, you’re welcome to come stay with us 🙂
You’re going to love it! Promise! And it’s a quick flight (1hr40min) to Manila, so you’re welcome to stop by on this side of the world as well!
We are loving all the pics! Manila is on our list of “to visits” so maybe we’ll see ya 🙂
Yes, do come!
Whoa, look at you! What a trip!
And to think a year ago I was in DC, not even knowing if I’d ever get to visit Asia, much less visit so many places in one year!
You took great photos of Taipei; I miss it there. My husband is from Taiwan so I got to hang out at the local areas, and such. I don’t bother with the western toilets ’cause Taiwanese women would put their boots right on the seats while going. Not that I touch the seat….haha. 🙂
I am glad to hear that you had a wonderful time. It makes me happy. 🙂
I don’t sit on the seat either, so I’m all good! But if I’m going to be squatting, I rather not have to squat THAT far!
And yes, Taipei was great! Wish we had more time to fit in a day trip as well!
Oh, I don’t blame you. I understand. Although, I admire Taiwanese women up to their 80’s who can squat for those things in problem – putting many young western women to shame. 😀
*no problem. Pardon my typo!
Pingback: Indonesia here we come! | Carla Runs the World
Pingback: Indonesia here we come! | Exercise Advice