Taipei was a city of surprises for us. We knew little about it before we arrived, it is kind of a stop-on-the-way-to somewhere sort of place, but it shouldn’t be. From the delightful, generous kind folks, the fascinating historical sights, the SUPER efficient transit system, the lush forests on the doorstep, to the food – ohhhhh the food we ate so much here! Food on every corner so delicious and different. We tried as much as we could! We did an average of 10kms walking per day so hopefully our waistlines didn’t suffer too much !! We can’t wait to come back in December – put it on your list it is a hidden gem.
There is a charming politeness to everything here. Lining up is very important, no one pushes in, or talks too loudly on the train. There are signs on public transport to remind us of how our behaviour affects others – No one litters, spits or smokes in the street. There is a great feeling of safety, gentleness and collectiveness.
We luckily had our friend Jamison to show us around and introduce us to the street markets. A Foodie paradise and with Jamison our guide, on our first night we hit Shilin Night Market for a truly yummy experience. The jet lag melted away as we were re-energized by the vibe of the city. We tried lots of interesting things that maybe we wouldn’t have if Jamison hadn’t been with us. Favorites were giant mushrooms, and jelly drinks, chinese sausage and rice sausage.
The first day is alway a wandering day getting a feel for the city. We stumbled on Daan park a wild life oasis in this busy city. The park so clean, egrets, and herons, making their homes here, drinking fountains and even a free mosquito repellent dispenser which we took advantage of 🙂
And then along a side street we stumbled on this temple.
The city is so alive at night many night markets and streets crammed with folks enjoying cooler air. Jamison took us to see the famous 101 building which is a landmark you can see in most places in the city. We had hotpot for dinner, a really fun way to eat. You cook your food at your table in bubbling soup of rich stock with tofu and duck blood. You can choose the spice level. It was great fun choosing the food to bring back to our table – some of the more interesting morsels people could choose were sea cucumber, shark skin, chicken tendons, (no not tenders tendons ) all manner of shellfish shrimp.
Xiantang temple where the Taoist ritual known as shoujing is practised. We stood in patient lines, waiting, one by one, to receive a cure and/or a blessing from a temple priestess. It takes only a few minutes. The priestess took our names and then, worked the space around us with special movements of her hands and burned incense around our heads. The shoujing ritual cures if you’re ill, and blesses if you’re not. We both felt lifted after the experience. I was given a special card and poem to carry in my wallet.
All the famous museum’s in the world have their star attractions – In Taipei the The Palace Museums most precious treasures are two carved jade pieces. A radish and a piece of pork. The darkened room in which they are housed was packed with tourists and school children all craning their necks to see these national icons. I queued for my turn to take these pictures. They are a mastery of jade carving, simple subjects but highly revered. The museum boasts the greatest collection of Chinese art in the world. Much of it from the Forbidden City in Beijing, brought here to protect it from the occupation – the story of the collection is fascination at one point it was all hidden in caves! Ming vases and celedon pottery which we learned is very rare, little green vase (1368 – 1424 earlyMing dynasty) seen here a similar one sold for $15 million not too long ago – amazingly they all looked brand new!
After The Palace Museum we came across this little park lovely rest stop Shuangxi park. Turtles and fish followed us closely, when we stopped so did they! never been followed by turtles and fish before!
The Moakong gondola took us 4 kms up to slightly cooler climes. Up to the tea plantations high above the city. It really gave us an idea how lush the forests are around the Taipei. On our way up we saw bright green birds (we thought parakeets) huge blue butterflies, and fabulous flowers. And there is 101 in the distance. We were very lucky, for no extra charge we ended up in the coveted glass bottomed cable car. People were queuing for ages to ride in one and somehow we ended getting one by mistake.
The most well known temple in Taiwan, the Mengjia Longshan Temple was built in 1738 as a gathering place for Chinese settlers. This temple has stood the test of time and survived through several natural disasters and wars. However during World War II, the temple was pretty much destroyed by American bombers during the Raid on Taipei. Since then, Taipei residents have continuously renovated and improved the temple and the surrounding grounds it really is a thriving beautiful place for people to come a worship a mixture of Buddhist, Taoist religion.
Heading off to our next destination we will be back Taiwan. 🙂
3 thoughts on “Taipei”
I can’t believe you met Jamison!!! So nice ! I think it’s to late, but just in case, say him hello for me! ☺️☺️
It was so nice to see him. great to hear from you 🙂
Love it mom!!!! Great pictures 💕