Wow! What an action packed day today- our host Julie and her family was able to show us Taipan from a local perspective. We started off the morning by having a traditional Taiwanese breakfast- salty or sweet soy milk, fried bread sticks and clay over rolls filled with honey or egg. So good!
We walked to a " Creative Park" that was a warren of shops, cafes, restaurants, boutiques and exhibitions. The complex was a refurbished wine and camphor factory dating back to the Japanese era. Its known to attract "hipsters" and young families and it is a great place to see the designs of Taiwan's young creative community. So much to see- too little time! I plan on coming back!
The changing of the guards took place at Sun Yet-sen Memorial- it is done to pay respect to the father of their country for his great contributions.
Lunch- this meal put western chinese food to shame- Din Tai Fung was the name of the restaurant. The most amazing dumplings I have ever tasted!
Off to Taipei 101- the 8th tallest building in the world. We made a reservation the Starbucks that brought us to the the 35th floor- we could spend 1 1/2 hours there. The views were breathtaking!
We walked back to the MRT and fought to stay awake for the rest of the evening!
I could live here. The people here are so kind and generous- not once have I felt like an outsider. So much to do and see. It is clean and very modern and yes it is very hot but I am ok with that!