A little odds and ends: both hotels we stayed, are seriously lacking electrical outlets. I only found one in each.
The airport express train is very convenient. While riding (duh) I noticed the caulking job is pretty poorly done. So is the hotel shower.
From 101, we passed by Taipei City Hall, arrived at the Sun Zhongshan memorial 國立國父紀念館 (wiki). It’s free, however, much of it was under renovation.
Many groups, mostly youth, were dancing.
We got there pretty early. The line to ticket was short. I won’t go myself but it’s a destination for many – easy to get to too. Nothing is really exciting up there.
There were many promotions going on in the building. And, of course the usual suspects, fighting for their rights.
We’ve lunch at Din Tai Fung Restaurant 鼎泰丰 after visiting 101 in Taipei. Our seating number was 1133.
Some of them, and it’s always taste better on a real plate.
From the night market at Ningxia in Taipei.
221 Chih-shan Rd., Sec. 2; Shih-lin, Taipei 11143, Taiwan
Exhibits wise, pretty empty. Visitors wise, over crowded. Looking Back a Hundred Years 百年回目 is good tho.
The tour groups were everywhere, they filled every corners and every halls, like in the famous night food markets. If weren’t for my Dad, I won’t go. I had it better in New York: the best exhibits were staged at the Met in 1996. Yes, Met offers better condition to host the exhibits, excellent environment, plus knowledgeable visitors. I could actually look at a piece at my own leisure, enjoy my time. (Suggestion: come to New York again and stay here. The exhibits will last longer in better condition.) In Taipei, the staff kept on hissing you to move on. If you insist to stay for an extra second or two, the rushing tour groups would sweep you away like a roaring current anyway.
Exhibits, what exhibits? I saw nothing.
After the Palace Museum, we took the cab, with no particular place in mind to go to. The talkative taxi driver suggested Tamshui. “Great sunset.”
The view from Starbucks: a piece of Americana that I depend on especially when I travel aboard. It provides comfort and convenience: bathroom and wifi.
Golden Waterfront 金色水岸, whatever.
It’s a disappointment. We didn’t see the sunset because the skies became overcast. The pedestrian-only water front is ugly.
We passed by this district twice, on our way to the Yongquan Temple 湧泉寺 in Taipei. Zhishan Lu 2nd Section 至善路二段 is along a creek/hills. The west side of the road has many villas. The cab driver said these houses are for the well heeled and powerful. As with many houses in major cities in China, they all seem to be cut-throat close to the public street, looking uncomfortable. There are many houses in New York City but I don’t get the same feeling. One address is visible: 419 Zhishan Lu 2nd Section 至善路二段419 号 梅林
