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Hi everyone, The Taipei 101 was the tallest building in the world until recently when Dubai took the honor with one of theirs.
When we arrived it was cold and rainy. We didn't want to venture out too much so Gary and I got a cab and when the the National Palace Museum. It is rated the 4th in the world. It was brought out of China in the 40's by Chiang Kai-shek. It is claimed to be the best of China and it is spectacular. After the museum we had lunch at a old traditional hotel, The Grand Hotel. It was beautiful and we had a good time. Later that day we took an evening tour from the ship and went to a mongolian bar-bue-cue and the night market. Unfortunately the night market was not to good because of the weather. We also saw an exceptionally beautiful temple.
The next day it was cloudy and we got up late so we walked to McDonald's for breakfast. I hate to say it, but it tasted pretty good after having ship food for so long. In the afternoon we took another tour to Sanshia, a charming village, known for its stone carving and about an hour out of Taipei. It had an old street for shopping and yet another temple. Nearby we stopped at Yingge, considered Taiwan's pottery mecca. We had a good time looking at the beautiful work. Needless to say we purchased some.
The third day was sunny. We ventured out and took the bus to Taipei, about 40 minutes from Keelung. We walked around and enjoyed a Chinese Handicraft Market. We had lunch in a little mall and took the bus back. At this point we though we had better buy a duffel bag or something to get our stuff of the ship. We got that accomplished and returned to the ship.
Now we are on and eleven day sail to Hawaii. The Pacific is a BIG ocean, because after Hawaii there is five more days.
We think of you all often and hope you are doing well. Bye for now!
- comments
Vicki I did not realize you were going to be in Taiwan. We have a long time family friend who lives and teaches there. He loves the city and especially the night-life. Sounds like you have had a variety of weather. As you know, that can give you a whole different perspective on a city. I'll be curious to hear about people's reaction to the recent earthquakes in Japan. You have quite the journey ahead of you! Are you knitting? I just read a REALLy good book on India. It's very short and entertaining - perhaps you can get it on your Kindle. It's called The Mango Season. We're making our reservations for Cheyenne......look forward to seeing you there!
Barb Enjoyed reading of your adventures in Taipei....met a woman years ago from there and she told me about some of the places you mentioned, but have never had an opportunity to stop over and spend any time there. Enjoy your Pacific journey and get some rest cause I'm sure you're off somewhere not long after you get back to the US!!
John and Joyce Hello again you two intrepid travellers. So good to hear that you are still enjoying all the new sights and new experiences. I think you will need more that the duffel bag to get all your stuff back home!! Not long now and you will be " home ". We look forward to our own trip on the 26th. will contact you when we return end of July. Our love to you both.