This is formerly the tallest building in the world, but is now the 2nd tallest building in the world. Taipei 101 is still and engineering marvel that contains a giant stabilizing ball in its core that prevents it from falling during earthquakes. I don't know engineering, but that sounds pretty good to me.
The Bao'an Temple in central Taipei. This is one of the main ones but there are hundreds of smaller temples all around the city on street corners. The architecture and colors are amazing.
Taiwanese culture is much more relaxed than Korean culture in terms of social stigmas and hierarchy rules. The Koreans are extremely hard working people but are more reserved and passive in their words and actions. The Taiwanese seem to be more open and accepting of different beliefs. It felt like a more liberalized version of Korean culture, and it was very refreshing. Dan and I had an amazing tour guide - Mary (a Bush family friend), and she was able to zip us around to all of the important places in Taipei. The terrain of Taipei (the capital of Taiwan) is absolutely beautiful as the city is surrounded by mountains. We were able to venture up into the Wu-lai mountain village where the Atayal aboriginal tribe lives. We enjoyed a hot spring bath (water supplied from a under the Earth), the tribal dances of the Atayal, and of course...the food!
This is our whole group at Mary's apartment having cake and ice cream for Dan's birthday. From left to right: Dan, Rachel, Julie (Mary's sister), Peter (Julie's husband), Mary's mother, Jennifer (Mary's friend) and Mary! They were extremely hospitable and took off work for 2-3 days to show us around Taipei. We would have been lost without them!
The Atayal tribe doing their harvest dance. They make all of their own clothes - amazing colors!
Taipei is also known for its night markets, open at around 6 and closing around 12 or 1am. Tons of stalls of food, games, and trinkets to buy. My favorite was the exotic and tropical fruit stands. I've literally never seen some of this fruit...and it was all delicious. Another popular food in Taipei is called stinky tofu. It smells like animal poo. Not kidding - it is difficult to eat, but we had to eat it as it is the only place on Earth to do so.
A juicy grilled squid. We shared one. And by shared I mean I had a bite and Dan had to eat the rest.
We had a great time, learned some Chinese, and more importantly learned how to use the bizarre crouching toilets of the East. But now, back to school. Until next time - we love you!
When the snow started to fall and the icicles started to form in Gunsan, Harry Potter came to town. They make perfect wands. Accio, summer! (This picture is dedicated to Jeffrey, Emily and Claire.)
