It's been a while, guys. Finally found some time to update, let's catch up, shall we?
Hot and sticky, humid like no other in Taiwan.
Started off today with a cool breakfast, with cold soymilk and some congee. Went outside, and realized something. Motorcycles. Tons and tons of motorcycles. So many motorcycles and mopeds that I thought Aarthi was here in Taiwan too...joking. Anyway, first stop, the National Theatre and Concert Hall. Huge decorated buildings that have elaborate interior designs. The next show that was going to come next to the Theatre was Bizet's Carmen, but alas, no time to watch. We kept moving, and soon came upon Freedom Square and the monument devoted to Jiang Jieshi. Impressive, to say the least. Now that we're all tired, and as hot and sticky as the weather, we needed some stuff to cool down: nothing quite as good at cooling you down as a red bean iced milk drink, eh? The next stop was the Executive Building, which is where all the government processes occur. Granted, we only got to get within like 50 yards of the place, as there were still armed guards and sentries all around the building: government is still in session or whatnot.
Another thing I noticed: masks. A lot of people were wearing masks, but not as many as I thought. Many of them actually said that it was to protect against air pollution, and not swine flu. The swine flu protection offered by the mask was actually more of a side bonus. This was actually pretty surprising for me, since I thought the H1N1 scare was pretty big in Asia.
Before continuing, it was about time for lunch, but I wasn't really in the mood for a hot lunch. What did I end up getting? The most incredible, amazing thing ever to have been invented: Mango Cream Shaved Ice. Taiwan is known for its shaved ice, and I am now a believer. Pieces of fresh Mango, Tapioca Jellies, a heaping portion of shaved ice, and a dash of condensed milk to splash on top. Delectable is an understatement.
Next stop: Yangmingshan National Park. This is where we got to see some great scenery, some monument dedicated to scholars, and a big clock made of flowers. Unfortunately for me, I didn't get to enjoy the hot springs as we originally planned. When we were on our descent from the mountain on our way to the hot spring bathhouse, it started raining, which quickly turned to pouring...Goodbye hot spring bath. Oh well, maybe next time, eh?
Hopping on the bus, paying a fare equalling a little less than 50 US cents, we arrived at the Shilin Night Market, renown for Stinky Tofu, and other cuisine. Needless to say, we loaded up on food, and Stinky Tofu is actually pretty tasty...just don't smell it, it smells somewhat of a combination between salty fish and rotten eggs, can't quite describe it. Called it a night after finishing up dinner, in preparation of the next day.
And just to pique you guys' appetites, pictures!
Red Bean Ice: http://d2.biggestmenu.com/00/00/ab/d2a729b6b6c7b441_m.jpg
Mango Shaved Ice: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1156/727948067_2a89e67352.jpg
Spicy Stinky Tofu: http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t49/cinzia326/stinkytofu.jpg?t=1245507442
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment