Weekend In Taiwan ’08

Wasn’t sure what to anticipate of Taipei before going.  Had the slightest background on the city, but I was excited not knowing what to expect.

The 1.5 hour flight on Dragonair felt like 30 minutes especially with a meal in between.

Out of customs and at the baggage claim a dog searched random bags for perishables.  The dog sat down once it found something, in this case fruit, and was rewarded a treat.

Scooters seemed like the transportation of choice in Taiwan.  I saw babies being carried on them as well as large dogs.

Taiwan is where bubble tea originates from.  Never come here without having one.

Bubble tea can come in various flavors, but I stuck with the milk tea and tapioca balls.  I was hooked after the first sip, the best bubble tea I’ve ever had.

After getting the drink, we sat down for handmade beef noodle.  The broth was rich in flavor making you crave for seconds.

My buddy said you can spot random weird things in Taiwan.  Odd thing #1: Finding three chopsticks after unwrapping the plastic.

The narrow streets reminded me of Japan.

Odd thing #2: Helmets laying upside down on styrofoam on the roof of a car.

Odd thing #3: Drying clothes on the hood and windshield of a car.

Odd thing #4: I don’t know construction, but this just doesn’t seem safe.

Odd thing #5: A Ferrari emblem on a BMW.

Here we were in a district with a lot of small clothing boutiques.  Forget the name of the area.

Odd thing #6: Pushing a dog around in a baby stroller.  Odd thing #7: The guy greeting the woman like it’s all good.

Random artwork I happened to pass.

Bad shot, I was pointing and shooting while walking.

Decided to wait in line for chicken nuggets.

At the intersection heading towards Sogo mall.  The train passed through in good timing.

Traffic waiting to cross the intersection.

Love when pedestian traffic is coming and going from all directions.

Good thing about the scooters is weaving to the head of the line.

Odd thing #8: Where do I begin to describe this?

Taipei 101 during the day.  A bit muggy but still a great view from my friend’s balcony.

101 @ night

Another 101 shot taken on the night I went to the charity event.

The day following the event it was off to the airport back to Hong Kong.  The taxi driver was beating to Jay Chou the whole way there.  More Taipei photos on the way.