May 29, 2018 Day 8 Taiwan

On the subway on our only day to explore.

1st stop was Taipei 101.  There was a Starbucks on the 38th floor that required reservations 24 hours in advance and no shorts or slippers.  We didn't get to go - couldn't figure out how to make the reservations online plus who isn't wearing shorts in weather like this?! 

WOAH!  High end stores that I wouldn't even be able to buy 1 thing in without breaking the bank.  Well...  ok - there was an Adidas downstairs...  I might have been able to buy something there.

The line was too long so we got a picture instead.  I would have liked to compare it to the ones in the US.

Next stop:  Chiang Kai-shek Memorial:  national monument and landmark to honor Chiang Kai-shek, former President of the Republic of China.  It was a place chosen for mass gatherings as soon as it opened April 5, 1980 (5 years after he died on April 5, 1975).  It became the hub of events in the 1980s and early 1990s that led to the era of modern democracy in Taiwan.  This led to its dedication as Liberty Square.  

To the north and south of the memorial is the National Theater and the National Concert Hall.

Behind us is the actual memorial.  There are 89 steps of the ground floor to the 2nd floor which signifies the 89 years that President Chiang lived.  The memorial hall was established on 3 foundations with a square platform and represents the idea of "upright and honest" which is the literal meaning of Chiang Kai-shek's name.

We were lucky enough to be there at the changing of the honor guards which happens every hour from 10 am - 4 pm.

Marty wanted to get a picture of everyone on the MRT.  Dylan was worried that the doors would close.

We went to a Michelin rated restaurant known for its Peking Duck.

The duck came out whole and steaming hot.  It was sliced right in front of us.  Really beautiful presentation.

On the way home from dinner on our last night in Taiwan.  So sweet.

At the airport ready to go home.  Dylan introduced everyone to the game Toms Gold Run.  All 3 playing on their devices.

May 28, 2018 Day 7 Taiwan

We stopped at Yangmingshan National Park on our way up the Western Coast back to Taipei.  Xiaoyoukeng is one of the most geologically active scenic areas in the national park.  Its most unique features here are post volcanic (continued heating of underground water by residual heat following a volcanic eruption) fumaroles (formed when steam filters up through fissures in the rock), solfataras, and the sulfur hot springs.  Locals also call this Hell Valley.  The myth is that your skin will smell of sulfur for days after bathing in the hot springs.  We weren't in an area we could bathe...  so lucky for others we were NOT stinky for days.  I would like to come back here though because I've read that there's a resort here...  pass on the hiking but would definitely partake in some resort hot spring bathing even if I do end up smelly for a couple of days.

Do you see those tiny dots in the middle...  that's Courtney, Larry, and John.  

These crazy 3 did the hike.  Notice the sweat!!  We just goofed off while we waited for them.

Michelin rated restaurant for beef noodle soup.

Saying farewell to our guides.  David Liaw with My Taiwan Journey was great.  A wealth of knowledge and so personable.

Meditation in the big chair...  for a second before the elevator came.

Dumplings.

Random dentist office which didn't open until evening.

We stretch while we brush.  Good night Day 7.

May 27, 2018 Day 6 Taiwan

This is where my dad's parents are located.  Along with his mom's mom.

My parents in the lobby.

This was very special to me to be able to be here with my family.

Not exactly sure these numbers go with the correct person but these are the 3 locations.

Lunch always had a questionable food item - and most of the time with its head still attached.

Sun Moon Lake in Yuchi Township, Nantou County.  It's the largest body of water in Taiwan.  The east side of the lake resembles a sun while the west side resembles a moon.  Swimming is not usually allowed but there is an annual 3 km race called Swimming Carnival of Sun Moon Lake.  It has been designated as 1 of 13 national scenic areas in Taiwan.

Wen Wu Temple celebrates both the patron gods of civil and marital affairs in the same complex.  In southern China, the civil God is Wenchang and in the north it is Confucius.  In both the north and south, the marital God is Guan Yu.  It is uncommon to have a temple worshiping both.  

Our guide said that if you want to marry or stay together forever, you worship the marital God.  So here's Courtney and Larry and our little family who shall now stay together forever.

Edwards family in front of the marital God, Guan Yu.

Dylan meeting Meishu Chiang - my dad's youngest sister.  

This is my parents with my dad's oldest brother's youngest daughter and her daughter.

This is Meishu's son's (Gio's) 2 girls.

Dylan took quite a liking to Dora.  She wants to be a fashion designer.

The whole family gathering for dinner.

And it's a wrap for Day 6!  Who sleeps this way?!  Good night from the Norway Forest Leisure Hotel.