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.