No problem flying here but I must say I arrived full exhausted - u try flapping your arms to the other side of the world! :>)
I began sending Blackberry Messages as soon as we landed, but I could tell they weren't getting through. Got on express bus from Airport no problem. Got off at last stop at Taipei Main Station. Sun was shinning and it was super humid. Tried messaging Brad to come meet me, but the message wasn't getting through. I asked someone for help and she helped orient my map. I went on my way. Next problem was crossing street. Couldn't find where to cross. Then I remembered how in Beijing some streets were crossed by going under them. I then found a subway station and went below. Got lost in a maze there - with my suitcase in tow. Eventually made my way to the "other side".
Once above ground, and at this point I was soaked in sweat, from both the heat and humidity and my predicament. I even tried calling Leslie to have her contact Brad, but the call never went through. So here I was, 12,000 miles from home, cell phone doesn't work, it's hot as hell and I'm now freaking out as I can't get in touch with anyone.
I began sending Blackberry Messages as soon as we landed, but I could tell they weren't getting through. Got on express bus from Airport no problem. Got off at last stop at Taipei Main Station. Sun was shinning and it was super humid. Tried messaging Brad to come meet me, but the message wasn't getting through. I asked someone for help and she helped orient my map. I went on my way. Next problem was crossing street. Couldn't find where to cross. Then I remembered how in Beijing some streets were crossed by going under them. I then found a subway station and went below. Got lost in a maze there - with my suitcase in tow. Eventually made my way to the "other side".
Once above ground, and at this point I was soaked in sweat, from both the heat and humidity and my predicament. I even tried calling Leslie to have her contact Brad, but the call never went through. So here I was, 12,000 miles from home, cell phone doesn't work, it's hot as hell and I'm now freaking out as I can't get in touch with anyone.
Finally found a traffic cop who couldn't help, as he didn't speak English. But he motioned to another cop to come over and help. I showed him the paper I had and he was able to provide instructions. A few blocks this way and a few more that way and I finally found Hotel Flowers, the place Brad had booked for us. Thank goodness. Made my way to desk and mentioned my son and they sent me on my way. Imagine the look on Brad's face when he opened the door - very confused. He was surprised he hadn't heard from me and when he checked the flight details it said we hadn't arrived yet, so he went back to sleep.
Room was quite warm when I arrived, but Brad said it had a/c. I took a shower and changed. We went to a shop for some breakfast as the hotel gave us vouchers to use at 3 of the local places. We planned out an itinerary for travel - gotta have a plan. We then went to Taipei 101 - the world's 2nd tallest bldg, but tallest in Asia and went to the observation deck on the 89th floor.
Room was quite warm when I arrived, but Brad said it had a/c. I took a shower and changed. We went to a shop for some breakfast as the hotel gave us vouchers to use at 3 of the local places. We planned out an itinerary for travel - gotta have a plan. We then went to Taipei 101 - the world's 2nd tallest bldg, but tallest in Asia and went to the observation deck on the 89th floor.
We then ate in the basement food court - really cool. Had the japanese pork dish I like, it was served with udon noodle soup and some vegetable tempura. Nice lunch for about $4.50.
We then check out the Sun Yat Sen Memorial nearby.
Dr. Sun Yat Sen was the Father of modern day China - working to move the country from dynastic rule to that of a republic
Had a cold drink and decided to head back to hotel for a rest before heading out to the night market.
Chilled for about 2 hours b4 going out. We went to an area near a university and walked around the streets there. Turns out it was a mini- night market. Had some dumplings and made our way towards the Shin Lin night market. I had seen it on Bizarre Foods on TV but we couldn't find it! There were stalls and stalls of vendors but it wasn't what we were looking for. We ended up eating Octopus Balls:
Octopus Balls are like Conch Fritters. Also had some more dumplings and an Oyster omelet. Brad says it wasn't as good as one he's previously had. I didn't think it was too good but it wasn't terrible. As we walked through the streets there were vendors selling stinky tofu (which is like the national dish here - the stuff was so smelly that it was turning me off. I had lost my appetite, but we persevered and ate a few things anyway.
Got back to room, turned on PC and discovered we missed the Market we were looking for by less than half a block. I think we're going to try again tomorrow evening.
Current plan is to visit a museum tomorrow that houses artwork from China's history. We've planned one or 2 day trips from Taipei before we head south for a few days. Sounds like I may make my way via train back to Taipei for my flight home. Not a problem though as I now know the way - sort of.
So that's day 1. Did a lot, had a high level of stress early on. But ended well. Getting ready for bed now.
Current plan is to visit a museum tomorrow that houses artwork from China's history. We've planned one or 2 day trips from Taipei before we head south for a few days. Sounds like I may make my way via train back to Taipei for my flight home. Not a problem though as I now know the way - sort of.
So that's day 1. Did a lot, had a high level of stress early on. But ended well. Getting ready for bed now.
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