One day in Taipei

On the way back from Japan to Germany we changed planes in Taipei again. Unfortunately, my plan to stay in Taipei once again did not work out due to lack of time and money. Looking back I am even glad that it had not worked out, because I had been such an emotional mess, that I could not have enjoyed it anyways.

But as we had 12 hours between the changing flights in Taipei, we wanted to go into the city and visit a German friend, who works in Taipei. It was February 16th when we landed in Taipei, exactly in the week of Chinese New Year. This is the most important holiday in Taiwan, and people get together with their families in order to celebrate - one whole week! If you consider that our Taiwanese friends (or work machines) usually work 14 hours per day, it seems even more extraordinary, that they take off one whole week!

It was really nice to see Taipei again. The humid air, the smell of the city instantly reminded me of our 4 days in Taipei last September and happy memories came back to my mind. Unfortunately, it rained all day!We intended to go to the most famous dumpling restaurant in Taipei, but unfortunately, when we got there, people were already standing in line in the rain in front of the restaurant to get in. It was not even lunch time! Our friend said, that next time we should reserve a table before going.

 

Last time, when Fabian and I were still scared newcomers in exotic Asia, we had not dared to use the subway. But this time, now having become Asian experts and strengthened through adventurous travelling in Japan, we did it. We used the subway!

For lunch, after searching half the city in pouring rain for a decent restaurant (many were closed because of the holidays), we found a nice restaurant for shabu shabu. It can be compared to nabe in Japan. It is a hot pot with boiling broth on the table, where everybody puts his ingredients in and cooks it. Delicious! When our friend said, "this is a restaurant with a higher standard", Fabian and I worriedly felt our wallets, thinking about how much money we had. When the bill came, each of us had to pay... Guess how much! 7 Euros! Taiwan is a heaven for gourmets! ^^

The Taipei 101 clouded

 

Inside the 101

 

At the end of the day - of course we had to conduct empirical research on cultural differences between Japanese and Taiwanese crane machines. Our result: the Taiwanese machines cheat the customers! The crane fingers are too loose!

He also showed us his fancy apartment. I was impressed! I could describe you in many words how expensive his apartment looked, how pretty the furniture was, how high the rent is, but I think this picture of the kitchen tells already everything:

This single hotplate says: "I do not need to cook. I only go out for eating."

;)

I enjoyed this day in Taipei very much. 

Thank you for the wonderful day in Taipei! I had so much fun!