Hualien and Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is said to be one of Taiwan's most beautiful sights and I had the fortune of seeing it thanks to HJ visiting from LA pushing me to do so! Much of the world's red and white marble comes from these mountains and it was wonderful seeing the beautiful patterns of hard rock worn away by untold years of flowing water. We were able to see the best of Hualien and Taroko thanks to a very helpful tour guide (who didn't speak English, but we had 2.5 Mandarin speakers with us) in a very short time. Definitely recommend a visit, and be sure to bring good shoes and an umbrella/rain coat!

The Night Markets

Night markets are one of the most alluring things in Taiwan. For years after my first visit I dreamt about returning to the food-filled streets with such hallmarks as stinky tofu, congealed blood cakes, roasted chicken hearts, and other fine and unique delicacies. There are certainly more night markets in Taiwan (let alone Taipei) than I could possibly visit in my short time here, but there's a few here that you may recognize (i.e. Hualien, Shilin, Gongguan, Shida, Minquan, Huanxi, Jiufen, etc).

So far, I think the best night market I've been to overall had to be in Hualien, which was quite surprising. Best pepper steak is a toss-up between Shilin and Huanxi -- best stinky tofu I had was actually in Sun Moon Lake (although it was during the daylight hours when I ate it, so not sure if that counts).

New Year's Weekend

Ah 2010... the two zeros give it that special ring.  I spent New Year's watching a building with another 0 in it, namely now the 2nd tallest skyscraper in the world, Taipei 101... from a nearby mountain!  The fun with U of T alumni continued as I watched the event with a number of SB's friends while QQ arrived that morning for a few days. I later played tour guide in showing her why I love it here in Taipei. Destinations included Beitou hot springs, National Palace Museum, Danshui, and Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall... standard tourist fare :). Taipei 101 fireworks YouTube video here.

Christmas in Taipei

Like Japan, Korea and China alike, Taiwanese Christmas is more about celebrating life than celebrating Jesus' birth.  Known here more as an occasion to party with friends or to have a romantic getaway, Christmas away from family wasn't as hard as it would have been otherwise.  It was great to see some familiar faces from U of T days, as well as having the chance to meet some new ones as well!  The "weekend" started on Thursday night at a local watering hole, Friday going to 3 live music shows, and Saturday getting away to Jiufen for a nice trek in a scenic mountain village. Following a long movie night w/ Toronto alum, the highlight of Sunday was quite possibly one of the best hot pots I've ever had (around Minquan W. Road). Still smiling!