North East Coast
Beaches!...Thats what we set out to do.....
The drive is simply awesome....
Our first stop was at Wushih Fishery Harbour...There was not much crowd and hence it was an ideal destination for CNY holidays...
We stopped over at Sandiao Cape...Fulong Beach and had lunch at Aodi Seafood restaurant.....Saw the Bitou Cape and Nanaya Rock foundations and returned home....
Monday, February 26, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Chinese New Year - Day 5
After experiencing last night's traffic we decided not to venture out....we also cancelled our planned outing to Kaoshing...South Taiwan....There was crowds everywhere....so we decided to stay at home.....Look closely you can see the crowd in National Palace Museum!!!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Chinese New Year - Day 4
Sun Moon Lake
We headed to Sun Moon Lake - Central Taiwan....by 8 A.M in the morning...
To our surprise we had hoped to reach by noon but finally reached only at 4 P.M.
The traffic was choked and the last 100 kms took 4 hrs.....needless to say it was a disaster travelling on the holiday!
We spent about three hours before heading back.....There is a boat tour and you can really appreciate the vastness and stillness of the lake surrounded by mountains....
There is Wen Wu temple and Cihen Pagoda worth seeing although we did not venture out....another trip .....We got back only at 2 AM...tired , hungry and exhausted....
Sun Moon Lake is the island's largest lake....and is definitely worth a visit......
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Chinese New Year - Day 3
We were warned not to travel on Day 3 as the son in laws would be visiting their wife's families...
fearing which we did not travel out....
The only outing we had was to Mister Donut for donuts for snack during the adventure journey tomorrow
fearing which we did not travel out....
The only outing we had was to Mister Donut for donuts for snack during the adventure journey tomorrow
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Chinese New Year - Day 2
Window on China!
We had heard so much about Window on China and we knew very little. We left home about 9 AM all equipped for a full day of fun and adventure...After initial hiccups of getting into the wrong express way we were heading straight down to our destination...We finally arrived at 11:30 AM.....Its about an hour really from Taipei City!
Its a theme park with a lot of unique attractions!
You are lucky if you can get an English Brochure which I did finally when we were on our way out....else you keep wondering did you really cover most of the attractions or not?The usual entrance fee is about NT620 but this weekend was about NT 399.To out amazement the place was really crowded and we were wondering was it reaaly the right time to visit such a place....Anyways we bought the tickets and were welcomed by a lion dance performance ...as we strolled along we began to see more and more interesting things...
There was a Mini Taiwan and Mini China display ...Displays were in great details and was really impressive!
Then there was Mini Asia followed by Mini Europe and AMerica....While very little kids may not enjoy the true inspiration and perfection of these little miniatures ...older children and adults will marvel at the perfection and details chalked out on every model displayed.
Then there is a train that connects to the amusement park...once you are inside after the entry ticket ,ticket holders have free access to all facilities except the coin operated facilities....
At the amusement park side you are greeted by Nile Adventure which gives you a thrill ride of taking you upto 10 storey high towards th water....and then gives you the experience of massive 6 storey high waves...
There are several other rides for both adults and most can be used by any child above 3 years....
There are restaurant options with local food. We saw two other shows one of belly dancing and one of the clowns'amusing antics
Its a good family outing destination and one can easily spend 5 to 6 hrs.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Chinese New Year - Day 1
A usual Saturday morning, really didnt feel that we have a long week of unplanned holidays ahead!
We made brownies and the girls enjoyed decorating it!
By afternoon it dawned on me that we must do something otherwise these holidays will just slip by with the usual daily chores,so we decided to see the National Palace Museum which was across our house. We arrived at 3:45PM only to be told that they are closing at 4 PM as it is the eve of Chinese New Year! We then went to Costco to do our weekly groceries as they were closing at 6 PM that day.This is the view of our apartment building in Taipei from the grounds of National Palace Museum.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Chinese New Year !
Both girls had parties at their school....thought its great to enhance my knowledge...on the same....for those of you know nothing these little things might help!
The 15-Day Celebration of Chinese New Year
First Day
"the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth."Many people abstain from meat on the first day of the new year because it is believed that this will ensure long and happy lives for them.
Second Day
The Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs.
The third and fourth days are for the sons-in-laws to pay respect to their parents-in-law.
The fifth day is called Po Woo. On that day people stay home to welcome the God of Wealth. No one visits families and friends on the fifth day because it will bring both parties bad luck.
On the sixth to the 10th day, the Chinese visit their relatives and friends freely. They also visit the temples to pray for good fortune and health.
The seventh day of the New Year is the day for farmers to display their produce. These farmers make a drink from seven types of vegetables to celebrate the occasion. The seventh day is also considered the birthday of human beings. Noodles are eaten to promote longevity and raw fish for success.
On the eighth day the Fujian people have another family reunion dinner, and at midnight they pray to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven.
The ninth day is to make offerings to the Jade Emperor.
The 10th through the 12th are days that friends and relatives should be invited for dinner. After so much rich food, on the 13th day you should have simple rice congee and mustard greens (choi sum) to cleanse the system.
The 14th day should be for preparations to celebrate the Lantern Festival which is to be held on the 15th night.
The 15-Day Celebration of Chinese New Year
First Day
"the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth."Many people abstain from meat on the first day of the new year because it is believed that this will ensure long and happy lives for them.
Second Day
The Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs.
The third and fourth days are for the sons-in-laws to pay respect to their parents-in-law.
The fifth day is called Po Woo. On that day people stay home to welcome the God of Wealth. No one visits families and friends on the fifth day because it will bring both parties bad luck.
On the sixth to the 10th day, the Chinese visit their relatives and friends freely. They also visit the temples to pray for good fortune and health.
The seventh day of the New Year is the day for farmers to display their produce. These farmers make a drink from seven types of vegetables to celebrate the occasion. The seventh day is also considered the birthday of human beings. Noodles are eaten to promote longevity and raw fish for success.
On the eighth day the Fujian people have another family reunion dinner, and at midnight they pray to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven.
The ninth day is to make offerings to the Jade Emperor.
The 10th through the 12th are days that friends and relatives should be invited for dinner. After so much rich food, on the 13th day you should have simple rice congee and mustard greens (choi sum) to cleanse the system.
The 14th day should be for preparations to celebrate the Lantern Festival which is to be held on the 15th night.
Groceries
Grocery Shopping....we tried our first grocery shopping in Hongkong....Found it very convenient. The website is www.maharajahk.com and he delivers it whereever you are at Hongkong including your hotel!....Telephone numbers are 2756 5611/2366 2941.Hope that helps!
Driving
Driving in Taipei- Finished my first drive alone.Yes I can drive in Taipei....I managed to drive from ZhiShan Road to Wenlin Road.....
And how long did it take....actual practice just two times with Sedj sitting beside me...but it required a lot more determination to start driving an auto transmission car and a left hand drive on Taipei's wide variety narrow roads to 12 lane main roads..First trip done on 12 th FEb 2007! I must say I didnt sleep all night the previous day...visualising all the lanes I had to take..on every road...
And how long did it take....actual practice just two times with Sedj sitting beside me...but it required a lot more determination to start driving an auto transmission car and a left hand drive on Taipei's wide variety narrow roads to 12 lane main roads..First trip done on 12 th FEb 2007! I must say I didnt sleep all night the previous day...visualising all the lanes I had to take..on every road...
Friday, February 09, 2007
Di Hua Market
Dihua Market - We set off to visit Dihua MArket from ACC....about 14 of us....all ladies...its about 120NT by taxi....We set out to see various chinese new year treats and goodies..
The street was vibrant with music and good cheer and bustling shoppers walking all over in all directions. The market sells dried fruits, nuts, dried meats, dried seafood, snacks, and health drinks. Its really worth a visit during this year...
and you get to taste all goodies .....all shoppers are eager to attract you by offering free taste of all their new goodies for the upconing lunar year.
We also visited a teahouse where the owner isisted we have tea with him and also a little shop that sells only lanterns...
The unique thing I found they sell all kinds of vergetable and fuits dried....its amazing how they manage that...will soon put up an image of that...
The street was vibrant with music and good cheer and bustling shoppers walking all over in all directions. The market sells dried fruits, nuts, dried meats, dried seafood, snacks, and health drinks. Its really worth a visit during this year...
and you get to taste all goodies .....all shoppers are eager to attract you by offering free taste of all their new goodies for the upconing lunar year.
We also visited a teahouse where the owner isisted we have tea with him and also a little shop that sells only lanterns...
The unique thing I found they sell all kinds of vergetable and fuits dried....its amazing how they manage that...will soon put up an image of that...
Dentist
I had trouble with one of my tooth...and it was time to venture out and see a dentist...so as usual called and asked everyone you meet any one has seen a dentist...Finally some one(she indeed was helpful) did refer and I managed to fix up the appointment for Tuesday....I went expecting a filling ...but ended up having to remove my wisdom tooth...I always thought I never had any of them left...but now the dentist says this is the last one...
Ever since then who ever I meet I referred to my Dentist appointment ...oh good please can you give me the name and address and phone number...so I thought I didn't know it was so useful information but it seems like all I met the next two days was looking for one....2834 4265- Dr John Lee....hope it helps someone....
Ever since then who ever I meet I referred to my Dentist appointment ...oh good please can you give me the name and address and phone number...so I thought I didn't know it was so useful information but it seems like all I met the next two days was looking for one....2834 4265- Dr John Lee....hope it helps someone....
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