Last week, we had the wonderful opportunity to spend Thanksgiving in Taiwan. We’ve had a very busy semester and were thankful for the chance to get away together for a time of rest and refreshment. This was our first trip to Taiwan, and it was a real treat to enjoy some of the interesting places and wonderful scenery. We started by going to the top of Taipei 101, which was the tallest building in the world when completed in 2004:
It also has one of the fastest elevators in the world (38 mi/hr) with a pressurized cabin (like an airplane) to protect sensitive ears. Here is a view of the city from the top (looking westward):
After getting a bird’s eye view of the city, we went to the Palace Museum to view ancient Chinese treasures:
The next day, we went to the memorial of a famous leader and saw the changing of the guard (imagine a Chinese version of what you might see at Buckingham Palace):
After two days in Taipei, we rode the train to Hualien, a small town on the east coast. It was Mark’s birthday, so we celebrated with some Chinese-style seafood:
Like most tourists, we came to Hualien to visit Taroko Gorge. It’s really hard to comprehend the scale and beauty of this place from pictures. The massive cliffs and countless waterfalls are amazing:
This would seem to be a paradise for people who enjoy rock climbing or caving, with streams of water flowing (and spraying) out of holes in the huge stone walls:
At the end of the day, we went to the local seashore for a walk on the beach, which is not a walk on sand but on polished stones:
Before flying back home, we had a chance to visit the Taipei Zoo where we had as much fun viewing the school children as we did the animals:
Afterwards, we took a ride on the MaoKang gondola:
A part of the Taipei MRT system, the Gondola will take you on a 2.7 mile trip to the village of MaoKang for less than $2 USD. And if you get into the special line, you can ride in a gondola car with a glass bottom:
Since Susan’s birthday is close at hand, we also celebrated her special day with a steak dinner at Ponderosa. A steak (and a fork and knife) is a very rare treat for folks who live in China (make mine medium-rare please):
Taiwan is a beautiful place! We’re thankful that we can now relate better to our friends in Texas who are from there.
Great photos! Really like the ones of the gorge (of course), although the glass-bottom gondola looks pretty intense, too. Glad you guys had a good time!
I think it is funny that dad is as tall as the guard who is on a two foot pedestal. Also, mom looks gorgeous in the last picture!
Yes, great photos of your trip to Taiwan!! Also, what great timing to enjoy a trip around the time of your birthdays. Both of you look wonderful and youthful!! Did you ask for a flag of the United States in your steak?
Not sure why the steak came out with a US Flag – perhaps it is their indicator of a medium-rare steak instead of one that is well-done (more of an American taste).