Taiwan (Taipei) Adventures

Taoyuan International Airport 

There's something about Taiwan that's not quite like other places. It's a pretty developed city yet, there's this old feel to it. Simply beautiful. After passing through immigration, KY asked me 'Did the guy ask you any questions?' 'Yeah, he asked "Did you come alone?"' 'Did yours ask you any questions?' 'Yeah, he asked "Is it your first time here?"' She burst out laughing. Then it hit me. And I burst out laughing too. Which led to the next conversation. I said, 'My kindergarten Mandarin finally comes in handy for the first time in my life!! yi er san si...' 'Oh wait, oh no! It doesn't! It's all in NT (Taiwanese dollar) double digit or more!' And then we burst out laughing again. 

Taipei is an efficient city. The people mind their own business, getting about their everyday lives, and are friendly. The public transport system is excellent. And the city is just beautiful. 

Taipei 101 (Observatory Deck, 91st Floor)

The public transport system includes the Taipei Metro (MRT), buses, bicycles, and taxis. It is sufficient to travel around the city by just using the MRT and walking about as the train system is well - planned out and spans across the whole city. Trains come every 2 - 5 minutes and are always on time. We loved the fact that the trains came within short intervals. 

Tamsui - Xinyi MRT (Red Line)

'U'-Bike

We decided to spend our last evening cycling in the city. Exiting the MRT, it was just a short 2 mins walk to the 'U'-Bike public bicycles stand. It was simply amazing cycling by Da'an Park at night. For NT 10 to and fro (NT 10 every 30 mins for the first 4 hours), this was a great way to travel and take in the sights of our surroundings. 

Taiwanese food is simply delicious. From a range of fried foods (sweet potato fries with plum flavoring, fried chicken with hot and spicy/ black pepper/ original flavoring, fried squid etc) to night market foods (Guabao, peanut and ice cream wrap, stinky tofu, Da Chang Bao Xiao Chang etc) to yummy bowls of noodles and pearl milk tea! Food culture here is variety at best =)

Sweet Potato Fries Plum Flavor

Da Chang Bao Xiao Chang (Sausages with sides stuffed in glutinous rice)

Ramen Noodles (Man Lai Restaurant, Beitou)

Pearl Milk Tea

On our 2nd and 3rd day, we spent our time visiting the places that we decided we wanted to visit while on our trip. On day 2, we traveled to Tamsui (Danshuei) after making a pit stop at Beitou (known for its natural hot springs). Tamsui is a sea-side district located north of Taiwan. It is accessible by MRT - a forty minute train ride from Taipei city. 

Lover's Bridge Tamsui

Besides the historical sites located here, one of its main attractions is the Lover's Bridge at Fisherman's Wharf. This place is beautiful at sunset. It is also well - known for its Taiwanese dramas that are filmed on location. 

Among the places we visited on our 3rd day (in the city), we decided to spend some time at a tea house. This was rather exciting as we went through the different tea's (Oolong, Puerh, Tie Guan Yin etc). We finally settled on different aged Puerh teas...and after sharing our portions out, ended up drinking 21 cups of tea each. 

Wistaria Tea House 

It was a wonderful trip with good company and an awesome place! Taiwan is simply beautiful with it's unique culture, beautiful people, and intriguing history. we definitely had a lovely time! xox

Outside National Palace Museum 

Some extras:

Cute Signs

Love,

Mary 

Happiness.

What is it? As a Christian I would say that we find joy in the Lord. Which is the truth! But it's so hard to find it in everyday life when we are faced with so many circumstances. I'm not talking about 'hey, let's compare ourselves to third world countries!' Now that's a different ball game altogether. No, I'm talking about us ordinary, spoilt, pampered citizens of semi-developed worlds or more. People who have nearly everything yet find it so hard to find happiness. We try and try but there's never an answer. 

Well, here's what I think. Firstly, we all have problems. So what do we do? We deal with them of course! You don't have to wear a mask to that. Just be human. It's more relatable. 

Secondly, happiness takes effort. You can choose to look at the glass half empty or you can look at it half full. That's your choice. It's subjective and there's no right or wrong answer! What I mean is that even when you're sad, in the glass half empty, you can choose to look at the bright side. You can feel sad and everything but you can choose to make it better. And when you're happy looking at the glass half full, more reason to celebrate! 

We are all after all just human. Emotions and feelings are very real. But just don't sit there in your misery! (I know this by experience!) Give yourself the time and the space and then get up again and choose happiness! 

And, because I am a Christian, I'll just add to this little post and say that the joy of the Lord is my strength! Nehemiah 8:10

Love, 

Mary Ruth

Gatherings.

Today we met my mum's long time old friend. It was so nice! I love it how in our Malaysian culture we get together in each other's houses during festivities and catch up as if nothing has ever changed! It was really nice just sitting there listening to them chat and occasionally adding to the convo. And she now has a grandchild! So cute.

Reason for the celebration? Chinese New Year!

I love our Malaysian culture! *hearts!*

Much love,
Mary

Waze.

Ohmygosh! Waze is so cute! It knows where I am even though I'm not using it! Haha!! Don't know why, but I find that cute. =D