The Republic of China is also called Taiwan. Taiwan, was once an Island that was part of mainland China, until after WW II.
Two million Nationalists fled to Taiwan and established a government. They used 1946 constitution that had been use in China, (before they left). The relationship between Taiwan and China does not exist.
The city is built on a lake, that dried up centuries ago. The land became filled with swamps, and some grass.
When the Nationals, came they brought many of China's treasurers with them.
The capital city is Taipei. About 3 million people live here.
We landed at the Airport, and our friends picked us up. Around us I didn't hear one word of English spoken, not even by the taxi drivers.
The city is surrounded by hills and three rivers run through it, the Hsinteien, Keelung and Tamsui.
Taipei is very polluted, (about as much as you see in L.A. or Mexico City),and you will see a lot of people wearing surgical masks.
We are staying with a friend. I'm glad we are because this is a very expensive city.
I wasn't in the best of health when we arrived. Our friends took us to the Chinese Medicine Shop. The owner touched my big fingers, (I was told every part of the body, comes from these two fingers). He had me lay down and put two acupuncture needles in each of the thumbs. I had to stay on the sofa for half and hour, while he pounded and mixed a concoction for me to drink. He took out the needles, and I drank the drink, (it tasted like ginger). The next day I did feel a better. I still was a bit weak, but since our friends had a car, I could go out.
What We Saw
Due to the pollution, there aren't a lot of parks in Taipei. We went to see the Botanical Garden, to see the plants and flowers that once live in the open air. We sat by a lotus pond for a while, and I thought it was a shame that people had to go inside, to see all of this!
Lin Antai's homestead, (built in the late 1700's), was almost destroyed, when the government tore down the older homes. They built a freeway through the property. Some people hauled the bricks away and rebuilt it in Pinchange Park. When you look at it you think you are looking at a rich man's house in China.
The National Palace Museum, has may of the treasures that China had in the Forbidden City, (in Beijing), Nanjing and Shanghai. They were sent from China to hide them from the Japanese, and were hidden in a little village, called Emei. After WW II and Mao took over China, they were never send back, but are on display here. If you are ever in Taipei plan to spend a lot of time here, because there are so many majestic thing to see.
The Huahsi Night Market, scared me. No one told me, before we came here that this markets is all about snakes. People hold cobras and eat snake bile, gall bladder that is made into a soup!
We didn't go to the Chinese Opera, (once was enough), because I saw a bit of it in Beijing. It can take a year to see one opera.
We did go to a Temple and heard a band made up of flutes, gongs, a few strange looking stringed instruments and a trumpet.
One night we went to the movies, to see Beyond The Sea, (the musical about Bobbie Darren). The words were in English and the sub-titles were in Mandarin Chinese.
The Best Place To Shop
The Markets.
The Mall on Anhe Road.
The boutiques on Xhongshan N. Road. Don't forget to go down to the underground mall.
Food
You can find food from 7 Eleven, bowls of noodles & soup, and steaks.
We likes the Shandong, Sichuan and Catontiese foods the best.
The best restaurants are in the Xinyi area.
The Chinese New Year Celebrations
We had a traditional dinner, with won ton soup, spring rolls, breaded octopus, a lot of noodle and vegetables dishes,with a variety of meat in them, a baked fish and we had a honey bun for dessert. There was no rice because you never serve noodles and rice at the same meal.
After dinner we went to see the parade, it was lead by the red dragon dancers.
After the parade we went shopping at the marked on Dihua Street. This is the place to come to buy candy and snacks.
Please
Go to your health clinic to see what vaccinations you need.
The water is not safe to drink, so please only drink bottled water.
Not many people speak English, I suggest you take a tour, if you want to see Taiwan.
My Conclusion
Taipei was interesting to see. I don't think I would come back again, because it was too polluted for me.
I'm rating it with a 4 stars, because the Museum was fabulous, the food and shopping were great and the people were very nice. At least they didn't spit on the street, like they do in China!
Kung hei fat choi, (may you have a prosperous year), & Shai shai, (thank you), for reading my review.
©LL2005
