Taiwan: Day 4

Our last day in Taiwan together started with an empty cab? Well, we decided to go hiking, but had  very little plans as far as where we would start or our actual destination. We took a train to the starting point that Lonely Planet recommend and then hopped in a taxi. We were confused. He was confused. The cabby drove for a bit and then decided to stop at the Taipei American School and find someone who could translate. Good thinking, buddy.

After driving for it bit, we found the National Park and a hiking trail. This will do!

The trails and waterfall were beautiful and all within the sights of the city skyline.

We got lost for awhile, wandered through a neighborhood and found the trail again. This works. It was an adventure through and through, but that's what traveling is about right?

Hillary was an excellent traveling companion because she was very relaxed and went with the flow. Except for when I told a stranger he could finish his drink with us at the New Sanno hotel. He was creepy and weird and Hil put the kibosh on that rather quickly! (Thanks, Hil).

After a short siesta at the hotel, we headed out once the temperature got a little cooler. We were going to a dim sum restaurant for dinner but took the long way through the National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall. It is formerly the Chaing Kai-Shek Memorial Hall but it has since been renamed to not support the former president of the Republic of China. The nearby train stop though is still name CKS Memorial Hall.

The memorial was built 5 years after the president died and reminded me very much of the Lincoln Memorial, but a little more egotistical. There were even 89 steps to represent his age the year he died.

Hil and I were there just before sunset so we watched the lowering of the flag and all the pomp and circumstance.

We walked a little further down the road and found the famous dim sum shop that was our destination. Thank goodness I made reservations because it was PACKED. We had to write our order on the paper before we were even seated. We chose a few things from each part of the menu and when we handed it to the hostess she said, "For two people? Maybe too much."

"Challenge accepted! Does she know we're Americans?"

Challenge DEFEATED!

They brought out the food at lightning speed and thus we ate at record speeds as well. The food was amazing though! I can't recall the name right now, but it is in lonely planet and also on Trip Advisor. They have locations around the world as well.

Our marathon day continued to the Raohe Street Market and clothing market near by. We were bombarded by stinky tofu smells and made a quick loop and then headed back to the hotel. We were exhausted!

Phew!