Throwback Thursdays: Sunset Walks in Taipei

I loved going to Taiwan. I felt a different kind of affinity the first time I went there. It might be because my paternal grandmother is Chinese. I never got to know her since she passed away when my Dad was a child. All I know is she's Chinese, eloped with my grandfather and had 9 children. Daddy was the youngest so it was really hard to get much information about her. Friends in Taiwan said they could possibly help find my relatives, but my grandma's maiden last name is fairly common there. 

I used to visit Taiwan 3 to 4 times a year. I loved going there because you can find a bubble tea shop every few meters! I usually stayed in a hotel near Taipei 101 since the office was there. In the mornings I would take a taxi to the office, but walk back to the hotel when I went home. I usually leave the office just before sunset.

From the office I would walk through several malls until I reached the hotel. The ten minute walk would usually take me 30 to 45 minutes since I would stop to window shop. I would usually buy N95 masks in one of the shops that sold Japanese goods. Then I would buy dinner and bubble tea at the food court near the hotel. 

Rain or shine gotta keep moving.

What I liked though about walking back to the hotel are the beautiful sunsets. They always reminded me of the sunsets back in Manila. I would usually chance upon the sunset at the long bridgeway near the hotel. I would usually stop to admire it before continuing my walk. That was why I never bothered wearing high heels and always brought my trusty Rusty Lopez shoes that had arch support. 

One of the malls near the hotel.

I never got to go around the tourist spots in Taipei (and across Taiwan). I didn't want to visit without the boys. I only got to see the famous Sun Yat Sen memorial hall from the window office (70+ floors up!). I did go to the night market once with Shin-yi. Never went on my own since I wanted it to be a fresh experience when I could go with the boys. 

Well, we don't really know when we can travel again. Flights to Taiwan are just less than two hours, so it should be doable in the future when things are safer for everyone. In the meantime I'll just keep those sunset walks as a happy memory.

#BeKind #StaySafe

My Fave Things to Do in Taiwan

I miss Taiwan. I usually visit Taiwan several times a year. The last time I got to visit was a year ago when I went to Taichung for an event. I went straight there from Tokyo and had the time of my life traveling by train from Taipei to Taichung. I love figuring out how to get around by train in unfamiliar cities.

I believe my paternal grandmother probably came from Taiwan. I don't know much about her since she passed away when my Dad was just 7 years old. They just told me that she's Chinese and eloped with my Filipino grandfather. So I always wondered what she's like and what traits I inherited from her. The first time I visited Taiwan I had a "feeling of familiarity". I don't know what it is, but I just feel happy and at home whenever I visit Taiwan. And this is why I think maybe my grandmother came from Taiwan.

Whenever I visit Taiwan I normally stay in Taipei. I usually stay near our office which is at Taipei 101. Here's what I love to do whenever I'm in Taiwan:

1. Stare at Taipei 101 especially at night. It's mesmerizing and a nice sight to look at especially in the evenings.

2. Drink bubble tea, of course. I love 50 Lan, TenRen, and one more place found on the 5th floor in the department store across our office (sorry but no matter how many times they teach me I couldn't pronounce the name of the place... I can bring you there though haha).

3. Eat! There's so many places to eat at, but the birthplace of Din Tai Fung is a must resto to eat at. I go to a branch where locals go to hrhr.

4. The night market and eat sausages. Whoops, did I just mention eating again?

5. Ride the high speed train. Yup, Taipei to Kaohsiung and back to Taipei is a regular trip I make. I always think about my grandmother whenever I travel domestically in Taiwan.

6. Visit the gigantic fabric market - Yongle Fabric Market. Yes! I've been there and oh my it took all my will not to go crazy and buy yards and yards of fabric. Haha.

7. And there's one place I really, really want to go back to -- Yilan! And eat at that yummy karinderya at the market near the school. I'm so desperate the locals actually sent me a recipe to the pork dish I've been fantasizing about haha. Maybe I'll try to make it this weekend.

I haven't explored Taiwan's beautiful places. I'm always there for work! I have met many beautiful, loving, warm friends in Taiwan and I miss them. Someday I'll be back...


CB//126 #StuckAtHomeDay/156 #WFH90 #StayHome #BeKind