Sorry, last couple of weeks have been too hop hop. It’s funny how I have lots to write about, but as a result, not a lot of time to do so.

Anyway continuing from where I left off:
We left for the Taipei 101 via MRT. The Chiang Kaishek memorial hall MRT station is pretty fancy compared to the other stations. It’s quite large, and lot more effort was made to make this station stand out aestethically.

Once we arrived in the area, we went to one of the chain shops of the original bubble tea place. We were given nice large servings and our legs appreciated the additional rest they were given.

We started rolling over to the 101 after we finished our drinks. The area surrounding the 101 is pretty trendy, filled with shops of various sorts and a movie theater.

Aren’t I a stud?

The Taipei 101, still currently considered the world’s tallest building (until the Dubai Tower is completed), has a large mall for it’s lower floors, and an observation deck near the top. I have no idea what’s on the floors in between. Prolly just offices and the like, although it’s possible the entire building is actually a robot, with the middle floors housing most of the robot parts, ready to transform when we get attacked by alien invaders.

The stores which made up the shopping area of the Taipei 101 comprised of clothing stores, clubs and some restaurants. There also was a decent sized dining area for the smaller restaurants there. We bought tickets to get to the observation deck located on 89th floor. For some extra money, you go up higher.

But wow. The Taipei 101 has the fastest elevator I have ever ridden in my entire life. My ears popped about four times just on the way up. It was also an extremely smooth ride. If I ever live in an house a 101 floors tall, I’m definitely getting this elevator.

Upon arrival, we were given a electronic audio tour in the language of our choice. I took Korean. It reminded me how little Korean I actually knew. The tour went over the scenery and various buildings viewable from the windows.

In the center of the observation deck, you can see the Taipei 101′s mass damper, affectionately named “Damper Baby.” There was also a store selling Damper Baby stuffed dolls? and other swag. The Damper Baby is pretty much a giant steel sphere, which counteracts horizontal forces by wind and earthquakes.

After having our fill of the Taipei landscape, we enjoyed the elevator ride down and head over to the Shilin night market. The night markets are great for cheap and tasty food, so you can prolly guess how often I’d want to come. You can either eat smaller servings and nibble as you roam around, or you can choose to get your fill at a single restaurant.

蚵仔煎 Ke zo jian? – Oyster omelet in a semi sweet slighty spicy sauce. Something to definitely eat when you come to Taipei.

尤魚庚 You yu geng - Some squid and some veggies in a jellied seafood broth. Pretty good. The squid was chewier than I expected.

天婦羅 Keelung Tempura – Soft fried batter cake strips served with similar sauce as the omelet, with some sweet pickles. I can’t remember if the tempura actually had anything inside.

Takoyaki – Fried batter balls with octopus inside. Crazy tasty. Served with fish flakes, wasabi, and/or mayonnaise.

鍋貼 Large potstickers. These were really good too. I think I prefer these to gyoza/jiaozi.

Citrus juice stand, with kumquats!

We ate well and were tired from a long day, and set off back home. I only really enjoy sleeping when I know that I’ve throughly exhausted myself from having done a lot that day. Taiwan sleep was good sleep.

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