Finished up my 3 weeks in the Philippines, and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised! I really enjoyed the country and the people. It's a beautiful country with great people. I will definitely return—and I hadn't even planned to visit. But, I'm glad that I did. Now on to Taiwan. Everyone I talked to and told that I was visiting Taiwan said, "You'll love it!" But no one told me why. Now that I'm here, I see why. What a beautiful country, and the people are its greatest asset. There is so much to do, and if you're a foodie—watch out! The food is phenomenal! As usual, I do a food tour my first day in a new country, and I did the same thing here. The tour guide was raised in California, and I was so lucky to get her as my guide. We had a plethora of tasty food, starting at a place where you gather up what you want (it's all frozen on skewers) and they cook it for you. We tried tofu skin and also green onions wrapped in bacon. Both were quite tasty. Then a bun filled with meat, which was simply delicious. Pork is the main staple here, so it was a ground pork filling, and even though I don't typically eat pork, I tried it, and it was quite good (top left). All of this is at the bustling night market.
Then we kept walking and ended up over by the college at Nanjichang Night Market for Taiwanese Fried Chicken-yum!
Again, you get what you want, then they prepare it the way you want. I got it with garlic and medium spice-the best, moist chicken I've had. Going back for more! Then a secret desert- tea with tapioca- and I must say this was one of my favorites! It was such a mild flavor, but so tasty and different from anything I've ever had. Truly enjoyed it!
One of the best food tours I've taken, plus I got to see the city. I couldn't ask for more...well until the next day when I did a historical tour in old town. I met the second tour guide that grew up in SoCal and went to UC Irvine. Then he gave me more places to check out. My only regret was that I didn't have more time to experience even more!
Unfortunately, it was raining during our walking Old Town tour, but we still went and had a good time. We learned a lot, and it ended with the guide giving us a list of places to visit on our own. When I tell you the food was fabulous... they are known for their beef noodle soup—the homemade noodles were so tender and flavorful! And the best seafood burger I have ever had! There were full-sized shrimp in it, and the bun was the best part. I don't even like bread, but that bun made the burger!
Oh, and I also went to a historic Ice Cream shop and tried their grain alcohol ice cream...pretty strong, but I had to at least try it. Also the owner of the burger shop was so nice! She opened early and cooked just for me. I had the best seafood burger and she made me homemade french fries and green tea(Not on the menu).
I so enjoy supporting small business!
So overall, I really enjoyed Taipei - I even dropped my phone as I was getting out of the taxi. The driver immediately turned it in to the police station, and there was a message waiting for me at my next destination (2 hours away) when I arrived. I couldn't believe it! Of course, I went back within 24 hours to retrieve it - and what a surprise. I probably wouldn't have gotten it back in the States... it was so weird being without a phone for 24 hours! But after getting it back, the driver drove me back to Taichung and gave me a mini tour of the city. It's a lot bigger than I expected! Really nice city too. I opted to stay in the Xitun district right by the university and the Feng Chia Night Market.
I really wished I had allotted more time to Teipei. But my friend is meeting me in Japan so I'm on a schedule, but I know I will definitely be back! Now on to Taichung!
