Settling in and exploring

We are both really enjoying life in Taipei. Our jobs are going very well, and the city is a great place to call home. Now the weather is cooling off a little, longer hikes and outdoor trips are more comfortable. But we didn't let the heat stop us too much - here are some recent photos.

Near us is a large Confucian temple and Daguan School - founded in 1873 to provide free education. The temple is dedicated to Confucius - the cards attached to the pillars are wishes and prayers from students.

 A rather strange looking 3D tiger is on one of the entrance doors. Looks more nervous than fierce.

Also in this area is the Lin Family Mansion and gardens - one of the best preserved old houses in Taiwan. A beautiful and tranquil place to wander.

We made our first visit to the National Palace Museum, and after a few hours there had seen about 10% of the collection - the place is huge, and contains many of the most famous Chinese treasures, including many things from the Forbidden City in Beijing, brought here during the war with Mao's communist party in the 1940's.

Last weekend we ventured a little further afield and took a train to the western coastal city of Hsinchu, about an hour from Taipei. It is the oldest city in northern Taiwan, and has some beautiful restored canals to wander along.

The one remaining gate from the old city wall.

 Hsinchu train station was also pretty cool.

So, all in all, everything is going well and life remains good.

Our new neighborhood and a trip to Tamsui

We have settled into our new, tiny but efficient apartment, and have been enjoying exploring the area. It is very modern with lots of things to do and see.

 This is the view from the front of the apartment entrance - clean, modern, efficient - this is pretty much how Banqiao looks. Many parts of Taipei are modern like this, others are more traditional/older.

 The entrance to our apartment block - fancy, eh?

 There are 4 big shopping malls in the area - this is one of them. Has a fantastic food floor with all types of restaurants that make the food while you wait. And NO McDonalds or Pizza Huts!!

 Some of the local architecture.

The metro system is fabulous and goes all over the city ...

 Areas are set aside in the metro for groups to meet - many of them are used by young people practicing their dancing skills. We go to work listening/watching Michael Jackson moonwalks to Billie Jean!

Last weekend we took the metro out to the end of the line and visited the seaside town of Tamsui (also known as Danshui). It sits on the mouth of the Danshui River where it empties into the South China Sea. Lots of Taiwanese tourists where there enjoying the seaside. 

 Carnival - Taiwanese style.

 Lots of fresh seafood - including whole fresh fried squid on a stick.

 We took a ferry ride across the river to the smaller town of Bali - with its volcano Guanyishan.It was too hot to hike this time, but we'll go back in a month or so and get out into the country - nature reserves, butterflies and beaches.

 One of the beaches on Bali.

So all in all, really enjoying our time here so far. Work is going well - Ev is floating a couple of days a week, not so much fun, but hopefully will have a full permanent schedule next week - the other three days he has a series of classes at his home school. Andy is enjoying his time working in Kindergarten - lots and lots of planning and energy required, but the learning curve is manageable. Afternoons is older kids, so he's teaching many hours at his center already.

First pictures of Taipei

Settling in to Taipei now - really enjoying the city so far. Have been exploring areas to live, as well as getting a feel for the lifestyle here - including night markets, shopping, restaurants, bars and movie theaters. Also both of us got to fulfill our first goals - Andy to stand at the base of Taipei 101 and look up and Ev to hike up to the top of Elephant Mountain for the famous view of the city.

More to follow at the end of the month (when we'll plan to update monthly), but a few pictures to get us started.

 Our first view of Taiwan

 Guting - our current home (hotel) - minutes from our employer's headquarters

 Bottom of Taipei 101 - for a while, the tallest building in the world. Not been to the top yet, but will do soon.

 Looking up from the base

 Waiting for night fall from Elephant Mountain - the sun just beginning to set

The city sparkles at night - a beautiful view from the top of the mountain.

Dubai

A great short trip to Dubai, and a great taster of the Middle East.

 Taking a river taxi - very cool.

 At the spice souk