Taipei has a wonderful and expansive metro system that covers just about every since interesting thing to do there with multiple stops. The temples are second to none that i have ever had the privlege of seeing. Taipei 101 has some pretty awesome views of the city, however I did find there was a substantial amount of cloud cover that inhibits viewing at most times of the day. There is a pretty good selection of food in the court at the basement of the building, to include traditional items that were pretty fantastic. Ximen station, which is pretty central to the city, is where most of the local bar scenes are and the only "walking street" district.
Another thing about taipei that was pretty incredible, was the overall cost. It is by far one of the cheapest cities of this size that i have ever seen or had the ability to get to.
GO VISIT!
]]>that being said, i finally got an opportunity to see china in the form of Hong Kong. albeit Hong Kong is a seperate part of china, it still is something that shows off the awesomeness that you can experience from the Chinese people. We landed there on a friday night, about 4 hours after originally scheduled due to some troubles with the plane (a new 787). The plane was amazing, huge windows, alot better cabin pressure and environment, and the entertainment was great.
Upon landing we were able to exchange our Korean Won for some Hong Kong dollars and then a SIM card for some data usage on the cell phones. After taking a 30 minute express train to the city we got on the subway and headed towards the hotel. After being lost for about 30 minutes we finally rolled up on the hotel and were able to check in, on the 21st floor, the views were awesome....until we realized that it was of a cemetary. After a quick walk around town at night we got a cab ride home and called it a night.
The next morning we walked around a little more, spent some time in the malls at ICC and IFC and got to do a great deal of wine tasting atop the tallest building in the city. The incredible views were only seperated by the awesome wine we were having with the cheese and cracker platter. That night we went to the top of the peak behind the city and had some awesome japanese food while watching the lunar new year fireworks display down below on the bay. After a long walk down the hill and some drinks at the local bar scene, we made it back to the hotel.
The next day we attempted to go to Macau, but upon arrival at the ferry we noticed that they were full for the majority of the day and would risk being able to make it back in time for our flights the following day.....so we walked around some markets and drank ALOT.
The next morning we got to the airport and successfully on the flight. yay
]]>In other news, i hope to start blogging about my adventures and trip suggestions to fellow military members as they find themselves abroad for extended periods of time. My first will be in regards to my destination this upcoming thanksgiving (hong kong or tokyo) Look for it in the coming weeks!
]]>In any case, I hope to maintain a blog as i progress through adventures i undertake throughtout my globetrotting career. If you have any suggestions for places to visit, i would greatly appreciate any insight!
Thanks and I hope you enjoy the photos.
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