I walked north along the riverside, and to my right there were many small shops and restaurants, and some arcade type games (toss basketballs thru a hoop, or darts at balloons, and win a prize). There were families, old people, young people, all out for a stroll and enjoying the nice weather. It was breezy and pleasant, but I was glad that I had put on a long sleeve shirt when I stopped at the hotel.
I noticed that there were some ferry boats that went to Bali on the other side, and so I bought a ticket ($18TND each way, about 55 cents), and boarded the small ferry boat. It was standing room only, and I was next to two young ladies who saw me and asked me where I was from. We introduced ourselves, and I learned that they were college students in Taipei (one studying international trade, the other finance) who had come to Tamshui pretty much for the same reason I had--it is a nice place to wander around. When we arrived in Bali they invited me to join them for a snack, and so we went to one of the small shops along the waterfront where we each had one of those oyster omelettes (same as what I had Wednesday evening at the night market). Actually I thought that this one was better. We then walked down to the end of the Bali riverfront. I wanted to go back to Tamshui, but they wanted to stay in Bali, so we said goodbye. I took the next ferry back to Tamshui.
At about 7:10 I called D, one of the sisters of A. We had agreed that if I was in Tamshui that I would call her. She agreed to meet me at the train station in 15 minutes. We walked further along the riverfront, past more cafes, shops and restaurants, and eventually we stopped at a small coffee shop (which is the local post office during the day), where we shared some waffles and tea. We walked back towards the station and then across the main street where we found the local night market--another series of small shops selling "bargain" merchandise. By now the street was much more active than when I first arrived, and D told me that on the weekend many Taipei people come out to Tamshui and it gets really crowded and busy. I told her that I might come back to Tamshui over the weekend and get a better look around. I would like to go the local castle, perhaps climb the hill behind Bali, and also go to Fisherman's Wharf, which is at the very end of the river as it enters the ocean, about 3 miles downstream. We also talked about baseball. She actually knew that the Marlins had won the world series!.I was very impressed! It was then time to say goodbye, and I took the subway back to the hotel.
When I got back I reflected on what an interesting day it had been--interesting people, interesting food, and interesting places. Yes, this was really fun!
After another good night's sleep I made it downstairs for breakfast about 9:30. At 11:00 my new friend W, whom I had met on the flight Wednesday from Hong Kong, and I took the subway to a narrow street near the Sogo Department Store. We found a smallish restaurant which served another variety of Taiwanese food. We ordered set meals, which included noodles, something similar to tofu, a veggie dish with small assorted veggies pieces, a thin soup, and a main dish (mine was fish, hers was chicken). On the side we had a green veggie grown and available only on Taiwan (similar to a dark green cabbage leaf), and fried tofu (sweet, warm and soft). To drink we had a cold fruit tea (very good), and dessert was included (warm red bean soup, sweet). Another great meal.
We then walked across the street and along another narrow lane where we had tea (mine was cold milk tea). A short walk down the main street and we made a short visit to the Sogo Department Store, and then we walked back towards the subway thru the underground mall. We stopped at a Starbucks, where we watched some teenagers practice dancing, and then some sort of dance audition or performance (it looked like something for a teen music show). It was kind of cute and innocent. W then had to head to work, and so we said goodbye.
I took the subway to the Taipei City Hall stop to see the new 101 Tower. This, as the name suggests, is a 101 story building that had just been built. Today, Nov. 14, was the opening day of the first part of the building to open, a large shopping mall taking up several lower levels. When I exited the subway station I could not see the 101 Tower. Apparently my view was blocked by other buildings. I asked a young woman passing out shopping flyers where the new building was, but she told me the best way was to simply get in line for the free shuttle bus to the new mall. So, I became part of a long line of shoppers waiting in line. There was a TV news crew filming the activity. Yes, this was a really big deal! After a 10 minute wait I was on the shuttle bus and 4 minutes later we were at the mall. When we arrived at the mall there was another line waiting to enter. Every couple minutes the guards would allow a group to enter. After a couple groups I made it in.
The mall was really buzzing with people. It is a long and vertical mall, with perhaps 6 levels. On the next to the top level there was a plaza area with a stage, and coffee bars and restaurants. On the next level up there was a promotional event for some product (I could not tell what) with some pretty girls dressed-up in shiny silver/white skirts. A couple levels down there was a fashion show. The architecture was quite interesting. It reminded me of Las Vegas, it was almost over the top. Since I was not shopping I soon decided to go back to the hotel before I went to Tamshui, and so I walked back to the subway station. The local paper's headline the next day read "200,000 throng into Taipei 101". I believe it.
the 101 Tower is the building on the left.
all at the opening of the 101 Mall.
in front of another mall near the 101 Mall.
Go to Taiwan p5