Thanks for checking out our blog! This is the start of our world trip and we're going to do our best to post pictures and stories here for friends and family. This is us - and all our luggage - for the next three months.
We're starting off with three weeks in Taiwan. Two weeks in Taipei followed by a week traveling around the island. In general, our plan is to "slow travel". We're staying predominantly in airbnbs in local neighborhoods. In addition to doing school work each day, we're shopping in local markets, cooking, and visiting both tourist attractions and places off the beaten trail.
We're currently in an airbnb apartment on the second floor in one of the biggest night markets in Taipei - Shilin Night Market. In the morning, vendors are out selling fruits, vegetables and meats. Starting around 4 pm, the shops open and the food vendors come out. The crowds start arriving and the place is packed until around 2 am. The other night, we came home to a massive festival at the temple. I think it was the 1,000 something birthday of the goddess Matsu and there were hours of incredible dragon dancing, drumming, and absolutely massive amounts of fire works. The picture below shows some of the fireworks strewn out on the street between each shrine or performer. Someone lights them from one end, they explode in sequence down the street, and then they get swept to the side to make way for the next group. If you look closely, you can see the pile of discards along the temple wall.
We bought the Easy Passes below at a 7-11 and we can swipe them to get on any transit train or bus. Google Map (my new best friend) tells us how to get there, what bus or train to get, what platform to go to, and where to get off.
 | | Off the beaten path includes several rock climbing gyms |
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| Rating bouldering is normally V 1 - 8. The pictures add a new dimension. |
We've covered some amazing places. Here are a few highlights, but there are more pictures in the postings by Mark, Peyton and Talia.
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| Yinhe Cave hike from the top of the Maokong gondola |
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| Elephant Mountain hike - like most hikes, it's straight up a lot of stairs |
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| From the top of Elephant Mountain looking out on the city and Taipei 101 |
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| Longshan Temple |
I’m loving reading this, I just found the comments section, so I have to go back and comment on Talia and Peyton’s. This is JUST what I was hoping to see. Any way you can Bold the print so I can read it more easily?
ReplyDeleteLook like you are off to a great start of your marvelous trip!
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Lynette. Keep taking lots of pictures. Try your portrait mode because I need those pics for the 25 calendar. ;)
ReplyDeleteHow awesome!! What’s the best thing you have eaten so far? Georgia and I send our love 🖤
ReplyDeleteGood question. Probably the soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung. Absolutely amazing and the kids loved that a robot took people to their tables. The kids are no longer trusting me with trying some things. A guide told us to try a place with Taiwanese noodles and we found out halfway through a bowl that the protein was intestines.
DeleteLove these Net! I adore how many experiences you're getting for yourself and the kids. Though staying near a loud Night market & traveling with just a backpack means we will never travel together!! Love ya anyway! Hope you got my birthday text & card before you left. Xo. Wen
ReplyDeleteWe left on the 21st, so any texts after that we didn't get. WhatsApp and email are now the best ways to get me. My parents pointed out that this was my third birthday in Taiwan. (1, 2 and now)
DeleteYes! Keep these coming. The whole entire trip please.
ReplyDeleteLooks like an amazing adventure!
ReplyDeleteTesting to see if this is how I get away from being Anonymous.
ReplyDeleteYes, you're now showing as 'Mom'
DeleteThis looks amazing, Lynette! I love the cave photo and the bouldering poster 😅 What an incredible experience you guys are having!
ReplyDeleteHey....this seems kind of familiar! A long trip and a blog for home! Looks amazing -- have so much fun. I know I will enjoy traveling along vicariously!
ReplyDeleteYep! One difference is that we don't have to look for internet cafes anymore. Oh, and our phones take pictures. Great travel companions both times!
DeleteThis is a wonderful idea and love the perspective each family member brings
ReplyDeleteI’d love some Taiwan travel advice and things you loved. We will be there In July and I know nothing at this point! Glad you’re having fun. Japan will be great!
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