Off to Taipei

you deserve a break! hope the jetlag isn't too bad.

i know i told you this already but don't forget to: visit a muji store, eat a delicious meal at mitsui japanese restaurant (get the tasting menu), grab some beef noodle soup, eat mango ice at ice monster (or equivalent), buy unusually flavored kitkats and doritos and lays potato chips and such, go to the crazy electronics district, hold on tight when you're in a taxi, and spend some time marvelling at the pristine public transit and at the lack of ipods. and gawk at all of the scooters and the fakebucks and family markets.

oh! and there's a bakery that makes great fruity mochi inside the 101 tower. it's close to the buffet joint wasabi, i think.

I don't know much about what places to visit but, if you're adventurous with food, try all sorts of stuff. I tried stuff like ducks's blood (typically in a soup), pig's blood (solid, with rice), etc.

Btw, since you sounded interested, this guy has an *amazing* collection of photos of Taipei 101.

Go to Elephant's mountain to get an amazing view of the Taipei skyline.

yeah, basically just eat non-stop. i second kathryn on ice monster and the mango ice!! yum! mango is off season right now so it costs more, but it still is the best flavor of all the fruits i think. it's near the famous Din Tai Fung, but i think Kao Chi next door to DTF has better soup dumplings and other delights. i also enjoy all the night markets.

hiking around on Yang Ming San (and eating the yummy tangerines native to the mountain) if you can possibly find a way to visit the cemetary up on Yang Min San, it's quite a site to behold.

Long Shan Temple is gorgeous to visit at night.

Dan Shui for more eating and shopping and gawking.

Xi Men Di at night for more eating shopping. this area seems very japanese to me. there is a store in this area that is 3 floors of japanese sticker machines. look for pink glowing lights.

Taiwan has the best food! People eat at all hours of the day. If you like seafood and get a chance to go to the seaside towns, try oyster pancakes and everything else. There's an incredible buffet called Splendor in a hotel: www.splendor-tp.com.tw. If you like hsiao-lung bao and you can brave a crowd, go to Ding-Tai Fung. You should also go to the night market at Shilin. Oh and 7-Eleven can't be missed for good, cheap food!

Everyone has mentioned food, which is exactly right. Last time I was there, I gained 10 pounds in a couple of weeks. Someone has already mentioned Din Tai Fung. You should definitely try there. There's a great "hole in the wall" noodle place too... can't remember the name... I'll check with my parents and get back with an address!

Well, I don't have any suggestions, because I've never been there either, but I hope you'll post some photos and fun stories when you get back!

Wow! I was in Taipei from the 26th to the 30th. Small world kinda.. not really since you don't know me at all.. I've only just been reading for a couple years and never commented before. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. I particularly enjoyed the 101 building and my visit to Dam Shui.