Taipei #2--Shi Da Night Market and Taoyuen

Taipei (4/21/2013)

I was still not well enough to go out so I stayed at the hotel during the day while MOR and Christian went out with the Lins. They came back for me in the evening so I can visit the "Shi Da" Night Market which I have never been before. "Shi Da" is the Taiwan National Normal University, I believe, and the night market here is less touristy than the one in Shilin.

You can smell 'food' right around here.

This is one of the most popular night markets in Taipei frequent by locals and college students.

The guide book had this "steak restaurant" that we thought Christian would enjoy eating at so that was where we headed first. It ended up that only Christian and I wanted steak, the rest of the group went to look for authentic Taiwanese food.

The meal came with creme soup and a choice of steak.

Christian had their House Special--"Beef Devil" on a sizzling plate, which was about NTD $300 (USD $10). This one is with mushroom sauce.

Mine was the regular steak with black pepper sauce for around half the price. An excellent deal and OK quality.

This is a very busy restaurant and you would have to share tables with other customers.

The line was getting long as we were leaving. We later found out that there is another branch nearby which is a little bit more spacious.

noodle chef in action

We did not buy anything here but it was just as fun walking around enjoying the evening. There are so many food stalls here that I really suggest people come with an empty stomach and try everything. Too bad I was still not up to stuffing myself at that point. Well, there is always a 'next time'.

Taipei/Taoyuen (4/22/2013)

Our last full day in Taipei. Originally we planned on staying with MOR's uncle in Taoyuen and then go to the airport from there the next day. Instead we decided that it would be much easier taking the bus directly from the Taipei station to the airport. Having to move our luggage from the station to their car, their car to the house, then doing it all over again the next day just didn't sound fun at all. But we made it a point to visit them in Taoyuen, so we took the commuter train there. It was an easy trip and we got to see some small towns in between.

After we met, first they took me to see the doctor. At this point I was not as sick but did not mind getting some medication just in case. Didn't want to be refused entry when flying into Beijing with a fever. After visiting the nice Christian doctor and got the needed medicine, they took us to a Japanese buffet restaurant for lunch. This is at the top of a department store, very busy for a Monday. They had a wide spread of food and some very interesting dishes. Not only did we have an enjoyable lunch but spending time with families was most precious.

We bid farewell after lunch and took the commuter train back to Taipei.

Got to take a picture of the huge balcony that we never used.

Looking down at Hankow Street. There are so many stores and restaurants around that we would not feel bored just exploring this area alone.

That tall building is the department store across from the train station.