Taipei Taiwan - Summer Vacation!

It was hot, humid, rainy, and it was fun! We spent 5 unforgettable days in Taipei walking, taking buses and riding the excellent metro train system. The people of Taiwan are very friendly; everywhere we went we were treated with respect and kindness. Whenever we looked confused or lost someone would immediately ask us if we needed help. Happy smiling people everywhere one looks. Strangers on the street would greet me and welcome me to Taiwan. No kidding!

Because we were on the go so much and we were dealing with oppressive heat, humidity and on-and-off rain most of my pictures are just snap-shots.

Part one - Street Scenes

Taipei is jam packed with small shops and businesses.

The architecture of the buildings is varied, seems to be a lot of western influence.

Many of the sidewalks are covered which is great because rain squalls happen unexpectedly and the protection from the rain is appreciated.

It seems like motor scooters out number cars 10 to 1.

No need for a mini van to transport the family here.

When the traffic signal turns green it's off to the races!

Early Sunday morning - a quiet time for us pedestrians.

It's not all concrete jungle, there were lovely tree lined avenues too.

Part two - Visiting a temple.

There are temples everywhere and this one was big!

Popular too.

Everything is ornate - a lot of attention to detail.

The stone carvings are incredibly detailed.

We were a bit exhausted after spending time at the temple so we refreshed ourselves with some awesomely delicious diced mango on shaved ice.

Across the street from the mango stand was a small shop that sold soap - of course we bought some; we're tourists!

Part three - Beitou hot springs resort town

We road the railway system to the scenic town of Beitou. It's not too far from Taipei and the trains are the cleanest I've ever road on.

Exiting from the Beitou train station.

Right outside the station we are greeted by Colonel Sanders. In a country that has some of the finest cuisine on earth, it boggles the mind why KFC and Micky-D are doing so well here.

After a relatively short walk we arrive at the hot spring.

I'd follow her anywhere. I have to, she's the only one of the two of us that knows where we're going and how to get there.

Steaming hot and smells of sulfur.

Total strangers, just like us.

Yes, it's me.

We visited the old historical bath house.

If I didn't know better I'd swear I was back in Japan.

This bath house is architecturally incredible.  A real mix of styles. Large southern style verandas, Japanese style tatami mat rooms and roman style baths.

A large roman style bath.

I would have loved to visit this place back in the day when it was in operation. Simply amazing.

The view from the train platform as we ready to depart from Beitou.

Well, all good trips must come to an end. It was an excellent vacation, and, if we ever come back here again it will be in the winter when the climate is more agreeable.

The view from our hotel room just before we checked out.

Thanks for stopping by!
Mike