Since I flew back to Toronto, the amount of work to be done snuck up incredibly quickly. It also didn't help that I spent my first week back sleeping the days away with an awful case of jetlag. Nonetheless, I do have a few posts started about my last couple weeks in Taiwan that I am eager to share. So, on with the main point...!

There are enough night markets in Taipei that you could visit a different one every night for 2 weeks if you had the energy. The one nearest our apartment is Le Hua Night Market. (Easily accessible from Dingxi Station on the Orange Line.)

Shaved ice with plenty of sweet toppings to try out and keep you cool.

This post is archived under Food, Taipei, Taiwan, Travel

Here's the view on the train ride from Taipei to Hualian.

Sorry about the little glare/reflection. It was quite dreary outside at one point but fortunately the weather improved when we arrived. We also managed to avoid the nasty typhoon that flooded parts of Hualian earlier that week.
Mountains, rivers, ocean, and farm fields.

This post is archived under Taipei, Taiwan

Tamsui District is a seaside area full of history and lovely architecture. Assuming minimal traffic, it is around an hour long drive away from Yonghe City. We left for Tamsui fairly early Monday morning (9:30am) and arrived just before 11o'clock. We would have arrived faster if our GPS had decided to cooperate with us but alas, it had a mind of its own.

This is the view around the Fort Domingo 紅毛城 area. Very calming. The tour guide explained in depth of Taiwan/Formosa's history during the time it was under Spanish and subsequently Dutch control. Due to Tamsui's location by the Taiwan Strait, it was the key port for trade and commerce during the era of colonization.
We were given a walking tour of Fort Domingo, which included the inner compound and museum-like rooms that were furnished according to the time period.
Hotel by the waterfront. I wasn't able to capture the building in its entirety but it is built in the shape of a large ship.
By the boardwalk. Plenty of snack options and restaurants if you go later in the afternoon/evening. Most places are not open during lunch time so I would definitely recommend coming closer to dinner time where there is a more lively vibe.
This the view at the far end of the boardwalk. The bridge is called Lovers' Bridge.
I wish the weather had been a little more clear but the misty mountain in the distance does have a charm of its own. Kind of resembles a mini-volcano on a water color painting.
Overall, I think Tamsui is perfect getaway for a short road trip away from the crowded city. It is also accessible via the Taipei metro system; just be prepared for lots of trekking when you arrive!

This post is archived under Taipei, Taiwan