Taiwan, Day 7: Taipei 101, Shifen and Jiufen

It's our last day in Taiwan! We started the day by visiting Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in the world. It was much more commercial than I remembered, but we enjoyed the views and marveled at the damper that protects it during earthquakes.

 

 

 

While we were up top, Joe was interviewed by the national news station - TVBS!

We were joined by Mr. Yeh's niece who helped us navigate the Taipei 101 food court and avoid the side dishes the girls didn't want to eat (like pig's blood soup).

We then drove to Shifen, a town built right on top of train tracks, via many twists and turns around high, green mountains. Shifen is famous for its bridge - the Jingan Suspension Bridge - and its sky lanterns. Everyone stands on the tracks to release their lanterns and prays for their wishes to be heard for themselves and for others. A few of the people there had lanterns with some English on them. I got a kick out of possibly contradictory wishes on one of "work life balance" and "keep the money rolling in." 

Mr. Yeh bought each of the girls a sky lantern. Each lantern had four sides. They painted wishes and love for Taiwan, family, pets, and friends on them with black ink. They also painted about what they want to be when they grow up (Jia: architect and artist, Willa: work with animals).

We brought Willa's lantern to the tracks to send it off, but then had to jump off because a train came zooming through!

We thought the sky lanterns were fitting for our last day so we could send our love, gratitude and best wishes for Taiwan and its people up to the sky.

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

They got a little silly too at times.

Mr. Yeh and his niece.

 

 

 

We then proceeded to Jiufen on more breathtaking roads. We went over the top of the mountains to get there and were rewarded with a view of misty Keelung Harbor.

Jiufen is an old town built into the side of the mountain that is known for its charming market alleys that wind up and down. The alleys are pedestrian-only (except for random mopeds carrying supplies like propane for the stalls). Jiufen was used as an inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki's film Spirited Away.

Prior to the trip, I looked at the forecast and it showed thunderstorms every day. We did not get caught in any rain though until today. In Jiufen, the skies opened and torrents poured down. Like everyone else, we continued shopping and eating anyway! We tried an ice cream and nut roll up and Mr. Yeh had the girls try a variety of dried fruit. He then bought them two large bags of dried kumquat and something else (not sure what)!

Jia had a chop carved with her Chinese name character. She is excited to use it to sign her art. Right before we left, Mr. Yeh took the girls to a shop where the owner delighted them with a magic trick using a chain and ring. Mr. Yeh then bought the girls the trick supplies and it kept them busy during the two hour ride back to the hotel (due to flooding and rush hour). He is a fantastic, caring person and truly knows what kids need. We have loved every minute of being with him.

(These high heels looked a little uncomfortable!)

(Jia's chop)

 

Before bed, the girls watched Spirited Away and had fun looking for similarities to Jiufen. 

We are so grateful for the wonderful time we have had in Taiwan. We are beyond thankful that Willa was able to meet her birth and foster families here. She was also able to learn more about her extraordinary homeland and its wonderful people. As Jia said yesterday, "I seriously love Taiwan!" She speaks for all of us. We are sad to leave, but we will certainly come back. Now are are off to China!