Melody and Jordan Travel Memories: Taiwan Adventure Journal

Day 7, aka Jan 23, was our first day of the Chinese New Year. Our first day in the year of the Dragon. As mentioned in other posts, Taipei practically becomes a ghost town when CNY rolls in. People travel and go on vacation, visit family, and generally take a break from their daily grind for about week or so. The city being nearly empty, is a good time to sight see any of the open venues for pictures, but isn't as good for shopping and markets, as many of them are closed.
On this day we went to Sun Yat Sen memorial hall and took a look around.

It was a cool, overcast day. Taipei 101 loomed in the distance, spire occluded by the clouds overhead. The general lack of crowds and the low hanging mist created the feeling of a quiet morning that endured throughout much of the day.

We walked around Sen's Memorial hall and then moved on to the notably bigger Chiang Kay Shek Memorial square. The large square is bordered by a gate on one side and three large, traditionally decorated buildings on remaining sides. One of which is the National Theatre, National Music Hall on another side, and finally the memorial hall, which lies to the South-East side.

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall

Sun Yat Sen, in metal form

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall main entrance

Abusing Taipei 101

Being as tall as Taipei 101

Interesting photo where Taipei 101 is reflected in the glass door outside the shrine for Sun Yat Sen

Chiang Kay Shek Memorial Square - The National Theatre

The West Gate

In View of the National Concert Hall

The Memorial hall lies in the distance

On the steps of the memorial hall

Walking around the hall

Part of the square was a green area with ponds and walking paths and old people doing Tai Chi.

It is quiet and serene; the sounds of water trickling is the main noise. People stroll about and feed small birds and some seniors can be spotted off to the side, doing Tai Chi exercises. Walking closer to the ponds, ducks can be seen swimming with the fish and chattering.

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall can be seen over the trees

There are Koi in the pond!

Jordan on the bridge

Melody on the bridge from another angle

Picture time

Following this idyllic experience we went right back into the hustle bustle of the city, to get some snacks and examine the markets. Melody found a purse she likes and we got more of the fried chicken goodness. Melody also found Bubbletea for 30TWD - $1CAD.

Bubble tea stand

Bubble Tea Melody

Lunch time

Pork?

The restaurant we ate at

Following our lunch we went to the Raohe Night Market. Bought a few little trinkets like a Domo keychain, and found a lot of slightly ill-designed popular merchandise. It was also home to some dollar store type places that were selling items for 19-30 TWD ($0.6-$1 CAD).