Mangenguey: A Modern Day Dystopia meets The Heartland of America: Playing Catch Up Part 2: Taipei Days 4

Day four started with a journey outside the city to the Beitou Hot Springs. A 20 minute MRT ride outside Taipei City, during World War II the hot springs were frequently visited by kamikaze pilots to relax in preparation for their deadly missions. Upon arriving in Beitou we took a leisurely walking tour to explore the city. We visited the geothermal spot that feeds the springs, the hot springs, got some bubble tea and headed back to the city for more site-seeing.

Sign on the Platform for the Beitou Train, Part 1

Sign on the Platform for the Beitou Train, Part 2

The Walk to the Hot Springs

Warning Sign at the Geothermal Spot, Part 1

Warning Sign at the Geothermal Spot, Part 2

Sure looks hot!

Trees lining the Geothermal Spot

Can you see us sweating?

Final Warning Sign!!

When we returned to the city we decided to get off the MRT and walk since you can see so much more of the city that way. We hit the National Palace Museum, the Confucius Temple and the Baon Temple all in a few hours (with a little help from the bus system...but at least we were above ground :)

The Gate Leading up to the National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum

Not sure what this little band is doing here but thought it was pretty cute/funny.

Outside the Entrance to the Confucius Temple

The Confucius Temple

The Gate to the Confucious Temple

The Confucius Temple Gardens

The Confucius Temple Gate to the Baon Temple

The Confucius Temple Tower above an oven for Burning Offerings

The Baon Temple

Walking Home in Rush Hour...soooo hungry!!

Exhausted from a long day with nothing but an early buffet breakfast and bubble tea, when we came across “My Home Steak” we were famished. In addition to our endless appetite, we were drawn in by the hilarious concept. It was almost like “The Keg” of Taipei, complete with an all you can eat salad and dessert bar and soda fountain. For only $30 we got a 16 oz sirloin and an 8 oz filet, both served on a hot plate and accompanied by an over easy egg, pasta and two unidentifiable (one sweet, one tangy) dipping sauces. A bit of a different presentation than one might expect with a steak but it was surprisingly delicious. The staff was very attentive too and they must not see too many American’s because the entire time we were eating they were staring at us…and not very discretely!!

Trevor's 16 oz Sirloin

My 8 oz Filet

My Home Steak Wall Decor

Hunger satisfied and bodies worn out, we decided to head back to the hotel and watch a movie. We had apparently worked up quite the hunger because even after our steaks we still needed more food halfway thru the movie. We headed to the corner bakery near our hotel, picked up a tiny ice cream cake, a cheesy green onion bun and topped it off with a few Taiwan beer tall boys from 7-11. A perfect end to an eventful day.

What's in the box?? Ice Cream Cake!

Mmmmm...delicious ice cream cake, cheesy buns and beer!

Our last full day in Taiwan we decided to head north to Keelung City. Keelung City is located on the northern coast of Taiwan and home to the Long Dong Climbing Yard. We took a 45 minute train ride to Keelung then caught the bus to Long Dong. Surprisingly in Taiwan we didn’t encounter too many people that spoke a lot of English so getting to Long Dong was a bit tricky! All of the bus signs are in characters so trying to decipher which one went to Long Dong was impossible. Lucky for us a nice guy at the train station walked us to the correct bus stop and told the other people waiting for the bus to tell us when to get on. Once we were on the bus, there was a collaborative effort from other passengers to communicate to us the cost of the trip as well as where to get off. The drive up the coast was beautiful but was nothing compared to Long Dong.

Keelung City Harbor

Bus Ride to Long Dong

Arriving at Long Dong

Arriving at Long Dong

The climbing area is located on the rocks right along the coast and is absolutely breathtaking. Unfortunately we weren’t in climbing shape to try out a new spot but now we know where to go when we go back!

This way to climbing!!

Hiking to the Climbing Yard

House Rules

Views from the First Wall on the Trek

Trevor Checking Out the Routes

Observing...

Scenery at Long Dong

We free climbed up to get a better view of the gorgeous landscape.

Scenery at Long Dong

Hiking Back to the Car

Chicken Coup on the way out of Long Dong

Beautiful Scenery on the way to Keelung City

Gorgeous Coastline the Entire Ride

After spending the day enjoying the sea breeze and taking in the striking scenery, we headed back to the city to enjoy our last dinner in Taipei.

Outside our Taipei Residence

This poor little bird flew into Trevor while we were walking back from dinner.

Our All You Can Eat Shabu Shabu

Note the shark fin to the left...we had to try it, it was actually not that bad!

Our plane didn’t leave Taiwan until 5 pm so we had just enough time to fit in one last shabu shabu before heading back to the land of pork and rice.