Archive for March, 2010
This genuine Taiwanese cuisine is worth searching for. I’ve been twice.
The location is near the Astoria Restaurant - which is south from Taipei Main Station and west of NTU Hospital MRT and across the 228 Peace Park.
It’s upstairs, as shown in the picture above. None of the staff spoke English so best to have a local friend along to help with the ordering.
It worth the effort. Very tasty food. Prices are most attractive.
I’ve avoided pork dishes for many years, not for religious reasons but due to teachings from my naturopath masters in Australia. Duck and fish is OK by my rules. Chicken eaten sparingly.
Taiwanese pork is said to be better tasting than in Australia, but I’m not interested.
Beijing duck for two in Sydney at a Beverly Hills restaurant is about NT$2500 or $100 Australian. The quality is good.
They have Taiwan green label beer!
Most fruit in Taipei is of better quality than in Australian supermarkets. Australia exports the best quality.
Bananas, especially watermelon, oranges, apples were all better quality. The pineapple is far sweeter than the Australian variety which needs to be over-ripe before it is sweet.
In Taipei’s 228 Peace Park a man was demonstrating his method of peeling a pineapple. It’s on You Tube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUHTOV50TT0
Said to contain Omega 3, imported sardines are not cheap but popular as a quick snack.
Taipei supermarkets do not seem to stock canned salmon or sardines. Better things available in fresh form anyway.
Seven years ago Taiwan buses were far superior to any in Australia – since then nothing has changed in Australia.
Someone could export a few, especially for the young backpackers who travel the east coast, Sydney to Cairns.
Or the learn-to-surf tours – Sydney to Byron Bay and return. 5-days $500 and sleep in a tent.
(click twice to enlarge)
The half-day tour of Taroko Gorge included a visit to a marble factory retail shop. I’ve never seen anything quite as stunning as Rainbow Marble.
This ‘container’ (a vase) was a bit too heavy for the journey back to Australia, a decision I half-regret today. It would have been a unique acquisition.
(click once or twice to enlarge)
East coast between Nanau and Dungau rail stations (Ilan County)
This part of the coast reminds me of Hawaii. Mountains by the sea, white sand beaches, coconut palms. Taiwan is probably better if this can be possible without the surf breaks.
Fennianlin Fish Port boat harbor (top right corner).
Taiwan has many of these concrete ports for their fishing fleet.
Australian fishermen, boating people and divers would find these designs very interesting.
Underwater visibility for divers on the east coast is effected by rivers flowing into the sea. Lots of rain equals murky water. Clear water is therefore never a guarantee on the coast. Best to find it at Green Island or even better still at Orchid Island although diving facilities are minimal.
While returning to Australia on a daytime flight I photographed the rocky outcrop below. Looks ideal as a free diving location.
The satellite picture is better.
EVA AIR, Taipei direct to Brisbane is a night flight, arriving after breakfast. This airline is affiliated with Qantas.
The day flights arrive in Australia very late at night and are not convenient for public transport.
Big display advertising published on plastic sheets are eye-catchers, especially with western blondes. Taiwan advertising is an art form to my eye as I do not read many Chinese characters.
I assume this advertising is for a hair salon or treatment or hair coloring.
