tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67530611318428329352024-03-27T17:38:01.086+11:00the indolent cookwhere sloth meets gluttony...leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.comBlogger342125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-80276690970301510452017-12-21T08:39:00.001+11:002017-12-21T09:15:45.127+11:00taipei cheap eats and other wonderful things<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSarE-KNZtLb6eyz2stx6sNkP-zUhrDURt-CVhlvFzghYTaEbbAqWpOWuPhLI6RFp-cjG5YA_pxZSZgPJhyphenhyphenvTPrTc8euvXbRCaIdQ8S5xdqi33J2uxBMbIl_z5S7ZjC5QT6tpHIugP9ea/s1600/taipeiwatercaltropvendor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSarE-KNZtLb6eyz2stx6sNkP-zUhrDURt-CVhlvFzghYTaEbbAqWpOWuPhLI6RFp-cjG5YA_pxZSZgPJhyphenhyphenvTPrTc8euvXbRCaIdQ8S5xdqi33J2uxBMbIl_z5S7ZjC5QT6tpHIugP9ea/s640/taipeiwatercaltropvendor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A street vendor selling cooked water caltrop (菱角), a nutty starchy fruit that looks like goat horns.</td></tr>
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Oops. I was supposed to finish up and publish this post months ago. Instead, I got carried away with another big multi-month Asia trip, and... here we are. I'll talk about these new adventures as soon as I can, but for now, let's get going with the final installment of my 2014 Taiwan travel blog series! (And you really should read this one, even if I do say so myself!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoXRgdQY7XuqdS5W39vGz6fOWpfVkSzCJZ6DFk4AcO76z12N0FgMWdHsyGoJnOdtOtnqbzYNJLPURfZN_yMsIUUTo7okGax2GATJnVu2AST1ZRkS6mV1m36HT5Nf8aPoHPLsOLEGDuiPl/s1600/taipeistreetvendor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoXRgdQY7XuqdS5W39vGz6fOWpfVkSzCJZ6DFk4AcO76z12N0FgMWdHsyGoJnOdtOtnqbzYNJLPURfZN_yMsIUUTo7okGax2GATJnVu2AST1ZRkS6mV1m36HT5Nf8aPoHPLsOLEGDuiPl/s640/taipeistreetvendor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A random snap of a street vendor (I didn't try their wares).</td></tr>
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I have to admit I didn't really do a lot of research on the best places to eat in Taipei, but somehow, we stumbled upon many excellent places just sauntering around! And looking them up on the internet later, I find that many of these accidental finds are reputable, popular places with great reviews. How's that for awesome luck?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75DwL_jlin4OPFm9f9VcSOYdIueorxhupjcNdhmqWPYjNmDwbiqr8dX-e0y1DbYaU0BszOwGZLfXb1Sdbp4BQoyadOYSexikQy2KAdaRhA0bfGARrr0M6qJjIw6PvM8AAeg7zj82Opt01/s1600/taipeidoginpram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75DwL_jlin4OPFm9f9VcSOYdIueorxhupjcNdhmqWPYjNmDwbiqr8dX-e0y1DbYaU0BszOwGZLfXb1Sdbp4BQoyadOYSexikQy2KAdaRhA0bfGARrr0M6qJjIw6PvM8AAeg7zj82Opt01/s640/taipeidoginpram.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture of a dog in a pram, just because. </td></tr>
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Some of the best snacks I've had are often casual street eats from unassuming stalls. Chen's wine cakes (陳記京滬酒釀餅) fall into this category. You can get these pancake-like treats in original, black sesame and peanut, red bean and green bean flavours. I think there is a savoury veggie and beancurd option as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTb5uodbRDIBNvKq3SvX8xPh-aNLAtt8MmvcrGRaYnIjE97KXI0u6QOwfwZ9OI0dKI5i_Tmop3H1BKJ4Hg9Xvxc-mnOBgtZYXbGDbzv_sS4gWyAQe3PmsHYM_D7e9qbCyt7v2WMvV27bEv/s1600/taipeichenswinecakestall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTb5uodbRDIBNvKq3SvX8xPh-aNLAtt8MmvcrGRaYnIjE97KXI0u6QOwfwZ9OI0dKI5i_Tmop3H1BKJ4Hg9Xvxc-mnOBgtZYXbGDbzv_sS4gWyAQe3PmsHYM_D7e9qbCyt7v2WMvV27bEv/s640/taipeichenswinecakestall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chen's wine cakes (陳記京滬酒釀餅), 30 NTD each.</td></tr>
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Despite the moniker, you don't really taste any alcohol in these filled pastries. We had the black sesame one and I loved loved loved it. Crispy, toasty, warm, fluffy, it was everything, Just thinking about how delicious it was makes me yearn for it again!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OOONRHkTuAtkQaCRrPFiVXi9Mc2Yznzox6iMrrsO-eossJ0Wdoh7V21t911Q7O_gzKAWdKLXpc94eY55wbph6HplegvQUuixwQui1ROrpoaDz8leVKa_1IBdLFKa9lg_VKu_EPJ3A6xJ/s1600/taipeipeanutblacksesamepancake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OOONRHkTuAtkQaCRrPFiVXi9Mc2Yznzox6iMrrsO-eossJ0Wdoh7V21t911Q7O_gzKAWdKLXpc94eY55wbph6HplegvQUuixwQui1ROrpoaDz8leVKa_1IBdLFKa9lg_VKu_EPJ3A6xJ/s640/taipeipeanutblacksesamepancake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black sesame wine cake with peanuts.</td></tr>
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I always knew going to Taiwan I would be sampling their beef noodles. I feel fortunate that I gave Piaoxiang beef noodle restaurant (飄香牛肉麵館) a go - we went there because it was in the vicinity of Ningxia night market (<span class="st">寧夏夜市), and the crowds were crazy at the market, so we escaped here instead, where at least we could get a seat and there was some breathing space! It turned out to be an excellent decision.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMtkfV11OFZFQN1g4juVXeEiyvVmAWqX99KHr0YZZfsWij2xe63HfwOB13DYMyIuBNPZk4VNbqR3v-zgonuXpSioM8HnAovP1v3BbJhyGH08Xfvriq2pIWrL_6H6qZD90E7d0E92Pv1jc/s1600/taipeipiaoxiangbeefnoodleshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMtkfV11OFZFQN1g4juVXeEiyvVmAWqX99KHr0YZZfsWij2xe63HfwOB13DYMyIuBNPZk4VNbqR3v-zgonuXpSioM8HnAovP1v3BbJhyGH08Xfvriq2pIWrL_6H6qZD90E7d0E92Pv1jc/s640/taipeipiaoxiangbeefnoodleshop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piaoxiang beef noodle restaurant (飄香牛肉麵館).</td></tr>
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Piaoxiang literally means "wafting aroma", and the beef noodle soup here is indeed fragrant and slurptastic. There is a hint of spiciness in the broth too, making it extra-appetizing!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUi9OPMWEfZZ0mE7kZpwHLqat5NACiMOP86pMMtHsO_ufhh7fVjLFAlAIlVEKxY-wZcFEORWPEY5rb573DtbykLI5iyMN1kLg3P9M5zpA3eJVAsJypc3oahtVBdas43-PIQpKcVwletXMM/s1600/taipeipiaoxiangbeefnoodlesoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUi9OPMWEfZZ0mE7kZpwHLqat5NACiMOP86pMMtHsO_ufhh7fVjLFAlAIlVEKxY-wZcFEORWPEY5rb573DtbykLI5iyMN1kLg3P9M5zpA3eJVAsJypc3oahtVBdas43-PIQpKcVwletXMM/s640/taipeipiaoxiangbeefnoodlesoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piaoxiang's beef noodle soup, 100 - 120 NTD.</td></tr>
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Another beef noodle restaurant we tried in Taipei is the Lin Dong Fang restaurant (林東芳牛肉麵). This place is considerably more well-known (and also more expensive, but still affordable), and it was one of the few places that lazy me had actually jotted down as a place to visit. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6RWjTQzIFGE421yR4ymzG3l1k9fMQWX5w0T4-dZfqMsdUhBdEdDvYImj4LN7Zr7OBtyNRvYEfIBmL_-n4N7xotDI1qYgQh7b__yPV3_gvfvw4EN8E_HKs8it4fd_p3hmKLnd8ZOstv0a/s1600/taipeilindongfangbeefnoodleshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6RWjTQzIFGE421yR4ymzG3l1k9fMQWX5w0T4-dZfqMsdUhBdEdDvYImj4LN7Zr7OBtyNRvYEfIBmL_-n4N7xotDI1qYgQh7b__yPV3_gvfvw4EN8E_HKs8it4fd_p3hmKLnd8ZOstv0a/s640/taipeilindongfangbeefnoodleshop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lin Dong Fang beef noodle restaurant (林東芳牛肉麵).</td></tr>
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Here, the broth skews towards the clearer side of the spectrum, but the modest appearance belies the strength of the flavour that lurks within, with a hint of traditional Chinese herbs providing an additional dimension. This is quite a different style of beef noodles to the other one, so it's hard to say which is better. Try both!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmd3z45VYLU2_kZulwVedMgsjSpGwAo59qu0QaLgp0-vesmX_xB4IgKIEjyZAeBrNg-9df7XY9DaUapOTwXDtrlKbriVRPnKfnCYeXAFFvsBLAppGqQFLHQKheHtsv_pCpt6h8mLw7sXHf/s1600/taipeilindongfangbeefnoodlesoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmd3z45VYLU2_kZulwVedMgsjSpGwAo59qu0QaLgp0-vesmX_xB4IgKIEjyZAeBrNg-9df7XY9DaUapOTwXDtrlKbriVRPnKfnCYeXAFFvsBLAppGqQFLHQKheHtsv_pCpt6h8mLw7sXHf/s640/taipeilindongfangbeefnoodlesoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lin Dong Fang beef noodles soup, 140 NTD - 170 NTD.</td></tr>
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For buns on the go, we found Lao Cai's Shuijianbao (老蔡水煎包) to be pretty reliable quality. The buns are steamed, then pan-fried to achieve a nice crispy crust on the bottom, while other parts remain soft and tender. The shop is open morning to night, but we tend to go for breakfast. A couple of buns and a drink here, and you're ready to take on the day!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrP0spYb0xn_JxSzplk7yqaH8stVaSLsmq_qefJXA14mz8uMDWTqzAsYvPxDCy7c9ODABxVk5bo7sK04om7DE7AFJ8GpWbxtLLI9t6PcPFABnC9pFZ8NEEvp2Nj4-93_c2VVGJoUkLqQQ/s1600/taipeilaocaishuijianbaoshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrP0spYb0xn_JxSzplk7yqaH8stVaSLsmq_qefJXA14mz8uMDWTqzAsYvPxDCy7c9ODABxVk5bo7sK04om7DE7AFJ8GpWbxtLLI9t6PcPFABnC9pFZ8NEEvp2Nj4-93_c2VVGJoUkLqQQ/s640/taipeilaocaishuijianbaoshop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lao Cai's Shuijianbao (老蔡水煎包) shop, great for takeaway buns.</td></tr>
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Old Cai's pan-fried steamed buns come in the flavours of cabbage (高麗菜), garlic chive (韭菜), or pork (鮮肉). You can also get beverages such as black tea (紅茶), soy milk (豆漿), or peanut rice milk (米漿) to accompany your buns. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOBvCG_Nl6fmVo3LZA8ckwvX21ym7sTrVB7ldJx9fK74rGtFvYXX5YPLguWBG8uaTj5gCWXILNkpI1JiGI7i-WAxhJ6Fz_CYVi97i0CBr88zbUG4ZlAvZQWkxWPhY4uGHbEmKDFEnvg91/s1600/taipeicabbagebun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOBvCG_Nl6fmVo3LZA8ckwvX21ym7sTrVB7ldJx9fK74rGtFvYXX5YPLguWBG8uaTj5gCWXILNkpI1JiGI7i-WAxhJ6Fz_CYVi97i0CBr88zbUG4ZlAvZQWkxWPhY4uGHbEmKDFEnvg91/s640/taipeicabbagebun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cabbage bun (高麗菜包), 13 NTD.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbvROG5qIOGM9mZBRjOZI09k8F6rSjgRfA9hGKDYaZteq9z8lqm_4FiEgleM5akZB6BbtCkVWMRwddGASS0NJ6p3zBoiYLFcazVNYXbTmZjN61Q6GubWPSNOx0zQVkD6U-ei9B0k3yNsQ/s1600/taipeichinesechivebun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbvROG5qIOGM9mZBRjOZI09k8F6rSjgRfA9hGKDYaZteq9z8lqm_4FiEgleM5akZB6BbtCkVWMRwddGASS0NJ6p3zBoiYLFcazVNYXbTmZjN61Q6GubWPSNOx0zQVkD6U-ei9B0k3yNsQ/s640/taipeichinesechivebun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garlic chive / Chinese chive / Chinese leek bun (韭菜包), 13 NTD.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4qtaxX86J-Y3j26HMTgL4q59yQ-HRIdazxb1V80dgHE4yKicd2rihkEOmmTjtACCGrOY2kw0rzTsQSdUuNEo0DSSTcXOiP80gXnWzQSIET62UrzWKrtVYu0-Zmtm7J31R4uXOTZqZVB2/s1600/taipeiporkbun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4qtaxX86J-Y3j26HMTgL4q59yQ-HRIdazxb1V80dgHE4yKicd2rihkEOmmTjtACCGrOY2kw0rzTsQSdUuNEo0DSSTcXOiP80gXnWzQSIET62UrzWKrtVYu0-Zmtm7J31R4uXOTZqZVB2/s640/taipeiporkbun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork bun (鮮肉包), 13 NTD.</td></tr>
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Occasionally we do brave the crowds at the night markets in Taipei. We were thankful that we didn't have to wait very long to get our teppanyaki chicken at this stall in Raohe night market (饒河夜市). If you understand Chinese characters, you'll be amused by the name of the stall - it's a puntastic twist on the movie title Farewell My Concubine, with the word "chicken" replacing the word "concubine", a perfect fit as the two words sound exactly alike.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_GzTm9bYQPPMhAvEH4Pz_HDNd3Z08_GwiTStMBHaacrh063QeT2yK00XsML7DZyH-6efYQthZafl4nARXW687lk6ypkjBmdGnKVk-Ur2YfOnqQ9asr1fOsQBsQI7OTLEkAHdCH5m-bRd/s1600/taipeifarewellmyconcubineteppanyakichickenstall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_GzTm9bYQPPMhAvEH4Pz_HDNd3Z08_GwiTStMBHaacrh063QeT2yK00XsML7DZyH-6efYQthZafl4nARXW687lk6ypkjBmdGnKVk-Ur2YfOnqQ9asr1fOsQBsQI7OTLEkAHdCH5m-bRd/s640/taipeifarewellmyconcubineteppanyakichickenstall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bawangbieji teppanyaki chicken stall (霸王別雞三星蔥雞腿板燒) at Raohe night market (饒河夜市).</td></tr>
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Anyway, we enjoyed this! The chicken was succulent, and the accompaniment of sauce, spring onions and sweet corn intensified the juiciness of this dish. It's great value for money too, so the vendor should be saying farewell to many of his chickens at this rate!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCPaqJT00spX06BjDY9jp8hpTvUkAtNjDRTEGVbBn45UUqSJrRs3QOg5oMtQo2UYJvo7TyQ284ABD3_UERs4DnzP0RurBQ4osdA3GK1afvWGN9R0gpfljGcLowIatbaYpRZiQhpwfSWcb/s1600/taipeiteppanyakichicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCPaqJT00spX06BjDY9jp8hpTvUkAtNjDRTEGVbBn45UUqSJrRs3QOg5oMtQo2UYJvo7TyQ284ABD3_UERs4DnzP0RurBQ4osdA3GK1afvWGN9R0gpfljGcLowIatbaYpRZiQhpwfSWcb/s640/taipeiteppanyakichicken.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring onion teppanyaki chicken leg, 60 NTD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Speaking of night markets, you may spot these intriguing little bouncy cool jellies that they keep chilled on ice (QQ涼圓) making an appearance from time to time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_03MPiNK-x4LEBmL7HM3W-OLA-xNEAkUhO-GwFJi-ofYEW6Ap-RPgwmEyWxVWFw13Z_LvgbjFMaI4I3zuExko54h1iPhQg3K8-n-1I94EpBETe8MvO5VbDxOyUQ6uWypoJw73Pw4aO__q/s1600/taipeimisswangsqqcooljellystall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_03MPiNK-x4LEBmL7HM3W-OLA-xNEAkUhO-GwFJi-ofYEW6Ap-RPgwmEyWxVWFw13Z_LvgbjFMaI4I3zuExko54h1iPhQg3K8-n-1I94EpBETe8MvO5VbDxOyUQ6uWypoJw73Pw4aO__q/s640/taipeimisswangsqqcooljellystall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Wang's QQ jellies (王小姐QQ涼圓菜燕).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Typical fillings are red bean or green bean paste. They make a simple, light and refreshing dessert. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPEqtvGien5W-x1b-tbseMXKBZja14Vq-Bsb_5GOEgHGPbchU13gOdQqdlD4kHDnDcpJuCSKk4jPfqtnKMwXIufqLvKl_z9KZ4T0Mi-iw2jw3Sq1pn4MqYqHMLCJBCwSkJNYgjHLK2YtQ/s1600/taipeigreenmungbeanjelly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPEqtvGien5W-x1b-tbseMXKBZja14Vq-Bsb_5GOEgHGPbchU13gOdQqdlD4kHDnDcpJuCSKk4jPfqtnKMwXIufqLvKl_z9KZ4T0Mi-iw2jw3Sq1pn4MqYqHMLCJBCwSkJNYgjHLK2YtQ/s640/taipeigreenmungbeanjelly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice jellies (QQ涼圓), 10 pieces for 35 NTD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Very importantly, towards the end of our stay in Taipei, we stumbled upon pepper buns (hujiaobing 胡椒餅), and wow, are they scrumptious.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRPxQe4NPrJjUm3I5CKNBKMf1fonujZT1iY1lKJBWEcQI2g5PKRDEYqxfVS-Is-4u09c0VzizqyIAMrQWHcgc2Bz1hoX247mO5-IM2k1tSVlTGuz3jRQnnKk_pWe0sUaoG0skR6ySt_ik/s1600/taipeicharcoalgrilledbunstall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRPxQe4NPrJjUm3I5CKNBKMf1fonujZT1iY1lKJBWEcQI2g5PKRDEYqxfVS-Is-4u09c0VzizqyIAMrQWHcgc2Bz1hoX247mO5-IM2k1tSVlTGuz3jRQnnKk_pWe0sUaoG0skR6ySt_ik/s640/taipeicharcoalgrilledbunstall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charcoal baked pepper bun stall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Behold this gloriously seasoned meaty filling encased within a crispy golden brown pastry. It was quite the revelation.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14ATeue8nugHYkQGMHPSDrpSxrae9AEfDD5JpNtpn6m_BntTOQIDGpeDzJGowRNO9vuQDeWtEzIEfXn1X12usL3taWmyP1O04pcRW22MVtlBlZRmi4AQjbXrayaOANd-KgZQiNtO5CBdO/s1600/taipeiblackpepperporkbun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14ATeue8nugHYkQGMHPSDrpSxrae9AEfDD5JpNtpn6m_BntTOQIDGpeDzJGowRNO9vuQDeWtEzIEfXn1X12usL3taWmyP1O04pcRW22MVtlBlZRmi4AQjbXrayaOANd-KgZQiNtO5CBdO/s640/taipeiblackpepperporkbun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charcoal-baked pork and pepper bun (碳烤赤), 40 NTD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The spring onion buns from this stall (whose name I do not know) were actually not half bad either, even though the pepper buns are hard to beat.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH53G5t8ecz_tLYWGgzLc17zEyQMNucVrrHZmeIC1GbfC3jXoVHT8sAMvNz-ajRSVHqspJBTyf59Xwkv3eOrkMHdNB8Q5frPvw9ew1O9yP_SRx_-RLMwi1fN6LdoHbyVmPzG42CYpb12X_/s1600/taipeispringonionbun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH53G5t8ecz_tLYWGgzLc17zEyQMNucVrrHZmeIC1GbfC3jXoVHT8sAMvNz-ajRSVHqspJBTyf59Xwkv3eOrkMHdNB8Q5frPvw9ew1O9yP_SRx_-RLMwi1fN6LdoHbyVmPzG42CYpb12X_/s640/taipeispringonionbun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charcoal-baked spring onion roll (碳烤蔥花燒餅), 25 NTD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So that's it for the food stuff! I'll share a few other things while I'm here, to give you some idea of other aspects of Taipei. Starting off with a dog pic, just because.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy2xUrJkaZUFMif2KmnfEhHr4CgvYy8pbo02Pt4vDmxsleLOQkd-IlTNUo0vqH7xiDoNb7Sk7FlO2So8ZAZY0vXKzQaEin4b8TB9a2ezcce5wion2nmdzzbJrS7zkTfce6xVP6kRfK9uW/s1600/taipeidogssherlockwatson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy2xUrJkaZUFMif2KmnfEhHr4CgvYy8pbo02Pt4vDmxsleLOQkd-IlTNUo0vqH7xiDoNb7Sk7FlO2So8ZAZY0vXKzQaEin4b8TB9a2ezcce5wion2nmdzzbJrS7zkTfce6xVP6kRfK9uW/s640/taipeidogssherlockwatson.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These little dogs look like Sherlock and Watson to me! Too adorable!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
There's the famous Taipei 101 tower, of course... <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihlfwGxrAPdEJeTu-nRqaR8FxbBV0M0S3i5Z8_XCYLaYEV32mXGwixWEYrWvH6rprrdjYmH67o9KIiqG3n_GvsCIcGWUJibq1UjQoH6yDwuGuNreYTHqI6xRCpvVH31KigzbxY-MGHtsB/s1600/taipei101elephanthillview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihlfwGxrAPdEJeTu-nRqaR8FxbBV0M0S3i5Z8_XCYLaYEV32mXGwixWEYrWvH6rprrdjYmH67o9KIiqG3n_GvsCIcGWUJibq1UjQoH6yDwuGuNreYTHqI6xRCpvVH31KigzbxY-MGHtsB/s640/taipei101elephanthillview.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taipei 101 (台北101) view from Elephant Mountain (象山) hiking trail. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The love sculpture... <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1apb8v9KflcovL06hykC5JJYCabuibCvYHOCrFgKhnpVxcw5_qP7hWJYcA_IYGBZ320rVO8SCd4GdbuaGQQGBkqGVEayWDqUBG2kwEYOiKiEg3eNvGLkWX9OSTwdu2stcGvFhFibWEkM/s1600/taipeilovesignsculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1apb8v9KflcovL06hykC5JJYCabuibCvYHOCrFgKhnpVxcw5_qP7hWJYcA_IYGBZ320rVO8SCd4GdbuaGQQGBkqGVEayWDqUBG2kwEYOiKiEg3eNvGLkWX9OSTwdu2stcGvFhFibWEkM/s640/taipeilovesignsculpture.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A big LOVE sign.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The rather magnificent Ciyou temple...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKdNdM0oEcbuymIrvZB68yFQ9ET8f7Nvx3HLM35ubpaRcf30i0jErpIQ1MjplCeO-2ED5-gvQb5Zg3W53Q9yQMSdilGHQIe1maYKHzJA4bU8qldhIvyyycwRNjVSakiqmmNXGnalRjR1w/s1600/taipeiciyoutemple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKdNdM0oEcbuymIrvZB68yFQ9ET8f7Nvx3HLM35ubpaRcf30i0jErpIQ1MjplCeO-2ED5-gvQb5Zg3W53Q9yQMSdilGHQIe1maYKHzJA4bU8qldhIvyyycwRNjVSakiqmmNXGnalRjR1w/s640/taipeiciyoutemple.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ciyou temple (慈祐宮), dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The Moon Bus, an art installation of some sort. We just happened upon this without knowing such a thing existed, and the unplanned, unexpected discovery made it all the more delightful.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUI9aU9B6b7EAoLRaCeRPrsSEflNvET8uMD3lQSERD3GjfGDNln-MvUhXa9HgZgmPIZjOm2ibu12btNoAXbf0JiFp7AzLqWW4zmgO64DHh74oKLq7y9nddzXiXop7_6O9kwUCnu19aVKw4/s1600/taipeimoonbus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUI9aU9B6b7EAoLRaCeRPrsSEflNvET8uMD3lQSERD3GjfGDNln-MvUhXa9HgZgmPIZjOm2ibu12btNoAXbf0JiFp7AzLqWW4zmgO64DHh74oKLq7y9nddzXiXop7_6O9kwUCnu19aVKw4/s640/taipeimoonbus.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Moon Bus in Taipei (月亮公車).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And... it's a wrap! While I haven't been blogging very frequently or consistently this year, I do hope you have enjoyed the posts that I did manage to put up, even if some of them are, um... extraordinarily delayed. And I will definitely try to continue to keep at this. Having said that, I can't promise when my next post will be, but I'd like to say January. So in the meantime, happy holidays, stay safe, and I'll see you around next year!<br />
</span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-71082417783286203282017-08-20T21:39:00.001+10:002017-08-21T20:04:29.621+10:00spirited away in jiufen, and houtong cat village<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8chjnTq5WmwuSlSM1eRKlGmmJAqudmR-PclXGCCK__xEr2Zs6gTkRhQ2_mzWCgnrjQScLV0suKPTtj2po3qUobx_fpTy7ViouWcCRHmtliK0HjAyiqfVZJYpqvXFuko_VXITgBljfN_j/s1600/jiufencatloaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8chjnTq5WmwuSlSM1eRKlGmmJAqudmR-PclXGCCK__xEr2Zs6gTkRhQ2_mzWCgnrjQScLV0suKPTtj2po3qUobx_fpTy7ViouWcCRHmtliK0HjAyiqfVZJYpqvXFuko_VXITgBljfN_j/s640/jiufencatloaf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorable cat loaf in the dreamy mountain town of Jiufen (九份).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
For our last week in Taiwan, we found ourselves back in Taipei again. We spent most of our time exploring different parts of the city, but we set aside one special day for a combined trip to Jiufen mountain town and Houtong cat village, as these two tourist destinations are very close together.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5NUFWkUd09xBexk0aJ-79dVIVnJ9Rs9exBmMd21crYH199PQuprjEjWV_w2XsjL9ut8uNJt0MyR-MaZP3-7zKi7ih_TBNuWe9hu4sQwk3wt_4JlEZv5694wtoo6kUYhfZUox9OMTGhjU/s1600/jiufentown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5NUFWkUd09xBexk0aJ-79dVIVnJ9Rs9exBmMd21crYH199PQuprjEjWV_w2XsjL9ut8uNJt0MyR-MaZP3-7zKi7ih_TBNuWe9hu4sQwk3wt_4JlEZv5694wtoo6kUYhfZUox9OMTGhjU/s640/jiufentown.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jiufen town.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
There are entrenched rumours that Jiufen is the inspiration for the setting of the famous Japanese animation film Spirited Away, though Hayao Miyazaki himself has debunked this during an interview with Taiwanese media. Regardless of whether this real-life town has any influence on fictional Spirited Away, though, if you are familiar with the movie, it could be a fun exercise to see if you spot any resemblances! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_8PfGPuoBpAxJPjx0yacmTVp81YdZDxP4UIjdAgc1ZZUpyQLlEGCPWw0MW77QPhSZe8zK4_jW7vc9gaFclf4WquGdgyz9vt-7Ap7O0GpSlcNCQlZFEcZ0UeSGUoRt4Oh_cEJBoUMmDEv/s1600/jiufenbuswindowscenery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_8PfGPuoBpAxJPjx0yacmTVp81YdZDxP4UIjdAgc1ZZUpyQLlEGCPWw0MW77QPhSZe8zK4_jW7vc9gaFclf4WquGdgyz9vt-7Ap7O0GpSlcNCQlZFEcZ0UeSGUoRt4Oh_cEJBoUMmDEv/s640/jiufenbuswindowscenery.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo I took from the bus window of the route scenery leading up to Jiufen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We took a bus up. This is a great way to get there, especially if you sit on the left hand side of the bus - as you get closer to Jiufen, the scenery is truly breathtaking at points. During those moments, sitting on a bus on a winding road and looking out the windows at mountains punctuated with mist, it really felt like we were about to enter into a magical world.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYH8wNyXbQVLLX3XeXoFfEY-KouIzZkSgz7Q9IcfiUopH5JVaHpedClouOcg2VPsIHasHH8S9WiU3YV06KCVR7a1tRKmk3h0FI3VFDxddv1f24XAXa61b4fQJYbnIm-OgYPfC6yTaS7eTu/s1600/jiufenscenery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYH8wNyXbQVLLX3XeXoFfEY-KouIzZkSgz7Q9IcfiUopH5JVaHpedClouOcg2VPsIHasHH8S9WiU3YV06KCVR7a1tRKmk3h0FI3VFDxddv1f24XAXa61b4fQJYbnIm-OgYPfC6yTaS7eTu/s640/jiufenscenery.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The winding roads of Jiufen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
After reaching our destination, we found our way to Jiufen Old Street area, which is very crowded and touristy. I think it would have been a more enchanting environment if it wasn't quite so busy, but eh, what can you do?<br />
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Still, in between squeezing our way around everyone else, we did stumble upon this delicious, interesting Taiwanese concoction - peanut ice cream roll! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdc9U-Jk56bYkej6f1LqhsZ1DfFFwqNVa3e6NX9-s51eM19yrvbBrY34CnmmPh1wPKJ6Kl0gNG9UX3g63_LRCSIdpD2B60MU579gph2FCchIWVPlit0YbLBuXaWS_OmTLW9V4tWqDOaOA/s1600/jiufenpeanuticecream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdc9U-Jk56bYkej6f1LqhsZ1DfFFwqNVa3e6NX9-s51eM19yrvbBrY34CnmmPh1wPKJ6Kl0gNG9UX3g63_LRCSIdpD2B60MU579gph2FCchIWVPlit0YbLBuXaWS_OmTLW9V4tWqDOaOA/s640/jiufenpeanuticecream.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A delightful icy treat from the A-Zhu/A-Jou peanut ice cream roll stall (阿珠雪在燒) in Jiufen, 40 NTD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This unusual street food dessert consists of a thin wrapper similar to a crepe or a spring roll skin, a layer of grated peanut brittle, two scoops of taro or pineapple ice cream, and most intriguingly, a sprinkling of coriander leaves. You can omit this last bit, but I found it to be a surprisingly pleasant element in this treat, so don't be afraid of how strange it may seem!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eTZoMT-2HGT-Jdwp-MbIOLex24fvKJHxjhChh4Wq-2VXMQCGW3d2rLTFQM29VKrm0nplp7eQhG_tKCYUuBLFJBfEDlcpho2H4udDOlg9cYWD77JKxBJ9_KkjeE8ylmYsq3Ssj1_qMGZV/s1600/jiufenpeanuticecreamroll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eTZoMT-2HGT-Jdwp-MbIOLex24fvKJHxjhChh4Wq-2VXMQCGW3d2rLTFQM29VKrm0nplp7eQhG_tKCYUuBLFJBfEDlcpho2H4udDOlg9cYWD77JKxBJ9_KkjeE8ylmYsq3Ssj1_qMGZV/s640/jiufenpeanuticecreamroll.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A scrumptious peanut ice cream roll with taro ice cream, peanut candy shavings, and - surprise! - cilantro/coriander leaves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
After eating the delicious ice cream roll, we escaped to more peaceful surroundings. A walk around the neighbourhood yielded cute discoveries such as the "Don't Want Work Studio", which sells handmade furniture, secondhand goods, and other stuff. It also offers accommodation.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNNIRoFKXZY5rLE30I5J9YfxDnWEJlbNjT6dPv7J7WZde2q5AxnC6uiIluXQHejpM8GJbABW0ynizOYafIlIg9fIjHhI8NAiq9LagEQZWrD-UtZnkg35ZTx2lXx1_KktEq8uSmkOiPBpI/s1600/jiufendontwantworkstudiosign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNNIRoFKXZY5rLE30I5J9YfxDnWEJlbNjT6dPv7J7WZde2q5AxnC6uiIluXQHejpM8GJbABW0ynizOYafIlIg9fIjHhI8NAiq9LagEQZWrD-UtZnkg35ZTx2lXx1_KktEq8uSmkOiPBpI/s640/jiufendontwantworkstudiosign.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hear you, pal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We met a cat. Actually, we met a few. Here's one of them!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-KNBIUvOg2kYkuR9j6F1Z5ksKYQJoIU39fJWczvjWwA6d6dBPm310CoPFa1_65gmNa5_-HbhGYmt7cD1mzzgs-8cBZFLg1gFH9aRL_kM0TD6FITpuWObcxMxagKyTgE4zodlhnb8jWeu/s1600/jiufencatbuildingbackground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-KNBIUvOg2kYkuR9j6F1Z5ksKYQJoIU39fJWczvjWwA6d6dBPm310CoPFa1_65gmNa5_-HbhGYmt7cD1mzzgs-8cBZFLg1gFH9aRL_kM0TD6FITpuWObcxMxagKyTgE4zodlhnb8jWeu/s640/jiufencatbuildingbackground.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cat in Jiufen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We didn't find a lot of things to do in Jiufen, so we ended up spending about one and a half hours here. Still, it is a lovely and charming place, and I am glad we went, even if it didn't occupy us for long!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9OLqjGIBHoq3VLuHSnAQyA8hc6mcKcJ-aqt0x_FOvFp1gEkvKog7DH2ziDCQG5nklU4bRUr9gzqUAt7gPEuxsrM1b4E4M67BXCyJYlcu1abhfCDudxcJQmyM0dTbKU-MVKh6QGqi3qjb/s1600/jiufenmountainscenery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9OLqjGIBHoq3VLuHSnAQyA8hc6mcKcJ-aqt0x_FOvFp1gEkvKog7DH2ziDCQG5nklU4bRUr9gzqUAt7gPEuxsrM1b4E4M67BXCyJYlcu1abhfCDudxcJQmyM0dTbKU-MVKh6QGqi3qjb/s640/jiufenmountainscenery.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Jiufen views.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
If I recall correctly, to get to our next destination, Houtong Cat Village, we caught a bus from Jiufen to Ruifang railway station, where we then caught a train to Houtong station. It's a short ride on both the bus and the train, about five minutes each.<br />
<br />
Before we caught our train at Ruifang station, we had a decently tasty lunch at a little shop nearby. Not sure how to translate the name of the place, but basically something like "Crispy Ribs Noodles Fast Food Cart".<br />
<br />
So, Simon had their eponymous crispy ribs noodle soup.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94PeCYbjEk6Fpp3C6Vtp44bctiSjuwJXSJuwD1HQXD9ykw8tYX_c1yVOfAfavb6bEpFOC66BhUJnZZT8QjhVRK_86gfD1dCGd_8L_9Xo8CBO-riFqUOV6XCCtBWvzy0MP09b3ryjgk5dU/s1600/ruifangcrispyribsnoodlesoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94PeCYbjEk6Fpp3C6Vtp44bctiSjuwJXSJuwD1HQXD9ykw8tYX_c1yVOfAfavb6bEpFOC66BhUJnZZT8QjhVRK_86gfD1dCGd_8L_9Xo8CBO-riFqUOV6XCCtBWvzy0MP09b3ryjgk5dU/s640/ruifangcrispyribsnoodlesoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crispy ribs noodle soup at 快餐車排骨酥麵 near the Ruifang train station (瑞芳火車站), 60 NTD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I had the wonton soup.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyEn1s7YTAD8pDKY5MehnIZU83-VP8l7htC5qyoJKwXEFf3gNuGx8ojTGTxA9s8Bzqjt5qit7oimHx3IusuPkIZxJeLl-maiYpab4iAV5KDDBHXTNlKRyfab8caeHfS6TAaCCyysBOZIL/s1600/ruifangwontonsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyEn1s7YTAD8pDKY5MehnIZU83-VP8l7htC5qyoJKwXEFf3gNuGx8ojTGTxA9s8Bzqjt5qit7oimHx3IusuPkIZxJeLl-maiYpab4iAV5KDDBHXTNlKRyfab8caeHfS6TAaCCyysBOZIL/s640/ruifangwontonsoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonton soup (餛飩湯), 40 NTD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Then we got on the train and it wasn't long before we arrived at Houtong Cat Village!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzYSnIIYIn12XsES7mTfgbi7cc4etMHqHRVXd1it37WPqqyd4BLg2JkhfGgm76rpHIm35k8EaebFi4MqPqaAkA6KGTuIB043w1U7_5im8jz7HKOxL15439HaAG6llHV7gcKTRIFOobhCE/s1600/houtongcatvillagecatsculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzYSnIIYIn12XsES7mTfgbi7cc4etMHqHRVXd1it37WPqqyd4BLg2JkhfGgm76rpHIm35k8EaebFi4MqPqaAkA6KGTuIB043w1U7_5im8jz7HKOxL15439HaAG6llHV7gcKTRIFOobhCE/s640/houtongcatvillagecatsculpture.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cat sculpture at Houtong Cat Village (猴硐貓村).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
One of the first things I saw upon arrival was this bakery shop.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvn8NK5GWzVutYQCoVSaj2mLwrGxAjKh0YKc7PNz3dT4b60hZAR_7HGG0bZqWYMN__mbuc3gyzymBfeKcf2tHceoO4rPe_QOnekLgJSwClaKKVOSMRa5iYI7HGKv2Otz2JxPtyywJnzGnc/s1600/houtongcatvillagebakery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvn8NK5GWzVutYQCoVSaj2mLwrGxAjKh0YKc7PNz3dT4b60hZAR_7HGG0bZqWYMN__mbuc3gyzymBfeKcf2tHceoO4rPe_QOnekLgJSwClaKKVOSMRa5iYI7HGKv2Otz2JxPtyywJnzGnc/s640/houtongcatvillagebakery.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie's Bakery (艾妮西點).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I wasn't hungry after just having had lunch, but I couldn't resist getting myself a cat-shaped pineapple cake. This black version has had charcoal powder added, you can get regular ones too. If you're not familiar with Taiwanese pineapple cakes, they're basically like cookies with a pineapple jam filling.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelfYk4Q4RiDnyHoNUWgNzZ9YbfE15sNvU-66bSiEGlrSgjv69X9dLwSdeLH8zp8lyMuBNTO72jJeVm0uvEgjaU73V8wD5P90E7Lv-chwcTOAh8Lr-2oInWzSB8tgUR7lnIoAFXSvPoh8o/s1600/houtongcatvillagecharcoalpineapplecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelfYk4Q4RiDnyHoNUWgNzZ9YbfE15sNvU-66bSiEGlrSgjv69X9dLwSdeLH8zp8lyMuBNTO72jJeVm0uvEgjaU73V8wD5P90E7Lv-chwcTOAh8Lr-2oInWzSB8tgUR7lnIoAFXSvPoh8o/s640/houtongcatvillagecharcoalpineapplecake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taiwanese pineapple cake (猴硐貓咪鳳梨酥), charcoal cat version.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And then it was time for us to go full-blown cat-crazy mode!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OH-chj2-Vq00d_sj_tSPG0Rs0rLS-NN5hY8ibkR7N2h6uZRxeSafz3rpy0-l0WOYfcLtSCrjUdlsogYkfvydgY7T-nFXgiyaKxtHs3F2HDH0VFsu3Qp_o-b3oioPs7vX0C3vVw46pu5R/s1600/houtongcatvillagetabbycatonscooter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OH-chj2-Vq00d_sj_tSPG0Rs0rLS-NN5hY8ibkR7N2h6uZRxeSafz3rpy0-l0WOYfcLtSCrjUdlsogYkfvydgY7T-nFXgiyaKxtHs3F2HDH0VFsu3Qp_o-b3oioPs7vX0C3vVw46pu5R/s640/houtongcatvillagetabbycatonscooter.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorable tabby cat on a scooter!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And cats really are everywhere.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6uO3AmIWoD-jZv9rwiYJbeF839aPs8ZL4h41QaGRpWUYIu1_Sv5WvoOrEbSqlWTjGxbUPDMOISlQ46Ac53yyLxcvthhVR_WqIVU4q2529dSxaceS4SwTJEOBaJgb4jUxpyKnMoqa7DNJ/s1600/houtongcatvillagecatonroof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6uO3AmIWoD-jZv9rwiYJbeF839aPs8ZL4h41QaGRpWUYIu1_Sv5WvoOrEbSqlWTjGxbUPDMOISlQ46Ac53yyLxcvthhVR_WqIVU4q2529dSxaceS4SwTJEOBaJgb4jUxpyKnMoqa7DNJ/s640/houtongcatvillagecatonroof.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cat on the rooftop... seeing double?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Is Houtong Cat Village touristy? Of course. But there are plenty of wide-open spaces, so it rarely feels crowded. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1ZNO-nur0jwPF9eQkM0bc6FHWYroiezLtuaNvHVTBq6R8TotBroXtLatQcRWqB5xo8Y2EtCCe5qtbLDYec42phDjgp-KnEj5UFaZvWUHH1LFnwMMaF6DSuy9TmOMz3sLUtlPmHEgyPbY/s1600/houtongcatvillagetouristandcats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1ZNO-nur0jwPF9eQkM0bc6FHWYroiezLtuaNvHVTBq6R8TotBroXtLatQcRWqB5xo8Y2EtCCe5qtbLDYec42phDjgp-KnEj5UFaZvWUHH1LFnwMMaF6DSuy9TmOMz3sLUtlPmHEgyPbY/s640/houtongcatvillagetouristandcats.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fellow tourist taking pictures of cats at Houtong Cat Village.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And it is one of the nicest touristy places I've ever been to. It seems to me that tourists are even being particularly patient and pleasant than usual over here. It's like everyone is thinking... "We're all cat-lovers here so we're basically one big family! Yay cats! Love to everyone!!"<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ30qUL05_OWHGo57a2f1SWzYJa3KGWr5mQ8zH4SIIy1v3n_fwvRMUm_HbDoagrUWAdJU9wYI1xDXtQg4XAKhC0n3TFYSK0edmcghiMPYwYYF33TxcKkIYJcdTWp_G3Lu2e1kHb_73ciqM/s1600/houtongcatvillagerelaxedcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ30qUL05_OWHGo57a2f1SWzYJa3KGWr5mQ8zH4SIIy1v3n_fwvRMUm_HbDoagrUWAdJU9wYI1xDXtQg4XAKhC0n3TFYSK0edmcghiMPYwYYF33TxcKkIYJcdTWp_G3Lu2e1kHb_73ciqM/s640/houtongcatvillagerelaxedcat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sweet kitty chilling out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Also, even though everyone comes here for the cats, Houtong village actually has very pretty scenery. What a bonus!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_9Lf-wz4C2hz6ddijCQqSHFsVdb44mZLGyjlVyiUlLGEp9QdXD4oXZPXfpGNFJcLuvISIp6L-uK3RpUVn_bKmY8S6Xv2oBaw3NGh6a7MPYvhCBFTc3lQMR07Cwr2oogQ5jOgVHSh96ct/s1600/houtongcatvillagebridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_9Lf-wz4C2hz6ddijCQqSHFsVdb44mZLGyjlVyiUlLGEp9QdXD4oXZPXfpGNFJcLuvISIp6L-uK3RpUVn_bKmY8S6Xv2oBaw3NGh6a7MPYvhCBFTc3lQMR07Cwr2oogQ5jOgVHSh96ct/s640/houtongcatvillagebridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scenery in Houtong Cat Village.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The cats seem oblivious to it, though.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqw7MvIBF_ms449tnb7nMo2qt9QyK6PR0L0V29v_N4bUxjSdMraXI_jxVLuv8HdlOFciUS7EZ1hbewmSPZ7cjFVj7WG6iDM4fhjmhmtS5E5OJu42esE2qWvtHnwOmdRyTe76RGzEw0FkT7/s1600/houtongcatvillagegroomingcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqw7MvIBF_ms449tnb7nMo2qt9QyK6PR0L0V29v_N4bUxjSdMraXI_jxVLuv8HdlOFciUS7EZ1hbewmSPZ7cjFVj7WG6iDM4fhjmhmtS5E5OJu42esE2qWvtHnwOmdRyTe76RGzEw0FkT7/s640/houtongcatvillagegroomingcat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cat licking itself.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
"Scenery? What scenery? Just shut up and pat me."<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1OsxhiHBRxKQ9nbzC6gJvvs4hojyjsRSpaXfnYTZHHb766qj-QxeYZtHblweCwqLg8BFTIlUQpbC9m5MjZ42P1owxVxyFf8cBXJTPfR4-I1GD3-wq_1hn_rzqW4xbzrXFD0_C33uuy6f/s1600/houtongvillagescenerycat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1OsxhiHBRxKQ9nbzC6gJvvs4hojyjsRSpaXfnYTZHHb766qj-QxeYZtHblweCwqLg8BFTIlUQpbC9m5MjZ42P1owxVxyFf8cBXJTPfR4-I1GD3-wq_1hn_rzqW4xbzrXFD0_C33uuy6f/s640/houtongvillagescenerycat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rather distinguished-looking tuxedo cat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
While you're here, don't forget to look up, because cats love hanging out in high places...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYPuCodPCZH0o9SEJ8ztaliaDY_FVl-cALRYKd7-qS4BICfLurilMSvXoXrbLl_LJzrxIP06gfcZoIj_mieAQfAfdDQXC4JawzfL4s3TQtSz4T-6w3uOVxqnfVQVpNPkxKXXzY2iiQJRZ/s1600/houtongvillageshopcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYPuCodPCZH0o9SEJ8ztaliaDY_FVl-cALRYKd7-qS4BICfLurilMSvXoXrbLl_LJzrxIP06gfcZoIj_mieAQfAfdDQXC4JawzfL4s3TQtSz4T-6w3uOVxqnfVQVpNPkxKXXzY2iiQJRZ/s640/houtongvillageshopcat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cat on top of a shop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And you wouldn't want to miss out on these cute sightings...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiok7BvNSzHFcoZ2a6UjOCScOBvOCCUub6IE84xjQ69-0N8vAMKjdgfm8doy3vhrqPfrzyYQv2oBouYHZtHOpKEoBRb0Ohz5kfg9wHpvo1fMNQHdqCwCAbwvK2BxRR12HqF5Bd-ImVedc5Z/s1600/houtongcatvillagecatandmountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiok7BvNSzHFcoZ2a6UjOCScOBvOCCUub6IE84xjQ69-0N8vAMKjdgfm8doy3vhrqPfrzyYQv2oBouYHZtHOpKEoBRb0Ohz5kfg9wHpvo1fMNQHdqCwCAbwvK2BxRR12HqF5Bd-ImVedc5Z/s640/houtongcatvillagecatandmountains.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cat amongst mountains.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Would you?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTad71E6t9L7TnmISYsL1-AqxBC1cmUBzVvlPlnUiFfDAIuGmbppeAHuCUOsMpByxQxtXoRScNhOutARTVkluyXuhv0Qnu-0ipTGrmW3rKiA40R52gpJC6m7hn3HMfEH86o8YrmP0fICv4/s1600/houtongcatvillagecutecat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTad71E6t9L7TnmISYsL1-AqxBC1cmUBzVvlPlnUiFfDAIuGmbppeAHuCUOsMpByxQxtXoRScNhOutARTVkluyXuhv0Qnu-0ipTGrmW3rKiA40R52gpJC6m7hn3HMfEH86o8YrmP0fICv4/s640/houtongcatvillagecutecat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cat had the cutest face!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Watch out for the cat-themed art, too.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoH6GNoe0aaXJKbgVPS3yV6SAYnjFb1T_PrG1YRSEaz_JrNCauJ48sIXCfzw1B6KH5PbRkor5eoGATWsKVwe5K4lQ49jGVN6LIA-8ejiDO7L2dzmpylnDajALlq1Llo9MhZTuKZ6tiXox/s1600/houtongcatvillagecartooncatsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoH6GNoe0aaXJKbgVPS3yV6SAYnjFb1T_PrG1YRSEaz_JrNCauJ48sIXCfzw1B6KH5PbRkor5eoGATWsKVwe5K4lQ49jGVN6LIA-8ejiDO7L2dzmpylnDajALlq1Llo9MhZTuKZ6tiXox/s640/houtongcatvillagecartooncatsign.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cartoon cat railway master at Houtong Cat Village.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
They're interspersed throughout the village...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrUEIzmzqpgO_ThRGvp6eK9PyfS9Eu7jR4vrYUcevY0rmZng3bWnVrnaiqAUh-XOliC-hHNB0dhOGiMwefrLBMm6aHKvx-8mc-dh2-uESjlrc9t5fCb_7C6rL1HONfi2P-KsAm-EO1gRL/s1600/houtongcatvillagecartooncatfigurine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrUEIzmzqpgO_ThRGvp6eK9PyfS9Eu7jR4vrYUcevY0rmZng3bWnVrnaiqAUh-XOliC-hHNB0dhOGiMwefrLBMm6aHKvx-8mc-dh2-uESjlrc9t5fCb_7C6rL1HONfi2P-KsAm-EO1gRL/s640/houtongcatvillagecartooncatfigurine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cat with a heart.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And they're cute and fun and colourful.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKT1sks38cvU29Nap-OKp3qiGOb1zGlNcaZ39FL82LOD_WyJtEs8REN9JDl3MVbwKkgzzELqEMXoyI8yXl3yLfFYPtAXXhEhopgdKnT7-mytG_Xu-XBfLZr-8IBEupqu_IOhIbfjBK3tvZ/s1600/houtongcatvillagemural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKT1sks38cvU29Nap-OKp3qiGOb1zGlNcaZ39FL82LOD_WyJtEs8REN9JDl3MVbwKkgzzELqEMXoyI8yXl3yLfFYPtAXXhEhopgdKnT7-mytG_Xu-XBfLZr-8IBEupqu_IOhIbfjBK3tvZ/s640/houtongcatvillagemural.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cat mural.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Oh, yeah, and the architecture here can be quite interesting, too.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsrX6uPGqDs0cbNW6avhdMfJK86p5YFovjP7BzO_YyqOL_giY0QfiR_eUvuQfOnLuUkEmnK-D4UfY60WL4ESt5AJB4an7PP0W83-9wrawPgG34RX2_EO_Q14wLdOegsw__XbiAoDcRcgh/s1600/houtongcatvillagearchitecture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsrX6uPGqDs0cbNW6avhdMfJK86p5YFovjP7BzO_YyqOL_giY0QfiR_eUvuQfOnLuUkEmnK-D4UfY60WL4ESt5AJB4an7PP0W83-9wrawPgG34RX2_EO_Q14wLdOegsw__XbiAoDcRcgh/s640/houtongcatvillagearchitecture.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little houses in Houtong Cat Village.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
But at the end of the day, it's all about the cats.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF04Wb2S5JYsUrVU52As6It-K-em7XxeQpbN04IRIKf-7TsHROZgzqVr9vX3UX7JAwI5B-wQLifASdaC0Km6bKg3Rh80XJXQEk2doKmxKif-uuk2wuckaAfNcB3TdxL4-tOdhs6z4eOI4O/s1600/houtongcatvillageoldcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF04Wb2S5JYsUrVU52As6It-K-em7XxeQpbN04IRIKf-7TsHROZgzqVr9vX3UX7JAwI5B-wQLifASdaC0Km6bKg3Rh80XJXQEk2doKmxKif-uuk2wuckaAfNcB3TdxL4-tOdhs6z4eOI4O/s640/houtongcatvillageoldcat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old cat having a siesta.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So there you go...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxQzi9uZAV96kAzhLCrrUeVnneQdla7dD8R2evkNk67ZWW7lID6qTWc5rNSjDLCYUBAj6tY6MRFiDvdL_yIRsz1vQX0m7XkJyhSccyCtaLom76J1KHBAU9ZDIHCnX6xTnx3H96-Te3L4M/s1600/houtongcatvillageelegantcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxQzi9uZAV96kAzhLCrrUeVnneQdla7dD8R2evkNk67ZWW7lID6qTWc5rNSjDLCYUBAj6tY6MRFiDvdL_yIRsz1vQX0m7XkJyhSccyCtaLom76J1KHBAU9ZDIHCnX6xTnx3H96-Te3L4M/s640/houtongcatvillageelegantcat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't this one just look so elegant?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We ended up spending about two hours at Houtong Cat Village just strolling around. It was wonderful, we were entertained by cat sightings the entire time, and it was easy to get up close and personal with many of them for pictures and pats, as you can see.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfW408I-eeZm8_bBfcI3kQj0spBYnqqOKvPXon4lUKhzSw1-9PaITE-2KcwGHVUWIjtr1r6T6LhMEAAUd488y-dM6f0JOllKXNJBsQ7D7ZKKxisG2012gPyKYFsEAUh3-RVYteOZxeqEn/s1600/houtongcatvillagecattongueout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfW408I-eeZm8_bBfcI3kQj0spBYnqqOKvPXon4lUKhzSw1-9PaITE-2KcwGHVUWIjtr1r6T6LhMEAAUd488y-dM6f0JOllKXNJBsQ7D7ZKKxisG2012gPyKYFsEAUh3-RVYteOZxeqEn/s640/houtongcatvillagecattongueout.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheeky cat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Needless to say, our excursion to Jiufen and Houtong Cat Village was a roaring (or should I say purring?) success! If you like village settings and friendly cats, give this Taipei day trip idea a go!<br />
</span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-33020254256872378332017-07-31T19:39:00.000+10:002017-08-20T21:38:29.716+10:00jiji line: a journey into old taiwan<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hA9vHEpwT9tjLSbvkO-iVnOlaXcWBcnUvt32-rUgE1Koj3MpJaFm_6oCZvovSK377ZN2KB-fWOZpJlikmfTI3zBiLWl3JHw1uYha73Rn17g5MdPpUXIpZct18lARmGTlE2N9CpbqRTyY/s1600/jijilinechechengvillage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hA9vHEpwT9tjLSbvkO-iVnOlaXcWBcnUvt32-rUgE1Koj3MpJaFm_6oCZvovSK377ZN2KB-fWOZpJlikmfTI3zBiLWl3JHw1uYha73Rn17g5MdPpUXIpZct18lARmGTlE2N9CpbqRTyY/s640/jijilinechechengvillage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checheng (車埕) on a misty morning - our first stop on our Jiji line day trip (集集線一日遊).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
One of the things that really stood out in Taiwan was the hospitality we experienced here. In Puli (<span class="st">埔里)</span>, our guesthouse is run by a husband-and-wife team. The husband has a day job aside from the guesthouse business, and he would drop us off at convenient spots on his way to work in the early mornings, to help give us a kick-start to our sight-seeing!<br />
<br />
In fact, it is thanks to him that we even discovered the magic of the Jiji railway line (集集線) at all. After a day at Sun Moon Lake, we had another day free to do whatever we wanted, and he enthusiastically suggested that we should check out the little towns and villages along the Jiji line. "You'll get to see the Taiwan of 40 years ago," he said. <br />
<span class="fullpost"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCRqpVwahGmP05JFDt3YcMUi_GM9-CfiM3iHmyMBdur31gl0YViEdw4qQgaaIan4hzndjm6rDBHGv02SnJtbTVj6nx5q4FH_CsYk6Vkad8z8BnfSyPYpTb9meZ__fuV8qqqGUntawbHVu/s1600/jijilinescenery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCRqpVwahGmP05JFDt3YcMUi_GM9-CfiM3iHmyMBdur31gl0YViEdw4qQgaaIan4hzndjm6rDBHGv02SnJtbTVj6nx5q4FH_CsYk6Vkad8z8BnfSyPYpTb9meZ__fuV8qqqGUntawbHVu/s640/jijilinescenery.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure where this picture was taken... possibly either Yuanquan (源泉), Zhuoshui (濁水) or Longquan (龍泉).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
As you may know, I am a nostalgic person at heart, and have a soft spot for the old-school stuff, so that totally sold me. I can say that I'm so happy we took his advice - our adventures exploring the gorgeous little rural townships along the Jiji line was one of the best bits of our Taiwan trip!<br />
<br />
Also, during one of our train rides, we met two friendly Indonesian guys, who were picking betel nuts for a living. We had a nice chat with them, and shared a giggle about how scantily clad the betel nut beauties can be in Taiwan!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_guDb5KIRNCaq6v3M_RdSmcngo7LvuYWSZZEWfSC0s9c-BusAl-Q13tnGhl00tvs3J2TrzsfprkC3wGs3BgTzaw-Rk9lc3sR-2M7tSNwuxxtnE6lFb8nXX32RclbgzjahQjX4qtDuVLb/s1600/jijilinerailwaycats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_guDb5KIRNCaq6v3M_RdSmcngo7LvuYWSZZEWfSC0s9c-BusAl-Q13tnGhl00tvs3J2TrzsfprkC3wGs3BgTzaw-Rk9lc3sR-2M7tSNwuxxtnE6lFb8nXX32RclbgzjahQjX4qtDuVLb/s640/jijilinerailwaycats.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of cats hanging out at Jiji Station <span lang="zh-Hant">(集集車站)</span>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I have to admit that some of the places we visited kind of just blurred together for me. It takes some random luck, I think - I'm sure every town has their interesting aspects, but you don't always find them unless you know where to go!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpVaLltTDmagBThVB_-QRvaIzlnXl8PBP9cu1XnppVwOKBa5VF2xWe_3W5Ux-rkI6SSEpdIux1XAM27_oLJFaFA9PMEdNKqRyQh8friofVzTyfnsjmAPp6bh3ujSUR_ZbD2BeiX9b-Vfo/s1600/jijilineshuilihouseholdhardwareshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpVaLltTDmagBThVB_-QRvaIzlnXl8PBP9cu1XnppVwOKBa5VF2xWe_3W5Ux-rkI6SSEpdIux1XAM27_oLJFaFA9PMEdNKqRyQh8friofVzTyfnsjmAPp6bh3ujSUR_ZbD2BeiX9b-Vfo/s640/jijilineshuilihouseholdhardwareshop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A household/hardware shop in Shuili Township (<span lang="zh-Hant">水里鄉).</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
One place I do remember very well, however, is Ershui. We spent the most time there, and I certainly took more photos there than anywhere else that day.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJd5fxBUVDCw5qwbDnkWh7UV9caQ17bx_1rLOQpl_TTfLZVbP842RgBKrR7orXSkLCmRg4sdS5Cz5pUNKHo6QyBTdop_WDJ7jKsETJ61z51UwFL8z46t1icJYljRhlCsSDCUibyWGBgmV/s1600/jijilineershuitownship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJd5fxBUVDCw5qwbDnkWh7UV9caQ17bx_1rLOQpl_TTfLZVbP842RgBKrR7orXSkLCmRg4sdS5Cz5pUNKHo6QyBTdop_WDJ7jKsETJ61z51UwFL8z46t1icJYljRhlCsSDCUibyWGBgmV/s640/jijilineershuitownship.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ershui Township (二水鄉) in Changhua County (彰化縣).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Here, you see charming little shops that really do look like they probably haven't changed much in several decades. I can't help but wonder if this old man has been running this business since he was a young chap. Imagine!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkAexV2RYQMqwTM59ajIIs_pidY88Pf9YqqEaWSXNoNWMOROy01MmpUrRDguK3lqradK2Z7Nu4J5eWowTKfqG_HwyT-tIkjuC3Odd_mCWiIv0y6KdmRWzMLtSp0JsHyA8DiBIlwaWyrWA/s1600/jijilineershuioldshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkAexV2RYQMqwTM59ajIIs_pidY88Pf9YqqEaWSXNoNWMOROy01MmpUrRDguK3lqradK2Z7Nu4J5eWowTKfqG_HwyT-tIkjuC3Odd_mCWiIv0y6KdmRWzMLtSp0JsHyA8DiBIlwaWyrWA/s640/jijilineershuioldshop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A traditional Chinese medicine shop in Ershui Township (二水鄉).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The look and feel of the architecture here totally brings me back to my childhood. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9-K5TpVhD_2h_1EGqdPZCY0WxTFgUUpxtyWCo2pfIl3hlJo7nGdHSAXNGALpPKihMsKh6__hM8pgzi0JeSz5oqvghLtH9vG4oJPu24hsNFK7YtTA3nI2fpRlV3HkJS28Y2YbgooX_sWK/s1600/jijilineershuioldhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9-K5TpVhD_2h_1EGqdPZCY0WxTFgUUpxtyWCo2pfIl3hlJo7nGdHSAXNGALpPKihMsKh6__hM8pgzi0JeSz5oqvghLtH9vG4oJPu24hsNFK7YtTA3nI2fpRlV3HkJS28Y2YbgooX_sWK/s640/jijilineershuioldhouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sweet blue shop/house in Ershui.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Completely by accident, we stumbled upon this fabulously quaint residential area with the cutest, tiniest houses ever. Look how they're only a little bit taller than Simon! It was pure delight. If I didn't already adore Ershui before, I was definitely totally in love at this point.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqONasC7_nOfO9siSCU2l6ZT0Na380H2NPI_UzyldMzYx_td8Eq-ElevvlC9mI6KKWaNUJjdxkZktyQqELUdSxdtl-eBjEV9jYBZpZs3HnNrwaIzPqVX4VnxWOFJHR6sZRGODHeBTSO-X/s1600/jijilineershuitinyhouses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqONasC7_nOfO9siSCU2l6ZT0Na380H2NPI_UzyldMzYx_td8Eq-ElevvlC9mI6KKWaNUJjdxkZktyQqELUdSxdtl-eBjEV9jYBZpZs3HnNrwaIzPqVX4VnxWOFJHR6sZRGODHeBTSO-X/s640/jijilineershuitinyhouses.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most adorable tiny houses in Ershui.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Then, after a few more twist and turns...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzzyLIydUgjBedjY9rR5cjomJ8p0odcBaueDO-FQ7i8934-kd-ASqFvqDj7DkYmQVNRsFTR9ajF9n_SCz6xhe8Sj6Ad4lYhYKJh_pQyqiUk75z9VAmtaOQvbbcJOHgryOX9_7shSD2AYI/s1600/jijiershuialleyway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzzyLIydUgjBedjY9rR5cjomJ8p0odcBaueDO-FQ7i8934-kd-ASqFvqDj7DkYmQVNRsFTR9ajF9n_SCz6xhe8Sj6Ad4lYhYKJh_pQyqiUk75z9VAmtaOQvbbcJOHgryOX9_7shSD2AYI/s640/jijiershuialleyway.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cool alleyway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We found this century-old soy sauce factory, which our guesthouse host had told us about. I was very pleased that we managed to track it down!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EPvZAfe2D7t7BfAmRmqB-3ATcaY4nh_2WRJmuMcNBHU91curPbmxOEcdDzrPGCUJXbfjXBYQgZJuRTijD2RSBaIcvSjTMhnPweAak8jtY0-h9ZLAW_Vme29t0PBOChO4oVN2YE9Ptnf9/s1600/jijilineershuisanyiquansoysaucefactory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EPvZAfe2D7t7BfAmRmqB-3ATcaY4nh_2WRJmuMcNBHU91curPbmxOEcdDzrPGCUJXbfjXBYQgZJuRTijD2RSBaIcvSjTMhnPweAak8jtY0-h9ZLAW_Vme29t0PBOChO4oVN2YE9Ptnf9/s640/jijilineershuisanyiquansoysaucefactory.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old San Yi-Quan soy sauce shop (三義泉和德醬油店) in Ershui.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This soy sauce business has been running for at least three generations, and they still use the traditional method of fermenting the soy sauce in earthen vats under the warmth of the sun in the middle of their courtyard. This brewing process can take up to six months to complete. They only open one vat each month, and each vat yields about twenty bottles of soy sauce, so this is precious commodity. I would have loved to purchase a bottle while we were there, but alas, they didn't seem to be open that day. I was glad that we got a glimpse of their operations, at least!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9zsbFJOW1HQT-GZmOlMiXUOHO86mzDBsXFCKSDJd0iDlADDD5tsxX0xyavRKTGFJ1TNNX0gmsq8q-6IawYHXrRXE8WVWu0_YH18JTAHMUwOIynvjow0FxbfTPRiBLA5bGMXv9_if_sxc/s1600/jijilineershuisoysaucefactorytraditionalbrewing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1200" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9zsbFJOW1HQT-GZmOlMiXUOHO86mzDBsXFCKSDJd0iDlADDD5tsxX0xyavRKTGFJ1TNNX0gmsq8q-6IawYHXrRXE8WVWu0_YH18JTAHMUwOIynvjow0FxbfTPRiBLA5bGMXv9_if_sxc/s640/jijilineershuisoysaucefactorytraditionalbrewing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brewing/fermenting soy sauce the traditional way.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
After our stroll around town, we stopped by a restaurant to grab some lunch.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_d_GspSaS-CNaoX1IDYQDwXoYAnk9GdkGWDy-yuA1QyjeFU634e8X651emcuQTBKceC0l17szPPmze8S1PS_LhzGDkexx59pn6onbDFYp7KZJR_MAZUmpNkjRUD-Y0bHJ44J5shp8Qh9/s1600/jijilineershuirestaurants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_d_GspSaS-CNaoX1IDYQDwXoYAnk9GdkGWDy-yuA1QyjeFU634e8X651emcuQTBKceC0l17szPPmze8S1PS_LhzGDkexx59pn6onbDFYp7KZJR_MAZUmpNkjRUD-Y0bHJ44J5shp8Qh9/s640/jijilineershuirestaurants.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We actually ate at the little shop on the side with the blue and white covers (阿明火燒麵隔壁的店).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The menu had items such as tofu soup for as cheap as 10 NTD, and the most expensive thing was still only 40 NTD for a century egg tofu dish. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCjYm8dY-_7iZar_PqmBMHSNUIl0B5SVzwgZEYrszIDiYFZCrHLT3eKexRGomvaZGOXhhF2sx46-lKBY_H7Vn2hbL42QkDZteDigFTMRYk9_WyJI8KvvICtjS9yqA3bthVpQiRqsyu-k6/s1600/jijilineershuirestaurantmenu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCjYm8dY-_7iZar_PqmBMHSNUIl0B5SVzwgZEYrszIDiYFZCrHLT3eKexRGomvaZGOXhhF2sx46-lKBY_H7Vn2hbL42QkDZteDigFTMRYk9_WyJI8KvvICtjS9yqA3bthVpQiRqsyu-k6/s640/jijilineershuirestaurantmenu.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The menu had cheap and cheerful fare.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Simon had the minced pork rice, which was not bad at all.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUIwr6J7LcR-41yGT9lRhRFNtk1Mh4DBQkk85QWxyfPwzxHenDcIhR0LhsoTZLnbMQgvSoJ-QgVeumDkKAkFOW0txAM8jA5XLEZYGTH-bLBWO4Wy52rHoY3b5YoXGP_mXM_q4aZDQD1Q0/s1600/jijilineershuimincedporkrice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUIwr6J7LcR-41yGT9lRhRFNtk1Mh4DBQkk85QWxyfPwzxHenDcIhR0LhsoTZLnbMQgvSoJ-QgVeumDkKAkFOW0txAM8jA5XLEZYGTH-bLBWO4Wy52rHoY3b5YoXGP_mXM_q4aZDQD1Q0/s640/jijilineershuimincedporkrice.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minced pork rice (肉燥饭), 25 NTD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And I was happy with my short rice noodle soup.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrNrdig36AEyW5-138_jXhWZLrgvzWanNcFMRTmmyQdd8l3ERMeLFvuWDe6lvV5QlmDwsLzw__R49yZ1gfhU8QdiC-PQ6X11iOMIz4rqjxmz5fzL4Fe-DF_KTNP-GrqN3PGX4VYTu_RFQ/s1600/jijilineershuishortricenoodlesoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrNrdig36AEyW5-138_jXhWZLrgvzWanNcFMRTmmyQdd8l3ERMeLFvuWDe6lvV5QlmDwsLzw__R49yZ1gfhU8QdiC-PQ6X11iOMIz4rqjxmz5fzL4Fe-DF_KTNP-GrqN3PGX4VYTu_RFQ/s640/jijilineershuishortricenoodlesoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Short and thick rice noodles in a soup (米苔目), 25 NTD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Without a question, our Jiji line expedition surpassed my expectations, and I couldn't have thought of a better way to spend a day - kudos to our guesthouse host for this wonderful recommendation! The charms of bygone eras are evident on this great little railway route - I truly felt like I'd gone back in time during this journey. So if you're ever in central Taiwan, seriously consider checking out the Jiji railway line and its stops - truly, there are hidden gems lying within worth uncovering.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnQ16wohrnVC1AzoBIb1pPQtuEhUQxTgaSoWYX6QPO4GBlIvOya8C8zYmQDIBe6V_hA7OFpSsIVG8NppFEaCn_l9HkjHJbBKqBaBd3VjDkS1_v7nd5-InUiac0C6d2dujQlgGpRvagnS5/s1600/jijilineershuistreets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnQ16wohrnVC1AzoBIb1pPQtuEhUQxTgaSoWYX6QPO4GBlIvOya8C8zYmQDIBe6V_hA7OFpSsIVG8NppFEaCn_l9HkjHJbBKqBaBd3VjDkS1_v7nd5-InUiac0C6d2dujQlgGpRvagnS5/s640/jijilineershuistreets.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traversing the streets of Ershui.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-17081201708995931932017-07-25T08:39:00.001+10:002017-07-25T08:39:28.297+10:00a stay in puli; a day trip to sun moon lake<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcPltXTzQRlDiBfbCFix1tQ1NKuj-2YZJCaY7f15GyDIqOLJHqw_Y9eO9AuPduFyzXXIaH2DWkwpmV-IRnuGt_SCQez7pRGV1j2PpjoMYC_KKfzPyzUag0QdV1whCgTATNV-_6EZt3gsJ/s1600/sunmoonlakescenery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcPltXTzQRlDiBfbCFix1tQ1NKuj-2YZJCaY7f15GyDIqOLJHqw_Y9eO9AuPduFyzXXIaH2DWkwpmV-IRnuGt_SCQez7pRGV1j2PpjoMYC_KKfzPyzUag0QdV1whCgTATNV-_6EZt3gsJ/s640/sunmoonlakescenery.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views of Sun Moon Lake (日月潭).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
After traversing the east coast and southwest coast of Taiwan, it was time to head to central Taiwan. The main draw there is the famous Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County, of course, and we decided to stay in the nearby Puli Township as a base for our sightseeing.<br />
<span class="fullpost"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kglxTLgj1XR96HRWgjo442l651GoT_MP9wpqsuDLxrzEEEM1v5SFuhyphenhyphenZv9CuxJKRlcctY44gjBstSapgtKz9EwbnURdHZreAMGHQ4yL2CWHk-AmbKhhmhttU6yibMvj_GxG0PXn0rKuH/s1600/pulidumplings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kglxTLgj1XR96HRWgjo442l651GoT_MP9wpqsuDLxrzEEEM1v5SFuhyphenhyphenZv9CuxJKRlcctY44gjBstSapgtKz9EwbnURdHZreAMGHQ4yL2CWHk-AmbKhhmhttU6yibMvj_GxG0PXn0rKuH/s640/pulidumplings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dumplings from an unknown shop in Puli, Nantou ( 埔里鎮,南投縣).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We spent two days and three nights here, and we would spend our days outside of Puli - the first day visiting Sun Moon Lake, which I'll get to in a moment, and the second day exploring the Jiji Railway Line, a wonderfully charming escapade that I look forward to sharing with you in my next post.<br />
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Our nights are spent in Puli, and every night, without fail, we would get bubble tea from Mr. Wish. The drinks are delectable, and the staff there are so friendly. I don't think they get foreigners at their shop very often, as they seemed quite enthusiastic about Simon's presence.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4Q9xgmQVjIZ8qtc9hcpg-YTWuSzo_UoybdRWbpxWZfj5iEU_PoUpOgif-B7tZ9uLufv1Zb0jAdglkyda2tFTN0DVHRztuLmerLhMk51ZxqfEVA7FTJEopu5QZ8awabhyYoZnyvoPl0Jn/s1600/pulimrwishbubbletea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4Q9xgmQVjIZ8qtc9hcpg-YTWuSzo_UoybdRWbpxWZfj5iEU_PoUpOgif-B7tZ9uLufv1Zb0jAdglkyda2tFTN0DVHRztuLmerLhMk51ZxqfEVA7FTJEopu5QZ8awabhyYoZnyvoPl0Jn/s640/pulimrwishbubbletea.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We loved getting drinks from the Mr. Wish bubble tea shop in Puli.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
It goes without saying that we visited the night market in Puli. It is here that we got a glimpse of a totally unexpected scene in these backwaters of Taiwan.<br />
<br />
You get charming sights, such as children playing the magnetic rubber duck fishing game. Cute, tame, and innocent so far, right?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwRnwv00pOF2_deG5Rxce8jFCh76DBvbfX8EVih8uNfosj4dwZdDFnmcwg0sQUT-BLayccTmvy1UHJ7lExUMxgk9HIJ_9c7xybB8aavv16QesqF5NHtYa8XLwCfItJ9WtVDFCS2gLKJyx/s1600/pulinightmarketmagneticfishinggame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwRnwv00pOF2_deG5Rxce8jFCh76DBvbfX8EVih8uNfosj4dwZdDFnmcwg0sQUT-BLayccTmvy1UHJ7lExUMxgk9HIJ_9c7xybB8aavv16QesqF5NHtYa8XLwCfItJ9WtVDFCS2gLKJyx/s640/pulinightmarketmagneticfishinggame.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Innocent fun and games at Puli night market (埔里夜市).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And then... we couldn't believe our eyes when we saw this. I can only describe it as some kind of strange, medieval cruelty.<br />
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So, you know those claw machines where you put in a coin and try to grab a toy and drop it down a chute? Well, this is similar, but instead of a claw, players control a disk, which they use to try to scoop up an actual live fish from the water in the claustrophobic tank and plonk into the chute, thereby winning themselves a prize. The poor tormented fish are clearly distressed and I feel so bad for them - this is next level insane and disturbing stuff.<br />
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Last I heard, the Taiwanese media found out about this fishy arcade game and have reported it on the news with an appropriately disapproving tone. I can't find any further updates in regards to whether it has since been shut down or not, but you'd hope so! Or if they could covert the setup so that it uses fake toy fish instead, that would turn it from a horrible game to an agreeable one. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCa9Pj7A6SDQA-PWcm7MLdKro6Yn6b0poZqT1o_XZJdAxor7alqZTcaF6TByKJPq1l9BSSz9L1IO0qKjn5g-T33ovtVYKzVPnf17kluC7PxRnExXcIJjDlm93bUzZh_TK7g13-vd3MedjE/s1600/pulinightmarketfisharcadegames.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCa9Pj7A6SDQA-PWcm7MLdKro6Yn6b0poZqT1o_XZJdAxor7alqZTcaF6TByKJPq1l9BSSz9L1IO0qKjn5g-T33ovtVYKzVPnf17kluC7PxRnExXcIJjDlm93bUzZh_TK7g13-vd3MedjE/s640/pulinightmarketfisharcadegames.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching live fish arcade game (撈活魚遊戲機).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
But I do want to say that while this is an awful thing, it doesn't define Puli. There are many nice things about this town, and other than this crazy atrocity, the rest of the night market was perfectly pleasant, and we did our usual thing of walking around and purchasing whatever took our fancy.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdNByFscHf1shWUNEDVpxBYRihvnLhV4g5ii2UR0CCHNzofeoBA-5v9x8Exerx0My98ZI3u3KCzhU8bTbWnFd7wy07ixFhlI0L-neo31RYA8BGR2YnCFK_MQAyj1Sjioqb_GstxFG3HkI/s1600/pulinightmarketdeepfriedtofumushroomstall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdNByFscHf1shWUNEDVpxBYRihvnLhV4g5ii2UR0CCHNzofeoBA-5v9x8Exerx0My98ZI3u3KCzhU8bTbWnFd7wy07ixFhlI0L-neo31RYA8BGR2YnCFK_MQAyj1Sjioqb_GstxFG3HkI/s640/pulinightmarketdeepfriedtofumushroomstall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stall selling deep-fried mushrooms and tofu.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I've mentioned before that the Taiwanese love their deep-fried food, and here's another example of how they're very adept in this arena. That's a graceful little cluster of deep-fried mushrooms!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAckCAMhXEkn1cT5UyZENuY55j79akumV8F1lDs371f9S3UG2g_3R4NO2aTHMPghwKZ945f6dfoEKYSVeDIZPpfMaJctjfZ1PW1PI9ttEWSUJh06NX7X26Gui0O-AaHlb5GraoxE28qxC/s1600/pulideepfriedmushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAckCAMhXEkn1cT5UyZENuY55j79akumV8F1lDs371f9S3UG2g_3R4NO2aTHMPghwKZ945f6dfoEKYSVeDIZPpfMaJctjfZ1PW1PI9ttEWSUJh06NX7X26Gui0O-AaHlb5GraoxE28qxC/s640/pulideepfriedmushrooms.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think these are deep-fried golden oyster mushrooms / pleurotus citrinopileatus (珊瑚菇).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The deep-fried tofu is also fantastic. These are appetizing snacks for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, that's for sure!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5GIEkLAHi7b918_zASA5o2zS07rT29VHzELO8qfAC6dFzuUVWG1PiMk2zNyK87DCfbFGWc9xOFZAl7YVt0ndTcF8mz7FOmRmSRONM4jUd52O8uWa6Gc5vAFx0753fIOmeUTYxqtD1NEI/s1600/pulinightmarketfriedtofu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5GIEkLAHi7b918_zASA5o2zS07rT29VHzELO8qfAC6dFzuUVWG1PiMk2zNyK87DCfbFGWc9xOFZAl7YVt0ndTcF8mz7FOmRmSRONM4jUd52O8uWa6Gc5vAFx0753fIOmeUTYxqtD1NEI/s640/pulinightmarketfriedtofu.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious deep-fried tofu.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And for the main course, sizzling noodles with steak and egg on a hot plate. So hearty, so satisfying.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDnUHF_lWF596mU6O3H_cKtg857f853TAOkYJbMNR2USlUOPHnw8Sc_ZMkVpKwBefOJXtCgEgJtCp4k_5_4GrXCedYhJRhjMqWz0LqVrl6UYKQDCuOSnbtSYP9sjxXluvPpSVmYdwzRPn/s1600/pulihotplatesteakeggnoodles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDnUHF_lWF596mU6O3H_cKtg857f853TAOkYJbMNR2USlUOPHnw8Sc_ZMkVpKwBefOJXtCgEgJtCp4k_5_4GrXCedYhJRhjMqWz0LqVrl6UYKQDCuOSnbtSYP9sjxXluvPpSVmYdwzRPn/s640/pulihotplatesteakeggnoodles.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sizzling steak and egg and noodles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
For dessert, I stopped by this stall that sells douhua (soft tofu in sweet syrup) and tangyuan (glutinous rice balls in sweet syrup). It also offers aiyu jelly, tapioca pearls, red bean soup, and green bean soup. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXFf2_OJyuKjFpzQX9SFn6HkAJLV-1x2cT88eXmliWg6SyUWyLZMpZy7vuSEL2R4MiqhuSQyez4oCsAu5FhADgy7P6mmmMHrtAXQRnVTMONx-UbFO2JlJ1bHnij97GUwDRcLuO2X3xiRq/s1600/pulidouhuatangyuanstall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXFf2_OJyuKjFpzQX9SFn6HkAJLV-1x2cT88eXmliWg6SyUWyLZMpZy7vuSEL2R4MiqhuSQyez4oCsAu5FhADgy7P6mmmMHrtAXQRnVTMONx-UbFO2JlJ1bHnij97GUwDRcLuO2X3xiRq/s640/pulidouhuatangyuanstall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert stall. Yeah!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I opted for the sweet potato tangyuan, and it was really lovely. The tangyuan had a bouncy chewy texture and sweet gentle flavour. I liked it a lot.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66eYDxn7FEpgw-kphI64idAqqAZkwA1gLxy5nBf41cBUot879-uTNXjo6hQlColQF3yOPeyBlYbdxQqjTnSNJKuW-DFHeemLX2SbyFPXrPQq4qXZ8N_QQLLmnmYBIDxCIlsBhpSA9HxWc/s1600/pulicoldsweetpotatotangyuandessert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66eYDxn7FEpgw-kphI64idAqqAZkwA1gLxy5nBf41cBUot879-uTNXjo6hQlColQF3yOPeyBlYbdxQqjTnSNJKuW-DFHeemLX2SbyFPXrPQq4qXZ8N_QQLLmnmYBIDxCIlsBhpSA9HxWc/s640/pulicoldsweetpotatotangyuandessert.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A simple yet exquisite cold dessert of sweet potato tangyuan (冰地瓜湯圓) with beans, 35 NTD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
For one of the nights, we did the rare thing of venturing outside of the night market for dinner. We stumbled upon this steamboat or hotpot restaurant (called O God in English, though their website address is oldgod.com.tw), and figured we'd give it a go.<br />
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It was an enjoyable hands-on experience as we each get our own little pots to cook our selected menu items at our table.<br />
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This is the seafood hotpot, I think, though as you can see, other than the fish, clams and prawns on the side, it has other bits and bobs in it as well.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNiQeG0CJp_inAIktEtcTwEddKaUtS8KDPQyrjHuBoBJ8dS-zYn43lsGtFxcx5X7CkAY76lvT8HCH6uaUHU3JbLLsQ99Hvod1mnKi5tu70NwX07RWGGkKudr0rUApbN8pr2SiUUKrY2sU/s1600/puliogodspicyhotpotwithfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNiQeG0CJp_inAIktEtcTwEddKaUtS8KDPQyrjHuBoBJ8dS-zYn43lsGtFxcx5X7CkAY76lvT8HCH6uaUHU3JbLLsQ99Hvod1mnKi5tu70NwX07RWGGkKudr0rUApbN8pr2SiUUKrY2sU/s640/puliogodspicyhotpotwithfish.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotpot exhibit one, from O God spicy hotpot restaurant (老先覺麻辣窯燒鍋).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And this, if I recall correctly, is the pork hotpot.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NnKV4UN2AnYOMR9badf1BrGuOVb9ORb0Qm4iRAQrlx-yHy4UKuBJDQ1T0bZeYSRNctGE43857EMOkENBxY8N0jDnGKhGGsZUsHbaMSM5LIgH_Wr1fHO7htjBhTcuKjYhz30VfAHiopXv/s1600/puliogodspicyhotpotwithpork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NnKV4UN2AnYOMR9badf1BrGuOVb9ORb0Qm4iRAQrlx-yHy4UKuBJDQ1T0bZeYSRNctGE43857EMOkENBxY8N0jDnGKhGGsZUsHbaMSM5LIgH_Wr1fHO7htjBhTcuKjYhz30VfAHiopXv/s640/puliogodspicyhotpotwithpork.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">O God hotpot exhibit two.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And that's all for our time in Puli. Now we move on to our visit to Sun Moon Lake!<br />
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You can take the bus from Puli to Sun Moon Lake; it takes about 40 minutes to get there. Not too shabby!<br />
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The scenery here is indeed pretty.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnRCQAh9ttJQJBatTPQABew0ILbnVAwGFN0cNnkXkYJciKRxON-ZcAoyNA1Tp_hd112q9KRmUJEMNyOnogUyewCJ7__5fI1T5iEHJ3puSoNnY781R4xyMN13qOZ-abIakfs00AxkVs8NK/s1600/sunmoonlakeview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnRCQAh9ttJQJBatTPQABew0ILbnVAwGFN0cNnkXkYJciKRxON-ZcAoyNA1Tp_hd112q9KRmUJEMNyOnogUyewCJ7__5fI1T5iEHJ3puSoNnY781R4xyMN13qOZ-abIakfs00AxkVs8NK/s640/sunmoonlakeview.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The loveliness of Sun Moon Lake in full force here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I will say that not all parts of Sun Moon Lake is as tranquil as it might appear in my photos. The fact is, this is a popular tourist destination, and you get tour buses offloading what can be overwhelming buckets of tourists at various points in the area.<br />
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However, all you have to do is take some initiative to get off the beaten track, and it's not too difficult to get away from the crowds at all if you want to.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yTEsWkjBrsDGVTzXiiXe_GqsnWqkL0q9jVmjg-mmZsXR25PSjnEKe9QqC9k-7NiEkuYVUfRW_m4RRXsEMwu_rlm8CgLcasMd1KFJJdPE5hYTkV7Y7MUbHQWzszl1tZSHuhaJDISyrrse/s1600/sunmoonlakevillage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yTEsWkjBrsDGVTzXiiXe_GqsnWqkL0q9jVmjg-mmZsXR25PSjnEKe9QqC9k-7NiEkuYVUfRW_m4RRXsEMwu_rlm8CgLcasMd1KFJJdPE5hYTkV7Y7MUbHQWzszl1tZSHuhaJDISyrrse/s640/sunmoonlakevillage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quiet aboriginal village in the Sun Moon Lake precinct.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We found our peaceful place in this sweet and sleepy little aboriginal village. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUq3K3K7vi7FuKfivZ1b_z7m34xxuH3fc6Y1VUwXn70thWezTHOzWfJ1R34j3R8aZWa5A5YRju_xVwiPzDQULRiIn4Zs8dSmhM4ahIeFOZq88UjWXHaOFXn0dRDwEWV_S_EEUbxc-3_Pl/s1600/sunmoonlakevillagehut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUq3K3K7vi7FuKfivZ1b_z7m34xxuH3fc6Y1VUwXn70thWezTHOzWfJ1R34j3R8aZWa5A5YRju_xVwiPzDQULRiIn4Zs8dSmhM4ahIeFOZq88UjWXHaOFXn0dRDwEWV_S_EEUbxc-3_Pl/s640/sunmoonlakevillagehut.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An older man relaxing outside his home.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And the best thing was, this adorable dog came up to us while we were taking a break on a bench in the village, so obviously we lavished him (her?) with loving attention and yeah, we gave a bit of our food as well. Look at that cute face! You just can't say no to a face like that. It's impossible.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95zgh8Sa7zCMzWh6uLs4n7IbFb71WbPvvNFl0kMIhyphenhypheniyfmeO7CZYFq6gOUB9Tc8co37bgq5Lz81Qbxxy0Oy9txJd__iuDlbatwoS6vgjwMCQoaAzjeIguleQnL7TrlW9CKf4kGC9oO7kw/s1600/sunmoonlakedog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95zgh8Sa7zCMzWh6uLs4n7IbFb71WbPvvNFl0kMIhyphenhypheniyfmeO7CZYFq6gOUB9Tc8co37bgq5Lz81Qbxxy0Oy9txJd__iuDlbatwoS6vgjwMCQoaAzjeIguleQnL7TrlW9CKf4kGC9oO7kw/s640/sunmoonlakedog.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How can you resist this doglet?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I can't remember where we saw this winsome cat sign, but anyway, I'm sharing it here. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEdNI71RixBFoikrJu4igphST2QILHxEDrRiJMWw1bi5H-XNK83GnqRlmeQYRC3Q5cNBCVBQdrmyNk-Y1O-i3TzwZqb-dfr2MZWsZBQjHkOikwGBERf7fcb0qpeFKcpStR2foTfXqZBhP/s1600/sunmoonlakecatsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEdNI71RixBFoikrJu4igphST2QILHxEDrRiJMWw1bi5H-XNK83GnqRlmeQYRC3Q5cNBCVBQdrmyNk-Y1O-i3TzwZqb-dfr2MZWsZBQjHkOikwGBERf7fcb0qpeFKcpStR2foTfXqZBhP/s640/sunmoonlakecatsign.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Careful! Cat comes and goes. (小心! 貓出沒).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We eventually made our way back to a busier part of Sun Moon Lake, the street market area.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWHqDM-bNrxvvK_4o3sXAQd5nUF44NbDQDUKW34HuiiomCNq4I2GeBI_szb4CaG6U7PoTKPp9rRgiTAeljHukavGWkIzg8qqHzoFYwzjSDdTUUoa1USb6gcFsf_PPfHVTUGPtkXnQtfnI/s1600/sunmoonlakethaogrilledwildboarskewerstall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWHqDM-bNrxvvK_4o3sXAQd5nUF44NbDQDUKW34HuiiomCNq4I2GeBI_szb4CaG6U7PoTKPp9rRgiTAeljHukavGWkIzg8qqHzoFYwzjSDdTUUoa1USb6gcFsf_PPfHVTUGPtkXnQtfnI/s640/sunmoonlakethaogrilledwildboarskewerstall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thao's/Shao's Authentic Grilled Wild Boar Skewers (邵族正宗烤山豬肉串), 1 stick for 35 NTD, 3 for 100 NTD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
When I saw this stall selling grilled wild boar skewers, I knew it was something I had to get. I have had wild boar only a few times in my life, it really is a treat. Here, the wild boar meat had been marinated in a sweet-savoury sauce, and the end result is a very tasty skewer.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5pd3ErnBNiWgBCSgB2tMl8zPkDDHPtKsQ5MD9JtCX6KzcfgjCWXds-TH5tanHTabmc3S1ufj6S_W-aEwgKqPXx4xrL-wmBl3aR7OBiCOBThWXM8ZmkblGg9GS2sNTagkDbbQDjYUN4Kz/s1600/sunmoonlakewildboarmeatskewer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5pd3ErnBNiWgBCSgB2tMl8zPkDDHPtKsQ5MD9JtCX6KzcfgjCWXds-TH5tanHTabmc3S1ufj6S_W-aEwgKqPXx4xrL-wmBl3aR7OBiCOBThWXM8ZmkblGg9GS2sNTagkDbbQDjYUN4Kz/s640/sunmoonlakewildboarmeatskewer.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A grilled wild boar kabob.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Sun Moon Lake is a picturesque attraction for sure. It didn't quite knock our socks off, but admittedly we didn't get there in time for sunrise, and we didn't stay for sunset, either. Moreover, while we hopped on the shuttle boat, we didn't take the cable car ride, which probably would have been quite awesome. It's also supposed to be good for cycling and hiking. Thus, there is definitely a lot of potential here that we didn't completely seize. So, for those of you who are curious about Sun Moon Lake, perhaps when you go, you can try out some of the activities we neglected - and I'd love to hear you report back on your experience!<br />
</span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-25109620024041422892017-07-16T14:36:00.000+10:002017-07-16T14:36:17.458+10:00tainan: old-world charm, fish noodles, and cat cafes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5yx3aw4IwN09n-45pmxr3UlqSP25yx_RTbcZ-3g1L4qdgYtm23aYUFmofrUmD7N2IHgmRx9NwzFWzGB6ZheNpygwbEv9DNSVYzhIsq2J-2YtfXEJqQ8a8VH8K2OO-K35qyKmeFEp76bd/s1600/tainananpinggeese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5yx3aw4IwN09n-45pmxr3UlqSP25yx_RTbcZ-3g1L4qdgYtm23aYUFmofrUmD7N2IHgmRx9NwzFWzGB6ZheNpygwbEv9DNSVYzhIsq2J-2YtfXEJqQ8a8VH8K2OO-K35qyKmeFEp76bd/s640/tainananpinggeese.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating out, with a side of geese, in Tainan (台南). </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So look, I have pretty much good things to say about every place we visited in Taiwan, but I'm going to come right out and play favourites here: I am particularly fond of Tainan. This city has so much character - it's just such a beautifully warm blend of old and new. On one side you may see little shops that look like they have been around for centuries, offering traditional goods and services that are increasingly rare in the modern world. On another, you might come across youthful, trendy stores and eateries with cosmopolitan vibes and experimental twists.<br />
<span class="fullpost"><br />
Just to give you an idea of what I'm talking about, this traditional puppet parade was one of the first things we stumbled upon on our first day exploring Tainan city. I think it's part of some Taoist ceremony, but that's my best guess. I asked a local bystander, and she didn't know, either!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAtXnRv09zCpivWMzi3f5uVCvVXHRHzOk4WSbm8pHATYPiwlNcmG35IEoQ7WMIKFK0Ows0m_NVmtdqQHVoafGEPpkfIbG0r-VxNG47h-IBoYsj1b24tKPk6ktW11VW-wNspUxEO_OKKRi/s1600/tainanpuppetparade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAtXnRv09zCpivWMzi3f5uVCvVXHRHzOk4WSbm8pHATYPiwlNcmG35IEoQ7WMIKFK0Ows0m_NVmtdqQHVoafGEPpkfIbG0r-VxNG47h-IBoYsj1b24tKPk6ktW11VW-wNspUxEO_OKKRi/s640/tainanpuppetparade.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant puppet parade in Tainan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Soon after that, we strolled by a roadside setup where you can try your hand at making a traditional Taiwanese candy with sugar and baking soda, a crunchy treat similar to what you might know as honeycomb, hokey-pokey, or cinder toffee.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZ_8kV4CN0LQVS8ERBN6JzFNY1tjUZTJa-cwWlazBNQdhkKa-IA9c0iLW2UPYW2pPFCl6zhFCJvpv9imvu1r0oq3AGEpeokjF5DmJvDMGPycucHAOPEDFQtTHKB4UcpNfKNLpN3UZnP__/s1600/tainancookingtaiwanesecandyhoneycombtoffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZ_8kV4CN0LQVS8ERBN6JzFNY1tjUZTJa-cwWlazBNQdhkKa-IA9c0iLW2UPYW2pPFCl6zhFCJvpv9imvu1r0oq3AGEpeokjF5DmJvDMGPycucHAOPEDFQtTHKB4UcpNfKNLpN3UZnP__/s640/tainancookingtaiwanesecandyhoneycombtoffee.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking candy in the streets of Tainan (煮碰糖).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
One moment, we'd be eating "top scholar" cakes (狀元糕) - traditional little rice cakes steamed in curious contraptions that look like mini totem poles, with ground peanuts or black sesame...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwlkvXlWJTVLpeur_aiXP7UPz7-V2bvOYyUG41GMIaXfkfI-Crqq5PMFgXCi3m5rpJqxjrfrAXbIWt3CnwlGjsER9F8Z5XiZvKCB1iSHLSYWsTrKDOgngc2k0tJSi0bQGraLFqONsZbzp/s1600/tainananpingsteamedricecakestopscholarcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwlkvXlWJTVLpeur_aiXP7UPz7-V2bvOYyUG41GMIaXfkfI-Crqq5PMFgXCi3m5rpJqxjrfrAXbIWt3CnwlGjsER9F8Z5XiZvKCB1iSHLSYWsTrKDOgngc2k0tJSi0bQGraLFqONsZbzp/s640/tainananpingsteamedricecakestopscholarcakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top scholar cakes, also sometimes translated as champion cakes, from Wang's stall (王家庄狀元粿).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
But another moment we'd be eating mini Belgian-style waffle ice cream sandwiches.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DWJzyywTrr5Lp0ue8qDj0bWl1ED1_VHFd2-Qh9k4e9lhkeajoFwwVISQpBFRvgiuFP_f-f9aFCFB2rRpJ87Of7kjhJUUk1_6bV9PD4V7nqCZWmmoMdkHPjeSOhtLBeOwFXqL0tSznmD3/s1600/tainangoldhousebelgianwaffleicecreamsandwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DWJzyywTrr5Lp0ue8qDj0bWl1ED1_VHFd2-Qh9k4e9lhkeajoFwwVISQpBFRvgiuFP_f-f9aFCFB2rRpJ87Of7kjhJUUk1_6bV9PD4V7nqCZWmmoMdkHPjeSOhtLBeOwFXqL0tSznmD3/s640/tainangoldhousebelgianwaffleicecreamsandwich.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belgian waffles with ice cream from Gold House (金色小屋比利時松餅).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We'd slurp down delicious douhua (豆花) - tofu pudding - from well-established shops that specialize precisely in this type of dessert. You can get it in the basic original flavour, which is simply sweetened, or you can get it with toppings such as red beans (adzuki), green beans (mung), tapioca pearls, lemon, and barley. You may see tofu, or bean curd, with a subtle grayish tinge - these are made from black soy beans instead of the usual yellow ones. Some shops add charcoal, making the gray colour way more distinctive and prominent.<br />
<br />
I am partial to getting my sweet soybean curds with red bean topping,<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KIDObO_Vj8Y/WWTeeuRGt3I/AAAAAAAAGTs/1R6Nk_1nteMdc_UYRT1wCLcBGAs/s1600/tainanmaojitofudessertredbean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Va0LDOF7IOBL1FyoPPfr5btMYUR_hFXRc3SwvGl6Y1nin65b9Pni30aKTmcZB7RVdU6d5HEeZ6_jdG_7ljGMj0zg7lwioR74D4t2iYSVicvcA1VAatd5cOgZVRRreUuiJ7KwViTBbLE_/s640/tainanmaojitofudessertredbean.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black soy bean tofu pudding with red bean topping from Mao's Black Sweet Tofu. (茂記黑豆花大王赤崁店)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
While Simon can never seem to resist getting them with black tapioca pearls.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCw7B_SLNKB1zcAj400aL2oXAwG2gnkCfuafv48rU2l_PkWtamRe17ktrNvmUb-kY1lKcwHPhK2gBwb1-ZuAav95gZSGo7so_C2jZQoXeK-r4806bOZPhXdhpxBu164pu7JeVfzPtg7wi/s1600/tainananpingtapiocapearlbeanjelly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCw7B_SLNKB1zcAj400aL2oXAwG2gnkCfuafv48rU2l_PkWtamRe17ktrNvmUb-kY1lKcwHPhK2gBwb1-ZuAav95gZSGo7so_C2jZQoXeK-r4806bOZPhXdhpxBu164pu7JeVfzPtg7wi/s640/tainananpingtapiocapearlbeanjelly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tofu pudding with pearls from Tong's Anping Bean Jelly (同記安平豆花).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And we'd indulge in sweets from this sleek Japanese dessert shop - at the time we went, it also had <br />
a casual photo exhibition in the upstairs dining area, and I think the pictures were from the shop owner's travels - so that was pretty interesting.<br />
<br />
This fish-shaped cake, known in Japan as taiyaki, has an exterior that is made with a batter similar to what is used for pancakes or waffles.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqifPZF_4dqKjwXJ6nWKhNl091_3V089R33kTLIbObrPlSW9xyJcOEu40KhuzeaeTIKaGW66UJOkgCfhHw5sA79-ZAIkwqKkq-TeQp3ir-ZQBv15H14FIIaPf9KzHC8zfA6YAFx_AKY1f/s1600/tainanhanamiujimatcharedbeantaiyaki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqifPZF_4dqKjwXJ6nWKhNl091_3V089R33kTLIbObrPlSW9xyJcOEu40KhuzeaeTIKaGW66UJOkgCfhHw5sA79-ZAIkwqKkq-TeQp3ir-ZQBv15H14FIIaPf9KzHC8zfA6YAFx_AKY1f/s640/tainanhanamiujimatcharedbeantaiyaki.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red bean and matcha taiyaki (紅豆抹茶鯛魚燒) from Hanami UJI Matcha WA-Sweets (宇治花見), 25 NTD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The filling is part red bean paste, part matcha cream, and it is absolutely divine, especially when the whole thing is still fresh and warm. The sweetness of the red bean paste and the gentle bitterness of the matcha cream complement each other wonderfully.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljLWA8xGC59pU9JKMm_xAJa8K8WzzcUzEv-gpbTzV9JS-N4RY7Hd8gZ_mggLep4HeKkfiqgrl_k_ryBEljvpczEuprY2izQGhMq3fGyyOMIUI3N56R1fL0T2oNh6LM3ZW4uA0CEWA4eJL/s1600/tainanhanamidessertshopredbeanmatchataiyaki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljLWA8xGC59pU9JKMm_xAJa8K8WzzcUzEv-gpbTzV9JS-N4RY7Hd8gZ_mggLep4HeKkfiqgrl_k_ryBEljvpczEuprY2izQGhMq3fGyyOMIUI3N56R1fL0T2oNh6LM3ZW4uA0CEWA4eJL/s640/tainanhanamidessertshopredbeanmatchataiyaki.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The taiyaki's crisp exterior and lush fillings are a seriously fabulous combination.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And if you feel like something cold, there's the combination milk-and-matcha soft serve. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49zt_3VTwJhhFv3kHLTBmTvcE8V7iKb_4zctL8zyy3PQ0cXb50UDv4w8scOiYVJCL1Nx72nYT_5jbBml0f8RyRhPfNJcOIFTn72koNa3gzE0ECfMIAE45JGtZYeWIR_P6g93zvV6eufuu/s1600/tainanhanamimilkmatchaicecream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49zt_3VTwJhhFv3kHLTBmTvcE8V7iKb_4zctL8zyy3PQ0cXb50UDv4w8scOiYVJCL1Nx72nYT_5jbBml0f8RyRhPfNJcOIFTn72koNa3gzE0ECfMIAE45JGtZYeWIR_P6g93zvV6eufuu/s640/tainanhanamimilkmatchaicecream.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The soft serve milk-and-matcha twist, 80 NTD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
One thing I really wanted to try in Taiwan are fish noodles, which are not noodles and fish, but literally noodles made from fish. It's not terribly common - there's supposed to be a fish noodle stall in Cijin Island of Kaohsiung that's excellent, but it wasn't open when we went there. So it was to my delight that I found that there were two shops in Tainan that do handmade fish noodles!<br />
<br />
At both places, I tried the fish noodles, as well as fish dumplings. As I've mentioned, the noodles are made from fish, but the cool thing is that the dough for the fish dumpling skin contains fish as well. Meanwhile, it seems that the dumpling filling is typically pork or a combination of fish and pork.<br />
<br />
We went to the Xia Family Handmade Fish Noodle Shop first.<br />
<br />
Behold their fish noodles... <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V-Yr37v7HNRFgADEPE1vvEs2agxg3Ojkp9mtX3nJyrXl_AcJcksACzaznmsqaVPITDeYoLThamDW7v_XccC9SzD4-HIygmiwSUMYMz1yPJa9MXqYKCaWRChP7BJjNyZ7Szpg7L1q0t9Q/s1600/tainanxiafamilyhandmadefishnoodlesoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V-Yr37v7HNRFgADEPE1vvEs2agxg3Ojkp9mtX3nJyrXl_AcJcksACzaznmsqaVPITDeYoLThamDW7v_XccC9SzD4-HIygmiwSUMYMz1yPJa9MXqYKCaWRChP7BJjNyZ7Szpg7L1q0t9Q/s640/tainanxiafamilyhandmadefishnoodlesoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xia's fish noodle soup (夏家手工魚麵), 45 NTD for a small bowl, 70 NTD for large.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And their fish dumplings.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyr1kCpMX58QhuVDXbjFBNWOif7at5WOUwVPmnvS5p7ObZXATaJQg-x9blLeKd2PBM3oa_UYRTA8FVVWcxwCFj69F7QyOc_3NrpjrpErEnIf8o8UWVM5d87AFKup2LIfBFVr9R95brBU7/s1600/tainanxiafamilyfishdumplingsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyr1kCpMX58QhuVDXbjFBNWOif7at5WOUwVPmnvS5p7ObZXATaJQg-x9blLeKd2PBM3oa_UYRTA8FVVWcxwCFj69F7QyOc_3NrpjrpErEnIf8o8UWVM5d87AFKup2LIfBFVr9R95brBU7/s640/tainanxiafamilyfishdumplingsoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xia's fish dumpling soup (夏家魚餃湯), 30 NTD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Then we sampled the fish noodles from Zhuo Family Shantou Fish Noodle Shop...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYN9y1-IyeTIg9dU8YzC1O1PitD3SSyaLHM3YUlEqYL079yGiWJPJiIpYJfZ-y-Pgy_2gMcZieh-Fxi6fJp3KPBnSea4BW7go0p0iVSqqpVTZC-Qvy2FxpWehUWJrGf8PyHY4jfQmpUuF1/s1600/tainanzhuofamilyshantoufishnoodlesoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYN9y1-IyeTIg9dU8YzC1O1PitD3SSyaLHM3YUlEqYL079yGiWJPJiIpYJfZ-y-Pgy_2gMcZieh-Fxi6fJp3KPBnSea4BW7go0p0iVSqqpVTZC-Qvy2FxpWehUWJrGf8PyHY4jfQmpUuF1/s640/tainanzhuofamilyshantoufishnoodlesoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zhuo's fish noodle soup (卓家汕頭魚麵), 45 NTD for a small bowl, 75 NTD for large.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And also their fish dumplings.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdz5W2cQrVVk3SYaGQ_T4CNR5j90-rX-5KW2DznUz6AbVpBvSCyMHZ9uVMeVbqtp5epaJp-5uMpjBEvmJDmxryuci4Yogop2cZo0eAISQlp2LW1w3FgjN6t4lTIYTqJ_MenIZA0YhN8Laj/s1600/tainanzhuofamilyfishdumplingsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdz5W2cQrVVk3SYaGQ_T4CNR5j90-rX-5KW2DznUz6AbVpBvSCyMHZ9uVMeVbqtp5epaJp-5uMpjBEvmJDmxryuci4Yogop2cZo0eAISQlp2LW1w3FgjN6t4lTIYTqJ_MenIZA0YhN8Laj/s640/tainanzhuofamilyfishdumplingsoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zhuo's fish dumpling soup (卓家魚餃湯), 35 NTD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Honestly, it's been so long that I can't remember if one of the fish noodle shops was obviously better than the other one. In any case, they're both well-regarded and are located within a 10-minute walking distance to each other, so if you're in the area, it totally makes sense to try both anyway.<br />
<br />
After eating fish noodles, relaxing in a cat cafe with a drink is a good idea. We went to two cat cafes in Tainan, and we found them to be superbly pleasant. We were entertained by the cats, and the cats seemed content and comfortable with the cafe setting and can easily choose to engage with guests or peace out in a safe space, which is so important, and exactly how cat cafes should be.<br />
<br />
(AT) Cats & Tea is the more elaborate one, with a generous number of cats, and lots of space.<br />
<br />
The bright orange sign was very effective in getting our attention.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitT7mtw9orPOKEZRUYuJhDF12uwjMlCPYqNNocewxkx6AvLN0CX8yWw3HQuEozqFnxvMfsEYGdMvU-nvilqUFf3ZgZoCR4PLad6Ys1U_R_tF78fvWxWIHMIm_9WDvgh8D25DdunluKOAW4/s1600/tainanatcatsandteacatcafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitT7mtw9orPOKEZRUYuJhDF12uwjMlCPYqNNocewxkx6AvLN0CX8yWw3HQuEozqFnxvMfsEYGdMvU-nvilqUFf3ZgZoCR4PLad6Ys1U_R_tF78fvWxWIHMIm_9WDvgh8D25DdunluKOAW4/s640/tainanatcatsandteacatcafe.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(AT) Cats & Tea (茶飲輕食) cat cafe in Tainan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We found this cute grumpy cat amusing. Despite the disdainful expression, it was amenable to being patted.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eUo9OUJR91nsVYrhPlxMqzyPBLanjaN8taRRMuskyngOPKP-ZBDsBUD8L39E2VZjESBMJHVzbjihqx-napKpjSw8k8YHA7ffcChWEBLz-wwwPqvKFFp8hhx9ufP2Q6wkudZlMDrnsVfm/s1600/tainancatsandteacatcafefluffywhitecatgrumpyface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eUo9OUJR91nsVYrhPlxMqzyPBLanjaN8taRRMuskyngOPKP-ZBDsBUD8L39E2VZjESBMJHVzbjihqx-napKpjSw8k8YHA7ffcChWEBLz-wwwPqvKFFp8hhx9ufP2Q6wkudZlMDrnsVfm/s640/tainancatsandteacatcafefluffywhitecatgrumpyface.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cat with grumpy face at Cats & Tea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And how about this adorable tabby being all loaf-like on a chair?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dq9rIRFTAjjyuW4UDXyhDuGG9zDb3NiZ01C-ueWeaQTLFxUqq6jfsDnVnLm9CcMuqnwVAtEjJhAaUBMN1BmvW8Fb4dos091fk_WYsEMraQ-ZVSjZ6911qe_joPwF6lEM_lc_hncuypC_/s1600/tainancatsandteacatcafetabbycat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dq9rIRFTAjjyuW4UDXyhDuGG9zDb3NiZ01C-ueWeaQTLFxUqq6jfsDnVnLm9CcMuqnwVAtEjJhAaUBMN1BmvW8Fb4dos091fk_WYsEMraQ-ZVSjZ6911qe_joPwF6lEM_lc_hncuypC_/s640/tainancatsandteacatcafetabbycat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tabby loaf at Cats & Tea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Oh, my heart.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tvlxMdKigUUthBJ1wJR3tnqYPCD3m-CSUZ2Hmx_5C90EDKJEXRpWJkkNXjw9hGM0rqLthvZeL9HcCzLzgWVb_GWU1-sCyVLg4RISO7ZKbhA3shSe-4Wirs6LjSbtXrQxBdfRqkPKILs0/s1600/tainancatsandteabluepointcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tvlxMdKigUUthBJ1wJR3tnqYPCD3m-CSUZ2Hmx_5C90EDKJEXRpWJkkNXjw9hGM0rqLthvZeL9HcCzLzgWVb_GWU1-sCyVLg4RISO7ZKbhA3shSe-4Wirs6LjSbtXrQxBdfRqkPKILs0/s640/tainancatsandteabluepointcat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fluffy blue-point cat taking a cat nap at Cats & Tea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The other one we went to, Cafe Moment, is a very modest setup in comparison. It's more like a cafe that happens to have a couple of cats hanging around all casual-like, rather than the expected style of cat cafe that has more of a playground element to it, if you know what I mean.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzzJobI49ZcKXgebsLaltaYr-WsY6gpcnNfu1OB7P4TSBr80o3OPCSODpEhN9rTFEnZoZxzmA5eZMdc_loSO6AP-_Q_yCzv1SfZ0oKqxPIJ9dkPDLAJld5ggrwtG89FuYXnF8Czko9t3F/s1600/tainancafemomentcatcafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzzJobI49ZcKXgebsLaltaYr-WsY6gpcnNfu1OB7P4TSBr80o3OPCSODpEhN9rTFEnZoZxzmA5eZMdc_loSO6AP-_Q_yCzv1SfZ0oKqxPIJ9dkPDLAJld5ggrwtG89FuYXnF8Czko9t3F/s640/tainancafemomentcatcafe.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe moment (貓門咖啡).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I think we saw two cats while we were there. This cutie was there by itself for awhile before another one made an appearance.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZgm13kkLH-wxbjZb5ErL-uvHn6uXsjtW0Gn8S7HbrVxhAAny3FDaOfp6SqDD_rXq4ddbXMWwsfYu9AGN1NsHWeDOKztq84-Wq9ZdSMuH5MKF-mWYUwb18b-qfO22itQ9Gltne34r1-9I/s1600/tainancafemomentcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZgm13kkLH-wxbjZb5ErL-uvHn6uXsjtW0Gn8S7HbrVxhAAny3FDaOfp6SqDD_rXq4ddbXMWwsfYu9AGN1NsHWeDOKztq84-Wq9ZdSMuH5MKF-mWYUwb18b-qfO22itQ9Gltne34r1-9I/s640/tainancafemomentcat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the cats at Cafe Moment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The menu has such a sweet personal touch, and the coffee here is so very pretty!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kF-IdjruIG8YPXCt4HXP6VeT1-lSto0m2ZIUOs_xSI0tm1RgkjSeoK-CXjtQLKcqtMP6bobiEHsjInPlr3c8WGq9qKH6GEGwBduKCOcyez2Ghii21I0Fq_qIbVMlAw-p9_uumWgbCIoc/s1600/tainancafemomentcoffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kF-IdjruIG8YPXCt4HXP6VeT1-lSto0m2ZIUOs_xSI0tm1RgkjSeoK-CXjtQLKcqtMP6bobiEHsjInPlr3c8WGq9qKH6GEGwBduKCOcyez2Ghii21I0Fq_qIbVMlAw-p9_uumWgbCIoc/s640/tainancafemomentcoffee.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe Moment menu and coffee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I didn't mean for this post to end up being so long, but seriously, it could have been much longer, with way more pictures, more thoughts. There are many things I enjoyed in Tainan, and this is but a mere glimpse of what it has to offer. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxYqZX-xOqDXq_3oOsDeAgOg0k4bz1IEuKVrME3LsSSFWb2Y8FOUfw6gC9XXmqNgdBMUWyHMjclwWmKXf-1X2WLqNvEfETv_eIYF6RWhR750qE6SKSpLhTVDI7yBmefobv1o4CvYgllf-/s1600/tainankoxingashrinedragonfountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxYqZX-xOqDXq_3oOsDeAgOg0k4bz1IEuKVrME3LsSSFWb2Y8FOUfw6gC9XXmqNgdBMUWyHMjclwWmKXf-1X2WLqNvEfETv_eIYF6RWhR750qE6SKSpLhTVDI7yBmefobv1o4CvYgllf-/s640/tainankoxingashrinedragonfountain.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragon fountain at Koxinga Ancestral Shrine (鄭成功祖廟).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So I say, if you get the opportunity, go stroll the streets of Tainan, and experience its charms for yourself!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivb7D52U2S439nfnxIhIU2fvg3W5sE7TPNz_-1b2KZ7u-Ra4V8NbnKz4cXubmFovprNpmoa18430xdHDlFk3jWBHQliI5ZTmoIBTnTto8JwD94xgLYt2LXrrBAgbX4xCAQoxuLf2r2_W3d/s1600/tainananpingdistrict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivb7D52U2S439nfnxIhIU2fvg3W5sE7TPNz_-1b2KZ7u-Ra4V8NbnKz4cXubmFovprNpmoa18430xdHDlFk3jWBHQliI5ZTmoIBTnTto8JwD94xgLYt2LXrrBAgbX4xCAQoxuLf2r2_W3d/s640/tainananpingdistrict.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A walk in Tainan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-39002750982199999082017-06-28T19:10:00.000+10:002017-06-28T19:10:25.655+10:00artsy kaohsiung, salty soy milk, and a day trip to cijin island<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-60KdZEMevwFySmm2SbtZ8iGoUlwRN292vjedhmhCKuoYNMYMsu9lVAXvwWlfASp4R7iA8nsdFb4YZrLbhp5jQapZ3VfVJwz4fPPkxmftxKIWLUCXDTNEpIJyRn3C_je3sVKQSMTaab9i/s1600/kaohsiungloveriveratnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-60KdZEMevwFySmm2SbtZ8iGoUlwRN292vjedhmhCKuoYNMYMsu9lVAXvwWlfASp4R7iA8nsdFb4YZrLbhp5jQapZ3VfVJwz4fPPkxmftxKIWLUCXDTNEpIJyRn3C_je3sVKQSMTaab9i/s640/kaohsiungloveriveratnight.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love River (愛河) at night in Kaohsiung city (高雄市) is quite a sight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I'll be honest - at first glance, I wasn't particularly enamoured with Kaohsiung: the term "concrete jungle" comes to mind.<br />
<br />
But it didn't take long for us to discover the charms the lie within this busy city.<br />
<span class="fullpost"><br />
Let me just say this - if you go to Kaohsiung, you should definitely check out the Pier-2 Art Center (駁二藝術特區). It's a laid-back presentation of art like I'd never seen before - a lovely open space, dotted with converted warehouses, and you can just stroll around enjoying what is basically a park filled with whimsical creative delights.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhMUxZMFxHI430KCKwqGlq0CACm_SgmtyNkJIjvsEnPz5A6c0DH_9jnABnVUkOxGwv21LiOsWAXFd9mSuLMg8E2fbLR3iawi9V3BrM-USC2HgTTwFwePyQROGBjfSMIGcmv6w_D2YoeKG/s1600/kaohsiungpier2artcenter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1200" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhMUxZMFxHI430KCKwqGlq0CACm_SgmtyNkJIjvsEnPz5A6c0DH_9jnABnVUkOxGwv21LiOsWAXFd9mSuLMg8E2fbLR3iawi9V3BrM-USC2HgTTwFwePyQROGBjfSMIGcmv6w_D2YoeKG/s640/kaohsiungpier2artcenter.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">“Sit here, do nothing”, by artist Chi-Ying Lee (駁二最大咖 - 「一起坐著,甚麼也不做」</span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">,</span>李紀瑩).</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Bumblebee from Transformers is probably the most popular installation here. Just about everyone wants to get a picture of this famous and fabulous robot!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX19IcxzJWZOL_SfTDcGwzPGAjCEnJStV6f7vQouBNPW-io6Jdj5bLXcN3IMXsVBesJghobgkjfnYC6JbuMgz41xWbWEJRmXf83ejwLKdNhtkHm-tXh0PcVwMQOBf1LrqjSVNDKQ1V8ctw/s1600/kaohsiungbumblebeetransformers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1200" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX19IcxzJWZOL_SfTDcGwzPGAjCEnJStV6f7vQouBNPW-io6Jdj5bLXcN3IMXsVBesJghobgkjfnYC6JbuMgz41xWbWEJRmXf83ejwLKdNhtkHm-tXh0PcVwMQOBf1LrqjSVNDKQ1V8ctw/s640/kaohsiungbumblebeetransformers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transformers Bumblebee (變形金剛大黃蜂).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
There's a grassy defunct railway area littered with various metal art installations, such as this giant suitcase.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIoQZOYhqBPMvuhKlucoRQ14KJ0KCbCVeops1wQ1E1-jTdvXnU8ALVyuZAl3kPGV2HcEvNCVcKc1ibFZC0dTJAyTqNnyPLLtSvNHD72ebAgEtqxMKno4TmL_vzSpAxPdtlRb8Dk7VD6mZ/s1600/kaohsiungpier2artdistrict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIoQZOYhqBPMvuhKlucoRQ14KJ0KCbCVeops1wQ1E1-jTdvXnU8ALVyuZAl3kPGV2HcEvNCVcKc1ibFZC0dTJAyTqNnyPLLtSvNHD72ebAgEtqxMKno4TmL_vzSpAxPdtlRb8Dk7VD6mZ/s640/kaohsiungpier2artdistrict.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suitcase by artist <span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">Yu-Sheng Chen (旅行箱</span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">,</span>陳右昇).</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And a green living sculpture of a chameleon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgna_HbCkxC82t2MTrsBAuEFMHsyyDqwV4Q02gFtTjbBkGgiGBjgw8X6op4U6tEfsELIRmnu3RU5DRcbKbFNpqdODOKxtPgTNRHgbSYpo4R00EhsoQ0Oibij9j8zpR5UemwDNMtae_ctO/s1600/kaohsiungpier2outdoorartchameleon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgna_HbCkxC82t2MTrsBAuEFMHsyyDqwV4Q02gFtTjbBkGgiGBjgw8X6op4U6tEfsELIRmnu3RU5DRcbKbFNpqdODOKxtPgTNRHgbSYpo4R00EhsoQ0Oibij9j8zpR5UemwDNMtae_ctO/s640/kaohsiungpier2outdoorartchameleon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chameleon (變色龍).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And if you're feeling peckish, there's usually someone selling a bite to eat, somewhere... this is Taiwan, after all. This vendor here sells egg cakes, and it looks like she's got quite the doggy fanbase!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOOtswKnZJapi0-Yse7qcUhysQw6Y-c8JYYySBJBHt8uYtN4mjYS75NVaEwNhsqTYxFfC0csJjImk_8cj_KW9SQr_K55QH65CZJ9BFiynzSC52T0MYSEmeceJ4M0RHS7oXbNg7RgsKfkh/s1600/kaohsiungpier2artcentersnacksanddogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOOtswKnZJapi0-Yse7qcUhysQw6Y-c8JYYySBJBHt8uYtN4mjYS75NVaEwNhsqTYxFfC0csJjImk_8cj_KW9SQr_K55QH65CZJ9BFiynzSC52T0MYSEmeceJ4M0RHS7oXbNg7RgsKfkh/s640/kaohsiungpier2artcentersnacksanddogs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who wants egg cakes? We do! When do we want it? Now!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
You'll also see weird and wonderful things, like cats with hands for heads... or at least that's what I think they are.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hJaQQkglnXm72wDAxZgrQZ9LyUz0CAE7YVMSMwXj4z9LTPI9i6-6Dcy8CmXWSAhyphenhyphenKbsBTcvW2UE_1ppAUCsy_0qXMx8eEO0Vtl-f1Ohtz015IQdriPBjQh6Qz_aa3r6PktK14O4kT28U/s1600/kaohsiungpier2catsculptures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hJaQQkglnXm72wDAxZgrQZ9LyUz0CAE7YVMSMwXj4z9LTPI9i6-6Dcy8CmXWSAhyphenhyphenKbsBTcvW2UE_1ppAUCsy_0qXMx8eEO0Vtl-f1Ohtz015IQdriPBjQh6Qz_aa3r6PktK14O4kT28U/s640/kaohsiungpier2catsculptures.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cats with hands for heads (貓的身體<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">,</span>手的頭).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And you'll see these male and female figurines dotted all over the place, decorated in different themes. These ones appear to be fashioned after auto-racing cars. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWl_HV2F2imQxJj2NnYeTJwvg71jxrQBswV5Qb1jfK0A9A8LS0NDP1NMFSoaw-7t3UyEOp2BO2KbRrUO7u0FDoWegWfD0d232Hx8JKj7Jji-yW5pDiY8FG2-_Z68FrYBbRYPe3NbPVlG67/s1600/kaohsiungpier2robotcharacters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWl_HV2F2imQxJj2NnYeTJwvg71jxrQBswV5Qb1jfK0A9A8LS0NDP1NMFSoaw-7t3UyEOp2BO2KbRrUO7u0FDoWegWfD0d232Hx8JKj7Jji-yW5pDiY8FG2-_Z68FrYBbRYPe3NbPVlG67/s640/kaohsiungpier2robotcharacters.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pier-2 figurines (駁二藝術特區的公仔).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
There are some old houses in the area... I don't think they're part of the art stuff going on, but I couldn't help but notice their dilapidated beauty.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8qPV4Mv7-LngCrgV0XZf9eZx0BOeFfMJNxIZ3l1Gwg0EsQi-R_ZLfi79Opgmv97KwJQy2GB1l3128eFyLeNArZ3tTM-spRh6YagP-1LY3UQeNwwrkWstPlUsyAiHEKktwcEoGUOf8eEL/s1600/kaohsiungbuildingdilapidatedbeauty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8qPV4Mv7-LngCrgV0XZf9eZx0BOeFfMJNxIZ3l1Gwg0EsQi-R_ZLfi79Opgmv97KwJQy2GB1l3128eFyLeNArZ3tTM-spRh6YagP-1LY3UQeNwwrkWstPlUsyAiHEKktwcEoGUOf8eEL/s640/kaohsiungbuildingdilapidatedbeauty.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old dilapidated house.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This one looks more well-maintained and spruced-up. Check out that bold colour-blocking on those walls! I think it's kind of adorable.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByIPWD6dPZKjtsq75e6NQq-1P4z4GeNoNF9Ui3Zl6dd8u13d6x5UC_KSVtmcHiLrl6PZIqyiK5YkKqPTDgUVIAOeHQxIZFN-p2BTdluCeMWZmH2T5s8vrxNpwWVCUhGqiXS1qpk_mJowg/s1600/kaohsiungcolourblockedarchitecture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByIPWD6dPZKjtsq75e6NQq-1P4z4GeNoNF9Ui3Zl6dd8u13d6x5UC_KSVtmcHiLrl6PZIqyiK5YkKqPTDgUVIAOeHQxIZFN-p2BTdluCeMWZmH2T5s8vrxNpwWVCUhGqiXS1qpk_mJowg/s640/kaohsiungcolourblockedarchitecture.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colour-blocked house.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So as you can see, there is more than one side to Kaohsiung.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyME7sAeSVs14c9X05F1LcLZoE7nqeQ9Z09AqA4JMLhh-n3qUOUBZvYCgwQCfiZSC8LBSN7I2fg7FveZMfaJK_cQ91VBPA9aMdvcX0W_OObeGM15f4zrHO5tfFwevta2J4G8z32we-vkl/s1600/kaohsiungasliceoflife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyME7sAeSVs14c9X05F1LcLZoE7nqeQ9Z09AqA4JMLhh-n3qUOUBZvYCgwQCfiZSC8LBSN7I2fg7FveZMfaJK_cQ91VBPA9aMdvcX0W_OObeGM15f4zrHO5tfFwevta2J4G8z32we-vkl/s640/kaohsiungasliceoflife.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A slice of life in Kaohsiung.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
But Pier-2 Art Center is not the only place in Kaohsiung where you can find art.<br />
<br />
While wandering around, we stumbled upon the Houyi shopping area in the Sanmin district. The stores here are wholesale businesses, but apparently they sell to walk-in customers as well. What really caught our attention, though, were these colourful umbrellas when we looked up! I don't know if they were a temporary or permanent feature, but they were very captivating indeed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWGfWrddUyHag6q6ZbHmH2RFQsK0y3rirYu3Xn-0rCEXrOBouw9CwNqZUjjRUnqdqm2_qzKD5EGzjD9s-OmhtWpVy_YnHdVnVmRRv1r8tMhrZz-YlSzhJw1ESCBWDdD_TjMNEWrkGRNzf/s1600/kaohsiungumbrellas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1200" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWGfWrddUyHag6q6ZbHmH2RFQsK0y3rirYu3Xn-0rCEXrOBouw9CwNqZUjjRUnqdqm2_qzKD5EGzjD9s-OmhtWpVy_YnHdVnVmRRv1r8tMhrZz-YlSzhJw1ESCBWDdD_TjMNEWrkGRNzf/s640/kaohsiungumbrellas.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Umbrellas in the sky in Kaohsiung (高雄市三民區嫩江街周邊後驛商圈的雨傘).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Moreover, there are some very attractive MRT stations here. The picture below is of the Formosa Boulevard station, which is probably the most well-known one. However, I loved the Central Park station, too, which has fake flowers and greenery blossoming alongside the escalators in the most spectacular manner. The worst thing was, we stayed right near that station and went there every day, and somehow I didn't take a photo of it! Oh well, at least I've got this one of the Formosa station, and it's glorious, too!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTXySgEiVDZsUg8sCVWfJdmH8lCBez03N9kn8SScYXmcAdMPgrvX5EAVPNWLx1_1asuckqrkZ_-hcVcwtiZKoFSIhmjRN3v6q8UgLDEl_NG-i6Y_LQRyh0oL1XdM41HzPa27_UMatfZM4/s1600/kaohsiungformosaboulevardstationmrt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1200" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTXySgEiVDZsUg8sCVWfJdmH8lCBez03N9kn8SScYXmcAdMPgrvX5EAVPNWLx1_1asuckqrkZ_-hcVcwtiZKoFSIhmjRN3v6q8UgLDEl_NG-i6Y_LQRyh0oL1XdM41HzPa27_UMatfZM4/s640/kaohsiungformosaboulevardstationmrt.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaohsiung MRT - Formosa Boulevard Station (高雄捷運美麗島站).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And we've got to talk about the food scene in Kaohsiung, of course.<br />
<br />
I tried the red bean cake from the Guan Pei Red Bean Cake shop. This is a chain store so you can find it in other cities in Taiwan as well. I'm not sure how the quality differs from store to store, but I'm pleased with the goods from this particular outlet that I visited in Kaohsiung.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGwE73zN7phX6SM5IdiBbO1Nqx9psJMLNFa_moLVZ9S6e8MUAxH-D6lrgTW1KNgB7KOlruSFGuanVvUsFEoFH7__uKXU8-jFrr1oA-gmKLI-LOWBdhMket7IeOyQajxxD4RIrpJTC3uDT/s1600/kaohsiungredbeancake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGwE73zN7phX6SM5IdiBbO1Nqx9psJMLNFa_moLVZ9S6e8MUAxH-D6lrgTW1KNgB7KOlruSFGuanVvUsFEoFH7__uKXU8-jFrr1oA-gmKLI-LOWBdhMket7IeOyQajxxD4RIrpJTC3uDT/s640/kaohsiungredbeancake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red bean cake from Guanbei shop (關北紅豆餅).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The red bean cake tastes so satisfying when it's freshly made and still warm. The exterior is nice and crisp. I really like the red bean filling, it's well-cooked and tender, and instead of a puree, the red beans inside are only roughly mashed and mostly intact, which makes for great texture, and feels very wholesome.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkAxfepiXmDM1u7ysQSuRS4sqSa0wZMIeRRcP0QCTXkEkGxedouzphK__h7UkYrUR5xFreMDsjMb3AxcY4QcYDzn9wl14tHm9dsiUMWXEWJTZfiufFARXrBg0YtxTrh5Dqo392CRcLzTW/s1600/kaohsiungguanbeiredbeancake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkAxfepiXmDM1u7ysQSuRS4sqSa0wZMIeRRcP0QCTXkEkGxedouzphK__h7UkYrUR5xFreMDsjMb3AxcY4QcYDzn9wl14tHm9dsiUMWXEWJTZfiufFARXrBg0YtxTrh5Dqo392CRcLzTW/s640/kaohsiungguanbeiredbeancake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious red bean cake!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I enjoyed a smooth and luscious papaya milk from the famous Zheng's stall at Liuhe Night Market, a trusty old brand that has been operating since 1965.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXwYqbEutY-vBflr239FslW9qdwpsk3MnQkY-TwH0PQ2p2RzNaqLyknLmwm6_dfMjqqJ34jzBDbK6vrRDdDIBDcwfG9Iznvus4oXy1l6tfwKSmDmKcrBqONinR6DxcXuWXB63brL150M4/s1600/kaohsiungpapayamilkliuhenightmarket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXwYqbEutY-vBflr239FslW9qdwpsk3MnQkY-TwH0PQ2p2RzNaqLyknLmwm6_dfMjqqJ34jzBDbK6vrRDdDIBDcwfG9Iznvus4oXy1l6tfwKSmDmKcrBqONinR6DxcXuWXB63brL150M4/s640/kaohsiungpapayamilkliuhenightmarket.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papaya milk (鄭老牌木瓜牛奶) at Liuhe Night Market (六合夜市), 50 NTD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
To be honest I can't remember what I thought about these flame-grilled meats at Ruifeng Night Market, but I wanted to share this picture of the dramatic cooking process!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yt_sn8jhSo83fsR6-Hr4h57TzpPBjjm6jge8pRO-Mcy-avPQc_Lm2DyUJn4jZP0YdMwZoUsOvaEwyvI_10PJlF-bwqALvX_wV7FJ7M-NRHO8s8-AEMf7SBq3u0WXSDG-B4CceTtJPye9/s1600/kaohsiungflamegrilledmeats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yt_sn8jhSo83fsR6-Hr4h57TzpPBjjm6jge8pRO-Mcy-avPQc_Lm2DyUJn4jZP0YdMwZoUsOvaEwyvI_10PJlF-bwqALvX_wV7FJ7M-NRHO8s8-AEMf7SBq3u0WXSDG-B4CceTtJPye9/s640/kaohsiungflamegrilledmeats.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flame-grilled beef cubes (火焰骰子牛) at Ruifeng Night Market (瑞豐夜市), 60 NTD for small portion, 100 NTD for large.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
But I think the major food revelation here, for me, was at Guo Mao Lai Lai Doujiang shop.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tFKWFmwL2EXxMCCCxKX9SOjWeSvvcgFpDWGNxm0mWF5Z-x5hGlWG41qohS0nh-yGmreKubWAL-ee77RoIXiFczOWxPLbmVBlDo79yKT1yRGa-uBE78yD4Ydnb1QaTpsLnZgKuZMDzKGj/s1600/kaohsiungguomaolailaishop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tFKWFmwL2EXxMCCCxKX9SOjWeSvvcgFpDWGNxm0mWF5Z-x5hGlWG41qohS0nh-yGmreKubWAL-ee77RoIXiFczOWxPLbmVBlDo79yKT1yRGa-uBE78yD4Ydnb1QaTpsLnZgKuZMDzKGj/s640/kaohsiungguomaolailaishop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guo Mao Lai Lai Doujiang (果貿來來豆漿).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I've known about salty soy milk (xiandoujiang) for a long time, but this is the first time I tried it - I grew up with only the sweet version. I'll admit that I was a bit skeptical - curdled savoury soy milk doesn't sound that appetizing - but oh my goodness, it was beyond sensational. Dotted with ingredients such as spring onions and dried shrimp and drizzled with sesame oil and chilli oil, it was umami to the max. If you haven't tried salted soy milk before, you should definitely try it at least once at a reputable shop in Taiwan. And if you're anything like me, once you've tried it, you will appreciate that it is a work of genius, and want to have it again and again!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RCXshM9lULEku6DC5lNNVM1DxXHCqLjCHYGKZF0d3KKxbi9TpDdOTmjKZoYIqIIp211Ii4IY-UYO_LfR9h9ythHpYg-rzzj5RIIi-V7YVRcf7jwi1ofH0rQPGBGc23xI-3o8WiyThNqn/s1600/kaohsiungguomaolailaisavourysaltysoymilk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RCXshM9lULEku6DC5lNNVM1DxXHCqLjCHYGKZF0d3KKxbi9TpDdOTmjKZoYIqIIp211Ii4IY-UYO_LfR9h9ythHpYg-rzzj5RIIi-V7YVRcf7jwi1ofH0rQPGBGc23xI-3o8WiyThNqn/s640/kaohsiungguomaolailaisavourysaltysoymilk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Savoury soy milk, 22 NTD, with Chinese crullers, 12 NTD (鹹豆漿油條).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Guo Mao Lai Lai also offers buns, dumplings, and flatbreads. We tried their pork buns and garlic chive buns, and they were splendid, with super-juicy fillings. If my memory serves me right, I think Simon might have gone back for seconds...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqUImB3ini3nG6-6ax9wffwur1vpyyIgQT941YcjUutCOLFjP9DWEBSCooTmxd1sw8OpPCfiBEZc9CdKZRTfzFmsrBGBGJE1Kt5T2DUwkPw95SXzkbr2NihGR2SIbfB3Z37YJrWnSarlR/s1600/kaohsiungguomaolailaibuns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqUImB3ini3nG6-6ax9wffwur1vpyyIgQT941YcjUutCOLFjP9DWEBSCooTmxd1sw8OpPCfiBEZc9CdKZRTfzFmsrBGBGJE1Kt5T2DUwkPw95SXzkbr2NihGR2SIbfB3Z37YJrWnSarlR/s640/kaohsiungguomaolailaibuns.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork bun and garlic chive bun (肉包,韭菜包).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
No skimping on the filling here!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1H_GSmaEU2UA285KypJTsttoVwGFekz5DUYXbyKhjYYp6rjU451hnaGLBoRnpu37PmO0PRuVQL7p4x9RB3rIUltgz0FbMTwAEnkVw0v4stI8yAwztgHBfCnhdF0gWiUlYQHvfErYEbDSO/s1600/kaohsiungguomaolailaigarlicchivebun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1H_GSmaEU2UA285KypJTsttoVwGFekz5DUYXbyKhjYYp6rjU451hnaGLBoRnpu37PmO0PRuVQL7p4x9RB3rIUltgz0FbMTwAEnkVw0v4stI8yAwztgHBfCnhdF0gWiUlYQHvfErYEbDSO/s640/kaohsiungguomaolailaigarlicchivebun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garlic chive bun filling (韭菜包內餡).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And to wrap up the Kaohsiung portion of this blog post, here is a picture of the Dragon Tiger Pagodas.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AMDrdPbQwMTLofM8N3QGw8RUC9MzOB7pf4o7LzRHym8cYX-1r8yFShRAZ7khe2D69TSuejtYKWlWmmh9_2r4mQiujljccr3xdfzOqt9b5QRv2pyjrPUPWSa-84tIMuDLx3mEwxAZZWPY/s1600/kaohsiungdragonandtigerpagodas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AMDrdPbQwMTLofM8N3QGw8RUC9MzOB7pf4o7LzRHym8cYX-1r8yFShRAZ7khe2D69TSuejtYKWlWmmh9_2r4mQiujljccr3xdfzOqt9b5QRv2pyjrPUPWSa-84tIMuDLx3mEwxAZZWPY/s640/kaohsiungdragonandtigerpagodas.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragon Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Lake in the Zuoying district of Kaohsiung (高雄左營蓮池潭龍虎塔).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Not a bad way to spend the day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJY6jEmUO-szoQDuQpLiqNmfDMwNyYzUzFGLulssC5XAwVS3rE_emokEoqXXKD4i_pI34hILtTnW8JAHsqOFczZ58tVHHa6nTk8kXzTddQhbnjwSL_JMAvZsgUeSsmk1f4YP0Va9HwGGg/s1600/kaohsiunglotuspondtaoistgod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJY6jEmUO-szoQDuQpLiqNmfDMwNyYzUzFGLulssC5XAwVS3rE_emokEoqXXKD4i_pI34hILtTnW8JAHsqOFczZ58tVHHa6nTk8kXzTddQhbnjwSL_JMAvZsgUeSsmk1f4YP0Va9HwGGg/s640/kaohsiunglotuspondtaoistgod.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mysterious Warrior God (玄天上帝), a Taoist deity.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
But wait, there's more!<br />
<br />
While we were in Kaohsiung, we did a day trip to Cijin Island.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibO_GnxtyU5SiTNkHHzQP7h-5V4_BSh0gKKywpD0w-RZ7GCGUhJWDP3NIbpdVGkPiAtrR3UjUMhOnOraRjs8oRpezoTf6YglP8jjTK6hJ2V5vOF5GLYFfGFkoASiD0dApQowaSie4iS2KS/s1600/cijinislandqijinisland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibO_GnxtyU5SiTNkHHzQP7h-5V4_BSh0gKKywpD0w-RZ7GCGUhJWDP3NIbpdVGkPiAtrR3UjUMhOnOraRjs8oRpezoTf6YglP8jjTK6hJ2V5vOF5GLYFfGFkoASiD0dApQowaSie4iS2KS/s640/cijinislandqijinisland.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off to Cijin Island (旗津島)!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Upon our arrival, it wasn't long before the seafood stalls drew me in. Grilled squid? Yes, please!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_ft7VUGQif2JHK8ifOJI3XWAO1f65YYrPOxce-7jYvY61akVz9IqBebWn_FWqdY_OzjkX5O6ABoqzuIvZK_VMTd1K2EHY1vNArbarsubzCMaHxsb3Jzy98FT-r8n2yq0vG2kMA8kQj72/s1600/cijinislandgrilledsquidstall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="1200" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_ft7VUGQif2JHK8ifOJI3XWAO1f65YYrPOxce-7jYvY61akVz9IqBebWn_FWqdY_OzjkX5O6ABoqzuIvZK_VMTd1K2EHY1vNArbarsubzCMaHxsb3Jzy98FT-r8n2yq0vG2kMA8kQj72/s640/cijinislandgrilledsquidstall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilled squid stall at Cijin Island (烤魷魚,烤小卷).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
There's something about eating bite-sized pieces of seafood with a toothpick from a paper bag that makes life feel wonderfully leisurely. That's how you know you're on holiday.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjBWlLn9Ubv3mvv5IrvabRYhKOjdwR3Er3WVDlVtiAgP95oK_XmAH0Uz7LdFeMHRPGRc7ORu94bc5fsyQpQAMETr_2HbRmeEX5eaFSrliaPHkwvFSh_PBTjTvO2Kkg2HoBGHU_9UD3sO4/s1600/cijingrilledsquid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjBWlLn9Ubv3mvv5IrvabRYhKOjdwR3Er3WVDlVtiAgP95oK_XmAH0Uz7LdFeMHRPGRc7ORu94bc5fsyQpQAMETr_2HbRmeEX5eaFSrliaPHkwvFSh_PBTjTvO2Kkg2HoBGHU_9UD3sO4/s640/cijingrilledsquid.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilled squid in a bag, yum yum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Following the seafood-in-paper-bag theme, I got deep-fried mixed seafood at another stall.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyak1ljfaAw9l3G8l_hsGPmGgHGRFuh2PT5x_6n13_XnoM40jk15KBjFUz6rJBc-JyvcAedG7DBufGVKozyQxHk1KuxKDhmQVvpThcETqLvB7aaoY2qn-O2mtxLqrU6BGUVSIXwchfjf6/s1600/cijinislanddeepfriedseafood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyak1ljfaAw9l3G8l_hsGPmGgHGRFuh2PT5x_6n13_XnoM40jk15KBjFUz6rJBc-JyvcAedG7DBufGVKozyQxHk1KuxKDhmQVvpThcETqLvB7aaoY2qn-O2mtxLqrU6BGUVSIXwchfjf6/s640/cijinislanddeepfriedseafood.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep-fried seafood (炸海鮮).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
My favourite is the deep-fried fish roe! I don't get to have fish roe as often as I'd like, it's such a treat.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IWqcYlznrRL9lyBeSJcWd5SqFRKl4E58vUJnOIdJ2V5nwb_YGOrHwWx-Vjoit7gi9eKVBIJqPomqwF3jUzmchNEgCkOB0N_vdw79GJpjCr31wjCkuwht9rI5EGll0_u09_KNSkDLaKrU/s1600/cijinislandroefisheggskewer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IWqcYlznrRL9lyBeSJcWd5SqFRKl4E58vUJnOIdJ2V5nwb_YGOrHwWx-Vjoit7gi9eKVBIJqPomqwF3jUzmchNEgCkOB0N_vdw79GJpjCr31wjCkuwht9rI5EGll0_u09_KNSkDLaKrU/s640/cijinislandroefisheggskewer.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep-fried fish egg (炸魚卵).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Fueled with seafood, we hired a couple of bikes, and cycled around the island.<br />
<br />
After we were spent with all that exercise, it was time for more seafood, of course!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulfdYLV3lf-pDenDJWYYaMQsRoPp9V4IxMao7eBtl-DC5W9BhTwO2lnX0M2_hz6WbHmDnbQUQqroYRQA3KvnBXfVvISLf8WCmVfD9kUvxJh4ZYZ9DYctwmD4mEBlvOP5gaf_Sz-woD-jA/s1600/cijinislandsteamedfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulfdYLV3lf-pDenDJWYYaMQsRoPp9V4IxMao7eBtl-DC5W9BhTwO2lnX0M2_hz6WbHmDnbQUQqroYRQA3KvnBXfVvISLf8WCmVfD9kUvxJh4ZYZ9DYctwmD4mEBlvOP5gaf_Sz-woD-jA/s640/cijinislandsteamedfish.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's hard to go wrong with a good classic Chinese-style steamed fish (清蒸魚).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Before I sign off this post, here's one last picture. A cute Shiba Inu in a pram!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDrCAAMtFtojyJwZOfTxi27tI_b6m6st8bWsmRqC9wLp0A55v9ywlMVy3nbo3NK3UqVwuVcGCXjkIOgCCddgkb1yJoJ1orIzliLZcxToVjb-x_kdB33pFAUUZHUJgVBYbpIzMQlzhHl6-/s1600/cijindoginpram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDrCAAMtFtojyJwZOfTxi27tI_b6m6st8bWsmRqC9wLp0A55v9ywlMVy3nbo3NK3UqVwuVcGCXjkIOgCCddgkb1yJoJ1orIzliLZcxToVjb-x_kdB33pFAUUZHUJgVBYbpIzMQlzhHl6-/s640/cijindoginpram.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dog in pram.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So there you go... there's no denying that Kaohsiung can be gray and industrial in parts, but it certainly has its colourful, charming aspects, too, and this vibrant, playful side is so worth discovering!<br />
</span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-37172689463938602202017-06-13T21:39:00.001+10:002017-06-13T21:44:36.155+10:00pingtung food and sights<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc24p3iW3gni7NDe-xMEyn1PjDcSo_Fuha9YPelGimc-z1X4cpwpAL9_bXVg3tFc-5bOGI6m0pI_gETGm1jex6A0iuTvKOBIIjvcaiBKjO4T31Jf-5g6PlOpMs3uyiWbzISu7r1KSdE3vL/s1600/pingtungnightmarket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc24p3iW3gni7NDe-xMEyn1PjDcSo_Fuha9YPelGimc-z1X4cpwpAL9_bXVg3tFc-5bOGI6m0pI_gETGm1jex6A0iuTvKOBIIjvcaiBKjO4T31Jf-5g6PlOpMs3uyiWbzISu7r1KSdE3vL/s640/pingtungnightmarket.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pingtung Night Market (屏東夜市 / 屏東民族夜市).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
After a great time in Hualien, our next destination was Pingtung, which is not a place that you'd typically find on the itinerary of foreign tourists to Taiwan, but for some reason or other - I'll explain it in a moment - I included it in our route. The train ride from Hualien to Pingtung had some pretty picturesque moments. Here's a photo I took during the trip!<br />
<span class="fullpost"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBl9mWR4HhtkC_P5557oIRKfeHz2PgsbFI2DpTapKeQ8q7qsfbaiCshVURzoUf2-ZSnY4l5iLLA6TFP4o2CNLdYpyTCE6gODEnlqn2KgkF1YjpVDo-ACVvCuM3roRAnrD7yIvaXmPCRQ_/s1600/taiwantrainsceneryhualientopingtung.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBl9mWR4HhtkC_P5557oIRKfeHz2PgsbFI2DpTapKeQ8q7qsfbaiCshVURzoUf2-ZSnY4l5iLLA6TFP4o2CNLdYpyTCE6gODEnlqn2KgkF1YjpVDo-ACVvCuM3roRAnrD7yIvaXmPCRQ_/s640/taiwantrainsceneryhualientopingtung.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A shot of the scenery from Hualien to Pingtung, taken from the train window.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So I think my original idea was to make Pingtung city a jumping-off point for a side trip to the Purple Butterfly Valley in the Maolin National Scenic Area, and we actually arrived at just the right season to see the glorious migration of those purple butterflies, too - but we ran short on time and energy, so we decided to just take it easy in Pingtung.<br />
<br />
With our original plans shelved, what was there to do instead? Well, the cool thing about Taiwan is that there seems to be night markets wherever you go. And in fact, the Pingtung market is actually open day and night - that's our food and entertainment sorted!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNuinqLau_grLGBj6G9YenGKBygOArSJeTcWWBUjBg0PvTtpgi8y9zFnJls2Yvv1ynKZ73gdxAAr5nKuPr4BfYuMmCriz9t8v6ZlrN-lU5XPS6t2sDWLdGcyGX-gCV6dMwx7Y9xAlnJzQ/s1600/pingtungdumplingstall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNuinqLau_grLGBj6G9YenGKBygOArSJeTcWWBUjBg0PvTtpgi8y9zFnJls2Yvv1ynKZ73gdxAAr5nKuPr4BfYuMmCriz9t8v6ZlrN-lU5XPS6t2sDWLdGcyGX-gCV6dMwx7Y9xAlnJzQ/s640/pingtungdumplingstall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luzhen dumpling shop (陸貞湯包).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Alright, this was our first stop at the Pingtung night market... Luzhen dumpling shop. We just can't seem to stay away from dumplings in Taiwan. Who can blame us, when they're everywhere and they taste so good?<br />
<br />
We tried their soup dumplings, which were decent enough.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-dJt68BFxUdu7fPZ2sBNLYS5pppNgYMqyJGFPCATa9XU3vslPEbErPD0Xi4VsN3obyfmYoBea7d4xLh_oM_do4PYCwyMeQ862t6sCb0TOtj6TAGN-CItNlbS5CTBehVmtKWZX_TJUM0S/s1600/pingtungsoupdumplings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-dJt68BFxUdu7fPZ2sBNLYS5pppNgYMqyJGFPCATa9XU3vslPEbErPD0Xi4VsN3obyfmYoBea7d4xLh_oM_do4PYCwyMeQ862t6sCb0TOtj6TAGN-CItNlbS5CTBehVmtKWZX_TJUM0S/s640/pingtungsoupdumplings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soup dumplings (湯包), 50 NTD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
But it was their pan-fried fennel frond dumplings that really surprised and delighted us. The zingy aromatic fennel fronds made for a fabulous dumpling filling.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pdMDupz5nJidHh7lNLt6WmgTb4ZpIuEgxbilqNG34HdCuARKabXdARFcEMqlqGF7_K00VMFYeY2FalBIqvsVGuzVszcBPZJxBLA0wO8zZbcrELyvI4QtwFbcvvkDjVXthsV7qvlJdjvg/s1600/pingtungfennelfronddumplings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pdMDupz5nJidHh7lNLt6WmgTb4ZpIuEgxbilqNG34HdCuARKabXdARFcEMqlqGF7_K00VMFYeY2FalBIqvsVGuzVszcBPZJxBLA0wO8zZbcrELyvI4QtwFbcvvkDjVXthsV7qvlJdjvg/s640/pingtungfennelfronddumplings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pan-fried fennel frond dumplings, or fennel frond potstickers (茴香鍋貼), 65 NTD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We also tried the toon or toona pancake with egg, an intriguing snack that features the young leaves from the Chinese toon tree (toona sinensis). The herbaceous garlicky-onion flavour of the toon leaves worked well in this savoury pancake-omelette; it was certainly something new for us!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrXZykM8hdi4JypUOw3sK7ViBe62D795XL30UlLoZ39LvVbDKBVar-lkgM8h10xHOXnjkaquiyAYJ7yx1kDaLpl66ceV39nyRSMoAeM1LBctn-x_GuHfWf_FKtQav9IBnzvA0i1WcCa2B/s1600/pingtungtoonpancake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrXZykM8hdi4JypUOw3sK7ViBe62D795XL30UlLoZ39LvVbDKBVar-lkgM8h10xHOXnjkaquiyAYJ7yx1kDaLpl66ceV39nyRSMoAeM1LBctn-x_GuHfWf_FKtQav9IBnzvA0i1WcCa2B/s640/pingtungtoonpancake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese toon pancake or toon omelette (香椿抓餅), 30 NTD. Add 10 NTD for extra egg.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We also stumbled upon this stall selling "geng", a type of soup that is usually thickened with starch. They also sell fried rice and noodles, which you can mix in with your "geng" for a substantial meal.<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="zh-TW"><span class=""> </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LNvLWpcvn4Qs3V0PpZbXyiBIznPHxKOEyyd_LtsQPhZLzAEOFLQSRvgcJ59-fhtHwXIEh7kaHkZBw6tAKxkg0-06FQsB6frNMwzc74voDtjoX8eWu4Pe5bYEfMfUSYRXvo10Tm8lY7If/s1600/pingtungsoupstall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LNvLWpcvn4Qs3V0PpZbXyiBIznPHxKOEyyd_LtsQPhZLzAEOFLQSRvgcJ59-fhtHwXIEh7kaHkZBw6tAKxkg0-06FQsB6frNMwzc74voDtjoX8eWu4Pe5bYEfMfUSYRXvo10Tm8lY7If/s640/pingtungsoupstall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wangchao soup shop (王朝香菇肉焿旗魚焿).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I went for the swordfish fishball soup. My initial concerns about the gluey appearance and texture of the "geng" were washed away upon tucking in - it was surprisingly nice and smooth and went down like a treat. The handmade fishballs were delightfully bouncy, and the drizzle of black vinegar really completed the dish.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4H0R84ntJWShh0uh2OqJMT3Z20XQTHRMXMBQY3H2q0mkuC9Rr0dA3oOt0uDg12MFuzHjLooC0fZ5TaIWlMQD6WN56iMeO4GwhpYapl3YHbsq0cAGrdjzeC8ZjQhb9D1jjJfkfqP_tH0f4/s1600/pingtungswordfishballsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4H0R84ntJWShh0uh2OqJMT3Z20XQTHRMXMBQY3H2q0mkuC9Rr0dA3oOt0uDg12MFuzHjLooC0fZ5TaIWlMQD6WN56iMeO4GwhpYapl3YHbsq0cAGrdjzeC8ZjQhb9D1jjJfkfqP_tH0f4/s640/pingtungswordfishballsoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swordfish fish ball soup (旗魚羹), 40 NTD for a small bowl, 60 NTD for a large bowl.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Simon had the meat and mushroom soup, which was also marvellous. I was definitely sneaking in a sip here and there...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3VjyyfUXZROKDL6cSjO2G5bnBSUouUt7jlVgXCCpNvgQGVkAxjYZTtD0iG4PgWZwGjBkfvhtGB6X2zsppKuxggQNxAG2i1gXf9K_Vld5P1Pv5CYaJGjW54Wv53fcCWkJBamL8wRMcZ7_/s1600/pingtungmeatymushroomsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3VjyyfUXZROKDL6cSjO2G5bnBSUouUt7jlVgXCCpNvgQGVkAxjYZTtD0iG4PgWZwGjBkfvhtGB6X2zsppKuxggQNxAG2i1gXf9K_Vld5P1Pv5CYaJGjW54Wv53fcCWkJBamL8wRMcZ7_/s640/pingtungmeatymushroomsoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mushroom and meat soup (香菇肉羹), 40 NTD for small, 60 NTD for large.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
When I saw this stall, I felt compelled to eat there. The big sign brightly advertises their handmade noodles and fishball soup. Smaller signs hanging just underneath speak of side dishes such as seaweed salad and pork liver salad.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0jGlkpxT9mFpzpACgjf3TKjuQ7bU93NAz23qdYPU55C9Isni_7M0XkOgZ0ooEnvgEJ6b328c8KsvDyKr4I8UT8yJiJXXuMUR73LzB-Vvn0tcq6ZN3I4nWE4-jSuAN-wOxf_18PKInZUp/s1600/pingtunghandmadenoodlestall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0jGlkpxT9mFpzpACgjf3TKjuQ7bU93NAz23qdYPU55C9Isni_7M0XkOgZ0ooEnvgEJ6b328c8KsvDyKr4I8UT8yJiJXXuMUR73LzB-Vvn0tcq6ZN3I4nWE4-jSuAN-wOxf_18PKInZUp/s640/pingtunghandmadenoodlestall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yong's handmade noodle shop (永記手工麵店).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I wanted to share a couple of things here with Simon, but he wasn't interested. So he loitered around while I sat down and ordered a fishball soup for myself. Why, yes, in case you haven't noticed, I have a thing for fishballs, and the ones here were solidly rustic and flavoursome. I do kind of regret not also getting the handmade noodles, as I think that is their signature dish, but hey, a girl can only eat so much. It's all Simon's fault for not being cooperative.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbqrgjI8lhg4PGQQN-CPNKvlyjxZYQsq31xb0aVJHVYsBhx9Wp6MDcLfQgt9asBCtSjqXBJNqnNoIkrzrM9jVsY9L6GW0aYKlg75n1huG5L5B5L_4oNuTxe0NBfffl3Ykauzn2Odm9jYx/s1600/pingtungfishballsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbqrgjI8lhg4PGQQN-CPNKvlyjxZYQsq31xb0aVJHVYsBhx9Wp6MDcLfQgt9asBCtSjqXBJNqnNoIkrzrM9jVsY9L6GW0aYKlg75n1huG5L5B5L_4oNuTxe0NBfffl3Ykauzn2Odm9jYx/s640/pingtungfishballsoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another fishball soup (<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="zh-TW"><span class=""><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="zh-TW"><span class="">魚丸湯), 25 NTD.</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Ready for something sweet? I thought this shop had a cute name: "Bakery Daddy".<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaktVSY1hc7efynSITdISIJNo3UyDlEavjaGrdEC_oMn5BcBgyl-3oqNYIlhke1JjNDhAGqw-apzg5-PgdRQ0X3LXDqI-GvpEXiS6zrcBfsUFSowdvEDXQv6W81LhqY9hqlmMXjxSSH_L8/s1600/pingtungbakerydaddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaktVSY1hc7efynSITdISIJNo3UyDlEavjaGrdEC_oMn5BcBgyl-3oqNYIlhke1JjNDhAGqw-apzg5-PgdRQ0X3LXDqI-GvpEXiS6zrcBfsUFSowdvEDXQv6W81LhqY9hqlmMXjxSSH_L8/s640/pingtungbakerydaddy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bakery Daddy (麵包老爹).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And their Swiss roll is scrumptious!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEnSts_vQd0eyGI8kDI49JA7FAXL4TxuMD-SwzlOsoAzyi-a5E1903XlMIwjdTQFq6aGK8fh2O-awFD6vHbZuiN2X5OZRH1fC8TkWynh6doKZDla0Sj9zJFZ0hOFfU_wsc-Hgu7S4GOEF/s1600/pingtungswissroll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEnSts_vQd0eyGI8kDI49JA7FAXL4TxuMD-SwzlOsoAzyi-a5E1903XlMIwjdTQFq6aGK8fh2O-awFD6vHbZuiN2X5OZRH1fC8TkWynh6doKZDla0Sj9zJFZ0hOFfU_wsc-Hgu7S4GOEF/s640/pingtungswissroll.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swiss roll (瑞士卷).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
It's fair to say that our time in Pingtung was dominated by food, because let's face it, if you don't venture out of the city, there isn't a whole lot to do. But we did stumble upon some sights...<br />
<br />
For example, while we were sauntering about, we stopped to admire this temple for a while.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_MBK6bliKfzG6VEFG0OHpRj0uQbgtRBflEH47Zq4SPCRmdGMb_a_cRvftwx-WWpn_6ZojoqhPZmaN8tUWlt3ix4Q36wIpuh_poDl0A1o3SLZo9V5hgIVL53KXLQTW62pQCjbRxudKCzq/s1600/pingtungcifongtempleseagoddessmazu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_MBK6bliKfzG6VEFG0OHpRj0uQbgtRBflEH47Zq4SPCRmdGMb_a_cRvftwx-WWpn_6ZojoqhPZmaN8tUWlt3ix4Q36wIpuh_poDl0A1o3SLZo9V5hgIVL53KXLQTW62pQCjbRxudKCzq/s640/pingtungcifongtempleseagoddessmazu.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Goddess Temple / Cifeng Temple (慈鳳宮).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And as always, cats kept us amused.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40w3VZgmH23jc0VcAoH-7Zx-6RXl4zvzBaRJ_Ixawq88rVOvkZ-_j5x1zYAcsBg3zm0-YZc_K4YU1DP0WO9aKRsBcu2JCVlqtGckzIrkRCcyRO_whp5F__QszQCOx3Warmy6qN_QxdhNY/s1600/pingtungcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1200" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40w3VZgmH23jc0VcAoH-7Zx-6RXl4zvzBaRJ_Ixawq88rVOvkZ-_j5x1zYAcsBg3zm0-YZc_K4YU1DP0WO9aKRsBcu2JCVlqtGckzIrkRCcyRO_whp5F__QszQCOx3Warmy6qN_QxdhNY/s640/pingtungcat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger cat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
But I think our favourite moment was our discovery of this very old-school video games arcade. It was like going back in time - this is the kind of arcade that was around when I was a kid! And best of all, every single person in the picture is a middle-aged man. You're never too old to play at a video games arcade and this is the important lesson we took away here. Decades from now, I hope Simon and I will still be having fun like kids and teenagers!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iyh5opDG8nrEfcDLjLsuenzXR1TH67zOe7d522hamiBh1zm5hItPbhgv5Jz781am-QuBkJlZMdpL2MmxsPx1Lc-kHWOgyR5GC39Dk7cameHCPzIhhFMpFDxmE9SjsnzUXWJCLqdDSdfr/s1600/pingtungvideogamesarcade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iyh5opDG8nrEfcDLjLsuenzXR1TH67zOe7d522hamiBh1zm5hItPbhgv5Jz781am-QuBkJlZMdpL2MmxsPx1Lc-kHWOgyR5GC39Dk7cameHCPzIhhFMpFDxmE9SjsnzUXWJCLqdDSdfr/s640/pingtungvideogamesarcade.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old-school video game arcade in Pingtung (屏東金台灣電子遊戲場).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
In summary, Pingtung isn't the typical tourist stop, and there is hardly any English to be seen, heard, or spoken here - I kept telling Simon how lucky he was to have me to act as his personal translator and interpreter. But the food is just as good as anywhere else in Taiwan, so if you do drop by, you'll be well-fed, and you might encounter other pleasing surprises along the way, too.<br />
</span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-838351497468226462017-05-31T21:51:00.000+10:002017-05-31T22:47:04.476+10:00delicious hualien eats and pretty sanzhan village<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fYVL-SxzZtozDHBVW6yqgjZsWrxwk2EeGkkdfLD6Bzlr60l88nORsFcBZs7z1b8NlV-V0-_hOqpgoQfz20CdjYpGpheinS8vXAGxu5JfLmnu733_I9G2Y_c0r8UAvWjwfrg4B3kd6fJo/s1600/hualienbetelnutshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fYVL-SxzZtozDHBVW6yqgjZsWrxwk2EeGkkdfLD6Bzlr60l88nORsFcBZs7z1b8NlV-V0-_hOqpgoQfz20CdjYpGpheinS8vXAGxu5JfLmnu733_I9G2Y_c0r8UAvWjwfrg4B3kd6fJo/s640/hualienbetelnutshop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A betel nut shop in Hualien (花蓮).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
In my previous post, I told of our time at Taroko Gorge, which is a huge attraction in Taiwan, and I'm sure it is the main reason why many tourists include Hualien city in their itinerary. However, Hualien is not just a convenient base that one can use as a jumping-off point to visit Taroko - it is also an excellent destination in its own right.<br />
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After all, where else would you get egg-bomb spring onion pancakes? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9g_bpKMhDJQmbBs5mCgtEUeW_x9Ja5XKy2qRfLDMkR7l0vCTox7ZI326gjlxKRA3tUO0gqJYMEzx_Wn5IL9mBCglibe7AlfiHVSXfZNXNsYHjJ5bvmdAe9tHPjvR4CiTOBPgjYvBVKT38/s1600/hualieneggbombspringonionpancakelaopaishop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9g_bpKMhDJQmbBs5mCgtEUeW_x9Ja5XKy2qRfLDMkR7l0vCTox7ZI326gjlxKRA3tUO0gqJYMEzx_Wn5IL9mBCglibe7AlfiHVSXfZNXNsYHjJ5bvmdAe9tHPjvR4CiTOBPgjYvBVKT38/s640/hualieneggbombspringonionpancakelaopaishop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laopai egg-bomb spring onion pancake stall in Hualien (花蓮老牌炸蛋蔥油餅).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This is basically a deep-fried spring onion pancake roll with a half-cooked egg encased within. Bite into it and the creamy, gooey orange yolk bursts into action, so eat with care! You can also request for a fully-cooked egg if you wish, but I don't think that would be as awesome. This egg-bomb spring onion pancake costs 30 NTD, very affordable. You can get just a plain spring onion pancake without the egg for 20 NTD - but again, I don't think that would be as awesome. The spring onion isn't actually that prominent here, so the star of the show is really the egg.<br />
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So here's what the pancake looks like before the egg explosion... sorry, no post-explosion pics! It can get a bit messy, and I was too busy trying not to get egg all over myself!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7O4e6H4Fuf8ySnjJw9-hrBydVZQ84MA6QdkqxzfcuzuA1Z1DwDefvdE30rFTq4v04pE0oNK6NGko_1fWdwWTSl6JTAioErl1u-adANvZ2VpnOPdd5b6tgRD9_zebO2QxdksAbgCtyjTte/s1600/hualienlaopaieggbombspringonionpancake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7O4e6H4Fuf8ySnjJw9-hrBydVZQ84MA6QdkqxzfcuzuA1Z1DwDefvdE30rFTq4v04pE0oNK6NGko_1fWdwWTSl6JTAioErl1u-adANvZ2VpnOPdd5b6tgRD9_zebO2QxdksAbgCtyjTte/s640/hualienlaopaieggbombspringonionpancake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egg-bomb spring onion pancake (炸蛋蔥油餅), a fun, dramatic snack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Another popular shop here is Gongzheng Baozi. Here, you can get a variety of things, including buns, dumplings, soup, noodles, soy milk, and tea, all for nice cheap prices. And it's open 24 hours so you can get your fix any time!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0ZPOR1gJptAZ3q5hlmsWwVA0fUBZO81d9-Zogk_dY3Na_45wtIHbx4hrDLpcC-pYxKF3e7q4KFPHWl8930MRc2ky9ymV6Gb831qKEFNK7sVHFO1Sl6it3_iB1xZCZgHPAzFfWx-aeG9x/s1600/hualiengongzhengbaozi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0ZPOR1gJptAZ3q5hlmsWwVA0fUBZO81d9-Zogk_dY3Na_45wtIHbx4hrDLpcC-pYxKF3e7q4KFPHWl8930MRc2ky9ymV6Gb831qKEFNK7sVHFO1Sl6it3_iB1xZCZgHPAzFfWx-aeG9x/s640/hualiengongzhengbaozi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gongzhengbaozi shop in Hualien (花蓮公正包子<span class="st"><i></i>店</span>).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I think it was here that I first discovered that xiaolongbao in Taiwan typically refers to a special type of mini pork bun, and not the soup dumplings that I was accustomed to. I was disappointed at first, but these buns are actually not bad! The Taiwanese xiaolongbao bun has a thinner skin than your usual pork bun, so the meat-to-dough ratio is splendid.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vTF8yX8jO0_RTapqsYf7kgLezzQwlHymuA8YsXhrcYuOHLrZ9Xz_bcI216LBkMD-7Ak-M2JUCeqF8JRmIpw2DcezBGJ72cNUROhtdnLpL56SNCgaE6p8miQ6kJRMrLCD2d9H3Y5dRKDd/s1600/hualiengongzhengbaozixiaolongbao.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vTF8yX8jO0_RTapqsYf7kgLezzQwlHymuA8YsXhrcYuOHLrZ9Xz_bcI216LBkMD-7Ak-M2JUCeqF8JRmIpw2DcezBGJ72cNUROhtdnLpL56SNCgaE6p8miQ6kJRMrLCD2d9H3Y5dRKDd/s640/hualiengongzhengbaozixiaolongbao.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taiwanese xiaolongbao (小籠包) - these are like mini pork buns, not soup dumplings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
A shop I really liked in Hualien is this wonton shop, called Yexiang Bianshi. Apparently it has been in business for more than 70 years at this point. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQZE3fscxWut717G2wnLKvTCjCmxzxGGcnlsrs1LeiEqawZR87mUOGHhXs9UaHWyq2l1tlU2ItfSGh9OIQqsABJ7NvjuIeRI-dfuHXXETN_sBOE0PAzdAnz2kbBsEgAUbOt4sWXm4hE1E/s1600/hualienyexiangbianshishop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQZE3fscxWut717G2wnLKvTCjCmxzxGGcnlsrs1LeiEqawZR87mUOGHhXs9UaHWyq2l1tlU2ItfSGh9OIQqsABJ7NvjuIeRI-dfuHXXETN_sBOE0PAzdAnz2kbBsEgAUbOt4sWXm4hE1E/s640/hualienyexiangbianshishop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yexiangbianshi wonton shop in Hualien (花蓮液香扁食店).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
My goodness, I adored the wonton soup here. Look how silky and perfect their wontons are! Along with the scrumptious broth, they went down like a dream. I think it cost something like 65 NTD per bowl. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilg-jEw5emQWzB5XpdVPcK1BFOSi9OE5q0C9ulLEcE6tuRt8vRaS0nkypADSvcnOfexFUM7X_7CS5e6yy-Ba76rhtNVswoNaADCaiNRbSlPVw9NGQhhJ8dB_vG5rNFk6o0iTsPD0NzhoBt/s1600/hualienyexiangwontonsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilg-jEw5emQWzB5XpdVPcK1BFOSi9OE5q0C9ulLEcE6tuRt8vRaS0nkypADSvcnOfexFUM7X_7CS5e6yy-Ba76rhtNVswoNaADCaiNRbSlPVw9NGQhhJ8dB_vG5rNFk6o0iTsPD0NzhoBt/s640/hualienyexiangwontonsoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonton soup (扁食湯 /<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="zh-TW"><span class=""><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="zh-TW"><span class=""> 雲吞</span></span>湯 </span></span><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="zh-TW"><span class="">/ 餛飩湯</span></span>). <span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We also lined up for the famous oyster omelette from Haipu. I enjoyed seeing them cook the oyster omelettes while we were waiting in line - it's done in a large, flat pan, and it's quite entertaining to watch!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKzANOGnE4rLT5BY0WK1TN_0z4rvA-TCvmCMIZxGHz9eqsNrsOOmTA_bC3oPrPnWB0jp_N07-cFg5RyOqERsimuKsi6oDIvQnV9z_XHo1agJJ_9EipwM56WS9uZ8qvaht3Wlp9BBecvZQ/s1600/hualienhaipuoysteromeletteshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKzANOGnE4rLT5BY0WK1TN_0z4rvA-TCvmCMIZxGHz9eqsNrsOOmTA_bC3oPrPnWB0jp_N07-cFg5RyOqERsimuKsi6oDIvQnV9z_XHo1agJJ_9EipwM56WS9uZ8qvaht3Wlp9BBecvZQ/s640/hualienhaipuoysteromeletteshop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haipu Oyster Omelette Shop in Hualien (花蓮海埔蚵仔煎).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
As it turns out, though, I don't think the Taiwanese oyster omelette is my thing... the liberal use of starch in the recipe makes for a glutinous quality that I wasn't particularly fond of. The sauce was also quite sweet. After tasting this, I have to say I prefer the Malaysian oyster omelette, which is more eggy and savoury. But clearly, there are many people who are big fans of the Taiwanese style, and the Haipu shop is extremely reputable, so if you're in the area, it's probably a good idea to try it for yourself!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTDW1nDU58VQeE0whxZz52XF5mAqoBcBd5B8qCqdFi60GnymxMZqw7RZzdYeEg8flI_IqYo8-J2ARE0s5D08sUBWxf2uAAZ64Rq3qtbAW942yRmo0OIQXPs38JBP0CSZZbHS24v6V3IgA/s1600/hualienhaipuoysteromelette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTDW1nDU58VQeE0whxZz52XF5mAqoBcBd5B8qCqdFi60GnymxMZqw7RZzdYeEg8flI_IqYo8-J2ARE0s5D08sUBWxf2uAAZ64Rq3qtbAW942yRmo0OIQXPs38JBP0CSZZbHS24v6V3IgA/s640/hualienhaipuoysteromelette.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haipu oyster omelette (海埔蚵仔煎), around 50 NTD per serve.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We also sampled coffin bread, or coffin toast, or coffin sandwich, at the night market in Hualien. Similar to a bread bowl, this involves toasted or fried bread with a variety of enticing fillings such as hot pepper beef, smoked honey chicken, satay pork, and pumpkin seafood.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrqU-nvt8AByrdq-G38E9jklkAMVvk1jqa9G3EySqROn3zup9r4Dp07kUwexBR0c_vuyESBDli0KqvIpsvFW36GI6RFEhHDHKwHPgHxzOsNVYARyGZQMCP0_UGGXVvk8sIxjwbHDMjirJ/s1600/hualienjiangjiacoffinbreadstall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrqU-nvt8AByrdq-G38E9jklkAMVvk1jqa9G3EySqROn3zup9r4Dp07kUwexBR0c_vuyESBDli0KqvIpsvFW36GI6RFEhHDHKwHPgHxzOsNVYARyGZQMCP0_UGGXVvk8sIxjwbHDMjirJ/s640/hualienjiangjiacoffinbreadstall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jiangjia coffin bread stall in Hualien (蔣家花蓮創意官財板).</td></tr>
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You can see how coffin toast got its name - the fillings are placed in the hollowed-out centre of a thick slice of bread, and then covered again on top with a cut-out piece of bread, so it resembles a coffin with a lid. An interesting snack to try if you get the opportunity!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QtcOWBRvwemuOw3InSIbwR9jqNzMFgfdCD7JUGFalXVhfE6HODiavKQOBGjhYoJilbVMTzhA1oq70C5RHSn0CZwjDiVgvykJPGm4QfkUrVFc0OSWQZAWEqbE_AeiyXMMZj8WNvKXmiIM/s1600/hualienjiangjiacoffinbreadtoast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QtcOWBRvwemuOw3InSIbwR9jqNzMFgfdCD7JUGFalXVhfE6HODiavKQOBGjhYoJilbVMTzhA1oq70C5RHSn0CZwjDiVgvykJPGm4QfkUrVFc0OSWQZAWEqbE_AeiyXMMZj8WNvKXmiIM/s640/hualienjiangjiacoffinbreadtoast.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffin toast (官財板).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We also stumbled upon a fabulous gelato shop in Hualien called Houshan Gelato. Made with fresh natural ingredients, the gelati here is seriously delectable. The selection is dominated by fruit flavours, and they're so so good. A bit pricey by Taiwanese standards at 60 NTD for one scoop and 100 NTD for two scoops, but it's quality stuff.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkk5PsCFZVJi_tkS0Fqd_FKRUaMSKA-JdwBcIQYduGi0pOjEhdv5H8j_dHsX91s7w48nC-CK7-JieUnlbYVTuYUKckbiQM8_wo6YV7emExu6KxxopzQAQGN9k6gSqjHmlMROpd8PBh5L4_/s1600/hualienhoushangelato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkk5PsCFZVJi_tkS0Fqd_FKRUaMSKA-JdwBcIQYduGi0pOjEhdv5H8j_dHsX91s7w48nC-CK7-JieUnlbYVTuYUKckbiQM8_wo6YV7emExu6KxxopzQAQGN9k6gSqjHmlMROpd8PBh5L4_/s640/hualienhoushangelato.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious gelati in a waffle cone from Houshan gelato shop in Hualien (花蓮後山手工冰淇淋).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Additionally, here's a picture of a dog on a scooter, a classic scene in Taiwan. This doglet is so sweet and timid! We wanted to pat it, but it looked so scared and worried... and then it completely lit up with relief and happiness when the owner came back! Awwwww.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi957EQ4aYWKqw3-3A3ckGtOegKRy6pK57pkX01m6cdUsSHN-s61p50u-TGb_LWQGGRi99KlF5-RicgWWQ6SwT17f5tdi6sh3q2kg1a9DuW4ekUXMlNNmuwhzzwhkV9GiZ8PHzjU4gqB0iY/s1600/hualiendogscooter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi957EQ4aYWKqw3-3A3ckGtOegKRy6pK57pkX01m6cdUsSHN-s61p50u-TGb_LWQGGRi99KlF5-RicgWWQ6SwT17f5tdi6sh3q2kg1a9DuW4ekUXMlNNmuwhzzwhkV9GiZ8PHzjU4gqB0iY/s640/hualiendogscooter.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little scooter dog!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Speaking of scooters, as mentioned in my Taroko Gorge blog post, we hired one for our stay in Hualien. It cost us 400 NTD per day, and fuel was about 150 NTD over the course of three days. <br />
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So we checked out the well-known Qixingtan beach, which is held in high regard for its pebble beach and blue waters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEqaA9889Z0pP8iXRcpci0WAKa9skXG8m2ryU5FfOjQSRAWrGDFuCS3y-3cP4-qXVlFcuZvpFuPG2QPrXaomRHgkQg7UmK3oaOZghGk2FxSQhK-WCKk9XSOY400UcFiWcamscOuT168Cl/s1600/hualienqixingtanbeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEqaA9889Z0pP8iXRcpci0WAKa9skXG8m2ryU5FfOjQSRAWrGDFuCS3y-3cP4-qXVlFcuZvpFuPG2QPrXaomRHgkQg7UmK3oaOZghGk2FxSQhK-WCKk9XSOY400UcFiWcamscOuT168Cl/s640/hualienqixingtanbeach.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Qixingtan beach (七星潭).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And I guess it is quite attractive, but to be honest, Simon and I were sort of like okay, it's a beach, now what do we do? So we ventured to the other direction, and there was some kind of a fish market going on. I've always been partial to fish markets, there's something about them that feels raw and right to me.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqUkakCNhCG03cTAKdrHP1mEFIXLhhypsBIaBipu1GCRUlNGite3DlnA-iBdM_fUvk6sAMbFD538tK-O88RCORJnC_khw2coURm6DmYPT9oYwIADc8S1sX4SBjowi4J2IISbvMDhhho26/s1600/hualienqixingtanfishmarket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqUkakCNhCG03cTAKdrHP1mEFIXLhhypsBIaBipu1GCRUlNGite3DlnA-iBdM_fUvk6sAMbFD538tK-O88RCORJnC_khw2coURm6DmYPT9oYwIADc8S1sX4SBjowi4J2IISbvMDhhho26/s640/hualienqixingtanfishmarket.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Qixingtan fish market (七星潭魚市場).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This kitty cat was probably the highlight of our trip to Qixingtan, haha! We were patting it outside someone's shop house like the crazy cat weirdos we are. This amused the locals and led to casual conversation related to the cat.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrCmJaZAaKMiphrvJjphwVy_DPy2OaPmOyd_2uNDMxvgafWyBZkAiaPwy4KNDGip5SGM6z3lOWW-XVqekxjXqUHmQNVec-kgVN1_cpYw0Al2wshesBaMWeRgXD88PSQCteNR0OZn-mlXL/s1600/hualienqixingtancat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrCmJaZAaKMiphrvJjphwVy_DPy2OaPmOyd_2uNDMxvgafWyBZkAiaPwy4KNDGip5SGM6z3lOWW-XVqekxjXqUHmQNVec-kgVN1_cpYw0Al2wshesBaMWeRgXD88PSQCteNR0OZn-mlXL/s640/hualienqixingtancat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice cat near the fish market at Qixingtan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
On our way back to the main city area, we took a different route and discovered the Zuocang Cemetery. I took a photo as I thought it was quite a charming cemetery.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSPYX0y85DyQvwEWw_mJa5q7P7OnoScW65Uyb0iPS0S2uO06awj4eeO8vhrUUPNJf52m7WarcLGS8-eHN4aeCJFPBeMHbDrvdfIRve1y16mc54oykda2gBRPzTM48fYaWRRXeKjx01aVJ/s1600/hualiencemeteryzuocang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSPYX0y85DyQvwEWw_mJa5q7P7OnoScW65Uyb0iPS0S2uO06awj4eeO8vhrUUPNJf52m7WarcLGS8-eHN4aeCJFPBeMHbDrvdfIRve1y16mc54oykda2gBRPzTM48fYaWRRXeKjx01aVJ/s640/hualiencemeteryzuocang.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hualien Zuocang Cemetery (花蓮市佐倉公墓).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
There was also a cheerful statue of the Chinese Earth God, smiling beatifically as he ruled over his land. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSLst0Ss3-Z2o7i6zMeh0ke4H4owdzyLCF0qS7YkL1Qb6S9J4UaMjW9IHJjfF_PprjpKakEJu4dyRLz8-14uC6Z4QLqKqITI_TNXLhqVIG3fo5YVobTE1FaTz58Gpo0GzbGaJrAMkvkXW/s1600/hualientudigong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSLst0Ss3-Z2o7i6zMeh0ke4H4owdzyLCF0qS7YkL1Qb6S9J4UaMjW9IHJjfF_PprjpKakEJu4dyRLz8-14uC6Z4QLqKqITI_TNXLhqVIG3fo5YVobTE1FaTz58Gpo0GzbGaJrAMkvkXW/s640/hualientudigong.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tudigong, Lord of the Soil and the Ground (土地公). </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
On another day, we headed off to Sanzhan (sometimes spelled Sanjhan and also known as Pratan), a little aboriginal village that was recommended to us by our enthusiastic Airbnb host, who showed us the pictures he took on his phone and the place looked pretty so we thought, why not?<br />
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We took the Hai'an Road route there and gosh, it's gorgeous. Such a great ride. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WXuuSI6o6EZtRT3O8bf2uEwcIi1oHaugnA_yjSAjNnmBMThr7OKbad3p4e2_PbZORztEQ2BwGd9WHG4gL8N-Se9DBrc89qPQJCani5-2jNRiB_AdvZSQ9bTl6glQA6FPm931u87jlL6l/s1600/hualienhaianroadscenery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WXuuSI6o6EZtRT3O8bf2uEwcIi1oHaugnA_yjSAjNnmBMThr7OKbad3p4e2_PbZORztEQ2BwGd9WHG4gL8N-Se9DBrc89qPQJCani5-2jNRiB_AdvZSQ9bTl6glQA6FPm931u87jlL6l/s640/hualienhaianroadscenery.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful views from Hualien City's Hai'an Road (花蓮海岸路).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Yep, the journey there alone was already making my heart sing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOi62QFnwz4dH0Rxg8lRfYprpBq_RuegKmmkCwhtp_cD0jSzb9Z4RUqPlF85nN2Br6m7vWGHo68tZA4r_aO3_cLJ-qE0f2aU7csYuwJRk4No8EHKKkVRMsqjKAvHLDM6JR7fZPjxffLYZh/s1600/hualienhaianroadviews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOi62QFnwz4dH0Rxg8lRfYprpBq_RuegKmmkCwhtp_cD0jSzb9Z4RUqPlF85nN2Br6m7vWGHo68tZA4r_aO3_cLJ-qE0f2aU7csYuwJRk4No8EHKKkVRMsqjKAvHLDM6JR7fZPjxffLYZh/s640/hualienhaianroadviews.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seaside views along Hai'an Road.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And then we got to Sanzhan village, and we probably should have done more research, because we weren't quite sure what we could do. If we'd looked it up more, we would have found out about river tracing here. We could have followed the water into a more secluded spot, taken a dip in a pool, and ventured into a river valley in the Taroko National Park!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jDQOSQYwKXY9ZAMhLTuuwoaexnWow2ZmQbbkX9PrM5k0fUTZkYDCAggSWh8cz7apUH3Fl0v_9qFRto8iNfQvstR7ak_1VZlgd7BIih1ZoDgldmnaYNhHNHVcCiXyVtvf16ew-0DD5M5a/s1600/hualiensanzhanriverviews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jDQOSQYwKXY9ZAMhLTuuwoaexnWow2ZmQbbkX9PrM5k0fUTZkYDCAggSWh8cz7apUH3Fl0v_9qFRto8iNfQvstR7ak_1VZlgd7BIih1ZoDgldmnaYNhHNHVcCiXyVtvf16ew-0DD5M5a/s640/hualiensanzhanriverviews.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sanzhan River (三棧溪) - the teal waters are truly captivating.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
As it is, we just wandered around randomly, and admired the views. With exquisite blue-green waters and a mountainous backdrop, this village sure is pleasing to the eyes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrC_d-t4Yq19i6fB-LG0mOC9flycZkwgNs4mPSAGIUxQ5x2rTWXBgkTvcSf1wmG0oexaKXnBUuJnM_XAlcxR2SMGcaLW0X89ENtCtT5vBE8nFl4bMrbqxeF73I8Dlgysu1HH46sCYZaiV/s1600/hualiensanzhanvillagescenery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrC_d-t4Yq19i6fB-LG0mOC9flycZkwgNs4mPSAGIUxQ5x2rTWXBgkTvcSf1wmG0oexaKXnBUuJnM_XAlcxR2SMGcaLW0X89ENtCtT5vBE8nFl4bMrbqxeF73I8Dlgysu1HH46sCYZaiV/s640/hualiensanzhanvillagescenery.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sanzhan village views (三棧村).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We got to the main village area, and found a shop where we could grab some breakfast!<br />
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I saw that they did blood cube soup, which isn't usually my thing, but that day, for some reason, it sounded fantastically appealing to me. An unusual craving for me, and I'm really glad I ordered it! The broth was generous with spring onions, and the pork blood curds were so smooth, the taste so subtle, it was almost like having tofu. This is simple, satisfying, rustic comfort food. I felt utterly nourished.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ghPne3UC2HfHqgJoT_OidLJBNqrH_D7aH6hyN73dXBPnxSmS1NPxNSGnj2AeXwGaGPYh5tqlICzjPxEBgjxiDqG79q0iVDrFdew7zk3DJVw14pJzg8O-xc6TIFRFXwCMeAjveRJBVTam/s1600/hualiensanzhanbloodcubesoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ghPne3UC2HfHqgJoT_OidLJBNqrH_D7aH6hyN73dXBPnxSmS1NPxNSGnj2AeXwGaGPYh5tqlICzjPxEBgjxiDqG79q0iVDrFdew7zk3DJVw14pJzg8O-xc6TIFRFXwCMeAjveRJBVTam/s640/hualiensanzhanbloodcubesoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Pig's blood soup (豬血湯) at Sanzhan village.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
After our breakfast, we walked around some more, and met quite a few cats in the village, much to our sheer delight.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkX9qneqAJyaDPi9Z5kAAGJ_CL6g_QTGmi2gntnIBkTLo2VsbK2ccfWMAs6icqWnFtXbmHEHp9SwYQRbxD507DyQGGovCo2W24dIChT1x9cGiNGmmsNSlOQ0Rutny5NMtpF-428N_12Ok3/s1600/hualiensanzhanvillagecats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkX9qneqAJyaDPi9Z5kAAGJ_CL6g_QTGmi2gntnIBkTLo2VsbK2ccfWMAs6icqWnFtXbmHEHp9SwYQRbxD507DyQGGovCo2W24dIChT1x9cGiNGmmsNSlOQ0Rutny5NMtpF-428N_12Ok3/s640/hualiensanzhanvillagecats.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cats at Sanzhan village.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Doesn't this cool cat look like it has superpowers? I mean, it looks like it could be a badass character from Dragon Ball Z or Rurouni Kenshin, or something.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAQVxoFrOal-NkD1IROEHoFE-YxjGxbhEoDTs_-Bp5YMlEMFllGf5ELgX2LReu5kzeNJP2AzgeuN7okETGSOpdqngJX2bh75j9uu80YbR7PLtcBtTHkgf4_-jYMpfDKXdvrffJIibAyYq/s1600/hualiensanzhanvillagedragonballcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1200" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAQVxoFrOal-NkD1IROEHoFE-YxjGxbhEoDTs_-Bp5YMlEMFllGf5ELgX2LReu5kzeNJP2AzgeuN7okETGSOpdqngJX2bh75j9uu80YbR7PLtcBtTHkgf4_-jYMpfDKXdvrffJIibAyYq/s640/hualiensanzhanvillagedragonballcat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cool calico or tortoiseshell cat in Sanzhan village.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So even though we didn't do all the things we could've done at Sanzhan, we ended up having a lovely time there. Funny how things work out!<br />
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In conclusion, I'll just say that there is so much to explore in Hualien County, especially if you have your own transport. With a vibrant food scene in the city area, and beautiful scenery in the countryside, it definitely gets a thumbs-up from me!<br />
</span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-49897840704861537132017-05-23T21:18:00.000+10:002017-05-23T21:18:16.246+10:00day trip to taroko gorge<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZkkQUbmYgaAT2ErA8SAJUE29KBAFcExUDecigaDhVP97nUXm_qSEkuj11ekhRSr0aBW88DmL7QPqGTogoIjIH50a4iVKQ7RIHrokTGngPtrnyb-voImsbqSvz7Rt3qgdEHm1TnPsKDlp/s1600/tarokogorgeviewfromabove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZkkQUbmYgaAT2ErA8SAJUE29KBAFcExUDecigaDhVP97nUXm_qSEkuj11ekhRSr0aBW88DmL7QPqGTogoIjIH50a4iVKQ7RIHrokTGngPtrnyb-voImsbqSvz7Rt3qgdEHm1TnPsKDlp/s640/tarokogorgeviewfromabove.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A day at Taroko Gorge (太魯閣峽谷), Taroko National Park (太魯閣國家公園).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
After Luodong, the next stop on our Taiwan itinerary is Hualien. One of the major attractions here is, of course, Taroko Gorge at Taroko National Park. We made this a priority, and after a good night's sleep in Hualien city, we got up nice and early, and scooted over to Taroko first thing in the morning!<br />
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There are quite a few options for exploring Taroko Gorge. You can go with a tour, you can get a driver to chauffeur you around for the day, you can take a hop-on hop-off shuttle bus. Or you can procure your own transport, which is what we did! We hired a scooter and away we went...<br />
<span class="fullpost"><br />
It took us less than an hour to get to Taroko National Park, and entry is free, which is awesome. We kicked things off with the Shakadang trail - an easy choice, as it's very close to the park entrance. It was a pleasant trail, and the rocky overhangs were cool, though also a little bit worrying, given that the park also warns about falling rocks. It is not uncommon to see people wearing safety helmets when they explore the gorge!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5Rm9xKhDAjBMejsQ-LxmS5VcP0EtzAre9Cjl804LNw7_3CM45Vk_VlXRJG_7_6zvMJqBuVwjXURMw2Tr5crwcLWSWnWmVxR1je6pzFXt3ewmPZL603K-2KDqO51VZc4gkQDplLeoRI9R/s1600/tarokoshakadangtrailoverhangingrocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5Rm9xKhDAjBMejsQ-LxmS5VcP0EtzAre9Cjl804LNw7_3CM45Vk_VlXRJG_7_6zvMJqBuVwjXURMw2Tr5crwcLWSWnWmVxR1je6pzFXt3ewmPZL603K-2KDqO51VZc4gkQDplLeoRI9R/s640/tarokoshakadangtrailoverhangingrocks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this is the Shakadang trail (<span class="st">砂卡礑步道</span>). Check out those overhanging rock formations!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I can't remember which section of the park it was where I took this picture. But the mountain views here sure are pretty.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHubddgaPfeA78HRa-lRKoo4OyP91VjMnB2xPnl75azjX2r3bv-5OnztsXVRas047oJgU1yhyphenhyphenYSUrwT1nCyQRkFzbW814a-O-xkBJYscrV_XX1M87fvgfg85TbPHa5RT2O8kq1gfEpD4Yp/s1600/tarokogorgemistymountainviews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHubddgaPfeA78HRa-lRKoo4OyP91VjMnB2xPnl75azjX2r3bv-5OnztsXVRas047oJgU1yhyphenhyphenYSUrwT1nCyQRkFzbW814a-O-xkBJYscrV_XX1M87fvgfg85TbPHa5RT2O8kq1gfEpD4Yp/s640/tarokogorgemistymountainviews.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright green and misty mountains.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And minutes after I captured that photo, I found another opportunity to put my camera to work when I spied this cute little skink! It's a baby five-striped blue-tailed skink (otherwise known as an elegant five-lined skink). Apparently they're adorable and striking as younglings, then sort of go drab as they grow into adults. I wish I could say we saw heaps more wildlife at Taroko, but that didn't happen... I suppose we just didn't venture deep enough into the park to see them. I'm glad to have met this cutie, at least.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihx-2X-7uWV_hg5oYGlbr3c2XlDWR6RJ8AAa-Iklgrw6NQnupptHKJFG_ElbVt0m4pIxhn1Z0SS7lHr0mHQK1ek33azlsAbvcW7dPWjq0_-kzMQf_r4x4D5lKc3Ldwi2uowcFCEGmYR6iF/s1600/tarokogorgefivestripedbluetailedskink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihx-2X-7uWV_hg5oYGlbr3c2XlDWR6RJ8AAa-Iklgrw6NQnupptHKJFG_ElbVt0m4pIxhn1Z0SS7lHr0mHQK1ek33azlsAbvcW7dPWjq0_-kzMQf_r4x4D5lKc3Ldwi2uowcFCEGmYR6iF/s640/tarokogorgefivestripedbluetailedskink.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A baby five-striped blue-tailed skink, also known as an elegant five-lined skink (麗紋石龍子).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
A bit further along, we were treated to the clean aquamarine waters of Liwu River rushing through a deep and narrow section of the gorge. This is the Swallow Grotto trail, named as such due to the abundance of swallows nesting in the marble cliff faces. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAtjlRl3g-Ym4twnTcSrRPCFUfFQQqO5hgAm9EiiIhpzjfJKIFUAE6spmeHPAfAy5ewrJu9gFNZrNzySKJJRIY6HwKH_m5VZMuvyb-S4hGKsmxYZj4_VpgFgrMk67iRxi6VhAsFK5x3b_/s1600/tarokogorgebluewaters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAtjlRl3g-Ym4twnTcSrRPCFUfFQQqO5hgAm9EiiIhpzjfJKIFUAE6spmeHPAfAy5ewrJu9gFNZrNzySKJJRIY6HwKH_m5VZMuvyb-S4hGKsmxYZj4_VpgFgrMk67iRxi6VhAsFK5x3b_/s640/tarokogorgebluewaters.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous blue Liwu River (<span class="st">立霧溪)</span> at Taroko Gorge. I think this is from the Swallow Grotto Trail (燕子口步道).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
After that we stopped at Tianxiang Village for food. Shockingly, I do not have any pictures of our lunch on my camera. I guess it probably wasn't anything special.<br />
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We continued on with our sightseeing... here's the gateway to Xiangde Temple and Tianfeng Pagoda. We were getting a bit short on time, so we didn't do the Xiangde Temple trail, and only admired these structures from afar.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01sRzllzdYQy40Y5Q70a_1JA4-ISE5_juPBmbUaEJJ3m9QdlFotaKQuilSuG1QwCQ1XUL4fWFhQUTvL8sRHvHcjRndWmNjKtD9jKvlgHIUfmAHuFQB9HXQaeTfxeFRUvGXcEcfUFjTsOs/s1600/tarokogorgexiangdetempletianfengpagoda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01sRzllzdYQy40Y5Q70a_1JA4-ISE5_juPBmbUaEJJ3m9QdlFotaKQuilSuG1QwCQ1XUL4fWFhQUTvL8sRHvHcjRndWmNjKtD9jKvlgHIUfmAHuFQB9HXQaeTfxeFRUvGXcEcfUFjTsOs/s640/tarokogorgexiangdetempletianfengpagoda.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xiangde Temple (<span class="st">祥德寺</span>) and Tianfeng Pagoda (天峰塔).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
At this point we turned back towards where we started, picking up more trails as we went along.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauD4CYwrS2qcYi7WsUjcsPhGQv6Aulq2IGmOaNgQvkXEWshYLankkFpUSLFpVtUw3ri_DcNFp2-da-wM9jDIfgcMWyJC9oalu6DvO_f-HM5mJPEvi65IedeMkmeRQ1YnvUqvnpHpOTyMA/s1600/tarokogorgetrail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauD4CYwrS2qcYi7WsUjcsPhGQv6Aulq2IGmOaNgQvkXEWshYLankkFpUSLFpVtUw3ri_DcNFp2-da-wM9jDIfgcMWyJC9oalu6DvO_f-HM5mJPEvi65IedeMkmeRQ1YnvUqvnpHpOTyMA/s640/tarokogorgetrail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A green and leafy trail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
If I recall correctly, this is part of the scenic Lushui trail.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LrnqRgIFKMZYfY-E_hXSDdQwE2m4gIrbwkL-eGD1GRUeJ5e1HITcMbyiBPc_x9jshS_mxqFA21Qt903R_mweTuDB8HNIiqSeFRWXPvdBFv6Cru6Bj0gLXW3qf-iXGLrv_u9YX_cNNpdM/s1600/tarokogorgeforesttrailtrees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LrnqRgIFKMZYfY-E_hXSDdQwE2m4gIrbwkL-eGD1GRUeJ5e1HITcMbyiBPc_x9jshS_mxqFA21Qt903R_mweTuDB8HNIiqSeFRWXPvdBFv6Cru6Bj0gLXW3qf-iXGLrv_u9YX_cNNpdM/s640/tarokogorgeforesttrailtrees.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely walk through the forest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I really enjoyed the trek - it's a gentle walk that includes both forest and cliff terrain, very rewarding for not too much effort!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GGj-49FfxuekD1l3UHzYiLXX5sidp82PoK3H1tj4ZQn87fkItXFkrAkK-M6ltqJ4wXTwrGdw8Ub_2Tc7hWpUMvx3odEvZZ8j5PQIMNFtgMrls-scPRbQPaiFd1gjKn9XjMfVR_kBym0i/s1600/tarokogorgelushuitrail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GGj-49FfxuekD1l3UHzYiLXX5sidp82PoK3H1tj4ZQn87fkItXFkrAkK-M6ltqJ4wXTwrGdw8Ub_2Tc7hWpUMvx3odEvZZ8j5PQIMNFtgMrls-scPRbQPaiFd1gjKn9XjMfVR_kBym0i/s640/tarokogorgelushuitrail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lushui trail (綠水步道) at Taroko Gorge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
There are some good views of the river here, and I believe we also saw the rare Taroko oak tree (quercus tarokoensis), which is endemic to Taiwan.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVIIo0zpNT9c9wCmKtKHhUi84ReJlrRdZElIABVLwezlsYOhgmR5_HgqiAEz5AiCgWuMD1QLehxi_zTRoCCQq6djleltTXH3zarc1Wb7RqRKfK114IRkCFj4mAEkkgJkTg9kSCdAnecbI/s1600/tarokogorgeriverviews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVIIo0zpNT9c9wCmKtKHhUi84ReJlrRdZElIABVLwezlsYOhgmR5_HgqiAEz5AiCgWuMD1QLehxi_zTRoCCQq6djleltTXH3zarc1Wb7RqRKfK114IRkCFj4mAEkkgJkTg9kSCdAnecbI/s640/tarokogorgeriverviews.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views of Liwu River (<span class="st">立霧溪). I think that's a Taroko oak tree (太魯閣櫟) at the forefront of the picture.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I can't remember if this was part of a trail or just a spot we stopped temporarily on our way back, but look at how gorgeous it is! Or should I say, gorge-ous? Haha.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVILVALCaxDjzbF-HqH4OsUBcobDZg6qJHyYh0zZ-GacuLqe6U2vk8PXACjzcq7unOdxtJFuaEhgdnWgKaj5dQbeh0rZstjsBZjmV-SfRMog0qbuQfs7bBWcbiKwoqdnqaUfZXg-HWfsU/s1600/tarokogorgeviews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVILVALCaxDjzbF-HqH4OsUBcobDZg6qJHyYh0zZ-GacuLqe6U2vk8PXACjzcq7unOdxtJFuaEhgdnWgKaj5dQbeh0rZstjsBZjmV-SfRMog0qbuQfs7bBWcbiKwoqdnqaUfZXg-HWfsU/s640/tarokogorgeviews.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorge-ous views at Taroko Gorge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Ditto these magnificent mountain views.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6v78UrUALVk0tg3jG6eitltaJS-ViVm691EIzDTury7oNK090OE1maiJgVGiJjFtBb27bC_ce1gkMu2K_tYxdCTnOpCodDcmw5Sd6qKrmX1BfDqNqeML_27AeBun0yQn70kFbA0cFCnO/s1600/tarokogorgemistymountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6v78UrUALVk0tg3jG6eitltaJS-ViVm691EIzDTury7oNK090OE1maiJgVGiJjFtBb27bC_ce1gkMu2K_tYxdCTnOpCodDcmw5Sd6qKrmX1BfDqNqeML_27AeBun0yQn70kFbA0cFCnO/s640/tarokogorgemistymountains.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful mysterious misty mountains.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
As daylight dwindled, we were almost back to where we started, near the park entrance, but of course, we had one more important stop: the Changchun Shrine, also known as the Eternal Spring Shrine. The trifecta of shrine, mountain and waterfall makes for a charmingly photogenic location, definitely one that attracts hordes of tourists. You can easily admire this view and take pictures from afar, but there is also the Changchun Trail if you would like a more up close and personal experience.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvp3FFxWGfo_-B7yFpf3RiMPr877tKzQMzexjEZofeaXQTSqy53K11ZcdTwmJPIbfeHTo5lT6ANox_vJKx-YoEubfKEHMMFkzIh_nfxiXxiHJGjXGQa7hWWxjdUmdW6bUJ-hMeE6OiHl2/s1600/tarokogorgeeternalspringshrinechangchuntemple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvp3FFxWGfo_-B7yFpf3RiMPr877tKzQMzexjEZofeaXQTSqy53K11ZcdTwmJPIbfeHTo5lT6ANox_vJKx-YoEubfKEHMMFkzIh_nfxiXxiHJGjXGQa7hWWxjdUmdW6bUJ-hMeE6OiHl2/s640/tarokogorgeeternalspringshrinechangchuntemple.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Eternal Spring Shrine or Changchun Shrine (長春祠) at Taroko Gorge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And we also noticed this - a mountain temple? - perched at a higher elevation. Intriguing!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5ojWgJdzZepVHAjt15Bya2K5i_gdFsSvbvJQ_-bfnAyX4NbabFerNXZQE2zd-BXVg20oLE3SOB9LV1BsKs5uMKOP2qnYWkpz0DOA0pHJ8VTiyNRaoxVXvsrp_z6ZGZf_o-jEi-ZfLdx3/s1600/tarokogorgemountaintemple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5ojWgJdzZepVHAjt15Bya2K5i_gdFsSvbvJQ_-bfnAyX4NbabFerNXZQE2zd-BXVg20oLE3SOB9LV1BsKs5uMKOP2qnYWkpz0DOA0pHJ8VTiyNRaoxVXvsrp_z6ZGZf_o-jEi-ZfLdx3/s640/tarokogorgemountaintemple.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another memorial or temple high up on the mountain in Taroko Gorge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We ended up spending a full day at Taroko Gorge - we were there for about 8 hours in total, from morning till sunset, and it was a day well spent. If you have time to spare and you're strongly into nature and hiking, you might even consider allocating two days here - the Taroko National Park is actually seriously huge (look it up on the map!), and what I've covered in this post is but a tiny percentage of what it has to offer. So, go forth and be intrepid... and tell me all about it!<br />
</span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-26569028043502905312017-05-16T22:08:00.000+10:002017-05-17T17:29:40.921+10:00luodong night market: fun regional cuisine<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdowqW5G-Zx_tN9qrsAzurpVTlytObnneALwPb6-bMu5Rocsp7Pu39ANAAmGVS6aTr65-uaWO5cjBAzyh1chS6lMGrsxRy19x3gmDXwD_7KX8RxN0iHjaLw9dnb-A84IeEEix08_f79Po/s1600/luodongnightmarket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdowqW5G-Zx_tN9qrsAzurpVTlytObnneALwPb6-bMu5Rocsp7Pu39ANAAmGVS6aTr65-uaWO5cjBAzyh1chS6lMGrsxRy19x3gmDXwD_7KX8RxN0iHjaLw9dnb-A84IeEEix08_f79Po/s640/luodongnightmarket.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luodong Night Market in Yilan County (羅東夜市, <span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="zh-TW"><span class="">宜蘭縣</span></span>).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Our Taiwan itinerary was basically a loop around the country - the idea was to start from Taipei and make our way down the east coast to the south, then head back up again through the west and center before finally returning to where we began.<br />
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I'm going to leave the Taipei posts for later, so let's get to the (literally) loopy part of the journey!<br />
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For some reason, I decided to kick things off with Luodong. I can't remember exactly how this came about, but I suspect that I read some glowing reviews about the local night market there, my stomach said "yes!" and that was that.<br />
<span class="fullpost"><br />
And the Luodong night market really is the main attraction, as far as I'm concerned. We wandered around town during the day, and honestly, we didn't get up to much. It is when night falls that it gets truly exciting.<br />
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The first thing I ate at the market was something simple and straightforward, a piece of grilled mackerel. A sprinkling of salt and a squeeze of lemon is all it needs - the excellent quality of the fish rings through bright and clear.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IFAXNHYsLA5Qwkh4JqRDk3sCUM6qup6uCg0PD9SpJ16f6jdQkFTui_3rXcf0IOy6fpQRs_mP7h0CZtayFPHtjdy2scTNYbTFj6l5XRih4UF35h2e739SCuXKj7TMdBFobivccc-HuEjQ/s1600/luodonggrilledmackerelfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IFAXNHYsLA5Qwkh4JqRDk3sCUM6qup6uCg0PD9SpJ16f6jdQkFTui_3rXcf0IOy6fpQRs_mP7h0CZtayFPHtjdy2scTNYbTFj6l5XRih4UF35h2e739SCuXKj7TMdBFobivccc-HuEjQ/s640/luodonggrilledmackerelfish.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilled mackerel from the Yifang Seafood Stall (宜芳海物燒烤店<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="zh-TW"><span class="">的</span></span>鯖魚).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Simon, on the other hand, got this thing, whatever it is, I can't remember... but it looks like a pizza cone. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqI4YOjwrn6FTTAlVhx56ku1TgJK_2EnoAPlfZ-1QEooo9WHkxqc2ppFuk0dDPIKbPtJRKtZIk1qivRNFocDd2Gm4r-90jR29Dx4BJYxHr64l2gDcf8XbM0pTVkeMH9h59zybikjM7a7m/s1600/luodongpizzacone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqI4YOjwrn6FTTAlVhx56ku1TgJK_2EnoAPlfZ-1QEooo9WHkxqc2ppFuk0dDPIKbPtJRKtZIk1qivRNFocDd2Gm4r-90jR29Dx4BJYxHr64l2gDcf8XbM0pTVkeMH9h59zybikjM7a7m/s640/luodongpizzacone.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this is some kind of pizza cone (義式捲筒披薩)?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Then he made an astute choice with this Shanghai-style cold-tossed hand-torn chicken salad. I was a bit skeptical because the stall wasn't one of the more crowded ones, but it actually turned out to be delicious. With mixed vegetables, pulled chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a tangy dressing to pull it all together, this salad is big on texture and flavour. It's probably also one of the healthier options you can get at the market, if that matters. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhXglj3hN6ZiV9HiOeZfq-b4pptNV5YNIYsCeU_sCRE1d7q_hVZEkOyf708Vyr2rY-7m6eB-boyAYCll1owlAb-TsEjsBA0I1WUTqJ-v1l2tx5LQaF_KgvEW2FF53breQ3xiVH0ak-tCj/s1600/luodongchickensalad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhXglj3hN6ZiV9HiOeZfq-b4pptNV5YNIYsCeU_sCRE1d7q_hVZEkOyf708Vyr2rY-7m6eB-boyAYCll1owlAb-TsEjsBA0I1WUTqJ-v1l2tx5LQaF_KgvEW2FF53breQ3xiVH0ak-tCj/s640/luodongchickensalad.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shanghainese cold shredded chicken salad (涼拌手撕雞). 60 NTD for a small portion, 100 NTD for large.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
By the way, there is a park just next to the market! It's called the Luodong Zhongshan Park, and the lights and fountain features are quite pretty at night.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXHwJad2yJDo0tlffaSYsfhXNPzdK0pgHcrXiwVduK2VxEe9FHQhAZZpe6DZRYohxiuI-xZh5Xobhg2GfsH8Q4ZYHjDvk_9IzQf1xGSIcG3vfkRcOUUr-aI_bRiXUCW43SvFCvo4QXW6-/s1600/luodongzhongshanparkfountainatnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXHwJad2yJDo0tlffaSYsfhXNPzdK0pgHcrXiwVduK2VxEe9FHQhAZZpe6DZRYohxiuI-xZh5Xobhg2GfsH8Q4ZYHjDvk_9IzQf1xGSIcG3vfkRcOUUr-aI_bRiXUCW43SvFCvo4QXW6-/s640/luodongzhongshanparkfountainatnight.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luodong Zhongshan Park (羅東中山公園).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
But let's get back to the food, because we're getting to the more interesting stuff...<br />
<br />
I think we got these pork-wrapped spring onion rolls after seeing an impressive queue at the stall. Usually, a long line turns me off and I can't be bothered... but hey, we're on holiday, we're in Luodong precisely for the food, and they look freakin' awesome. Like many other stalls selling spring onion snacks, this one also proudly proclaims the use of the famously voluptuous and fragrant spring onions from the nearby Sanshing, a small rural town that has its own spring onion festival and spring onion museum.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7gLZsZW0oue8wU8D73-NwO-NNDE67gCHxvgPiUjxOirBThRDKFp35xQwD8VQbyEFF7qQlfsJpgYdB9qUnJnqjEyCLUDqSW1NcuJyNigmtHUoWrJTIaCkiOuSYmbTRb8lKc_6gZrk7oyw/s1600/luodongporkwrappedspringonionrolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7gLZsZW0oue8wU8D73-NwO-NNDE67gCHxvgPiUjxOirBThRDKFp35xQwD8VQbyEFF7qQlfsJpgYdB9qUnJnqjEyCLUDqSW1NcuJyNigmtHUoWrJTIaCkiOuSYmbTRb8lKc_6gZrk7oyw/s640/luodongporkwrappedspringonionrolls.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork-wrapped green onion rolls on a stick (三星蔥肉串), 35 NTD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The thinly-sliced grilled pork that's brushed with a sweet, savoury sauce and topped with sesame seeds, the aromatic spring onions bursting with juices encased within... yeah, these babies were worth the wait.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJx0_w8INEaZkHt_V5mWatxbuasdv59Wa9dh_0T8hMIdB2zMhJ7A5iQcjq3QhOEUu9BRpFb8amuDDUHUEMRjKP0wybHeOLhJ9HoJWX47sUnBUhyphenhyphenIOHxzo6dv8PBVQUTYProhvq3EMxclx/s1600/luodongspringonionroll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJx0_w8INEaZkHt_V5mWatxbuasdv59Wa9dh_0T8hMIdB2zMhJ7A5iQcjq3QhOEUu9BRpFb8amuDDUHUEMRjKP0wybHeOLhJ9HoJWX47sUnBUhyphenhyphenIOHxzo6dv8PBVQUTYProhvq3EMxclx/s640/luodongspringonionroll.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot of the pork and spring onion skewer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Then I had a brief dessert interruption... though frankly I wasn't so much tempted by something sweet than amused by the name of this stall: "Flat-Chested Maiden's Crispy Egg Cakes". That's one way to make a sale! Anyway, these are best eaten warm - they're soft and tender inside, with a slight crunch to the exterior. But like most of the egg cakes I tried in Taiwan, they weren't as eggy as I prefer; I think I'm just spoilt by the homemade ones my family makes, where we don't hold back on the eggs!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizW08fV7EjGLmDwbIUMJyIlP-0_7TMMfhFXdNjWMU0KLzIzZxD1DEgIb2VrwDHz92DWgxITUCwaBc7Z_UbswHjVF-081B42vdiZkno4WKVeQuAJUPni9f0bgCb5zyDPhZ97QP0J_QzyKvl/s1600/luodongeggcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizW08fV7EjGLmDwbIUMJyIlP-0_7TMMfhFXdNjWMU0KLzIzZxD1DEgIb2VrwDHz92DWgxITUCwaBc7Z_UbswHjVF-081B42vdiZkno4WKVeQuAJUPni9f0bgCb5zyDPhZ97QP0J_QzyKvl/s640/luodongeggcakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crispy egg cakes from the Flat-Chested Maiden stall (平胸妹脆皮雞蛋糕), 30 NTD for a small portion, 50 NTD for large.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I was keen to try the specialty foods known to this region, and the mysteriously named dragon phoenix roll certainly fits the bill. It's basically a sausage with ingredients such as pork, fish paste, cabbage and carrot neatly wrapped up in pig's caul fat.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2IgBPtcQ-B9e3rD9t_ND5HyM-NrnqKDs4rHxWnbM-puoN9OG_nTJro9UtWQV-R7nQzHdqVbwkdn88u0g39ogGK4XPB8d8gDW4I6mSTUZYXRbjeRlEjLrL9DUY_gsdOcQSmrP4x2rUZfN/s1600/luodongdragonphoenixroll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2IgBPtcQ-B9e3rD9t_ND5HyM-NrnqKDs4rHxWnbM-puoN9OG_nTJro9UtWQV-R7nQzHdqVbwkdn88u0g39ogGK4XPB8d8gDW4I6mSTUZYXRbjeRlEjLrL9DUY_gsdOcQSmrP4x2rUZfN/s640/luodongdragonphoenixroll.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragon phoenix leg (龍鳳腿), 20 NTD per stick.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Pork fritters are also well-known here. Strips of pork are seasoned, dipped in batter, and deep fried. The stall I got these from also offered another specialty called gaozha, I wish I tried that too, I don't know why I didn't - apparently they're deep-fried creamy meat cubes that melt in your mouth, so intriguing! They sell some kind of century egg salad as well.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-38uUPwtX2gg_n7HZ2fH28kK8SyhSJ6kW12TlPFvisfEEgFwpMUcwdbfOFsMxmCuU-2ofjn5Y3yvNIv5lLCivU9GTVjrwFqlaRT4NrX6TVtD2SGvQr8aEL-0BbYAXIXsgVegHUNbSRNk/s1600/luodongporkfritters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-38uUPwtX2gg_n7HZ2fH28kK8SyhSJ6kW12TlPFvisfEEgFwpMUcwdbfOFsMxmCuU-2ofjn5Y3yvNIv5lLCivU9GTVjrwFqlaRT4NrX6TVtD2SGvQr8aEL-0BbYAXIXsgVegHUNbSRNk/s640/luodongporkfritters.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork fritters (卜肉) from the Xiaochun (小春) stall, which also sells little deep-fried meat cakes (糕渣). 60/100 NTD small/large.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Last but not least, one of the local specialties that I really wanted to experience at the Luodong night market is the angelica mutton soup.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_la0Ut2-isdQxLDJD27fUQm3KxQ3dxZJGW6Vbo8T05GBGJWc4SGrsz8d40o1YePkGsq3UQ2eKfR36m9HdLXCiIfp9QBL0OG2hiNGV6ODG9ic0fcs2WBEvEV369zdbuxVUiEnpyYW3ftv/s1600/luodongangelicamuttonsoupstall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_la0Ut2-isdQxLDJD27fUQm3KxQ3dxZJGW6Vbo8T05GBGJWc4SGrsz8d40o1YePkGsq3UQ2eKfR36m9HdLXCiIfp9QBL0OG2hiNGV6ODG9ic0fcs2WBEvEV369zdbuxVUiEnpyYW3ftv/s640/luodongangelicamuttonsoupstall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yangpuzi, a popular angelica mutton soup stall at Luodong night market (羊舖子當歸羊肉湯).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Cooked with angelica root, which is said to have restorative medicinal qualities, this Chinese herbal soup features tender mutton in an aromatic broth. With a taste that feels nourishing yet light, this soup is like a lovely warm hug on a cool autumn evening. It made me happy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59k42lIGBHF3W67FSvIIxPuxL1rQN6_HzGZdMwtJXGulVZajfMEaS5KLOSMaBsaLM0a6JPvHvwLhvlqO2I-V5D-zN1-xSbW_hdLM_2b_OCU2ncv8pqRxdZchxXVWtUGymDb3n08cFHL0h/s1600/luodongangelicamuttonsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59k42lIGBHF3W67FSvIIxPuxL1rQN6_HzGZdMwtJXGulVZajfMEaS5KLOSMaBsaLM0a6JPvHvwLhvlqO2I-V5D-zN1-xSbW_hdLM_2b_OCU2ncv8pqRxdZchxXVWtUGymDb3n08cFHL0h/s640/luodongangelicamuttonsoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angelica mutton soup (當歸羊肉湯), 65 NTD per bowl. Delicious!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Eventually, our night market wanderings also led us to the Luodong Fude Temple, a random find for us.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2EOM1HwmdSdneIQZehiqK7b4QjYbS1-r0DJLpuzUH5FFuXQIokBuchHXjtgF7WB7_WV4pUyXsGH2fXS6WzGOKhdjfz2Ztg99Zj8jfyRI15boKHXqCM0rH5Ks80VXxfTcJpzqjFfevXFn/s1600/luodongfudetemple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2EOM1HwmdSdneIQZehiqK7b4QjYbS1-r0DJLpuzUH5FFuXQIokBuchHXjtgF7WB7_WV4pUyXsGH2fXS6WzGOKhdjfz2Ztg99Zj8jfyRI15boKHXqCM0rH5Ks80VXxfTcJpzqjFfevXFn/s640/luodongfudetemple.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luodong Fude Temple (羅東福德廟).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The lanterns looked bright and festive - a fittingly vibrant end to our time in Luodong, which was short but sweet - or should I say, short but savoury, with little surprises here and there, plus lots of satisfaction!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLA2X0TU8bl2x5qtKIo4dQcAGaNMRBHshGbG8F42rYbMqBLMUDgq4ixY0nuNGS0HOVHxPSeMcOQ9YrzkyQN7L9naEpboBuvZAfO4-bSDtclZdgeUq2J751LBiWyjQTiTJ7ASrsPGN8-tdY/s1600/luodongfudetemplelanterns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLA2X0TU8bl2x5qtKIo4dQcAGaNMRBHshGbG8F42rYbMqBLMUDgq4ixY0nuNGS0HOVHxPSeMcOQ9YrzkyQN7L9naEpboBuvZAfO4-bSDtclZdgeUq2J751LBiWyjQTiTJ7ASrsPGN8-tdY/s640/luodongfudetemplelanterns.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanterns at the Luodong Fude Temple.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-36320515491877101352017-05-10T21:22:00.000+10:002017-05-10T22:49:17.274+10:00a day in tamsui<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh225pdvGA5VRsvK5yOY9VYDnAOXton72MCWeHejj4Q06yIImrUUoM-kCCkqOBXRaZmVHXy_21EPUrtNZFISA7lJGK9vTlUVfjbVOv3ukMyU4yide01U3z3Xyetac40iiSThzopPWL68r7v/s1600/danshuitamsuioldstreet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh225pdvGA5VRsvK5yOY9VYDnAOXton72MCWeHejj4Q06yIImrUUoM-kCCkqOBXRaZmVHXy_21EPUrtNZFISA7lJGK9vTlUVfjbVOv3ukMyU4yide01U3z3Xyetac40iiSThzopPWL68r7v/s640/danshuitamsuioldstreet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stroll down Tamsui Old Street (<span class="st">淡水老街).</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Our trip to Taiwan was a last-minute decision, and as such, at times I felt under-prepared in terms of figuring out places to visit and things to see. However, thanks to the internet and helpful accommodation hosts, it turned out that we never had a bored moment!<br />
<br />
This brings us to the subject of today's post. Our first few days in Taipei, our hosts suggested that we could make a day trip to Tamsui (otherwise spelled as Danshui) if we were looking for something to do. So we did - and we had a very nice time!<br />
<span class="fullpost"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_6xrl8kkuFKwMNQ41FaDwYM9yp9oyEqgTyOt1HdJLtxqk2eJ4iHGtXovhclNCeJlyhFE1byMXSxpDzXuHVrGi7R7tRY-pZSlFXIw0H-3qckPqjS5lhHETYKYg-uQRtcKnYUV6gfFX6aF/s1600/danshuitamsuideepfriedcrabs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_6xrl8kkuFKwMNQ41FaDwYM9yp9oyEqgTyOt1HdJLtxqk2eJ4iHGtXovhclNCeJlyhFE1byMXSxpDzXuHVrGi7R7tRY-pZSlFXIw0H-3qckPqjS5lhHETYKYg-uQRtcKnYUV6gfFX6aF/s640/danshuitamsuideepfriedcrabs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small deep-fried crabs and raw king oyster mushrooms.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Tamsui is a seaside town, and I've got to say, the seafood stalls here do a fabulous job of showing off the local goods.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCUbCzl2BDOGJiQHhxhyphenhyphen20nGNBY0HOATNvFRKq2ZL9BWjoH3yb5TMBTGoLdJofFZDSYrhazONYThMUyNDDXNb3T8i1v3w37KtuvJA-YrC1ALFNcBy5Rk6dAsvEXrpIGOKHDnb-kWVqpcV/s1600/danshuitamsuiseafoodstall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCUbCzl2BDOGJiQHhxhyphenhyphen20nGNBY0HOATNvFRKq2ZL9BWjoH3yb5TMBTGoLdJofFZDSYrhazONYThMUyNDDXNb3T8i1v3w37KtuvJA-YrC1ALFNcBy5Rk6dAsvEXrpIGOKHDnb-kWVqpcV/s640/danshuitamsuiseafoodstall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oodles of fresh seafood in Tamsui.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I was really tempted to get these giant deep-fried squid on sticks, but Simon wasn't interested, the squid were seriously huge, and I knew they would compromise my ability to try other foods if I had one whole portion to myself, so I kept walking. It was quite a wistful situation.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgoj8Db3DXJGxWCwyDkjifu03QtODVALVjajeIBIuBBXZw6JGE-CQKiO5hQ7EA0ZsfwLBX_oFluRkHLaXQn1eEOJqydzCGhFwW9iJzuEuE1KFeu9X8r_qyJpWiFT5avcr_HKVcQX0SUIR/s1600/danshuitamsuideepfriedsquid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgoj8Db3DXJGxWCwyDkjifu03QtODVALVjajeIBIuBBXZw6JGE-CQKiO5hQ7EA0ZsfwLBX_oFluRkHLaXQn1eEOJqydzCGhFwW9iJzuEuE1KFeu9X8r_qyJpWiFT5avcr_HKVcQX0SUIR/s640/danshuitamsuideepfriedsquid.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Massive deep-fried squid on sticks (花枝燒) in Tamsui.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We did, however, get deep-fried mushrooms instead! Featuring the voluptuous flesh of king oyster mushrooms, these were so delightfully crunchy and juicy.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09OFZ7FObmp2N-WnJvGjhtmiiHWMqMSjE1k_iw6g3Hi3lmiWP6wSF75ij8IZ2e6nd6HfMCvgOSfVfrj6qsmsqz0AJDSOVGvqVv1uvlZ2HaJr1jGOkTPQBoA_-sch2rCWfGWIm7Q4Id6Jr/s1600/danshuitamsuideepfriedkingoystermushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09OFZ7FObmp2N-WnJvGjhtmiiHWMqMSjE1k_iw6g3Hi3lmiWP6wSF75ij8IZ2e6nd6HfMCvgOSfVfrj6qsmsqz0AJDSOVGvqVv1uvlZ2HaJr1jGOkTPQBoA_-sch2rCWfGWIm7Q4Id6Jr/s640/danshuitamsuideepfriedkingoystermushrooms.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep fried king oyster mushrooms (炸杏鮑菇/鹽酥菇) in Tamsui. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We enjoyed those so much, we decided to buy more at the next mushroom stall we came across. So within minutes, we'd devoured two batches of deep-fried mushrooms. This second lot looks a bit different, as you can see. I think it was a mixed selection of mushroom varieties. The batter is not as crispy, but the tasty toppings help make up for it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ixOPlVCIGQeyukS2q7sJ_hDva3h_uNaXbobb-tE-YanwyhAgUkhE4g1HSiEXFbNjiZUM9X-MWx-YzFesZLuynzDGc12Ffjmgb4WEsJO_pj-KlPX71D04sd7y4S4nJY1DLm13lkd91xwO/s1600/danshuitamsuideepfriedmushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ixOPlVCIGQeyukS2q7sJ_hDva3h_uNaXbobb-tE-YanwyhAgUkhE4g1HSiEXFbNjiZUM9X-MWx-YzFesZLuynzDGc12Ffjmgb4WEsJO_pj-KlPX71D04sd7y4S4nJY1DLm13lkd91xwO/s640/danshuitamsuideepfriedmushrooms.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More deep fried mushrooms from another stall!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I also tried a Tamsui specialty food called Ah-Gei. A sauced-up, glistening piece of fried tofu, sealed with fish paste and stuffed with glass noodles. It's a combination of savoury, sweet and spicy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfESbx0tJ7AhnQlWMZ0Sdi7U199MjRonEGPCNp0aPLJhhQVnhiL1G7WfnmIitiCaSeUQm11zsmTfRpovl9ZrPeIfQX2Hx72ZMhsvUH28-lG6Mbs1UPHklCZfH2MDEErxT9avTyszjRY9VG/s1600/danshuitamsuiagei.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfESbx0tJ7AhnQlWMZ0Sdi7U199MjRonEGPCNp0aPLJhhQVnhiL1G7WfnmIitiCaSeUQm11zsmTfRpovl9ZrPeIfQX2Hx72ZMhsvUH28-lG6Mbs1UPHklCZfH2MDEErxT9avTyszjRY9VG/s640/danshuitamsuiagei.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah-Gei (阿給), a unique and famous Tamsui specialty snack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I then became intrigued by these goose eggs baked in tea leaves, and I bought one for 40 NTD. It's hard to tell from this picture, but the eggs are big! I'd say almost three times the size of a chicken egg? Anyway, the goose egg I received had a pleasant tea-infused flavour, and it was very filling.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWBfvP5Pa0NYZBtdidYxNULX8ZcUT05EUVaa-X7Y8W8S2rkKIQlS81MetiHk8P4l_jTdjSm7oxLUO2Gd9AexcC6RsO5OIaeivc_uSBhj7hLnXygu6EV4xgWPTjlFzMZO1pbBdfsTOaFdj/s1600/danshuitamsuiteabakedgooseeggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWBfvP5Pa0NYZBtdidYxNULX8ZcUT05EUVaa-X7Y8W8S2rkKIQlS81MetiHk8P4l_jTdjSm7oxLUO2Gd9AexcC6RsO5OIaeivc_uSBhj7hLnXygu6EV4xgWPTjlFzMZO1pbBdfsTOaFdj/s640/danshuitamsuiteabakedgooseeggs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goose eggs baked in tea leaves (茶焗鵝蛋)!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
In the picture above, you can see there is more brown stuff next to the tea eggs. These hedgehog-like things are actually a type of fig, turned inside out and dried. The seedy part of the fruit forms a gel when combined with water... and becomes what we know as aiyu jelly!<br />
<br />
And you should definitely try aiyu jelly if you go to Taiwan, where it is easily available throughout the country. Typically served with honey and lemon or lime as a beverage-dessert, this stuff is wonderfully refreshing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmE-FbeBCi3gQsVIiCyB8euje_5q_FbP2butTc22sgC6DWu32l4IgPaQRQLekdr5NTjFzKMwguh-yLNCLzVglVDF0Q-pL-5eRs0yDqE2B3LvttlbNkASJoe4_WTaJn-w8V08ycor8bZORu/s1600/danshuitamsuiaiyujellytaiwanfigjelly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmE-FbeBCi3gQsVIiCyB8euje_5q_FbP2butTc22sgC6DWu32l4IgPaQRQLekdr5NTjFzKMwguh-yLNCLzVglVDF0Q-pL-5eRs0yDqE2B3LvttlbNkASJoe4_WTaJn-w8V08ycor8bZORu/s640/danshuitamsuiaiyujellytaiwanfigjelly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aiyu jelly (愛玉冰) - a popular Taiwanese dessert/beverage - the jelly is made from a type of fig!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Aside from assorted food items, we also stumbled upon this temple as we were walking around.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcH0caHLKypz4QrIgUPEVubW3TQ7oXs2TaOw8f0ddqtZ9eo9gb2SOOul_BAldO4fTQcI9Pfd6jYuoOgFg9XwHdMuboucyZjOSuYpUNjR2eu8D0FHq1iUHN-WVWUNZ7wWno3DxKgjcup-w/s1600/danshuitamsuitemple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcH0caHLKypz4QrIgUPEVubW3TQ7oXs2TaOw8f0ddqtZ9eo9gb2SOOul_BAldO4fTQcI9Pfd6jYuoOgFg9XwHdMuboucyZjOSuYpUNjR2eu8D0FHq1iUHN-WVWUNZ7wWno3DxKgjcup-w/s640/danshuitamsuitemple.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Qingshui Temple in Tamsui<i></i><span class="st"> (淡水清水巖).</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And we had a lovely saunter down by the water, too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLuUZeTHSFu-w00EFWzl9U6eRqUy4_aFYp_sIJ4fvCMSJRLEtx91DpIU9LWVwspnF37uL7PgQTXxr6uoTeW0-aJmopEDVAr5lVyn4MdWW3JEMGrk-K4Bzlh9IP7lKNQGb-Erwo_Ph_9qV/s1600/danshuitamsuiwaterfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLuUZeTHSFu-w00EFWzl9U6eRqUy4_aFYp_sIJ4fvCMSJRLEtx91DpIU9LWVwspnF37uL7PgQTXxr6uoTeW0-aJmopEDVAr5lVyn4MdWW3JEMGrk-K4Bzlh9IP7lKNQGb-Erwo_Ph_9qV/s640/danshuitamsuiwaterfront.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's lovely walking down the waterfront of Tamsui.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The vibe here is peaceful and relaxing. Look at these super adorable doglets, one of them totally ready for an afternoon nap.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6cSB1aZsemcdJfiwUEq55MkLkmMaaNVLnRHhf6aqniFG3WKR5VX4S0Jn5t3cHTwQK1cMtkuGXyLCCEmJ5mcIFzwU7Rw1hkDlx960L43oJJsZJMGnVATNqUTkOhcmXJHPstiXJVqThPz0/s1600/danshuitamsuicutedogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6cSB1aZsemcdJfiwUEq55MkLkmMaaNVLnRHhf6aqniFG3WKR5VX4S0Jn5t3cHTwQK1cMtkuGXyLCCEmJ5mcIFzwU7Rw1hkDlx960L43oJJsZJMGnVATNqUTkOhcmXJHPstiXJVqThPz0/s640/danshuitamsuicutedogs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lazy dogs days in Tamsui.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
As we wandered back to the shopping area again, we saw this cute Hello Kitty shop that sells all sorts of Hello Kitty treats. The baked Hello Kitty dolls out the front caught my attention immediately - they're sort of like little sponge cakes with custard filling. You can also get Hello Kitty pineapple cakes, etc. The items are all very nicely presented for gift-giving. We didn't purchase anything, but they were certainly attractive! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExfCt7Do76TYL24KStWN3NwWL0lNKimkMDeygaRzrLq6n5pkix3FT7RuC3TJhurWQLhLJyi1X6QKsH3l2AG0zHBJD3S_PKx4JnlMgW-j8343dmFM8omsl6bSPU2hheUAgAwabAqgK6jZH/s1600/danshuitamsuihellokittyshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExfCt7Do76TYL24KStWN3NwWL0lNKimkMDeygaRzrLq6n5pkix3FT7RuC3TJhurWQLhLJyi1X6QKsH3l2AG0zHBJD3S_PKx4JnlMgW-j8343dmFM8omsl6bSPU2hheUAgAwabAqgK6jZH/s640/danshuitamsuihellokittyshop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello Kitty cakes (Hello Kitty 人形燒).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I did, however, purchase a pineapple bun from a shop called Bolo King for 30 NTD. By the way, a pineapple bun (also known as a bolo bun or polo bun) doesn't actually contain any pineapple, the name derives from the pineapple-like appearance of the bread. Bolo King has a specialty called the "ice-fire pineapple bun". Basically, they slot a firm, cold slice of butter into the middle of the piping hot bun, and then you eat it right away to experience this gratifying, contrasting "ice-fire" sensation.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyTRopn63T7hltVp8Lw2Sp-ezQ0qB_xy5evX9EQGnqSjB2eRQ64dIAvjpzCxjHl-8NzjWHt0oVz3ZJ9q_cDrnaOGoUsWakiJkoBfGrPCFWF6FSrKz1nc51NkQrUcG7nwfN6mOqKhUmsvz/s1600/danshuitamsuibolokingicefirebun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyTRopn63T7hltVp8Lw2Sp-ezQ0qB_xy5evX9EQGnqSjB2eRQ64dIAvjpzCxjHl-8NzjWHt0oVz3ZJ9q_cDrnaOGoUsWakiJkoBfGrPCFWF6FSrKz1nc51NkQrUcG7nwfN6mOqKhUmsvz/s640/danshuitamsuibolokingicefirebun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Ice-Fire Pineapple Bun" <span class="st">(冰火菠蘿包) from Bolo King in Tamsui.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I also finally got a seafood snack! There was a stall selling seafood sausages - okay, they're pork-based, but with the added goodness of seafood ingredients such as flying fish roe (飛魚卵香腸), squid (墨魚香腸), sakura shrimp (<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="zh-TW"><span class="">櫻花蝦</span></span>香腸), and bluefin tuna (<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="zh-TW"><span class="">黑鮪魚</span></span>香腸), respectively. There is also an "iron egg" flavour (鐵蛋香腸) - iron eggs are eggs (from chicken, pigeon or quail) that have been repeatedly cooked in a spiced soy sauce broth and air-dried, a unique delicacy that originated from the Tamsui district.<br />
<br />
I opted for a combination stick. Unfortunately, this did not include all five varieties, but oh well. The top piece is the one with flying fish roe, which imparts a crunchy texture. The middle piece is infused with squid ink, and has scrumptious bits of squid in it. The bottom piece with savoury dark flecks is the iron egg one! It was a fun selection, definitely very interesting and enjoyable to eat.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirx5aLWxmv3-TS3_DhXeflRGIJiGVdA53FD3uJ1F8_VZY-4DeEd4vY9FdlIRN4Z6cUpnz0GecU1T8TUcu7Aek2ECNfG_EMbaGeCdO4nXRJ861sFrJc8Y5oZt6k_UXUIYELAxIVYfOXgENo/s1600/danshuitamsuiflyingfishroesausages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirx5aLWxmv3-TS3_DhXeflRGIJiGVdA53FD3uJ1F8_VZY-4DeEd4vY9FdlIRN4Z6cUpnz0GecU1T8TUcu7Aek2ECNfG_EMbaGeCdO4nXRJ861sFrJc8Y5oZt6k_UXUIYELAxIVYfOXgENo/s640/danshuitamsuiflyingfishroesausages.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seafood sausage (海鮮香腸) on a stick, in the flavours of flying fish roe, squid ink, and iron egg.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
It takes less than an hour to go from Taipei to Tamsui via the MRT, making it an easy-breezy visit. Even though it doesn't seem like we did much, we somehow ended up spending a leisurely six hours in Tamsui just walking around and grazing on various snacks. So if that sounds like your kind of thing, this is an accessible day trip that's worth adding to your itinerary! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGeShCs_zYqXVxctk-ENPqlgnPKqVzGWEiNlnWu6GoaE4NhDkjHvuE7-P6JjpVQ4TYeviUVGL3cGrMFhFwOilOxZUfpXYM9udRinaYJQM4V8szuFjJFq9R4A2vuQLHdwNOkzZDsZI9sw_/s1600/danshuitamsuiwaterfrontsunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGeShCs_zYqXVxctk-ENPqlgnPKqVzGWEiNlnWu6GoaE4NhDkjHvuE7-P6JjpVQ4TYeviUVGL3cGrMFhFwOilOxZUfpXYM9udRinaYJQM4V8szuFjJFq9R4A2vuQLHdwNOkzZDsZI9sw_/s640/danshuitamsuiwaterfrontsunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful Tamsui waterfront sunset.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-40777650922176235112017-05-04T21:02:00.000+10:002017-05-17T17:29:22.558+10:0010 things about Taiwan - fun stuff and observations!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgWolxvFY4HpnsgOvB5pDmTt_iyrTatgVtE-3SRi-8sZSuEBMSYBM3OKia-o8gwMrlt3k_lEsTewE8AXCCkyNQvG1Tvxwm-58xaXqlE7O_bFsLEf9YB0kBwQHRpBZn0zhvRQap-uZ4pYX/s1600/taiwanfabulousdog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgWolxvFY4HpnsgOvB5pDmTt_iyrTatgVtE-3SRi-8sZSuEBMSYBM3OKia-o8gwMrlt3k_lEsTewE8AXCCkyNQvG1Tvxwm-58xaXqlE7O_bFsLEf9YB0kBwQHRpBZn0zhvRQap-uZ4pYX/s640/taiwanfabulousdog.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bitch, I'm fabulous.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Hey, everyone!<br />
<br />
So I'm finally embarking on the final installment of my <a href="http://theindolentcook.blogspot.com/search/label/2014%20Asia%20trip" target="_blank">2014 Asia trip blog post series</a> - on Taiwan! If anyone's still reading my blog, I know you were probably thinking I was never going to get around to it. Well, I'm an excellent procrastinator, but apparently I am also committed to finishing what I start. So here we go!<br />
<br />
I thought for this travel series, it would be fun to do a general introductory post about the country. There are so many fun and interesting aspects about Taiwan that I keep noticing again and again. So without further ado, here's my list of 10 things that I noticed while we were travelling in Taiwan...<br />
<span class="fullpost"><br />
<b>1) The juxtaposition of old and new.</b> I found this contrast quite fascinating. Decrepit buildings next to modern skyscrapers, and other similar scenes. This is quite a common sight in many countries around the world anyway, especially in Asia, but for me, it somehow seemed particularly pronounced in Taiwan.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wjkBRQ_jG2rRRn0RrsRF-7izc_jByTptmMSveFxicn9xsTnVPvZThMTn1TphEGlJySAM0FFgWMdOeR8NSvFUlmZEevefv9rfXcxpOvg3y9HurRVT0k_m95DtwPxolW1mG7yj69QCCHvM/s1600/taiwanoldandnewjuxtapositioncontrast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wjkBRQ_jG2rRRn0RrsRF-7izc_jByTptmMSveFxicn9xsTnVPvZThMTn1TphEGlJySAM0FFgWMdOeR8NSvFUlmZEevefv9rfXcxpOvg3y9HurRVT0k_m95DtwPxolW1mG7yj69QCCHvM/s640/taiwanoldandnewjuxtapositioncontrast.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The contrast of old vs. new.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>2) Yes, Taiwan really is heaven for bubble tea aficionados.</b> Bubble tea shops are everywhere, and Simon would indulge pretty much everyday. I found the bubble tea here to generally be of splendid quality - many of the bubble tea shops use fresh ingredients rather than artificial colours and flavours. Delicious and wholesome, what's not to love?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcV60bWGoHtxqqS4qdKkWTW5QdBdu0WaWo0b9GaiKDn_O4dZnyuE8trx-Ka6gkVqSYGAJypeRCLdXb0w7fiWgv6v11uMqhG2pG3woiw2TfzMzS9szGzkp2bSmAUNxgpupYdz1-TAo69Szy/s1600/taiwanbubbleteadrink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcV60bWGoHtxqqS4qdKkWTW5QdBdu0WaWo0b9GaiKDn_O4dZnyuE8trx-Ka6gkVqSYGAJypeRCLdXb0w7fiWgv6v11uMqhG2pG3woiw2TfzMzS9szGzkp2bSmAUNxgpupYdz1-TAo69Szy/s640/taiwanbubbleteadrink.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delectable fruit-filled bubble tea in Taiwan - I think this one is passionfruit and apple.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>3) Dumplings by the piece.</b> Have you ever wished that you could order one of every flavour when you go to a dumpling restaurant - by the piece, not the plate? Well, in Taiwan, many dumpling shops allow you to do just that! You just have to put the appropriate number next to each of your desired items in the order form provided. Each dumpling usually cost us around 5 NTD. It's such a fantastic, consumer-friendly system that works well for solo and couple diners who want to try a variety of exciting flavours (kimchi, curry, and sauerkraut dumplings, anyone?), I wish more dumpling joints around the world would adopt this method.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5u4pXQ6oNZ5PT-9ORwz6ZwaSzOskoSbl26WSUGkyoGFEcbhTRNzuN3hh6ESPpoxQC2A5oba_N3PET21QCW-DMrQ5XYUgynOw1szaGe4tLKTShiC-xzs3iYNqLnOoWddp1MOMRwfRTeufU/s1600/taiwandumplingsbythepiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5u4pXQ6oNZ5PT-9ORwz6ZwaSzOskoSbl26WSUGkyoGFEcbhTRNzuN3hh6ESPpoxQC2A5oba_N3PET21QCW-DMrQ5XYUgynOw1szaGe4tLKTShiC-xzs3iYNqLnOoWddp1MOMRwfRTeufU/s640/taiwandumplingsbythepiece.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A scrumptious selection of dumplings. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>4) Betel nut beauties.</b> They're not as ubiquitous as they once were, but scantily-clad lasses selling betel nuts from flashy neon-lit shops still exist. Not so much in the major cities, due to government intervention based on concerns that they are unfavourable to the country's image and reputation, but they're still around in smaller towns, at least from my observations. The first time I saw them was in Luzhu - there was a spectacular string of brothel-like glass kiosks on one stretch of a street that we were strolling down, and I have to confess that at first, I wasn't sure if they were the famed betel nut beauties or if they were, perhaps, sex workers. Then I saw them preparing betel nuts, and the mystery was solved! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUvy4XC8Q5BtBPtZrsfLNRM5jq2tFV52kw9OVM4JA4XkBRRKkJYsPZPWz_vySJjx8dBxCHxaKx96cdzaABowR19r_ZrJQLWRYAQFlVoB_s1XS6JWZiKTl_-29hbXY9wsddTrfbd7md89U/s1600/taiwanbetelnutbeauty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUvy4XC8Q5BtBPtZrsfLNRM5jq2tFV52kw9OVM4JA4XkBRRKkJYsPZPWz_vySJjx8dBxCHxaKx96cdzaABowR19r_ZrJQLWRYAQFlVoB_s1XS6JWZiKTl_-29hbXY9wsddTrfbd7md89U/s640/taiwanbetelnutbeauty.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A betel nut beauty in Luodong, selling her wares to a truck driver.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>5) Deep-fried foods.</b> The Taiwanese love their deep-fried snacks, and they do it well. You won't ever have to walk far before you come across a stall selling some deep-fried treats such as deep-fried seafood, deep-fried mushrooms, deep-fried tofu... even deep-fried milk! Yeah, Taiwan can be a dangerous place for people who are trying to watch their weight.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0bHQzmD2YnH_-YgN0-dvG1wQ4igezDL1dmhUHJQwdiEczQ2wYn-uUH3PM0q33eli-jYA69watX1Maxttpswg1rXxNFxkK-3DtJQJdDaYQv38CUJvlgG-KTiRzSp4w_ryBKU-HgMgzBwJ/s1600/taiwandeepfriedmilk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0bHQzmD2YnH_-YgN0-dvG1wQ4igezDL1dmhUHJQwdiEczQ2wYn-uUH3PM0q33eli-jYA69watX1Maxttpswg1rXxNFxkK-3DtJQJdDaYQv38CUJvlgG-KTiRzSp4w_ryBKU-HgMgzBwJ/s640/taiwandeepfriedmilk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep-fried milk on a stick, a custardy treat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>6) Truly convenient convenience stores. </b>Convenient store chains like 7-Eleven go above and beyond in Taiwan. Some 7-Elevens have restrooms, isn't that great? It has definitely come in handy a couple of times as the best option to visit when I needed to go. I get the vibe that they don't mind you using the toilets even if you don't buy anything, but I am very grateful for this service so I will typically purchase something small like a packet of chewing gum as a token of appreciation. Aside from that, some 7-Elevens also have dining areas. You can add hot water to instant noodle bowls, or microwave frozen meals, and eat it then and there! Moreover, you can get foods like oden, onigiri, and tea eggs at 7-Elevens. I believe other chains, such as FamilyMart, also provide similar products and services. Nice!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsL2W_mh_gzr2dtxdWlL6xv9qMS5Y8XHKw4Mn85XVPY3eJw7TZws5PKhZhufsvPwpsuNpgP4yp4RmnJgWHyzduDRaKphGMTJtq3pylsnFzCyQ7auP1tJdKLkFiQiZci9WnE0Vpk7c1Lk1/s1600/taiwan7eleven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsL2W_mh_gzr2dtxdWlL6xv9qMS5Y8XHKw4Mn85XVPY3eJw7TZws5PKhZhufsvPwpsuNpgP4yp4RmnJgWHyzduDRaKphGMTJtq3pylsnFzCyQ7auP1tJdKLkFiQiZci9WnE0Vpk7c1Lk1/s640/taiwan7eleven.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7-Elevens in Taiwan are truly convenient convenience stores.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>7) The little soup dumplings I know as xiaolongbao (小龍包) in Australia is usually called tangbao (湯包)</b><b> in Taiwan.</b> I think the Din Tai Fung restaurant chain does still refer to little soup dumplings as xiaolongbao, but most places call them tangbao. Outside of Din Tai Fung, if you ask for xiaolongbao, you'll probably get little pork buns, rather than little dumplings. I got caught by this difference once or twice! I can read Chinese characters, so I'd see a sign for xiaolongbao, get all excited and buy some, only to be left bewildered with what I received. Once I figured out the twist, though, I confidently got my tangbao at every available opportunity!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQqbxjXErmvmzRwoo76d2L7KDN0_gmN97G-9wOwkI7qIfH6H6pU1i3RMX7pCgVfpyNVt-JAlXOSGau62wlblvXBsmtzjgIY5t4BsHkWQCkwVqFrN-Pizg5Hh0q-ivVM63fitoFNvSwMzj/s1600/taiwanxiaolongbaotangbao.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQqbxjXErmvmzRwoo76d2L7KDN0_gmN97G-9wOwkI7qIfH6H6pU1i3RMX7pCgVfpyNVt-JAlXOSGau62wlblvXBsmtzjgIY5t4BsHkWQCkwVqFrN-Pizg5Hh0q-ivVM63fitoFNvSwMzj/s640/taiwanxiaolongbaotangbao.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've always known this type of soup dumpling as xiaolongbao, but in Taiwan, they're called tangbao.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>8) There are some very nice, chilled-out cat cafes in Taiwan.</b> I think cat cafes can be hit and miss - personally, I prefer a cat cafe that feels relaxed and not too commercialized: Sure, you're running a business, but you gotta remember, cats are cats, and you gotta create a space that is comfortable for them. If your cats are not happy, as a cat-lover, I can tell, and I'm not gonna be happy, either. What I'm getting at is, the cat cafes I visited in Taiwan have my tick of approval. Admittedly, I only visited two, and both were in the more laid-back city of Tainan, so my sample size is lacking, but whatever. Anyway, I didn't know at the time, but the first cat cafe in the world originated in Taiwan, so perhaps they've had more time to figure out what works and what doesn't. The other factors may be that Taiwan isn't very touristy compared to some other countries, and there are plenty of cat cafes to go around. As a result, cat cafes here are less of a novelty, and less likely to get overloaded with visitors. So that's my thoughtful hypothesis on cat cafe culture in Taiwan, and you're welcome.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZhJoOKuGyZIIRUR67ddMQQb1FhEHMbGDCjLsUdHo6hqBxrJ8yC746MCHZIhA7dxACeq7P0w7YAsJ8YJfKCSyJX2EwsjSu9-QDxwR0XYIQtyNpqCBg6IiIpucmXjHiXah4a4KnuwsTO7c/s1600/taiwancatcafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZhJoOKuGyZIIRUR67ddMQQb1FhEHMbGDCjLsUdHo6hqBxrJ8yC746MCHZIhA7dxACeq7P0w7YAsJ8YJfKCSyJX2EwsjSu9-QDxwR0XYIQtyNpqCBg6IiIpucmXjHiXah4a4KnuwsTO7c/s640/taiwancatcafe.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relax, it's just a cat cafe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>9) Eating out is a way of life.</b> It is not unusual for Taiwanese students to stay in cheap and basic apartment rooms with no kitchen facilities, and eat out everyday for their meals. The popular night markets can get incredibly busy - on more than one occasion, Simon and I would just give up and go somewhere else because the crowds and the queues were just ridiculous. Don't let that put you off, though - we had many satisfying experiences, too, and sometimes, lining up for something special can be worth it!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FH6mmwkl_IKk7fxdtdHmN72_S_GBq4FyC431C7N1ctQEMem_ScIljNVfBWRlgRPXWtBrbDK9K6D8C8ev-MRKmM4wCmnLDDcLUt1y7sC1dxyxbLUXX5fLOsB1asPsuaPZAj60k8KXRq0R/s1600/taiwannightmarkets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FH6mmwkl_IKk7fxdtdHmN72_S_GBq4FyC431C7N1ctQEMem_ScIljNVfBWRlgRPXWtBrbDK9K6D8C8ev-MRKmM4wCmnLDDcLUt1y7sC1dxyxbLUXX5fLOsB1asPsuaPZAj60k8KXRq0R/s640/taiwannightmarkets.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night markets can get pretty packed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>10) Dogs are in prams, dogs are on motorcycles, dogs go everywhere in Taiwan.</b> Their owners dote on them and take them along wherever they go. In Australia, people take their dogs for walks. In Taiwan, people integrate their dogs into everyday life. Running an errand? Bring your dog. Grabbing a bite to eat? Bring your dog. Weekend outing? Bring your dog. And boy, are the dogs adorable. Small dogs are prevalent, probably because they don't take up too much space in apartments and are easily portable, but some people go for medium to large dogs, too. We've even seen a dude zoom around on a scooter with two big dogs - it was both impressive and hilarious, I wish I got a picture of that trio!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmjV_hKeRgPWRlBBGsZChmuX95mpB7Q5-62klnoJ16rAC2X3DLggEXuQITGKn-0GMpzR0F3iUWPQ46GnRl35dTcurZqIrX25VQkCeCuKrmMd7wEqC5ytrcqKCXPW3mggzSBD0HoXKIFNu/s1600/taiwandogsonmotorcycles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmjV_hKeRgPWRlBBGsZChmuX95mpB7Q5-62klnoJ16rAC2X3DLggEXuQITGKn-0GMpzR0F3iUWPQ46GnRl35dTcurZqIrX25VQkCeCuKrmMd7wEqC5ytrcqKCXPW3mggzSBD0HoXKIFNu/s640/taiwandogsonmotorcycles.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doggies on a motorbike! Their owner was just a few steps away, purchasing food from a street stall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
... Alright, I know I said 10 things, but I feel like I have more to say! So here are a few notes related to money stuff in Taiwan. I don't have fun photos to accompany these points, but it's all about the information, right? <br />
<br />
<b>Buses in Taiwan don't provide change.</b> We just drop our fare into a box upon entry, and that's it. So here's a hot tip - if you need to break a note so you have the right money for your bus fare, you can nicely ask a betel nut seller if they can break a note. Otherwise, convenience stores are probably also a good source for small change. People here are generally happy to help.<br />
<br />
<b>There is a distinctive verbal clarity to transactions in Taiwan.</b> For example, when I pay for my items, the store person will typically say something like, "received $x from you, and here's $y change." When I think about it, this attentive practice probably reduces the likelihood for careless errors quite significantly.<br />
<br />
<b>There appears to be no tipping culture whatsoever in Taiwan.</b> Sometimes I'm not particularly fussed about getting my few NTD in change, so I'll be all "eh, keep the change", but it's like a totally foreign concept to them and my words don't even seem to register. No one has ever kept the change!<br />
<br />
<b>Receipts are a big thing in Taiwan</b>. If you go to a place that issues receipts, they will insist on giving you the receipt. At times, I've walked off with my item right after I pay, and they would urgently call me back - "hey, your receipt!" Apparently there is a thing called a receipt lottery in Taiwan - you gain a free entry to a government-run lottery with every eligible receipt, so I'm guessing that accounts for why receipts are so important here!<br />
<br />
Okay. I think I'm done talking, and now, over to you. Have you been to Taiwan? And if so, what are the interesting things that you've personally observed?<br />
</span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-6812236780441909662017-04-26T21:33:00.000+10:002017-05-10T00:41:53.820+10:00lemon and olive oil muffins<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAPMhpO5k-sTJBnbMIo2u2iUfWriVYL1VdPEeD66i4AWU2l3BiE5l7Btjtjww47wVNAk2Zb4tfFv-gwzIM1xh_GYYEqy8bZ2x-4UR1XOdJW5L8sDUrrGzgJ9vrh1QVI2KSfkEhXUraIQl/s1600/lemonandoliveoilmuffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAPMhpO5k-sTJBnbMIo2u2iUfWriVYL1VdPEeD66i4AWU2l3BiE5l7Btjtjww47wVNAk2Zb4tfFv-gwzIM1xh_GYYEqy8bZ2x-4UR1XOdJW5L8sDUrrGzgJ9vrh1QVI2KSfkEhXUraIQl/s640/lemonandoliveoilmuffins.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemon and olive oil muffins with a super easy one-bowl recipe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It feels like a long, long time since I last baked.<br />
<br />
After this extended absence from baking adventures, I am happy with how these lemon and olive oil muffins turned out, especially considering that they required only six ingredients to make. I haven't lost my touch! And, even more impressively (if I do say so myself), I made these delightfully simple lemon muffins without a mixing bowl, a spatula, or a muffin pan - tools that are lacking at my current sharehouse. In lieu of the aforementioned proper baking equipment, I used a cooking pot and a regular spoon to mix the batter, and doubled up on paper muffin cases to keep them sturdy, and it worked! Not bad, huh?<br />
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With a gentle slosh of delicate olive oil, and a light hand with raw sugar, these naturally dairy-free lemon muffins aren't what you'd call indulgent, but while I was worried that they may be too modest at first bite, I ended up being charmed, and before I knew it, I'd eaten three in one afternoon (the other two went to my housemates, and I managed to save one for the next day). Suffice to say the recipe is great for me as it is, but if you prefer your muffins a little bit sweeter, feel free to up the ante with an extra tablespoon of sugar.<br />
<span class="fullpost"><br />
<i>lemon and olive oil muffins</i><br />
<i>(this recipe makes 6, feel free to double the recipe to make 12!) </i><br />
<br />
1 cup self-raising flour<br />
1/3 cup raw sugar <br />
1 extra-large egg<br />
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil (use a mild olive oil or lemon infused olive oil) <br />
1/4 cup lemon juice<br />
1/2 tablespoon lemon zest<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 180C/355F fan-forced (200C/390F regular).<br />
Thoroughly mix self-raising flour and raw sugar together in a bowl, and create a well in the centre.<br />
Add egg, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and lemon zest into the middle of the bowl, and gently stir to create a thick batter, taking care not to overmix.<br />
Transfer the batter into 6 muffin cups.<br />
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the muffins develop an enticing golden brown crust.<br />
Allow your lovely lemon muffins to cool at least slightly before enjoying them!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuhsAnUknTNLQJ6Q55gjd8QKUrKn3q0Dy-U9AfvzttXC3cD80iggWqWcHsEF7pGNZgtoq-97pbSJUw5GM0XULmQvw96pfWRfT5D1PMj-qSzTFuEYjb-qCQwwlSYFcK9a-4jKEDd1RsUNS/s1600/oliveoilandlemonmuffinscrosssection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuhsAnUknTNLQJ6Q55gjd8QKUrKn3q0Dy-U9AfvzttXC3cD80iggWqWcHsEF7pGNZgtoq-97pbSJUw5GM0XULmQvw96pfWRfT5D1PMj-qSzTFuEYjb-qCQwwlSYFcK9a-4jKEDd1RsUNS/s640/oliveoilandlemonmuffinscrosssection.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross section of olive oil and lemon muffins.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-74533094903596780102017-03-31T20:02:00.001+11:002017-03-31T20:05:43.410+11:00a quick, delicious octopus stew<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7ln5Ze3dHKU0NkeWew-xhznKe1Unewk7hfNeK8Lg7jPV54aUVdWztJde7pR816dVtKSrcZuMVct77LzfJ0GCeljfEA0gzxglloUvIXJTvxEgkm2qIsVZ7ot-kiVfcXfQxuh5GXtAcowq/s1600/spicytangybasiltomatooctopusstew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7ln5Ze3dHKU0NkeWew-xhznKe1Unewk7hfNeK8Lg7jPV54aUVdWztJde7pR816dVtKSrcZuMVct77LzfJ0GCeljfEA0gzxglloUvIXJTvxEgkm2qIsVZ7ot-kiVfcXfQxuh5GXtAcowq/s640/spicytangybasiltomatooctopusstew.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quick octopus stew with loads of flavour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I have to confess I made this octopus stew ages ago. I loved how it turned out, and I was so incredibly proud of myself. Yet I never got around to posting it, for a rather silly reason.<br />
<br />
See, because I was so pleased with myself for creating something so delicious, I took way too many pictures of the darned thing, and then I got overwhelmed at the thought of sifting through all that, so I left it for another day... and another... and another. This is also why it's taking me so long to finish blogging about all my 2014 travels, and why I never blogged about my degustation lunch at Vue de Monde. Too many photos!<br />
<br />
So anyway, retracing my steps - I was at the market that day, and I decided to forgo the baby octopus from Thailand in favour of a portion of Australian octopus instead. The fishmonger cleaned a single large tentacle for me, and frankly I had a bit of sticker shock when it came to $16. But I gracefully paid for it while mentally telling myself I better make something good to make the cost worthwhile.<br />
<br />
I ended up making this octopus stew and I surpassed my own expectations - it was sensational. If I ever compile a list of my best recipes, this one's definitely making an appearance.<br />
<span class="fullpost"><br />
Thus I dare say this is a great dish to try out, and really quite easy even if you're starting off as someone who isn't very confident on how to cook octopus. The trick here is gentle cooking - this is a dish you cook tenderly, for tender results. Vigorous boiling will result in tough octopus, so you want to keep it at a soft simmer until it's just cooked, and even though I call this a stew, the whole process doesn't take long at all.<br />
<br />
Beautiful seafood flavours tangle with sweet and tart notes in this savoury stew, and it reminds me a bit of French bouillabaisse and Spanish zarzuela, but far simpler. I did not bother to tenderize the octopus before cooking, but as we are using an acidic tomato broth here, I suppose the octopus is essentially tenderizing in it as it cooks. Either way, the result is lovely and yielding, with just the right amount of spring and bite. Grab some crusty bread to mop up the thickened broth at the end, and you're all set.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHE7BgD3ZIJtVFUaXidtfeUgPQlO-8pqn5qiSXLlIEIcVkgSOVeVu5HD95VVa_J2-ZZEU3A_Bukdy5t2mROWsf9diAn_gmXJ676IJAF2e5p0d3GfId5kDKMg5yk5hGGfN0cCXrQBRvo8D2/s1600/freshoctopustentacle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHE7BgD3ZIJtVFUaXidtfeUgPQlO-8pqn5qiSXLlIEIcVkgSOVeVu5HD95VVa_J2-ZZEU3A_Bukdy5t2mROWsf9diAn_gmXJ676IJAF2e5p0d3GfId5kDKMg5yk5hGGfN0cCXrQBRvo8D2/s640/freshoctopustentacle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fresh octopus tentacle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<i>a quick, delicious octopus stew</i><br />
<i>(serves 1 as a main) </i><br />
<br />
250 - 300g octopus tentacle (1/2 - 2/3lb), cut into bite-sized pieces<br />
1 clove garlic, thinly sliced<br />
1 teaspoon chopped chilli (adjust amount based on variety of chilli and individual preferences)<br />
1 cup cherry tomatoes (about 125g or 4.5oz), halved<br />
1 small red onion or shallot (about 90g or 3oz)<br />
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar <br />
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavour)<br />
1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps balance the broth if it is too acidic) <br />
1/8 cup basil leaves <br />
salt and pepper, to taste <br />
<br />
Cook garlic and chilli over low heat for about 1 minute. Add red onion or shallot. Stir and cook for 2 minutes. Throw in cherry tomatoes, turn the heat up a little, and cook for another 2 minutes.<br />
Pour in balsamic vinegar along with 1/4 cup water. Allow the mixture to bubble over low to medium heat 12 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and releasing their juices. <br />
Stir in the chopped octopus tentacles, and let them softly simmer for about 3 minutes or until opaque, turning them occasionally.<br />
Remove from heat, and fold in basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper.<br />
Serve! Enjoy this delectable stew on its own, or with crusty bread.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6r33VxujCRahkVPbedQ6Eim83lp7LtfwZFvfhTCYftTTPGx2Z5K4JoO3rV3v30CnX5CjfLplO_daYHk6Yc7KXp6ikdo2RzuXR_jgWIGKU1ZuW5BGXFDTahx8eS_bau6QZXY_qnJ18h3Nu/s1600/chillibasiltomatooctopusstew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6r33VxujCRahkVPbedQ6Eim83lp7LtfwZFvfhTCYftTTPGx2Z5K4JoO3rV3v30CnX5CjfLplO_daYHk6Yc7KXp6ikdo2RzuXR_jgWIGKU1ZuW5BGXFDTahx8eS_bau6QZXY_qnJ18h3Nu/s640/chillibasiltomatooctopusstew.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you're after an easy octopus stew that tastes fantastic, this is it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-52620962676164288952017-02-28T20:12:00.001+11:002017-03-03T02:42:49.955+11:00a day at perth zoo<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Y1DQlkkmR0gEx3DqQWUrvXnlsg2ILajS6g0uhBs141qZ886kIFVcQNzD-0w8bKp0CpmpCIAisq0UySyS7zytIqYOQut3GhFgLdUezR9DdNUEej0pHo_amdHGZy3pOo4Hk7sDaBaYSj_L/s1600/perthzoonumbatrunning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Y1DQlkkmR0gEx3DqQWUrvXnlsg2ILajS6g0uhBs141qZ886kIFVcQNzD-0w8bKp0CpmpCIAisq0UySyS7zytIqYOQut3GhFgLdUezR9DdNUEej0pHo_amdHGZy3pOo4Hk7sDaBaYSj_L/s640/perthzoonumbatrunning.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A numbat sighting at Perth Zoo!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
One of my goals in recent times is to get out there and experience more of Perth while I'm here. So late last year we kicked things off with a visit to <a href="http://theindolentcook.blogspot.com/2016/11/day-trip-to-rottnest-island-quokkas-and-more.html" target="_blank">Rottnest Island, an absolute stunner of a destination,</a> and I'm currently trying to compile a list of places we can check out in 2017. Feel free to add your suggestions in the comments section!<br />
<br />
Anyway, yeah, the list is still a work in progress, but we're making do with what we've got, and Perth Zoo was our first outing for this year. The entry tickets were $29 per adult, and we made the most of it - I think we ended up spending over four hours just leisurely sauntering around.<br />
<span class="fullpost"><br />
The main attraction at Perth Zoo, for me, is the elusive numbat - the charming marsupial anteater that is also, unfortunately, an endangered species at this point in time, and is almost exclusively found in Western Australia these days. When we stopped at the exhibit late in the morning, we saw nary a numbat, and I feared that I would leave the zoo in abject disappointment. Obviously, not being one to give up so easily, I insisted that we swing by again later in the afternoon, and lo and behold - a lone numbat was scurrying around, as cute as anything, and I declared our Perth Zoo trip a delightful success: mission accomplished!<br />
<br />
My verdict on Perth Zoo? I would say that it's not just a great place for a family outing, but also a fun and interesting venue for a date with your partner - Simon and I had a very nice time, and we were glad that we gave it a go.<br />
<br />
I didn't manage to capture decent pictures of all the animals we saw, but here are a few of my favourite snaps... I hope you enjoy them! :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vqCjU995DNYXx0TzpkvEXqEu47X5Jf47D18hXoPNCJjRVQ7KVCgrahYhNlCmfv9i5qEkMJ-LccbJc7HbXNGolZEcWWUcR0o-hnEnfriyKQExY3LWM2mWXoU3yEwC07XFT-4uX7nUTZer/s1600/perthzoolittlepenguinswimming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vqCjU995DNYXx0TzpkvEXqEu47X5Jf47D18hXoPNCJjRVQ7KVCgrahYhNlCmfv9i5qEkMJ-LccbJc7HbXNGolZEcWWUcR0o-hnEnfriyKQExY3LWM2mWXoU3yEwC07XFT-4uX7nUTZer/s640/perthzoolittlepenguinswimming.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little penguin swimming around.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRHN5FnZRvUEAiCggDbKE2GtxJcFcPVTlb9cJZSabbuoof65VK7_SmZD2FSd9txCmnMJfwDnby-3TWz9RHFwA13itis4afFm1qPb-tr92YfjkT-VRsdDYcz4v1LzBfozTXHV3vBoAU7Tw/s1600/perthzooblackneckedstork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRHN5FnZRvUEAiCggDbKE2GtxJcFcPVTlb9cJZSabbuoof65VK7_SmZD2FSd9txCmnMJfwDnby-3TWz9RHFwA13itis4afFm1qPb-tr92YfjkT-VRsdDYcz4v1LzBfozTXHV3vBoAU7Tw/s640/perthzooblackneckedstork.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A black-necked stork in a perfect pose.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsb2Iu5MgIxq2ag1ihBZv_U9vZD5eiUCo6B49M0zDYR3PtLffE3xsVCjIDBplOBvGe3WVeKuhBxr7kR3meooFxUWUk24hUjuwTju6imZiPRsi2qKdK2XsERTmONS_PGGOYLfQstNj6pBRk/s1600/perthzoodingo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsb2Iu5MgIxq2ag1ihBZv_U9vZD5eiUCo6B49M0zDYR3PtLffE3xsVCjIDBplOBvGe3WVeKuhBxr7kR3meooFxUWUk24hUjuwTju6imZiPRsi2qKdK2XsERTmONS_PGGOYLfQstNj6pBRk/s640/perthzoodingo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dingo looking lovable!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiolBDYinveokRAklnvYFs2zlM2e9UnkKs8ffLgU6bIn-0QqfttdB5PSIPTDg90sYXgrg6HGhCDc19YnC9KQEFrZGPYq-H6e56DrWy6RSW1PAg7ROdx0zmKrSHwMuVkejy6NHq4JIxj1S/s1600/perthzootammarwallaby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiolBDYinveokRAklnvYFs2zlM2e9UnkKs8ffLgU6bIn-0QqfttdB5PSIPTDg90sYXgrg6HGhCDc19YnC9KQEFrZGPYq-H6e56DrWy6RSW1PAg7ROdx0zmKrSHwMuVkejy6NHq4JIxj1S/s640/perthzootammarwallaby.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sweet little tammar wallaby foraging at Perth Zoo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVrXLvTU0zmH7_TCH7g1LTJhm1q-uK0HD63Ron8oACgpjWZ9kqv9iaObxVwGDoj59mxgD88QBbImNnEdVKzRW58I57bRdRuYXeJ_gkROl2NN8ktXAkorVu49kx2CMdae9QH6bjJac1yG9/s1600/perthzooredpanda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVrXLvTU0zmH7_TCH7g1LTJhm1q-uK0HD63Ron8oACgpjWZ9kqv9iaObxVwGDoj59mxgD88QBbImNnEdVKzRW58I57bRdRuYXeJ_gkROl2NN8ktXAkorVu49kx2CMdae9QH6bjJac1yG9/s640/perthzooredpanda.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A red panda peeks out from a tree.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDghBrZ5KWN8zkKWWryIj_u2Mumh6sLb8QYfcCZJ8GLtf24-LgLC_SudujrQOqfGyHCidKATjXv7bpCUSuXEnYv6VS4NxUBE6ZXuoXNxbY6MXbmHAmDewC6X3vTc3aYl5izsHsHm7Mav2/s1600/perthzoomeerkats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDghBrZ5KWN8zkKWWryIj_u2Mumh6sLb8QYfcCZJ8GLtf24-LgLC_SudujrQOqfGyHCidKATjXv7bpCUSuXEnYv6VS4NxUBE6ZXuoXNxbY6MXbmHAmDewC6X3vTc3aYl5izsHsHm7Mav2/s640/perthzoomeerkats.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meerkats huddled up in adorable bundles!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZYzLGEyTlgrlvXTwzdc8kpxSJEuYrGKh61hwSe-MCRmEG8U_Vc257gK60v3jTsJAsuKB3XIUn8XsEVDZLhF_lEpH7QK8W7tikC9naTjmcs1SSkX_YTKao8HPIGpb8Qv3W5Lceeh0Ww7k/s1600/perthzoosausagetreekigelia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZYzLGEyTlgrlvXTwzdc8kpxSJEuYrGKh61hwSe-MCRmEG8U_Vc257gK60v3jTsJAsuKB3XIUn8XsEVDZLhF_lEpH7QK8W7tikC9naTjmcs1SSkX_YTKao8HPIGpb8Qv3W5Lceeh0Ww7k/s640/perthzoosausagetreekigelia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And there is also the intriguing African sausage tree.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WL7bO8Am-MHZ6J-UeBmcI0Kduv6PFKJIVXUVhdO-QzShhowYj63E6EA4arml3316G4j-BXvkEdlSH-PVcXXYBmK65G3aRSqTsfdvlE1nQLIXsyt2cHniBQGvsJXC7-yg5cKJrstznYXh/s1600/perthzootreekangaroo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WL7bO8Am-MHZ6J-UeBmcI0Kduv6PFKJIVXUVhdO-QzShhowYj63E6EA4arml3316G4j-BXvkEdlSH-PVcXXYBmK65G3aRSqTsfdvlE1nQLIXsyt2cHniBQGvsJXC7-yg5cKJrstznYXh/s640/perthzootreekangaroo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree kangaroos at Perth Zoo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEsgzK31MPbEok6SvzPpeD3aBm78MTZeG1zq2Npp221yVSeD6_vf0dbhUNq-Fl202LvO-IR1xmMZwdzYHCvOyyRbkr20Pp6OYlrx2Wxtit-sdwhToUTx15670FBsmEof_ZdsDEpY3wzd_/s1600/perthzoonumbat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEsgzK31MPbEok6SvzPpeD3aBm78MTZeG1zq2Npp221yVSeD6_vf0dbhUNq-Fl202LvO-IR1xmMZwdzYHCvOyyRbkr20Pp6OYlrx2Wxtit-sdwhToUTx15670FBsmEof_ZdsDEpY3wzd_/s640/perthzoonumbat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A numbat standing on its hind legs. Isn't it the cutest?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjti94Y7u691wdeumP63iKET8iWNbvjFxqCbNOiEQ722L3LF_XEbMZBbwsfgqboHwhcHTQ-8SNVgao_e50YXl0MZLu1-mRS1rPksn_79kf_8fFBpsFQfIR47fYzZJKxEvmOMTe78K3RsFtC/s1600/perthzookoala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjti94Y7u691wdeumP63iKET8iWNbvjFxqCbNOiEQ722L3LF_XEbMZBbwsfgqboHwhcHTQ-8SNVgao_e50YXl0MZLu1-mRS1rPksn_79kf_8fFBpsFQfIR47fYzZJKxEvmOMTe78K3RsFtC/s640/perthzookoala.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koala hanging out on a tree at Perth Zoo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2x_VAon6LA-76usGHq54tev3R5QFfNBX9e8NyVngjerE1KwPusSpMh3pmx1C5OP5YaP1g8b1CrdqC6bDO6-zMp-jDG7l9HVi4X1fDHmuHhMbExEhz-IWgABVwzumplVrIeOhZpSwzBqS/s1600/perthzooaustralianpelicans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2x_VAon6LA-76usGHq54tev3R5QFfNBX9e8NyVngjerE1KwPusSpMh3pmx1C5OP5YaP1g8b1CrdqC6bDO6-zMp-jDG7l9HVi4X1fDHmuHhMbExEhz-IWgABVwzumplVrIeOhZpSwzBqS/s640/perthzooaustralianpelicans.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Australian pelicans cruising across the water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-58691111970471044942017-01-29T20:02:00.000+11:002017-01-29T20:02:41.395+11:00mango sago dessert + a hint of pineapple, a drizzle of maple<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGUipcXjxiZyvMYdIN2979ob_YjrRdDdT_6VDw_K-2-UU6AV0cVK6GBYN4oVMryI1jIhnNzhAUU_OGxYqAJrDlbnmMFeRWYjTEUmGe8Lm7JGdJQ1cHOB51oAoB8lc5bcPd0T8VBlKu6ae/s1600/maplepineapplemangosagodessertpudding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGUipcXjxiZyvMYdIN2979ob_YjrRdDdT_6VDw_K-2-UU6AV0cVK6GBYN4oVMryI1jIhnNzhAUU_OGxYqAJrDlbnmMFeRWYjTEUmGe8Lm7JGdJQ1cHOB51oAoB8lc5bcPd0T8VBlKu6ae/s640/maplepineapplemangosagodessertpudding.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mango and pineapple blended with coconut milk, with large tapioca pearls and maple syrup.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Happy New Year / Happy Chinese New Year, everyone!<br />
<br />
Last year, I made a couple of simple goals for myself - grow and harvest my own vegetables, try some recipes from cookbooks that were gathering dust - and I'm happy to say that I succeeded on both counts. I also managed to complete a whirlwind of very belated Thailand travel posts, and I'm very pleased that I finally got them done!<br />
<br />
Aside from these small achievements, I think, for me, 2016 was about becoming content with life again. As for 2017? I'm not sure, but I think it's about brewing change. Simon and I are looking into the possibility of buying a cute little apartment in Melbourne. We'll see what happens. It's okay if it takes longer than expected, or if plans change. Something that is for sure, though - I really, really need to get my way overdue Taiwan travel posts done. That's going to be my goal this year, hold me to it!<br />
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In the meantime, here's a maple pineapple mango sago pudding for you. I've always liked to order the little Hong-Kong-style mango sago desserts for yum cha in Australia, and this is my slightly different version of it. I used bigger tapioca pearls for extra chewiness, threw in a refreshing touch of pineapple, and added depth with the sweet complexity of maple syrup. Delicious!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDD4P9Ak0y5Jw4OnwhKbAK74HMPpB8O7RQLQDlYYP2fTSqnscKviQ5HaDYV8o-nsGy_e5DgB4-kkAbKb12_PfeJOiTlNGMU6f4Y5rSiayjIhjWvM28-CT2gXAsh93xmv6zlD0l7ApOAY1J/s1600/maplemangopineapplesagopuddingdessert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDD4P9Ak0y5Jw4OnwhKbAK74HMPpB8O7RQLQDlYYP2fTSqnscKviQ5HaDYV8o-nsGy_e5DgB4-kkAbKb12_PfeJOiTlNGMU6f4Y5rSiayjIhjWvM28-CT2gXAsh93xmv6zlD0l7ApOAY1J/s640/maplemangopineapplesagopuddingdessert.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pineapple-mango sago pudding, sweetened with maple syrup.</td></tr>
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<i>maple pineapple mango sago pudding</i><br />
<i>(serves 4)</i><br />
<br />
1/2 cup sago or tapioca pearls<br />
2 cups mango (plus extra to stir through and garnish)<br />
1/2 cup pineapple<br />
1/3 cup coconut cream<br />
1 cup water <br />
pinch of salt<br />
maple syrup, to taste (may substitute with palm sugar syrup or brown sugar syrup)<br />
<br />
Bring 12 cups of water to boil in a large pot, add sago or tapioca pearls. Let it cook, partially covered, stirring from time to time, and adding more water if required, until the pearls are mostly translucent except for the tiniest speck. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it sit until the pearls are completely translucent. <br />
Drain off the cooking liquid, and thoroughly rinse the sago with cold water - I recommend using a fine sieve. Set aside.<br />
Blend mango, pineapple, coconut cream, water and salt. Combine this mixture with the sago pearls and some additional small diced mango pieces.<br />
If you use frozen fruit, you can serve this straightaway. Otherwise, let it chill in the fridge for a few hours.<br />
Serve cold in individual bowls. Garnish with more mango pieces and add maple syrup to taste.<br />
<br />
Note: If you have coconut milk instead of coconut cream, use 2/3 cup coconut milk and 2/3 cup water at the blending stage.<br />
</span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-15344037150840618122016-12-29T22:03:00.001+11:002016-12-29T22:35:49.410+11:00mango-cherry cocktail-smoothie<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFBKhbni7-fiGuFj_Q8BhWPWyJAW3R88QfFXm48Kk_uSIrxiE4wz8LWYkDsPMyf1Kjj01wMTFibG-6Cwqm4_X4eTQZUx6pVyXuhMe6_LMZIGVQcFA7EEvFreWhucsJ73v48JUM1o-OufP/s1600/cherrymangosmoothiecocktail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFBKhbni7-fiGuFj_Q8BhWPWyJAW3R88QfFXm48Kk_uSIrxiE4wz8LWYkDsPMyf1Kjj01wMTFibG-6Cwqm4_X4eTQZUx6pVyXuhMe6_LMZIGVQcFA7EEvFreWhucsJ73v48JUM1o-OufP/s640/cherrymangosmoothiecocktail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cider-spiked cherry-studded mango smoothie. A delicious seasonal drink for New Year's Eve in Australia!</td></tr>
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I am no stranger to making cocktails that masquerade as smoothies. See: <a href="http://theindolentcook.blogspot.com/2011/12/pimms-raspberry-cucumber-cocktail.html" target="_blank">this raspberry-cucumber cocktail from 2011</a>, <a href="http://theindolentcook.blogspot.com/2012/12/lemon-jasmine-banana-smoothie-cocktail.html" target="_blank">and this lemon-jasmine-banana cocktail that followed in 2012</a>. What can I say? I'm a smoothie fanatic, and I'm a lightweight when it comes to alcohol. So cocktail-smoothies, or smoothie-cocktails, well... they just work, for me. They're my perfect festive holiday drink!<br />
<br />
Mangoes and cherries always appear prominently in the shops around Christmas and New Year's in Australia, so this time around, my creation is a fruit-a-licious cherry-studded mango cocktail with a subtle hint of alcoholic effervescence from apple cider (hard cider, for my North American readers). I downed the whole glass, and after the initial refreshing hit of coolness, it gave me just the right amount of warm and fuzzy, with no ill effects. Success!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBvFczYlTQfadnsxMJSDIb8jaFMHcmclLoVqgxP_8zxL4wc0gOPPNJY35KZrN8UC1HqPY_SLfMjC0rIn5FBhxLQMDMOT0hx6JzErL_nX5rWpAdl9M-GF6lSi-6U4IkkRoF_T0hkFpyP47/s1600/cherrymangococktailsmoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBvFczYlTQfadnsxMJSDIb8jaFMHcmclLoVqgxP_8zxL4wc0gOPPNJY35KZrN8UC1HqPY_SLfMjC0rIn5FBhxLQMDMOT0hx6JzErL_nX5rWpAdl9M-GF6lSi-6U4IkkRoF_T0hkFpyP47/s640/cherrymangococktailsmoothie.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mango-cherry cocktail-smoothie.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<i>mango-cherry cocktail-smoothie</i><br />
(serves 1)<br />
<br />
1 cup mango<br />
6 cherries, pitted (more for a stronger cherry flavour)<br />
1 teaspoon lime juice<br />
1/2 cup hard apple cider or sparkling wine<br />
<br />
Blend mango, cherries and lime juice with 1/2 cup water and 2 ice cubes. Pour into a glass, use a nice fancy one if you're feeling sophisticated. Top up with apple cider or sparkling wine. Sip it slowly or quaff it quickly - it's up to you!<br />
<br />
<br />
Note 1: I used frozen diced mango and fresh cherries. I recommend that at least some of the fruit you use in this smoothie-cocktail be of the frozen variety, to ensure the end result is pleasingly icy-cold.<br />
<br />
Note 2: If you prefer a non-alcoholic drink, feel free to use sparkling apple juice instead of apple cider to make this a mocktail!<br />
<br />
Note 3: If you require this to be vegan-friendly, make sure that the alcohol you use has not been processed with animal products.<br />
</span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-34122821721018724062016-12-11T20:02:00.000+11:002016-12-11T20:02:01.111+11:00cookbook review: saraban - a chef's journeys through persia<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQtmXJ0T-TUo09PnfrTYw3TVwpbqzg3tJyZ9VolDKHZNRh3k8aEXE934ij6hWm6VeGNYicywNz1pd9-sVI-28S1nXOw72uUxeea3NmnEAO0jEmYZ_b_ncGApTwuVFnnM0jXxZ3gRi9WoP/s1600/sarabancookbookpersiancookbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQtmXJ0T-TUo09PnfrTYw3TVwpbqzg3tJyZ9VolDKHZNRh3k8aEXE934ij6hWm6VeGNYicywNz1pd9-sVI-28S1nXOw72uUxeea3NmnEAO0jEmYZ_b_ncGApTwuVFnnM0jXxZ3gRi9WoP/s640/sarabancookbookpersiancookbook.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saraban cookbook by Greg and Lucy Malouf.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I have finally stopped procrastinating, and here is my final cookbook review for the year! Following <a href="http://theindolentcook.blogspot.com/2016/09/cookbook-review-turquoise-a-chefs-travels-in-turkey.html" target="_blank">my review a couple months back of Turkish cookbook Turquoise</a>, I'm back with a review of Persian cookbook Saraban from the same authors, Greg and Lucy Malouf.<br />
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As we transit from spring to summer, the simple recipe for this refreshing beverage, dugh, caught my eye. This is a savoury yoghurt drink - called dugh in Iran, but known by other names in different countries - <a href="http://theindolentcook.blogspot.com/2014/06/central-kebab-house-brunswick.html" target="_blank">I've had it at a Turkish eatery, where it was called ayran,</a> so I already knew I would like it.<br />
<br />
Dugh is basically just yoghurt diluted with water and combined with salt - the one I had at the Turkish place used still water, but for this particular recipe, it called for carbonated water, which intrigued me. It also included lemon or lime juice, as well as dried mint - I processed my own by microwaving fresh mint until the leaves are crisp and dry and easily crumbled.<br />
<br />
The trick to making a good dugh is to not be too shy with the salt. I don't advise going crazy with it, but you definitely want the brightness of the salt coming through to complement the sourness of the yoghurt. Done right, it's really uplifting on a hot day!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGya8ZXrCGZ_5_j-CkAZUTKCpKGc0eVTuuuWEtw7sPy9umPvd59jYtcU_Qs0YTCEkjb2BfC-zeGO88emAwh1xuCxKfKVkOK1-ebgshL3_dYHPbLPW0jbSVso-Ti-0qnWvjanNo0hELhpz/s1600/sarabandughiraniansaltedmintedyoghurtdrink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGya8ZXrCGZ_5_j-CkAZUTKCpKGc0eVTuuuWEtw7sPy9umPvd59jYtcU_Qs0YTCEkjb2BfC-zeGO88emAwh1xuCxKfKVkOK1-ebgshL3_dYHPbLPW0jbSVso-Ti-0qnWvjanNo0hELhpz/s640/sarabandughiraniansaltedmintedyoghurtdrink.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dugh, a sparkling salted, minted yoghurt drink - also known as ayran, lassi, or tan in various regions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The other recipe I tried from Saraban was the one for kuku-ye sibzamini - Persian potato cakes spiced with cumin, turmeric and black pepper, and studded with garlic chives and coriander leaves. I have to confess that I veered away from the ingredients quite a bit in this one, due to a desire to work with just what I already have - so I used cumin seeds instead of ground cumin, substituted spring onions for garlic chives, and completely omitted the self-raising flour.<br />
<br />
I have to say, too, the Saraban recipe has left me quite curious about the taste of an authentic kuku-ye sibzamini - and whether the dominant element should be the potatoes or the eggs. For example, it calls for two desiree potatoes, but does not give any indication of the approximate size or weight of the potatoes. One would presumably then go for medium-sized, but even that can be subjective, so the results could turn out differently, depending on your choice of potatoes! Also, "kuku" is often described to be a frittata-like concoction, and therefore more of an egg dish - but the English title of "potato patties" muddies the waters yet again. Or in other words, I think too much.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, despite my delinquent detours, the ambiguity of the recipe, and the perplexing internal debate, my batter held together - just, and the results were delicious.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRz1mNrmsmYYjNMnu4LEiGr5Bc4hBi2QpzPkMFqjhnwmAn6AM5FF6faSPYRCEoG5kZRXffwz_Es5IJLxwe45Txb5y9JoazvQmpSXJzoG7R_qlfyq9H3v8vGRT1pNYc2FTscM74GscN-P9V/s1600/sarabankukuyesibzaminipersianpotatopatties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRz1mNrmsmYYjNMnu4LEiGr5Bc4hBi2QpzPkMFqjhnwmAn6AM5FF6faSPYRCEoG5kZRXffwz_Es5IJLxwe45Txb5y9JoazvQmpSXJzoG7R_qlfyq9H3v8vGRT1pNYc2FTscM74GscN-P9V/s640/sarabankukuyesibzaminipersianpotatopatties.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kuku-ye sibzamini - Persian potato patties with herbs and spices, served with a dollop of yoghurt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Like Turquoise, Saraban is a visually stunning cookbook - I dare say it is even more exquisite, with its sumptuous colours and intricate cutout details - and certainly does a great job of showcasing Iran as a luscious, compelling travel destination. I couldn't help but marvel at interesting fare such as the koofteh tabrizi (giant meatballs stuffed with fruit and nuts), though I don't think I have the fortitude to attempt that dish. The recipe for ash-e sak (spinach soup with little meatballs), on the other hand, looks a lot less daunting, and I might quite possibly try it someday. Another one that could be up my alley is the mahi-e mast-gerdu - yoghurt-baked fish with walnut-herb crumbs.<br />
<br />
Anyway, we shall see. I talk often here about perhaps doing this or that, but let's face it, I am not the most industrious person around, as per my blog name. Hey, at least I managed to fulfill <a href="http://theindolentcook.blogspot.com/2016/01/happy-2016-my-gardening-and-cookbook-resolutions.html" target="_blank">my 2016 new year's resolutions in regards to reviewing my neglected cookbooks</a>, right? So, you know... there's hope! :)<br />
</span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-56227211468610999642016-11-20T20:02:00.000+11:002016-11-21T04:10:46.607+11:00day trip to rottnest island: quokkas and more!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLYkFkGNtUIofgNvAhtiLu_znAjqkaIvc1COyuVk2urcedwbF-Yl8xtqLw53YTrnapB2K_ErWL3P8RY31IicGQbNxJAdxbQUX8C4Mfw-GNo9q65gndBARHAUH8TT6szX6-xWywkgaKnpe/s1600/rottnestislandquokkasmile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLYkFkGNtUIofgNvAhtiLu_znAjqkaIvc1COyuVk2urcedwbF-Yl8xtqLw53YTrnapB2K_ErWL3P8RY31IicGQbNxJAdxbQUX8C4Mfw-GNo9q65gndBARHAUH8TT6szX6-xWywkgaKnpe/s640/rottnestislandquokkasmile.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The quokka's irresistible signature smile.</td></tr>
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Earlier last month, Simon and I did a day trip to Rottnest Island. It was my first time there, and also Simon's, even though he grew up in Perth! So it was all rather exciting. We'd seen the popularity of quokka selfies on the internet, and we were all wrapped up in the giddy anticipation of getting our first real-life glimpse of these adorable marsupials.<br />
<br />
So I went there thinking all I wanted to see was quokkas, and I did and it was everything I could hope for - but you know what, I fell in love with more than that.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukj6aCgzc7TH5KvW0FQlQLUE_Whyphenhyphenrj9H22k4lHehPi6oa31ZIKJkHlVfZAdDL8NkT3criX48NdgBjGC9iXhNOfrJE70cAFreFpMcxYtE_Y6ozQGm7IlPBqSWJ47WP6oqFztF12zfzWQoq/s1600/rottnestislandsaltlake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukj6aCgzc7TH5KvW0FQlQLUE_Whyphenhyphenrj9H22k4lHehPi6oa31ZIKJkHlVfZAdDL8NkT3criX48NdgBjGC9iXhNOfrJE70cAFreFpMcxYtE_Y6ozQGm7IlPBqSWJ47WP6oqFztF12zfzWQoq/s640/rottnestislandsaltlake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many salt lakes at Rottnest Island. Quite sure this one is Pink Lake, though it may possibly be Lake Negri.</td></tr>
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But let's get back to the beginning.<br />
<br />
First, we hopped on a ferry at Fremantle. Here's my first tip - there is usually some deal going on, so check the ferry operator websites and book according to the instructions to secure your special rates. You could potentially score a free ride for your birthday, or highly discounted fares on Tuesdays, for example! My second tip? The ocean may or may not play nice - our ferry trip over there made me feel quite ill, while the trip back was perfectly fine - so, get your seasickness remedies ready, just in case.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjTQ-XgP8vQDv8FHBqrPk1Bl9RjnsMvn8dLKRl4-UTJyBrelUHC5UR4mSU0lyHHsY5LcSPwm-FYKzfgTpl84Hh6hLxXEJD_6KCIglbft8H7Cw1p0HpQs73FgaaSLYZQ9_eOzUlrrfdyOJ/s1600/rottnestislandducklings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjTQ-XgP8vQDv8FHBqrPk1Bl9RjnsMvn8dLKRl4-UTJyBrelUHC5UR4mSU0lyHHsY5LcSPwm-FYKzfgTpl84Hh6hLxXEJD_6KCIglbft8H7Cw1p0HpQs73FgaaSLYZQ9_eOzUlrrfdyOJ/s640/rottnestislandducklings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ducklings stroll through the colourful vegetation at Rottnest Island. Awesome camouflage!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
You can book a bicycle at the same time you book your ferry, which is cheaper and more convenient, but the ferry company had run out of bikes, so we just went to a rental bike shop upon arrival. This probably actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise for me as a petite person, as the store had a great selection, so I went through the options Goldilocks-style and it meant that I got to pick out just the right size helmet and bike for me. Oh, yeah, and upon walking our bikes out of the shop, we saw our first quokkas right then and there! And, um, yeah, we spent too much time hanging out with those quokkas because we were afraid that they would be our only quokka sightings for the day. But moving on...<br />
<br />
We started cycling around Rottnest Island, and seriously, it took my breath away. It was so beautiful everywhere we went, I think I might be bold enough to say that this is the prettiest place I've ever visited in Australia.<br />
<br />
I loved the gorgeous red and green vegetation...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8e2BfNlDS7K-twT7owhUZHftbFECovE_8xRCwU_Z1idzGNFFzpRL-q5Q6k0Br5j0PARgB7dIdCwxTvYThQ-PFOFsoeilv6nQVmUaP0SEom3R8IA06TX4OueqPLbrqOJy5ldoX9KY_iDyJ/s1600/rottnestislandsamphire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8e2BfNlDS7K-twT7owhUZHftbFECovE_8xRCwU_Z1idzGNFFzpRL-q5Q6k0Br5j0PARgB7dIdCwxTvYThQ-PFOFsoeilv6nQVmUaP0SEom3R8IA06TX4OueqPLbrqOJy5ldoX9KY_iDyJ/s640/rottnestislandsamphire.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lush samphire at Rottnest Island.</td></tr>
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And the beautiful blue ocean waters...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_dnNZcKaDko8XukSr33I3DDqdcVmVgr1n3XFDUhkR98wnwI5kYEd7h7bEQ6ChPFokqn1_segigBbUNwk-CMuS-mzMf6RhdxXe0GEmsSHizEjvTVajEWiw9bZi2TqYUudnLEZmMkEl2G8/s1600/rottnestislandoceanview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_dnNZcKaDko8XukSr33I3DDqdcVmVgr1n3XFDUhkR98wnwI5kYEd7h7bEQ6ChPFokqn1_segigBbUNwk-CMuS-mzMf6RhdxXe0GEmsSHizEjvTVajEWiw9bZi2TqYUudnLEZmMkEl2G8/s640/rottnestislandoceanview.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabulous ocean views at Rottnest Island.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
But as we cycled along, I did get a little bit concerned, as other than our initial sighting of quokkas outside the bike shop, we haven't really seen many others hopping around. Additionally, Rottnest Island is quite hilly, and as someone who rarely cycles, at certain points, despite all the beauty around me, I couldn't help but bleat plaintively.<br />
<br />
This is a selection of oft-quoted phrases whilst I cycled around the island. "There are 12,000 quokkas on this island, where are they?" "Come out and love us, quokkas!" And during my strenuous uphill battles - "This is killing me..." "I'm so tired..." "I'm dying..."<br />
<br />
Oh, and "Strugglesome..." a new made-up word coined by Simon that I adopted with gusto.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5bX-Jat6lw4oxwgPWoRCWsgNAcBQQ_eIYK-BsIhV47lV4uvfEAmwkza0X6E-6aakDvMBaTvuzS48ZTwGEQyJKHynY4nBNRuEMapJz8n7FVIWGFwtmObM-10WPUgQ9llpzCzHXlYIEolu/s1600/rottnestislandhillyroads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5bX-Jat6lw4oxwgPWoRCWsgNAcBQQ_eIYK-BsIhV47lV4uvfEAmwkza0X6E-6aakDvMBaTvuzS48ZTwGEQyJKHynY4nBNRuEMapJz8n7FVIWGFwtmObM-10WPUgQ9llpzCzHXlYIEolu/s640/rottnestislandhillyroads.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">The hilly paths of Rottnest Island are perhaps not the most ideal for unfit cyclists like me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We packed bananas, almonds, and water for this day trip, and after a couple of hours exploring the island on bike, we were ready to plonk ourselves down for a good resting and snacking session. We did just that at the Nancy Cove beach, taking in sweet views of Green Island as we rejuvenated ourselves.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlvDUnT6yKBr0PzWwd8bGoeJMBLEqMoSQYf1VJxLbfGu25acwS_F0rAcw3CwPEfh2CTw_xPHWSdffczV8Ln9BeEM0FAzUyxDL4MHHfbR2vk96u54w5RSRx1ZXXeb3pQU0zLJO-hbtCWdV/s1600/rottnestislandgreenisland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlvDUnT6yKBr0PzWwd8bGoeJMBLEqMoSQYf1VJxLbfGu25acwS_F0rAcw3CwPEfh2CTw_xPHWSdffczV8Ln9BeEM0FAzUyxDL4MHHfbR2vk96u54w5RSRx1ZXXeb3pQU0zLJO-hbtCWdV/s640/rottnestislandgreenisland.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beach at Nancy Cove has a great view of Green Island.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
With newfound energy, we continued on our merry way. More scenic loveliness ensued.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkn9Bl2FbbxItGIEfpBugo-HRJzPPIbtni9eQJ3lfPaepQ6x-Jt-9v5TLtZYLk7av7r-5q04EV1ttVHNZYPhEeZPeETaIDpv-iv0HL-WRZZMbykfLVA40y_SfRmX3Bi4PKhKL_1VN8xrZ-/s1600/rottnestislandbeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkn9Bl2FbbxItGIEfpBugo-HRJzPPIbtni9eQJ3lfPaepQ6x-Jt-9v5TLtZYLk7av7r-5q04EV1ttVHNZYPhEeZPeETaIDpv-iv0HL-WRZZMbykfLVA40y_SfRmX3Bi4PKhKL_1VN8xrZ-/s640/rottnestislandbeach.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sensational views at Little Salmon Bay, Rottnest Island.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
It was mid-afternoon when we stumbled upon another party of quokkas. Look, I have no idea what the collective noun is for quokkas, but they're so cute that my heart does a little dance when I see them, so a party sounds appropriate.<br />
<br />
At the time we went - the month of October - we saw some young quokkas hopping around, and they are so adorable! If you want to see baby quokkas still in their mothers' pouches, then probably May to August would be a better time to visit the island. But really, they're cute at any age, so I'd say you can't go wrong as long as you go on a day with decent weather.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJd9OoecR2Wi1mmb9gZcDdp1Fo-drhUnukS05F1C5Vk0w9juIy66BNms1W-a702ccm4eDkSDgWDDGec1DySq9zKgRuKixfA8yx3uJ7EL2xDvHy1KOUzUnFFtpjYBzXsjkfCez_tCGybO9y/s1600/rottnestislandquokkacuteness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJd9OoecR2Wi1mmb9gZcDdp1Fo-drhUnukS05F1C5Vk0w9juIy66BNms1W-a702ccm4eDkSDgWDDGec1DySq9zKgRuKixfA8yx3uJ7EL2xDvHy1KOUzUnFFtpjYBzXsjkfCez_tCGybO9y/s640/rottnestislandquokkacuteness.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ridiculously cute quokka at Rottnest Island.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Other animals we met that day included a dugite (a venomous snake) by the side of the road - I didn't take a picture because I was paranoid that the click of the camera would trigger it to come after me, haha! - and we also observed a few dark and glossy king skinks, I find them to be so sleek and handsome.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3HwpBvYpNmzd8jiAd53ir30pES25GoFPSL01Slxv65Cmg6YzQNBmIER-ALf2vEkeg6EcyDFB5x0cxbvdkDG5H15j_oj1nY4CY6B7D20tUZEzP5gNl3wj7l50U5DrDE93RmbkaKVAWRYE/s1600/rottnestislandkingsskink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3HwpBvYpNmzd8jiAd53ir30pES25GoFPSL01Slxv65Cmg6YzQNBmIER-ALf2vEkeg6EcyDFB5x0cxbvdkDG5H15j_oj1nY4CY6B7D20tUZEzP5gNl3wj7l50U5DrDE93RmbkaKVAWRYE/s640/rottnestislandkingsskink.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A king's skink at Rottnest Island.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Eventually we returned to the main town area of Rottnest Island, gave back our bikes, and strolled around looking for something to eat. If I recall correctly, we got the burnt caramel with salty caramel swirl and the rum and raisin at Simmo's, and both were delicious.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QBMoLVio8qyzT97v44NYO-yMtopEwDk6_CocQEVdM8elc-43IwN5eA4IrU4RxevyWITjqv7wmaZY_edT-VhMGlHYijn96nz6le6PiT9R4dIQw90seJ9f24ROxn45Drs19Ww2AuJWdOb_/s1600/rottnestislandsimmosicecream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QBMoLVio8qyzT97v44NYO-yMtopEwDk6_CocQEVdM8elc-43IwN5eA4IrU4RxevyWITjqv7wmaZY_edT-VhMGlHYijn96nz6le6PiT9R4dIQw90seJ9f24ROxn45Drs19Ww2AuJWdOb_/s640/rottnestislandsimmosicecream.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice cream from Simmo's Icecreamery at Rottnest Island.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We also found a grassy area to sit down to eat our Subway sandwiches... and it was then and there that we found out that the Rottnest Island town area is where the naughty quokkas hang out and try to pry food off humans, and they can be quite aggressive about it!<br />
<br />
And look, I would love to share if I could, but giving them human food and even water is actually very bad for them, and can lead to not only an unnatural dependence but also cause health issues and reduce their lifespan, and they are a vulnerable species as it is. So don't feed the quokkas! We actually got involved in a full-blown tug-of-war with a belligerent quokka who wouldn't take no for an answer in our efforts to adhere to this rule, and while he may have managed to steal a nibble in the process, we won in the end. Sorry, quokka! We're just looking out for you!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2449LLuL3ZUkBsUk5HenalxxBcqSN1hiy4disMD0j54cKoSgf-HrxyccVNyxY0vqTrnCDxaYATfo-bggRj-XE_LSlNKng9KR1Dn33FeX8qv2sI3ZZ0RDEClajqPNSs-LDf7NvwOMJmySN/s1600/rottnestislandoceanboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2449LLuL3ZUkBsUk5HenalxxBcqSN1hiy4disMD0j54cKoSgf-HrxyccVNyxY0vqTrnCDxaYATfo-bggRj-XE_LSlNKng9KR1Dn33FeX8qv2sI3ZZ0RDEClajqPNSs-LDf7NvwOMJmySN/s640/rottnestislandoceanboat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat and ocean - a tranquil scene at Rottnest Island.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I am so glad that we did this day trip to Rottnest Island, and I would love to go back again someday. I'd heartily recommend it to anyone - if you live in Perth, or if you're visiting for a holiday - whatever. It's truly an iconic destination of Western Australia.<br />
<br />
What are your thoughts on Rottnest Island? Feel free to share in the comments section below!<br />
</span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-83781008047924710572016-11-10T22:52:00.000+11:002016-11-10T23:02:40.433+11:00raspberry goji smoothie<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZ_1tDPtIWPDnGUvmPvr58MlaySk0ae4T4DSycxXSls5fDq15ZNwQ41qdmz_d6eDApSu_wl3uhKaV3out_UcNh_Yc9q4AjN8MqS80Zm9WVfuJIqtofHMNGyPxVPkGL3rC40sAGVyi3YQc/s1600/raspberrygojismoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZ_1tDPtIWPDnGUvmPvr58MlaySk0ae4T4DSycxXSls5fDq15ZNwQ41qdmz_d6eDApSu_wl3uhKaV3out_UcNh_Yc9q4AjN8MqS80Zm9WVfuJIqtofHMNGyPxVPkGL3rC40sAGVyi3YQc/s640/raspberrygojismoothie.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A super-delicious raspberry goji smoothie.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
My love for smoothies continue, and this raspberry goji smoothie is my latest favourite creation.<br />
<br />
It's funny how goji berries have, in recent years, become a darling in the Western world, lauded for its superfood powers and making endless appearances in smoothie bowls on Instagram. Growing up in our Asian household, goji berries are typically used in savoury soups and herbal teas, and I'll be honest, I was never a big fan, but upon the coaxing of my mum - "they're good for you, good for the eyes" - I'd reluctantly eat them, and at the end of the day, I didn't mind them that much.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I purchased a packet of dried goji berries earlier this year - not because I was craving them, not because of their health benefits - but because I wanted to enter some health food competition thing to win a free holiday. Spoiler - I did not win the competition, and all I had afterwards, then, was this bag of goji berries and I had to come up with various ideas for consuming them.<br />
<br />
I threw these goji berries into my muesli, added them to my ginger tea. I blended them up in various smoothies, too, but it wasn't until I made THIS smoothie that it felt like everything just fit together. My lost and aimless goji berries have finally found their home.<br />
<span class="fullpost"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkJ8a8SaRJ5xyDRZmVteLcKLwlkC_AHZGia_jkwZkfhTxXG8xpFaXwLCAtP0GeZCzbVz4-9zGddm_9Zk4_D_D23x_oFjgwEWNtiTEKuEaqjsXkxT2baa_eFZKZXesqQgpUN62d8fPDmNp/s1600/driedgojiberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkJ8a8SaRJ5xyDRZmVteLcKLwlkC_AHZGia_jkwZkfhTxXG8xpFaXwLCAtP0GeZCzbVz4-9zGddm_9Zk4_D_D23x_oFjgwEWNtiTEKuEaqjsXkxT2baa_eFZKZXesqQgpUN62d8fPDmNp/s640/driedgojiberries.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dried goji berries for a goji berry smoothie.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<i>raspberry goji smoothie </i><br />
<i>(serves 1)</i><br />
<br />
1 small banana<br />
1 cup frozen raspberries<br />
1 tablespoon goji berries<br />
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice<br />
2/3 cup water<br />
<br />
- Blend all the ingredients together, adding more water if necessary if you would like a thinner consistency.<br />
- Forget about what is a superfood and what isn't, and just enjoy the super-deliciousness of this smoothie.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOU7OX0NP1J6rwhShh6q51_z3HDT6L-R2EZI6wfze1lquLqk7gLjS0c5uuHGcvoLKv2tEuJ5wAkBEWinQ3M-iJ4hsWIdYVH5Aw6jkhknusuQQpxY0Anma8PkolU4U5gVxVDbpEtuFaO0i-/s1600/raspberrygojiberrysmoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOU7OX0NP1J6rwhShh6q51_z3HDT6L-R2EZI6wfze1lquLqk7gLjS0c5uuHGcvoLKv2tEuJ5wAkBEWinQ3M-iJ4hsWIdYVH5Aw6jkhknusuQQpxY0Anma8PkolU4U5gVxVDbpEtuFaO0i-/s640/raspberrygojiberrysmoothie.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intensely red raspberry smoothie with goji berries.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-5845620711008769372016-10-31T20:13:00.001+11:002016-11-01T15:38:57.446+11:00a little trip to melbourne<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuf9toQ16QcVyrQ3t4xA5-Sc1qxBNJFiuyCDGTSxPXyszYc3yBWvQGKNxo6d6PYSmOKEY47WeuUOSCkVaNA6BHe3Y8R-1HAiE58ottw73H9MSXknyV9k5EW_vy4aFlnCBARQ17FsS8X0T/s1600/catlickinglips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuf9toQ16QcVyrQ3t4xA5-Sc1qxBNJFiuyCDGTSxPXyszYc3yBWvQGKNxo6d6PYSmOKEY47WeuUOSCkVaNA6BHe3Y8R-1HAiE58ottw73H9MSXknyV9k5EW_vy4aFlnCBARQ17FsS8X0T/s640/catlickinglips.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We spent a lot of time with my uncle/aunt/cousin's cat in Melbourne!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Wow, it feels like October is over before it's begun! It's true, time does fly when you're having fun! Simon and I spent ten days in Melbourne this month, and it's been great just lazing around, and catching up with friends and family while we were there.<br />
<br />
We had quite an indulgent time, food-wise. Dinner on the first night were these delicious home-cooked lobster noodles.<br />
<span class="fullpost"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimANO2nrj_9gn4GAlZ919xkbH737FRKM7RpE5J3f84V6GxJCPjpT4P0bYX9jNjSzyuwfzKyLzV2jlx4xQcYzHW6lm1TVW97vr3IIeDMOIfZfo5bcopkqzAMQ3udC8UnQr7g3xq7-oEvsyh/s1600/chinesestylelobsternoodles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimANO2nrj_9gn4GAlZ919xkbH737FRKM7RpE5J3f84V6GxJCPjpT4P0bYX9jNjSzyuwfzKyLzV2jlx4xQcYzHW6lm1TVW97vr3IIeDMOIfZfo5bcopkqzAMQ3udC8UnQr7g3xq7-oEvsyh/s640/chinesestylelobsternoodles.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese-style lobster noodles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
A big batch of bak kut teh (pork ribs in herbal broth) was also cooked at some point, and I turned the leftovers into a vegetable-studded bak kut teh noodle soup.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnleidv1ceY7cDKMwZ4JG572byKMh0JRemcm6Ly9CKxIQq0o3fFHim6L0SfLHAY0edjGnqlyjtFz6Z_GENv1GzoqKMjrEvEG8fxW_qQjvS2_m_qfc_x10afwWlJPvkGx4J9c2dYWVoP5Y/s1600/bakkuttehnoodles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnleidv1ceY7cDKMwZ4JG572byKMh0JRemcm6Ly9CKxIQq0o3fFHim6L0SfLHAY0edjGnqlyjtFz6Z_GENv1GzoqKMjrEvEG8fxW_qQjvS2_m_qfc_x10afwWlJPvkGx4J9c2dYWVoP5Y/s640/bakkuttehnoodles.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bak kut teh with vegetables and thick rice noodles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We spent most of our time out in the suburbs with my parents and relatives, but we did also manage to catch up with a few friends while we were there.<br />
<br />
I caught up with my ex-colleagues, and we had a nice lunch at Nara Thai. My chilli-basil pork with rice was gratifyingly spicy, and I enjoyed chatting with everyone at the table and getting all the latest news!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuD2nO2FVqkwzdXh_er8h_EMouJpOMtWi-0fO1CzeqB70tml5LgwvzMREVRGwRnwt3Lm1Rd3kD-hJExJkXLdijNYT4WpGdqlP8_7T6fRiJxaS0Ss7jnloeO56L_C2BNep5YUPcH-fhrum/s1600/narathaichillibasilporkrice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuD2nO2FVqkwzdXh_er8h_EMouJpOMtWi-0fO1CzeqB70tml5LgwvzMREVRGwRnwt3Lm1Rd3kD-hJExJkXLdijNYT4WpGdqlP8_7T6fRiJxaS0Ss7jnloeO56L_C2BNep5YUPcH-fhrum/s640/narathaichillibasilporkrice.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stir-fried chilli and basil pork with rice on the side at Nara Thai Restaurant in South Melbourne.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Delightful conversation flowed over a delicious Indian dinner with our friends at Mukka in Fitzroy. I was particularly charmed by the bhel puri, a salad-like snack consisting of puffed rice, Indian snack mix and crunchy chickpea vermicelli, pomegranate, tomato, onion, lime, tamarind and mint.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNcm-zHSlhCqL7BylCQCOEmetZcAVRtvTaouNNiDHbhv01nZa8u4Bz0uukb-3wdkahNd-tSmjAQO_50MjFVGGRTR3sJnSIAwcpcVfnICTVD4OPfoa-wLjIbS64lX0LAw-rtdA_cr2QInx/s1600/mukkaindianbhelpuri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNcm-zHSlhCqL7BylCQCOEmetZcAVRtvTaouNNiDHbhv01nZa8u4Bz0uukb-3wdkahNd-tSmjAQO_50MjFVGGRTR3sJnSIAwcpcVfnICTVD4OPfoa-wLjIbS64lX0LAw-rtdA_cr2QInx/s640/mukkaindianbhelpuri.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The intriguing and delectable bhel puri at Mukka Indian Restaurant in Fitzroy.</td></tr>
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And we were treated to a pleasingly light and fresh Japanese lunch at Ichi Ichi Ku Izakaya the next day. The sushi here was beautifully made, and the company of our friends was stellar. We only wished there could have been more time to hang out!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GNa11An3hzJ1NzHxfny56P39voGhi39OUxoafgyvXnvOt8bbCuKRDzzEleke3ae87VEXVIUORx6OCNgPn15twpgfBxFHOnb9e2vzNkFj8rhOUm_LOZ0XR7qAKsrwCzm2Aod636NbIp0J/s1600/ichiichikuizakayajapanesesushi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GNa11An3hzJ1NzHxfny56P39voGhi39OUxoafgyvXnvOt8bbCuKRDzzEleke3ae87VEXVIUORx6OCNgPn15twpgfBxFHOnb9e2vzNkFj8rhOUm_LOZ0XR7qAKsrwCzm2Aod636NbIp0J/s640/ichiichikuizakayajapanesesushi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy sushi rolls at Ichi Ichi Ku Izakaya in South Yarra.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Since we thought we might be looking at moving back to Melbourne sometime in the future and settling down, we spent one whole day checking out property inspections in the inner-city area. In between it all, we popped by Ba'get for quick and wholesome, cheap and cheerful Vietnamese food - just the thing to fuel us for the day.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18AMuz-yMNsJ_0gbFjQ-6ESmO0e5_1-sy4I5mzr7c_gm6FbvdqQw6x8RyilkChVc9P_aXfXMBaEBp7CE8_Qo909KUV_HOT1HfNY2qoMEthGDnIxdx7pV7kqg56ojia5FUeEvbeow6Z44n/s1600/bagetvietnamesegrilledporkvermicellibowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18AMuz-yMNsJ_0gbFjQ-6ESmO0e5_1-sy4I5mzr7c_gm6FbvdqQw6x8RyilkChVc9P_aXfXMBaEBp7CE8_Qo909KUV_HOT1HfNY2qoMEthGDnIxdx7pV7kqg56ojia5FUeEvbeow6Z44n/s640/bagetvietnamesegrilledporkvermicellibowl.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee and grilled pork vermicelli bowl at Ba'get Vietnamese Eatery in the Melbourne CBD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And of course, amidst all the hobnobbing around, we do still always take the time to chill out with the cat, and we made sure he ate well, too. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPvKUnhY-yGvWVeLqsu4S04oo-T1jN5dlU67LKtnNRXyu4gE_PVOHmqe8CrjjQKExMPaUz3ba7FMlvbtDCErcgrX3i4Itrn-iLsEWgCeNMpmc8Eh2nIuD-lKXXZVmd-tNMREF2xvGbmJS/s1600/cateatingmackerel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPvKUnhY-yGvWVeLqsu4S04oo-T1jN5dlU67LKtnNRXyu4gE_PVOHmqe8CrjjQKExMPaUz3ba7FMlvbtDCErcgrX3i4Itrn-iLsEWgCeNMpmc8Eh2nIuD-lKXXZVmd-tNMREF2xvGbmJS/s640/cateatingmackerel.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He loves the mackerel!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Also, while I don't have pictures, my parents made zongzi (large triangular dumplings made with glutinous rice, meat and beans, wrapped in bamboo leaves), and that was awesome. My dad is very good at wrapping these things! He also bought durian for me, yum yum.<br />
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In conclusion, it's been fantastic to be back in Melbourne again after more than two years away - and we hope to return soon enough!<br />
</span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-26850276250711223562016-09-29T18:20:00.000+10:002016-09-29T18:20:22.252+10:00cookbook review: turquoise - a chef's travels in turkey<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrdA2ZBT-nl1bZ8gC6YQjOM8c7K-UUOZUd0RHloWF2hrQHcMvlMbF1juFe0XpaH8G_2J-KhMqE6Lrz6mpboBWPf9xKz-yuG-FlqpXhHESR-rL3IZI2QRDnnXTYTjwJ3IWKWfKZZ0lTY_L/s1600/turquoisecookbookturkishcookbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrdA2ZBT-nl1bZ8gC6YQjOM8c7K-UUOZUd0RHloWF2hrQHcMvlMbF1juFe0XpaH8G_2J-KhMqE6Lrz6mpboBWPf9xKz-yuG-FlqpXhHESR-rL3IZI2QRDnnXTYTjwJ3IWKWfKZZ0lTY_L/s640/turquoisecookbookturkishcookbook.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turquoise cookbook by Greg and Lucy Malouf.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
My third cookbook review for this year is of Turquoise: A Chef's Travels in Turkey. Written by husband-and-wife team Greg and Lucy Malouf, this beautifully presented hardcover cookbook offers captivating insight into the world of Turkish cuisine, complete with intimately descriptive tales of food adventures that spark feelings of wanderlust.<br />
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As per usual, I made a beeline for the simpler recipes. The first one that caught my eye was the recipe for smoky eggplant puree (the Turkish name is not provided in the cookbook, but the internet tells me it's called patlican ezmesi), which had an approachable list of ingredients - eggplant, yoghurt, lemon, olive oil, garlic, mint, and salt. I love, love, love the taste of smoky eggplant, and it is something I have not ever attempted at home - until now.<br />
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There were some fiddly aspects to this, but it actually wasn't as difficult or time-consuming as I thought it might be, and as I enjoyed it with some crackers, I daydreamed about how I could wow family and friends with this Turkish smoky eggplant dip in the future by serving it at a dinner party at home, or bringing it to a potluck. My only criticism is that there wasn't quite enough of a smoky flavour, even though I cooked the eggplant the proper way, directly over a naked flame, instead of the cheat's version of baking it in the oven. The recipe says to remove every bit of the skin to avoid bitterness, but I'm flirting with the idea of cautiously including some of the charred bits next time, to see if that helps elevate the smoky taste I so adore.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoBfAh4wv0OYuX4F1p4AS3yEfxBvGndfZGxl5gaevB62HIp-ncjbrWqxRoXeKtFQsAr4b-G2pHL1NUMtiW1LeJSNLgIigcmP3ckzsW9IUo-gS956qXkzbhIogaB80IqGiK60nAZaKWnT-/s1600/turquoisesmokyeggplantpuree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoBfAh4wv0OYuX4F1p4AS3yEfxBvGndfZGxl5gaevB62HIp-ncjbrWqxRoXeKtFQsAr4b-G2pHL1NUMtiW1LeJSNLgIigcmP3ckzsW9IUo-gS956qXkzbhIogaB80IqGiK60nAZaKWnT-/s640/turquoisesmokyeggplantpuree.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoky eggplant puree (patlican ezmesi) - a delicious dip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
A few days later, I turned my attentions to another easy recipe: the shepherd's spinach (kiymali ispanak in Turkish, according to my online research) attracted me with its friendly simplicity - this is a one-pot meal that doesn't put on any airs.<br />
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The recipe from the cookbook serves 4 to 6, and calls for a whopping 1 kilogram of spinach. I scaled it down to make just enough for a single meal. For some reason, the authors appear to have forgotten to include the addition of salt to this dish, but fortunately this was easily remedied, and trust me, a bit of salt makes a huge difference! The use of salt instantly turned this dish from bland to scrumptious, and I was happy with the results. Dotted with lamb, rice, and onions, and seasoned with a touch of tomato paste, paprika, and mint, this shepherd's spinach was rustic, hearty, and satisfying.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVw5tEtlLwwVSTYGu8Jd2M3B1gZ_FwlnOA5N9xpSix7wRtVj5vcZyFNupWGSIIukivR0l0wLRx-YyZg2raXImfFrPoV0n-t3bjqvqeVhnYmsvpAI8z4ZaVPwGURg-99xZ7QGvT8lVDm5fv/s1600/turquoiseshepherdsspinach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVw5tEtlLwwVSTYGu8Jd2M3B1gZ_FwlnOA5N9xpSix7wRtVj5vcZyFNupWGSIIukivR0l0wLRx-YyZg2raXImfFrPoV0n-t3bjqvqeVhnYmsvpAI8z4ZaVPwGURg-99xZ7QGvT8lVDm5fv/s640/turquoiseshepherdsspinach.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shepherd's spinach (kiymali ispanak) - wholesome comfort food.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
There are other recipes from Turquoise I'd love to try someday. Flipping through the pages, the Fish Doctor's stew with black pepper, lemon peel and mint - the authors' interpretation of a dish they ate at a seafood restaurant in Istanbul - looked right up my alley, as does the Beyran soup - an alluring breakfast soup with slow-cooked lamb, garlic and green chillies. And for dessert? I think it's got to be the sticky apricots stuffed with clotted cream. Yep, I think I've definitely convinced myself that I should come back to this cookbook again - and let's face it, when it's one as gorgeous as Turquoise, that's not a bad idea at all.<br />
</span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-48098206092193641422016-09-20T21:50:00.001+10:002016-09-28T22:48:31.546+10:00ginger-honey poached tamarillo compote<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1ipcryDfAORtnd7HuUIZvWyhQJUfAlR2G7qWEqp-jhNPc0EmLOboMJWYipUulboYP4urMniZhJvBNY9osNQ3eTdfcL9fOdZUaXkyxzmCI1HcMuvmvv70r_WOZiMipyi5UTwYPWHfmH20/s1600/gingerhoneytamarillocompotewithyoghurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1ipcryDfAORtnd7HuUIZvWyhQJUfAlR2G7qWEqp-jhNPc0EmLOboMJWYipUulboYP4urMniZhJvBNY9osNQ3eTdfcL9fOdZUaXkyxzmCI1HcMuvmvv70r_WOZiMipyi5UTwYPWHfmH20/s640/gingerhoneytamarillocompotewithyoghurt.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger-honey poached tamarillo slices, served with yoghurt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
All through winter I quietly passed by the box of seductive ruby-red tamarillos every time I shopped at my local grocery store, flirting with thoughts of random tamarillo recipe creations as I did so, but then I would continue to walk on, and that was that. As spring beckoned, however, my adventurous side took charge, and I finally took the leap.<br />
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This is my first experience with tamarillos, and I was actually - um - a bit nervous? Off I went to do some online research, and it was probably a good thing I did, as I found warnings about the intense bitterness of the tamarillo skin, and helpful instructions on removing it. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyXY0-eXPfa8V3kfe_Ul4FKyqm7_jusnxf4DS6qk-lfv9SrI-s6Ot_0og2iemUZM2QhFOwS1NkGNQ6y01nhO3qJn8uOqa_ftmETaanvHM12uiOV_FrKxM8oDOSLmlHrqB9HzqxW1H27BW/s1600/treetomatotamarillofruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyXY0-eXPfa8V3kfe_Ul4FKyqm7_jusnxf4DS6qk-lfv9SrI-s6Ot_0og2iemUZM2QhFOwS1NkGNQ6y01nhO3qJn8uOqa_ftmETaanvHM12uiOV_FrKxM8oDOSLmlHrqB9HzqxW1H27BW/s640/treetomatotamarillofruit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tamarillo, also known as tree tomato.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So I immersed my tamarillos in a bowl of freshly boiled hot water, and after a couple of minutes, I retrieved them, made a cut at the top with a knife, and managed to peel off the skin without too much of a struggle. As I did so, the luscious scent of passion fruit hit me - oh, divine! Then I sliced up my naked tamarillos, and they looked ever so pretty.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_Ie2Mm-_ltVkQ8IIMty8WeoMmxMw7Em9U-yDkf58ztZjIICJmAJ095Y2u2K7wCRVj_QNEWrvxWtL2O7EI0fmMOAkNC2MTZMA7ZWTkt5wvICSv_X7mDutgbqDGMCnobBZ9Whsf2tG0J-_/s1600/tamarillocrosssectionslices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_Ie2Mm-_ltVkQ8IIMty8WeoMmxMw7Em9U-yDkf58ztZjIICJmAJ095Y2u2K7wCRVj_QNEWrvxWtL2O7EI0fmMOAkNC2MTZMA7ZWTkt5wvICSv_X7mDutgbqDGMCnobBZ9Whsf2tG0J-_/s640/tamarillocrosssectionslices.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peeled and sliced tamarillo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
At this point I was still debating whether to have the tamarillos raw or cooked, so I sampled a piece. It tasted kind of like a passion fruit, tomato, and kiwi fruit rolled into one - there is definitely potential for deliciousness here, but for some reason, my tamarillos were more on the tart and bitter side, with not much going on in terms of sweetness.<br />
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I decided then and there to poach my tamarillo slices in a ginger-honey syrup, and this did the trick! I ended up with a nice tamarillo compote that paired well with yoghurt for a healthy breakfast - as shown in the pictures - but I have to say, I tried it with vanilla ice cream, too, and I loved that even more. If I am to make just one recommendation, I say go the vanilla ice cream option, you won't be sorry.<br />
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<i>ginger-honey poached tamarillo compote</i><br />
<br />
2 tamarillos<br />
2 cm ginger <br />
2 tablespoons honey<br />
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Place the tamarillos in a bowl. Boil some water, and pour enough over the tamarillos so that they are fully submerged in hot liquid.<br />
After two minutes, drain off the hot water. Make a cut on the top of the tamarillos, and peel off the skin.<br />
Slice the peeled tamarillos into rounds of about 1cm/0.5" thick.<br />
Peel and thinly slice the ginger, and plonk it into a small pot or saucepan. Add 1/3 cup water, and bring to boil. Turn the heat down and let it all simmer for about 5 minutes.<br />
Stir in the honey, and add the tamarillo slices. Simmer for another 5 minutes, and remove from heat. Discard the ginger.<br />
Allow the compote to cool down slightly before serving it warm with vanilla ice cream, or you can also let it cool down completely before covering it and storing it in the refrigerator for later use. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_itUbLwj-Wom3a-mlPZQqSwIwibGxH3X9-nxHvYZUS-pa13mOCVvF3e-3paFL0ozyIFiP181Flij2fLeAJq7MSpMusQ4DtyPW8M-oFxmw-fwfyTQw5GNEH5_MhweThgx7ZhvmcXBkLW3D/s1600/gingerhoneypoachedtamarillowithyoghurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_itUbLwj-Wom3a-mlPZQqSwIwibGxH3X9-nxHvYZUS-pa13mOCVvF3e-3paFL0ozyIFiP181Flij2fLeAJq7MSpMusQ4DtyPW8M-oFxmw-fwfyTQw5GNEH5_MhweThgx7ZhvmcXBkLW3D/s640/gingerhoneypoachedtamarillowithyoghurt.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger-honey tamarillo compote with yoghurt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-47687853291673726482016-08-31T19:05:00.000+10:002016-09-28T22:48:03.101+10:00simple and wholesome: broccoli and prawn soup<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblGWxXrQkXqb5od1tGZmEnDJj7Tp77iI9btvRUruQZ5igzLboKM1zU9uXvZGEOINBp0F_TO15cW2ltuua-XueDSWzNmqSzHOd12Mq7fyS8sgMKO4zQpT4qo3gNPfoyBHUiZ4RH3f7-kTl/s1600/prawnandbroccolisoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblGWxXrQkXqb5od1tGZmEnDJj7Tp77iI9btvRUruQZ5igzLboKM1zU9uXvZGEOINBp0F_TO15cW2ltuua-XueDSWzNmqSzHOd12Mq7fyS8sgMKO4zQpT4qo3gNPfoyBHUiZ4RH3f7-kTl/s640/prawnandbroccolisoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broccoli and prawn soup.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
It is a wonderful thing when your ingredients shine. And the easiest way to achieve this, is to keep things simple, while harnessing all the magic you can with what you've got.<br />
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In the case of this broccoli and prawn soup, it's all about the prawn heads. Some people would rather not handle these parts of the animal, but by shying away from them you'd be shortchanging yourself. The flavour you can draw out from these things - it's just fabulous, infusing so much richness and complexity into the soup that you hardly need any other embellishments. I mean, aside from salt, pepper, and water, this is effectively a 3-ingredient soup. Grab the prawns, broccoli, and lemon, and you're set. So here we go...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMB9wzJ7G3eP94QAFdjQ-49c4AXS9a0elQFLfoFgXDSB5PHg8-yS1NWhcJu2U8RcSSphqCZeRcOEC3isMIcdQ6-ytku6FigdQ5yr8liPbOLem1APLOVbklLZR2BEz4f-8bCVgj-nqEwy5W/s1600/broccoliprawnsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMB9wzJ7G3eP94QAFdjQ-49c4AXS9a0elQFLfoFgXDSB5PHg8-yS1NWhcJu2U8RcSSphqCZeRcOEC3isMIcdQ6-ytku6FigdQ5yr8liPbOLem1APLOVbklLZR2BEz4f-8bCVgj-nqEwy5W/s640/broccoliprawnsoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lemony prawn and broccoli soup.</td></tr>
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<i>broccoli and prawn soup (serves 1)</i><br />
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6 large prawns/shrimp, with shells and heads intact<br />
1 cup broccoli florets<br />
1 wedge of lemon<br />
salt and pepper, to taste<br />
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Chop off the prawn heads, and remove the shells. Throw the heads and shells into a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to a simmer.<br />
In the meantime, devein the prawns, and set aside.<br />
When the liquid in the pot is reduced, takes on an orange hue and is wonderfully infused with flavour, discard the prawn heads and shells.<br />
Add the broccoli florets to the prawn stock, and bring it to boil. Let the broccoli cook for 1 minute before stirring in the peeled and deveined prawns. Reduce the temperature and allow the soup to simmer gently for about 3 minutes or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the prawns are just cooked through. Turn off the heat, and add salt and pepper to taste.<br />
Transfer the soup into a bowl, squeeze in some lemon juice, stir with a spoon, and enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50Zp7uJxkP0bGqh7IOdTrh653YLGJZ0-BQWhCSKGdbGoGcm5AFvRGnCqy02MS4krNpv55ORwjUJUnBCM1x0cXvwNPHY_DdCftQjwsblmshs6li4vEITJJ7q8xiefHIRzQDIEJygPfyd5Q/s1600/broccoliandprawnsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50Zp7uJxkP0bGqh7IOdTrh653YLGJZ0-BQWhCSKGdbGoGcm5AFvRGnCqy02MS4krNpv55ORwjUJUnBCM1x0cXvwNPHY_DdCftQjwsblmshs6li4vEITJJ7q8xiefHIRzQDIEJygPfyd5Q/s640/broccoliandprawnsoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A simple broccoli and prawn soup, with a touch of lemon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6753061131842832935.post-15092695189093753322016-08-16T21:18:00.000+10:002016-08-17T05:34:14.071+10:00c restaurant, perth (my first revolving restaurant experience!)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWaNtDBckAzMQfGbMoKUw5QTFDlg3QmVv4YolfVYoCLjURYpwK4aAdTfxFwqotwBp4-8UO-0FweR75Cvj9Skz6x5Nxz6iy4h7IPjU_wnSnxbH23Bmb7QmCMjWvWtdUlWVwgQbSIMybMQr/s1600/perthviewscrestaurant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWaNtDBckAzMQfGbMoKUw5QTFDlg3QmVv4YolfVYoCLjURYpwK4aAdTfxFwqotwBp4-8UO-0FweR75Cvj9Skz6x5Nxz6iy4h7IPjU_wnSnxbH23Bmb7QmCMjWvWtdUlWVwgQbSIMybMQr/s640/perthviewscrestaurant.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pleasant views of Perth city and Swan River from C Restaurant.</td></tr>
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Given that I work in a restaurant these days, I don't get tempted to dine out as often - but when I saw an online deal for C Restaurant in Perth, I couldn't resist. After all, it is a rare chance that one gets to have a meal at a revolving restaurant for such an affordable price - $49 for a main course and a drink for two. Plus, I'd never been to a revolving restaurant before, and I wanted to try it at least once.<br />
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Anyway, long story short, Simon is interstate for work at the moment, so I ended up going with his mum! We took the elevator straight up to the 33rd floor of St Martins Tower, and there we were - in this circular dining space. It rotates slowly, but there is definitely perceptible movement, and I have to confess that I felt a little strange at first. I did settle in eventually, but if you're prone to motion sickness, be warned.<br />
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I wasn't sure what to expect - it is generally said that you go to revolving restaurants more for the novelty and the views than for the food - but actually, I really enjoyed my lunch at C Restaurant. I had C’s famous homemade potato gnocchi with spinach, napolitana sauce and gorgonzola cream, and it was a fine example of comfort food done with luxurious elegance - the portion doesn't look that big, but the pillowy gnocchi along with the rich sauce, broiled to a delightful golden-brown, was indulgent enough that I felt happily satisfied afterwards.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbiTVo5jWWurkGu07sm5UireNrX47gC05GtkTT-PDVivZFZ0-v2tc-FwleF1ZxDkCRCR8zmryLEuCXpGPyCj-LJZ6rH03FystdP5OiQjJlkrDdMBwpBk6acnq6opp5Ebp1Rh9eDgBOFFL/s1600/perthrevolvingcrestaurantgnocchi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbiTVo5jWWurkGu07sm5UireNrX47gC05GtkTT-PDVivZFZ0-v2tc-FwleF1ZxDkCRCR8zmryLEuCXpGPyCj-LJZ6rH03FystdP5OiQjJlkrDdMBwpBk6acnq6opp5Ebp1Rh9eDgBOFFL/s640/perthrevolvingcrestaurantgnocchi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C Restaurant's gnocchi with Napolitana sauce, spinach and gorgonzola cream.</td></tr>
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Simon's mum had the free-range chicken breast with confit kipfler potatoes, sauteed kale, tomato fondue and gruyere cheese. I tried a little bit of it, and I was impressed by how perfectly cooked the chicken was - I'm generally more of a chicken thigh sort of girl, because I find that to be more succulent, but this piece of chicken breast was wonderfully tender and moist, and the accompanying elements were nicely done, too.<br />
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Having said all this, I'm no high-roller so I'm not sure if I could bring myself to pay full price to eat here, but with the online deal, it was definitely great value. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_ywZ6wtTEF3D2U1HKS-XrNN4S8-uJ7IvTAeeyhc13NLITs4i-RGFeF2jhJBLQgKtLnE1ANZn2HcqglqjDObWywQvCygwNmvX25Jx2wQ1AqUSSHCQTxspzIIZXpS6fcDK9m7yP6gXHUG2/s1600/perthrevolvingcrestaurantchickenbreast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_ywZ6wtTEF3D2U1HKS-XrNN4S8-uJ7IvTAeeyhc13NLITs4i-RGFeF2jhJBLQgKtLnE1ANZn2HcqglqjDObWywQvCygwNmvX25Jx2wQ1AqUSSHCQTxspzIIZXpS6fcDK9m7yP6gXHUG2/s640/perthrevolvingcrestaurantchickenbreast.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C Restaurant's free-range chicken breast with sauteed kale, tomato fondue, confit kipfler potatoes, and gruyere cheese.</td></tr>
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As for the views? At C Restaurant, there is an outer circle seating just by the windows, as well as a slightly elevated inner circle, and we received a table in the latter section. While we didn't get a window seat (hopefully next time!), it was still fun to watch the scenery shift from where we were, over the hour or so that we were there. All in all, an afternoon well spent!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1-QKYpKe276rlBMTVu1ODVTnV3duPPLb_1lZGAj2Dq9V09dCmVRJIlXjg66R5I0IqM0uvl7N6NaCgsbaU4xs6zP3V9EPPZFC9a6_e3619UXUKxtcNTkMpVq0Jic7gUOA4QfAGPrmTfa3/s1600/crestaurantperthviews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1-QKYpKe276rlBMTVu1ODVTnV3duPPLb_1lZGAj2Dq9V09dCmVRJIlXjg66R5I0IqM0uvl7N6NaCgsbaU4xs6zP3V9EPPZFC9a6_e3619UXUKxtcNTkMpVq0Jic7gUOA4QfAGPrmTfa3/s640/crestaurantperthviews.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of Perth from the C Restaurant vantage point.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/perth/c-restaurant-perth-cbd" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about C Restaurant, Perth CBD and other Restaurants in Perth"><img alt="C Restaurant Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16595831/minilink" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a> <br />
</span>leaf (the indolent cook)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02265240462060082738noreply@blogger.com0