Will in Taiwan

Hey everyone! I know that it has been awhile! However, I am having a blast in Taiwan. Enjoying my study, the food, and the people. Here is a look into what I have been doing over the past couple of days.

Museums

Recently I have been to two museums. The 2-28 Peace Park and the National Taiwan Museum.

The 2-28 Peace Prak is a commemorative park and museum that tells the story of the beginning of democracy in Taiwan. It all started after some brutality from the government and police that activists took control of a radio station. They broadcasted news of the events to all of Taiwan. This led to social upheaval. Afterwards many more people were killed in what they call "White Terror." However, afterwards people formed together to start a new political party and democracy started in Taiwan.

Here are some pictures of the park and museum

The sign to the museum. It is called 2-28 because that is the day thee radio broadcasts started.

The monument in the middle of the park.

There are cool stepping stones under the monument on water that leads to a....

fountain!

It is supposed to represent peace.

Also in the park was a cool pagoda and some cool hedges.

The inside of the museum was cool. I jusr don't take alot of pictures because I don't' want to be a complete tourist.

The National Museum was interesting but not as big as I was expecting. It had four main exhibits. One about the traditional Chinese women's wear: the Qipao, one about the aboriginal tribes, one about the different ecosystems of Taiwan, and one about fossils. Here are just a few pictures.

The museum entrance

Qipao exhibit

I knew it!

The office of the president is located close to the museum.

Shandao Temple

Recently I went to Buddhist temple number 3, Shandao temple or 善導寺

It is a newer temple built during the Japanese occupation period. It was also very different form the other temples. It was so nice on the outside. I at first thought it was a fancy hotel.

It was different from the other temples because it had a more serious feel. Also, there was no one there when I went. It had a very interesting feel.

When you go in there is a huge hall with balconies. there is dim lighting. It has marble floor. There are rows of chairs running along the side wall. There is a large empty space in the middle with just a small, square incense table. Along the back wall are three huge golden Buddha statues.

I was scared to go in at first because no one was in there. I went in though and stood in awe. I was started because I noticed a priest walking silently up on the balcony. He later came down and spoke with me a little about the temple. I really enjoyed seeing the more Japanese Buddhism form.

Other Fun

Last week I went to 深坑, Shen Keng, with some friends. It is a small town outside of Taipei know for it's market and 臭豆腐, stinky tofu. So I had stinky tofu, black soybean ice cream, and other delicious food. Sadly, I didn't take my camera. Here is just one picture

Spider man! He is really good at Karaoke and personal selling as well!

I also went to the Taipei Zoo with a friend. Here are some pictures of my favorite animals there.

Cool hippo playground

Koala bear

Lazy panda.

Two types of penguins.

More Food

As everyone has suggested, I have continued to try the delicious food. Recently I went to one of Taiwan's most famous restaurant.

Din Tai Fung is a restaurant known for it's high quality, delicious dumplings. It gets visitors from many different countries. Some are even famous. tom Cruise came last month. The waitresses are all multi-lingual, the service is good, and the food is delicious.

It was very croded. We had to wait 45 minutes to be seated.

Our reservation number.

The Taiwanese version of the Pillsbury Dough Boy? No, its the dumpling mascot of the restaurant. Not sure if he has a name. What do you think he should be named?