Day 2: Part 2

I'm backlogged on my blog. Let me pick up where I left off.

The Coffee Alley waffles set me into a bit of a food coma. Tempted to go back to my hotel to sleep, I mustered up enough energy to continue on. I took the MRT to the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall to look around.The memorial hall was built in 1972 to commemorate the founding father of the Republic of China, Dr. Sun Yat-sen. He is known as the "Father of the Nation" and helped overthrow the Qing dynasty and imperialism in China. He was also a mentor to Chiang Kai-shek. The inside of the building was very similar to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall- large statue of Yat-sen with two men standing guard. There was also a museum inside commemorating his life. Due to the waffle binge, I had trouble engaging in the exhibits. What was more appealing to me was the outside of the building, which was grand and beautiful and surrounded by many flowers. Usually there is a fountain show in front of the building, but unfortunately it wasn't functioning while I was there.


What was most impressive was the view of the Taipei 101 in the distance. Formally called the Taipei World Financial Center, this landmark skyscraper is the second tallest building in the world. No worries, I will make it to the 101 before I leave and will be sure tell you all about it.

Map of Wufenpu

My last stop before the hotel was Wufenpu, Taipei's wholesale shopping district. My sugar crash was immediately overcome with shopper's euphoria. I have never seen anything like this place! It was absolutely huge and jam-packed (yet so organized!) with shops and boutiques selling clothes, shoes, and accessories. There was so much to take in. All of these shops open around 1-2pm everyday, and are stocked with the latest fashion trends. They sell their merchandise to other stores, who then brand the items. Stuff at Wufenpu is cheap, but still high-quality. I was walking around like most other girls, foaming at the mouth and drooling over all the possibilities. The only downfall, most places won't let you try anything on. It was getting late and I needed to go get ready for dinner. Thankfully, I got my fix after I bought a cute leather purse. I'll be back for you, Wufenpu.



Two hours later, Tyler and I were off to Din Tai Fung for dinner. Holy mother of dumplings. This place was amazing. Din Tai Fung is a Michelin-starred, world-renowned dumpling house that originated in Taiwan. It is a must-try when visiting. The restaurant started in 1958 as a cooking oil shop, and changed to a dumpling house in 1972. Their specialty is Xiao Long Bao, or steamed soup dumplings.

The place was packed, and we waited about an hour to be seated. The meal was family style. We shared many (and I mean many) small plates. We ordered spicy pickled cucumber, braised beef noodle soup, shrimp fried rice, shrimp and pork potstickers, sliced chicken with white wine, and beef and vegetable won tons, all of which were delicious. Then came the traditional pork Xiao Long Bao. OMG! They were amazing little bundles of dough filled with pork and then folded and steamed to perfection.




There is a very specific method to eating Xiao Long Bao:

1. Combine 1 part soy sauce and 3 parts vinegar into your small dish that already contains ginger.
2. Take the dumpling and dip it in the sauce. (But be sure to enjoy one plain at some point!)
3. Place the dumpling in your soup spoon and poke a small hole in the bottom of it with your chopsticks. This will release broth into the spoon.
4. Add some ginger if you like, and enjoy!

Tyler and I had a wonderful meal at Din Tai Fung and I recommend it to anyone who may come across one of their worldwide locations.  Sorry for the crappy pictures - forgot my camera :(



After dinner, Tyler was really tired but I dragged him to Wufenpu, just so he could experience its magic (Who I really needed was my mom!). He was definitely in awe, but not the same kind as I was...more like, "This is awe-ful!" We walked around for about an hour, but after passing a stinky tofu cart, we decided it was time to go.