Taiwan

 

We docked at 7 AM and were on our cruise tour to Taipei by 8 AM. 

Our first stop once we got to the capital was a National Revolution Martyr’s Shrine location where we watched the hourly “changing of the guard”. It was well done. 

Our next stop was the National Palace Museum. When the National party lost the Chinese civil war to the Communists they fled to Taiwan and in the process took many of the best museum pieces with them so these are now in the national palace. Our guide showed us the highlight pieces that are on display and quite honestly they are stunning!

Our lunch was a buffet style on the banquet room of the 5 star Grand Hotel. 

We went to two nearby temples. The first was a Confucian temple, followed by a temple dedicated to a god (temple called DalongDong Baoan). It was in use and very busy with locals praying and giving gifts ( we are in day three of Chinese Lunar New Year celebration).

Our final stop was the Chiang Kai-Shek memorial building-  a massive structure with various halls full of photos and various important information concerning his life. There was some interesting things to see there but overall it was merely “OK”

Outside the hall, however, were cherry trees in blossom so Caro was happy to finally see some. 

Back on board at 4 PM