Tall Buildings, Huge Spiders

On Monday, we ventured into the city to see the Taipei 101- the world's tallest building... a few years ago. It is very deceiving and doesn't look too big until you get right up on it. We were both really worn out by the end of the day, so we decided it was best to wait until next time to go to the top. Too many people in line, and we got distracted taking pictures.

 Taipei 101 is home to world class shopping, and an amazing food court. They had a supermarket with imported goods from all over the world. They even carried our favorite- Emmentaler swiss cheese! If you've never tried it, do. It is best when melted. You can buy it at Whole foods, I think... but for sure at Central Market.

Lamer fish tank display. 

 Taipei 101 mall

Another cool storefront 

An amazingly beautiful (and expensive) coral art gallery 

If you look closer, the bottom is made up of many people

By far the most amazing gallery I've been to featuring glass. The glass made here is done by ancient techniques, and is cast from plaster after a wax carving is made. The pieces are all sold in limited quantities. Very reasonable considering how pretty they all are. We will certainly be adding some of these to our collection in the near future. Sorry we couldn't take pictures, but here is one from a book I bought:

Also, check out their website in English:

http://www.liuliusa.com/index_1210.php 

Taiwan lights up at night! 

Near the Taipei 101

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The color changing Taipei 101

 After we got home, it was time for shower noodle soup... and a spider surprise! We don't have a microwave or hot water heater, but the shower gets pretty hot.

About to go to bed, when I noticed this insanely large spider on the wall. He was almost as big as my hand! We successfully moved him outside and did some research. Not anything bad. Apparently, there are only two types of dangerous spiders in Taiwan. However, they have some pretty killer centipedes, but we got our fare share of those in Hawaii too. The bites are supposed to feel similar to a gunshot wound. I hope neither of us ever find out for sure.

Sorry for the lack of updates. School is taking over, and we are both pretty pooped. Waking up early and walking multiple hours a day gets to you... We will try to be better about that! But now, it's time for a nap.

Coming soon: talks on school, bakeries, and more food. See you next time!