My second stop in the Southeast Asia trip was Taiwan. I was able to meet up with my old and dear friend Michelle who lives in HsinChu. So, guess which city was the starting point of my Taiwan trip ? Yep. Hsinchu.

Although it was nice to see the sun (compared to HK), I realized how hot it can get in Taiwan. Best way to cool down .... eat shaved ice ! It was actually very good ! Pineapple juice in the ice and all.

One last thing about Hsinchu ... I was surprised at the high-tech garage system at Michelle's apartment. It works like a big conveyor belt. These pictures only show part of how this contraption really works.

I guess you have to be inventive when parking spaces come at a premium.

Now on to the touristy sites of Taipei ....

The first place I visited in Taipei was the Cheng Kai Shek Memorial. I didn't realize how big the memorial was until I actually strolled around the site.
And a little less grandeur ... Sun Yatsen Memorial. They were having some sort of graduation ceremony there. Kind of odd since it is a memorial site.

Few train stops and at least half an hour walk will get you to the Grand Hotel. I definitely don't recommend getting to the hotel this way. Its deceptively far for walking. Not to mention all the car fumes you inhale.

Take a taxi.
One of the places you have to see is the National museum. Unfortunately, no photography allowed inside. You'll just have to see it for yourself.
A bit west of the CKC memorial is the Lungshan Temple. Unfortunately, like many places during my trip, it was undergoing some renovation. But I did manage to take a couple of pictures.

To give you a perspective on how big the CKC memorial is, here is a picture of the memorial along with the adjoining building from the top of the Shinkong Observatory.

 
And here is a panoramic view of the Tanshui river from the observatory (facing west).
Some sites near the observatory includes the botanical garden and the presidential palace.

The last day I was in Taiwan, I managed to take a half-day tour of the Northern coast. Its two main destinations were Keelung city/harbor and Yehliu park.

Here are some pics from the Temple of Kuanyin in Keelung.

Here are some pics of the Yehliu park. The park was actually very pretty except the heat (and especially the sun) was almost unbearable.

Well, that's it folks. Right after my tour of the northern coast, I headed back to Hong Kong for few days rest before heading out to my next destination .... Malaysia.

Special thanks to Ching Ching for taking time off to show me around Taipei. Thanks so much.