Anita kindly hired a driver for the day to explore the city. Our first stop was Taipei 101 – the highest building in the world (soon to lose this distinction to a building in Dubai, however). An audio guide assisted us with the interpretation and the views were incredible! Architect C.Y. Lee incorporated the shape of bamboo flowers, the Chinese pagoda, and the lucky number eight into the tower’s interior and exterior design. Its huge typhoon and earthquake motion damper sphere on level 88 is open to view and a source of great interest to us. We also took in Taipei’s newest, youngest, and hottest shopping district in the Hsinyi District, centered around the Taipei World Trade Center and Taipei 101.It was interesting to learn that Taipei does not have any embassies, but rather foreign ‘trade offices’.We then were treated to an afternoon at the American Club – a beautiful facility with pool, tennis courts, library, hairdressing salon, restaurants, etc. The boys and Anita played tennis and we had a bite to eat at a restaurant overlooking the courts – very civilized! Afterwards we all cooled off with a swim.
In the evening Anita and James had a group of their ex-pat friends in for a dinner party. It was a spectacular evening! Incredible company, delicious Greek food, lovely wines, as well us the sharing of colourful travel stories and much laughter. It was fascinating hearing about people’s experiences living in Taiwan. All loved it, especially due to the close proximity to Bali, Thailand, etc. We are so very grateful for their warm hospitality and it is so wonderful to spend time together after so many years.
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