Yehliu Geopark on the northwestern coast is all about the rock.  These formations resembling mushrooms have been sculptured due to the impact of years of the sea sloshing against its softer layers. The ancient Egyptian queen’s head rock has been the topic of recent conversation, due to the alarming rate at which she is eroding.  I was fortunate to catch her before her neck is whittled away.

Not disappointed by the quirky rock formations, I continued along the winding coast heading north to the “Crown of Taiwan”, Fuji Harbor. Seeing that it was one of Taiwan’s premier harbors, I decided to eat lunch at The Chui Fresh Seafood Restaurant. There was a plethora of live fish to choose from out front under their striped awning: Abalone, lobster, sea urchins, baby clams, grouper, red snapper and Bream just to name a few. I chose the local wild lobster with tomato, green onion and garlic sauce. Homemade plum wine fermented for one year with rice wine and sugar was a nice touch to sweeten the palette.  

It was a full day at the “crown” filled with shopping and touring more sites. Back in Taipei I motored up to the electrifying Five Dimes Boathouse Restaurant. If I looked closely I could see that it was built from driftwood, huge trees and ceramics.  It was intriguing. The food was very good, but the real draw is the obscure design and the unique ambiance. 

I had never been to Asia before and the excitement meant little sleep on China Air’s 747-400 from New York’s JFK.  Taiwan, the island off the coast of China, is known as ‘The Heart of Asia’.  I am on an adventure of a lifetime to explore and  find out why this land is know to be the epicenter of Asian culture.  Why not come and join me for a while? 

Anyone who grew up in the 70's remembers Taiwan as the toy capital of the world! My vision of the place was factories bellowing smoke and pumping out millions of Ken and Barbie dolls for American kids! It’s 40 years later and Taiwan has come of age. Taipei 101 anchors the modern skyline and the nation has a new tagline, “The software Mecca of the world!”  Really...  Who knew?

After a long 24-hours of traveling it was nice to just check into my deluxe room at The Hotel Howard-Taipei. It was beautifully decorated with Chinese decor and modern amenities like a minibar, flat-screen TV, large closet and a gorgeous skyline of Taipei.  

My Room at The Howard Hotel Taipei

The bathroom was on the small side but, I managed to enjoy a much-needed soak in the tub after 17+ hours flying from JFK in New York. I then hit the hay and fell right to sleep so I could  hit the ground early the next morning. So much to see Taiwan. So little time. 

Luxury rooms start at $210 and can be $400 during certain peak seasonal times.

The Howard Hotel - Taipei
Section 3, Ren Ai Road  
Daan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
www.taipei.howard-hotels.com

Taiwan in 10 - Day 2