This weekend was an another exercise in equal measures of frustration and patience, basically because the weather again proved to be extremely un-cooperative. When we wanted/ needed to get out to do some errands or entertain ourselves, the heavens opened with torrential downpours and swirling gusts, while the gods seemed content to leave us in peace when we arrived back or didn't feel like going anywhere: "February made me shiver, with every paper I delivered..." or something like that!
We did break free of the synoptic shackles on Sunday to brave some fairly intense cold and annoying drizzle to travel down to the Shida area of town. The blocks, laneways and streets surrounding the Taiwan University campus blossom with indie clothing and bookstores, quirky cafes and restaurants and all manner of establishments catering to the relatively down-at-heel but needy university student. It's an exciting part of town and one that we've only really brushed around the edges of. This day, we dived right in, no destination in mind, perhaps a bite to eat if we saw something interesting, but more to wander and get lost before (hopefully!) emerging from the labyrinthine maze of winding alleys and pathways to wend our way homewards.
We passed by our much loved KGB burger and thought we'd save it for later if we got stuck, but we were confident of finding plenty of other spots along the way. Early Sunday afternoon must be one of those hibernating times for the local uni student, as we passed lots of interesting shops and eateries, but many were closed for the day. A little like the Shilin night markets, all indications were that this place really comes alive, not just when the sun goes down, but well into the recesses of the night. It certainly was enjoyable checking the scene and after we were rejected by a couple of spots because they were full up (probably because of the paucity of open establishments), we cheerfully made our way back to KGB for the best burgers in Taipei city!
They have re-vamped the menu and now include some setts and combos and their new homemade tomato vegetable soup was hearty, spicy and delicious. Neither one of us could tear ourselves away from the "Kiwi Mate" with its unusual (for Taipei)option of added pineapple and beetroot, Cass with the lentil patty while I opted for the 100% pure NZ beef....what a feast! We each got a brownie to take home and Cassy's chocolate and my peppermint slices were mouthwatering for supper later that night.
We strolled onwards after our filling repast across to the western end of Shida Road and established that a restaurant/bar we'd visited many years ago still seemed to be surviving despite our lack of custom, although it too was closed up against the uninviting cold and rain. We walked through the backstreets further and further from the station until I resorted to firing up the GPS on the phone to get us out of the backstreets! We weren't far away from the station just down the line, so we eventually found our way back via Mingde Road where we did the grocery shopping together on the way home.
Still fairly consumed by a heavy workload at the moment, neither one of us has been reading a lot: I'm still plowing through my Kennedy "King" while Cassy perseveres with her Japanese gentleman! Photos are a mixed bunch: we took 150 third graders to the pictures to see "Hugo" mid week through the Tienmu streets producing a kaleidoscope of umbrellas. Shida sights, included the uniquely Taiwanese "running man" on the walk signal. Chocolate and cake collections were diametrically opposed to the succulent fresh fruit and vegies at the local supermarket, while Taiwan metro phone etiquette and puppets on the back of a truck vied for strange sight of the week. I've also included a new video which I think is kinda cool...check it out above or here.
Oh, and how about this? It was 32 years ago yesterday, that two 17 year old uni aspirants met at a welcome BBQ: we're still having lots of fun!