We were pretty glad we were here in "safe Taipei" this week and not inundated with floodwater and battening down every hatch in sight like they were back home in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley this week. Despite the fact that we get quite unnerved on a regular basis with jolts and shakes, I think I'd prefer that than the out-of-control weather which produced water ingress, homes to be damaged and power unavailable for extended periods.
On the back of our reasonable earthquake, as is often the case, the "Ring of Fire" has lit up and lots of trembles have been experienced at various intensities from New Zealand to Nepal and even Mount Everest. We've been reading about the many thousands of victims in Nepal and are thankful once again that we live in a country not only used to them, but with building codes that support the safety of the citizens within, rather than developers' bottom lines.
We had a very pleasant weekend, and although we'd threatened to visit so many times, we eventually relented and appraised ourselves of the "Californian" cuisine at the Skylark restaurant just on the other side of the Fulin Bridge. It's been there as long as we can remember, but being Taipei, there are just so many other options that we've never felt the need to partake of their wares before. It's actually a Japanese chain restaurant and is in the same style as another old favourite of ours, Royal Host. The set menu, the most popular choice, is sensational value and as they produce dishes on some scale and limited variety, they can keep the costs low which appeals to the rather price conscious local contingent. (They are so brutal, that we often lament the passing of great restaurants: if they charge what is considered just a dollar or two too much, the locals will vote with their feet and never pay another visit, despite the quality! It keeps the consumer's costs low, but pares the restaurateur's profits to the bone!)
Anyway we were really surprised at the variety of dishes and the great taste so we'll pay another visit for sure. Fish with wasabi dipping sauce, another fish with capers and truffle sauce, vegetable and mushroom gratin were just some of our choices. The desserts were tasty and the coffee hot and strong....what more could you ask for? We scootered through the end section of the glittering local night market on the way home and noticed that it hasn't got any less busy: it's amazing what a few million people packed onto a tiny plot of land can do for business!
On Sunday, we made our way down in the blinding spring sunshine to the SOGO complex to source a few items for the week at the specialty supermarket. It's always a relaxing adventure, families soaking up the sunshine in the park at the rear of the building, kiddies riding bikes and scooters in the courtyard and generally enjoying life. A great coterie of folk hang out in a shaded area sipping all sorts of fruit teas that are available from a coffee/tea cart parked near the back entrance, while others lick gelatos or sorbets while reading books and tablets. We availed ourselves of some yet to be tasted, but amazing looking caramel eclairs from "Paul", who have a new outlet in the basement level. Cass and Valerie discovered this boulangerie/patisserie on their last jaunt to France and became big fans. Who'd have thought it would be here in Taipei just a stroll from our unit? Happy days!
School is revving up for a huge finish to the year, so we're going to strap ourselves in and steer our respective sections towards the finish line with a minimum of fuss we hope. The kids are in the throes of testing in various areas and of course, for us, on top of that they'll be meetings, grading and report writing as well as the usual teaching!
Photos: a cool spectacles sign, Chee Chee broke his arm, Wal had a baby shower put on by the teachers at his grade level, Virg relaxing, Skylark food and Chinglish signs and Paul products.