tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697945757489027602023-12-12T13:48:12.901-08:00American GI's Returning to Taiwan in 2009Taipei Air Stationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13686488354629456728noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-769794575748902760.post-147146568144424612009-09-26T23:45:00.000-07:002009-09-26T23:50:53.987-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/Sr8K8QjGtSI/AAAAAAAABg8/vy4PE2gWyiI/s1600-h/IMG_5645-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/Sr8K8QjGtSI/AAAAAAAABg8/vy4PE2gWyiI/s400/IMG_5645-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386035709709038882" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Welcome to Taiwan!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Our trip is complete, but the information is just starting to flow.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Keep an eye out for a complete trip overview in the weeks to come.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >It was wonderful and exciting!</span><br /></div>Taipei Air Stationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13686488354629456728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-769794575748902760.post-73211707940252327042009-07-07T22:30:00.000-07:002009-07-08T01:29:54.289-07:002009 - The Year We Rediscover Taiwan<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Y<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">ou can see the count-down clock just to the left. We are a few short weeks from arrival in Taipei. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">We still have one reserved room available in our hotel. They are allowing us to hold this last room until the <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">20</span></span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> of July.</span> </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Our group is less than 20 right now. This will allow us to become </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">acquainted</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">with each other and make for a more comfortable trip.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">So, why not fly out. I checked </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.china-airlines.com/en/promotionen/index.htm">China Airlines</a> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">and they are offering very inexpensive rates in September. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Let me hear from you soon. We may not have another trip for at least 2 years. And in 2 years, will we be as healthy as we are today.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Check out link below for hotel information.</span><br /><br />Our journey to rediscover Taiwan is open to all - no matter where you worked or what service you were in, everyone is welcome.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">All of us served under <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MAAG</span></span> Taiwan in some way, therefore, we're all part of the same team, and we'll return to Taiwan joined together. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I can feel the plane lifting off now, it's exciting!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Hello Taipei, were coming back - at last! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The wonderful food, the exciting lights, the smells, the crazy drivers, the traffic, the city that once was your home. It's all still here, but it's changed. Today it's a modern city standing tall. Welcome home again, it's been a long time since you left....</span></strong> </span><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">UPDATE:</span> </strong></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:arial;" ><strong>Tuesday - 30 June 2009: </strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:arial;" ><strong><span style="font-size:100%;">We are approaching 2 months to touchdown in Taipei. Our hotel guarantee date is 7 July. After that, we turn back our unused rooms to the hotel and we can no longer guarantee available rooms at our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">headquarters</span> hotel. There may be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">availability</span>, if you book after 7 July, but not guaranteed. So, please make you decision by the 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> of July and let us know. We will have a great time in Taiwan!<br /></span></strong></span></span></p><strong></strong><p><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:arial;" ><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">See new Hotel Info just under photograph directly below: </span><br /></span></strong></span></span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><strong>Trip outline is posted at the Taipei Air Station Web Site, click below:</strong></span></p><p><strong><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://mirach.lunarpages.com/%7Etaipe2/index_files/Page1872.htm">http://mirach.lunarpages.com/~taipe2/index_files/Page1872.htm</a></span></strong></p><p></p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-family:arial;" ><strong>Would you like to see this blog in Chinese? Click <a href="http://translate.google.com.tw/translate?hl=zh-TW&sl=en&u=http://americangisreturningtotaiwanin2009.blogspot.com/&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search?q=Taiwan+++2009+year+weather+forecast&hl=zh-TW&sa=G">HERE</a> and the Chinese Version will come up.<br /></strong></span><p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><br /></span></strong><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /></span></p><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173280260889933538" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8su_PHiduI/AAAAAAAAAXE/Gs9PmX6JZDw/s400/00.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">The Howard Plaza Hotel in Taipei. I have stayed here on my last 3 trips to Taipei..</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Howard Plaza would not offer a Group Rate. We have changed our HQ Hotel. Click on the link below for information of our new hotel.</span></span><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Last Date to send in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Registration</span> for Hotel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Reservations</span> is 7 July 2009<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Click <a href="http://mirach.lunarpages.com/%7Etaipe2/index_files/Page5589.htm">HERE </a>for updated Hotel information</span><br /></span></span></div><br /><br /><p style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8suvPHidtI/AAAAAAAAAW8/neR6BCh3FAQ/s1600-h/42.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173279986012026578" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8suvPHidtI/AAAAAAAAAW8/neR6BCh3FAQ/s400/42.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" ><strong>Click on any picture to get a full screen view - great pictures </strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">Be careful crossing these large <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">intersections</span>. The motor bike drivers are very fast and you must watch out for yourself. The traffic situation is much better than when we served in Taipei. </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">Stringent traffic laws have improved the driving habits, however, you must still walk with caution.<br /><br /></span></p><div align="center"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8suk_HidsI/AAAAAAAAAW0/Nbc3sCJervc/s1600-h/41.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173279809918367426" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8suk_HidsI/AAAAAAAAAW0/Nbc3sCJervc/s400/41.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> Here is an overhead <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">MRT</span></span> that travels north and south ending it's south run at the Zoo.</span></div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><strong><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ></span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div align="center"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8suZ_HidrI/AAAAAAAAAWs/-0Ei2AkNaAE/s1600-h/40.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173279620939806386" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8suZ_HidrI/AAAAAAAAAWs/-0Ei2AkNaAE/s400/40.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> Let's get on the underground <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">MRT</span></span> and head out to a shopping area.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8suSvHidqI/AAAAAAAAAWk/J0FzjA0vwF4/s1600-h/39.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173279496385754786" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8suSvHidqI/AAAAAAAAAWk/J0FzjA0vwF4/s400/39.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> The stations are clean, cool and civil. People line up and there is no pushing or jumping line.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8suL_HidpI/AAAAAAAAAWc/nGXdo4Cpp3I/s1600-h/38.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173279380421637778" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8suL_HidpI/AAAAAAAAAWc/nGXdo4Cpp3I/s400/38.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> Here's our train, let's get on, we only have a few seconds until the whistle blows and the door closes.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8st__HidoI/AAAAAAAAAWU/VwdQKcnSDVU/s1600-h/36.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173279174263207554" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8st__HidoI/AAAAAAAAAWU/VwdQKcnSDVU/s400/36.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> I was thinking about a quick snack, how about a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">McDonalds</span></span>?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8stufHidnI/AAAAAAAAAWM/nieONjBK8z8/s1600-h/35.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173278873615496818" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8stufHidnI/AAAAAAAAAWM/nieONjBK8z8/s400/35.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> Thirsty, don't worry, there is a 7-11 or another similar type store on just about every block. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">There are chairs on the sidewalk at this store. Let's sit down and relax while we have a cold drink.<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Click on any picture to get a full screen view - great pictures<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8stc_HidmI/AAAAAAAAAWE/Nx8Dks-xdh0/s1600-h/34.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173278572967786082" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8stc_HidmI/AAAAAAAAAWE/Nx8Dks-xdh0/s400/34.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> If you can't find your drink here, it's not in Taiwan.<br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8stR_HidlI/AAAAAAAAAV8/dGB-302qynk/s1600-h/32.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173278383989225042" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8stR_HidlI/AAAAAAAAAV8/dGB-302qynk/s400/32.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> This is a shot I took on a walk from the old Taipei Air Station on Sunday morning in November 2007 about 10:00 AM. The city is very nice. Many street are wide and in a few years, will be magnificent with large trees covering the streets for shade and looks.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8stJvHidkI/AAAAAAAAAV0/ddEiPaMXk9U/s1600-h/31.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173278242255304258" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8stJvHidkI/AAAAAAAAAV0/ddEiPaMXk9U/s400/31.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> A shopping area in Taipei. It's dusk and a nice evening to stroll the shopping district.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><strong><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ></span></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ></span></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ></span></strong></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8stA_HidjI/AAAAAAAAAVs/qSVyPoOr_VA/s1600-h/30.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173278091931448882" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8stA_HidjI/AAAAAAAAAVs/qSVyPoOr_VA/s400/30.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> The same shopping area, beautiful evening tonight. Always a taxi close by.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8ss4_HidiI/AAAAAAAAAVk/B338d2g67wM/s1600-h/29.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173277954492495394" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8ss4_HidiI/AAAAAAAAAVk/B338d2g67wM/s400/29.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> A busy corner, everyone waiting for the green light. Some major <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">intersections</span> have a 4 way red light which lets you walk any direction, which saves time for everyone walking.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8ssvvHidhI/AAAAAAAAAVc/0moSFSsnnU4/s1600-h/28.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173277795578705426" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8ssvvHidhI/AAAAAAAAAVc/0moSFSsnnU4/s400/28.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> The same street corner, still waiting on that light to change.<br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8sslfHidgI/AAAAAAAAAVU/idnJsA9WnAo/s1600-h/27.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173277619485046274" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8sslfHidgI/AAAAAAAAAVU/idnJsA9WnAo/s400/27.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> The Breeze Center. This building is nothing but name brand merchandise. The Cartier sign is visible in this photo. Once you walk inside, it's marble and glass everywhere with the high end names in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">merchandising</span> on all sides. Quite a shopping area. I was impressed, but the prices are higher than what we pay in Hawaii. Hard to believe huh?<br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8ssXPHidfI/AAAAAAAAAVM/pF1OihfoFaQ/s1600-h/26-1.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173277374671910386" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8ssXPHidfI/AAAAAAAAAVM/pF1OihfoFaQ/s400/26-1.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> Let's check out the Night Markets. This photo taken at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Shilin</span></span> Night Market about 9:00 PM.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Click on any picture to get a full screen view - great pictures </span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><div></div><div><br /></div></span><div align="center"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8ssMfHideI/AAAAAAAAAVE/vjTZ3QeRtZ0/s1600-h/26.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173277189988316642" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8ssMfHideI/AAAAAAAAAVE/vjTZ3QeRtZ0/s400/26.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> The Night Market area and streets are to the right of this picture.<br /><br /></span></div><div align="left"><strong><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ></span></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ></span></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ></span></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ></span></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ></span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div></span></strong><div align="center"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8ssB_HiddI/AAAAAAAAAU8/zRIgfe9i9do/s1600-h/25.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173277009599690194" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8ssB_HiddI/AAAAAAAAAU8/zRIgfe9i9do/s400/25.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> Back on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">MRT</span></span> a few minutes ride, change trains at Taipei Main Station and end up back at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">SOGO</span></span> Stores shopping area.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">There are various ways to move around the city. I have used the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">MRT</span></span> subway system and find it easy and inexpensive. From a subway station, you can get to most places by walking or taking a short taxi ride.<br /></span></strong><br /><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8srlvHidcI/AAAAAAAAAU0/D6OHVIGY1pI/s1600-h/24.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173276524268385730" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8srlvHidcI/AAAAAAAAAU0/D6OHVIGY1pI/s400/24.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8srYfHidbI/AAAAAAAAAUs/T4p-5K4y8E4/s1600-h/23.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173276296635119026" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8srYfHidbI/AAAAAAAAAUs/T4p-5K4y8E4/s400/23.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8sq-_HidaI/AAAAAAAAAUk/rCTN9G60r9E/s1600-h/22.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173275858548454818" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8sq-_HidaI/AAAAAAAAAUk/rCTN9G60r9E/s400/22.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> Outside of the Old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">SOGO</span></span> store just before opening at 11:00 AM. This was one of the Sale Days which occur a few times a year. When the Sale Days are in full swing, the store is jammed.<br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8sq2_HidZI/AAAAAAAAAUc/p-n8TSV_1lo/s1600-h/21.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173275721109501330" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8sq2_HidZI/AAAAAAAAAUc/p-n8TSV_1lo/s400/21.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> This is the 1st Floor of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">SOGO</span></span> Store one evening last November. I walked in thinking I would go to the 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">th</span></span> Floor to find the Canon Camera area to have the folks check my camera.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Wow, look! It was impossible to walk, you had to move along with the crowd. This area was the make-up counters. Most of the women have hand-outs with the special sale items and price lists for the Sale period. It was a mad house. The elevators had long lines, so I decided to take the escalator upstairs. Ha Ha - It was also jammed up. I finally got upstairs, found out that I had pushed the wrong button and I felt stupid. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Ahh</span></span> it was an experience I've never had before. It's just like something that happens in Taiwan. But, no use getting excited, just go with the flow and enjoy life,<br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8sqk_HidYI/AAAAAAAAAUU/m9QcEAHChzg/s1600-h/IMG_2642-1.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173275411871856002" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8sqk_HidYI/AAAAAAAAAUU/m9QcEAHChzg/s400/IMG_2642-1.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> The Taipei 101 Building. No longer the highest building in the world, but it's a beautiful building inside and out. Let's go inside take a look around and then head for the observation area.<br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8spyfHidXI/AAAAAAAAAUM/IR8fXpsLtIU/s1600-h/19.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173274544288462194" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8spyfHidXI/AAAAAAAAAUM/IR8fXpsLtIU/s400/19.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8soR_HidWI/AAAAAAAAAUE/qxntm4l2xvI/s1600-h/18.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173272886431085922" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8soR_HidWI/AAAAAAAAAUE/qxntm4l2xvI/s400/18.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">A number of shopping floors surround the center of the building. A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">magnificiant</span> building as you can see.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8soK_HidVI/AAAAAAAAAT8/32R155uYTwE/s1600-h/17.JPG"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173272766172001618" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8soK_HidVI/AAAAAAAAAT8/32R155uYTwE/s400/17.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">These elevators are fast and what fun to ride.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">BE SURE TO CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO GET A FULL SCREEN VIEW.</span>.</strong>.. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8soA_HidUI/AAAAAAAAAT0/kFh7dMzY0Ks/s1600-h/16.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173272594373309762" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8soA_HidUI/AAAAAAAAAT0/kFh7dMzY0Ks/s400/16.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">These next few photographs were taken from the observation deck. You get a good view of the city from up here. It was a little dusty the Saturday we took these pictures, so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">visibility</span> is not very good.<br /><br />A couple of things you might want to see on this picture - <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br />1st, click on the photo to open it up in a larger view.<br /><br /></span>In the center of the top of this photo is the old Sung <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Shan</span> Airport, which is now the domestic airport. This was the airport you and I flew in and out of back during our days in Taiwan. Now look in the extreme upper left hand corner of this photograph and you can just make out the Grand Hotel, it's still red in color, and of course, just down the hill from the hotel was Club 63, kind of hard to make out, but you can see some white buildings in the area, that's where it still sits today along the river.<br /><br />After spending a few moments looking at this photograph has it not got your heart pumping a little faster as your mind's eye opens up those long stored views of Taipei and got you thinking about our trip back to Taiwan this September?<br /><br />We will visit this same window during our stay and you can see these places once again in person. Why not come along with us.....<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8snyPHidTI/AAAAAAAAATs/f0VU8HFnZkA/s1600-h/15.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173272340970239282" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8snyPHidTI/AAAAAAAAATs/f0VU8HFnZkA/s400/15.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8snpvHidSI/AAAAAAAAATk/VPJ66GW8L8E/s1600-h/14.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173272194941351202" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8snpvHidSI/AAAAAAAAATk/VPJ66GW8L8E/s400/14.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Click on any picture to get a full screen view - great pictures<br /></span><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8snh_HidRI/AAAAAAAAATc/4xTY0JQYMbo/s1600-h/13.JPG"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173272061797365010" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8snh_HidRI/AAAAAAAAATc/4xTY0JQYMbo/s400/13.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8snZfHidQI/AAAAAAAAATU/S_G35PcwzDQ/s1600-h/12.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173271915768476930" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8snZfHidQI/AAAAAAAAATU/S_G35PcwzDQ/s400/12.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8snOvHidPI/AAAAAAAAATM/-Um2d8Vu3kI/s1600-h/11.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173271731084883186" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8snOvHidPI/AAAAAAAAATM/-Um2d8Vu3kI/s400/11.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8snF_HidOI/AAAAAAAAATE/ZYxMM-O5F48/s1600-h/10.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173271580761027810" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8snF_HidOI/AAAAAAAAATE/ZYxMM-O5F48/s400/10.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8sm7vHidNI/AAAAAAAAAS8/c75WkqtDpsA/s1600-h/09.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173271404667368658" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8sm7vHidNI/AAAAAAAAAS8/c75WkqtDpsA/s400/09.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">We're on a balcony of the Grand Hotel looking back at the city.<br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8sm2fHidMI/AAAAAAAAAS0/c1wk92Nrvyk/s1600-h/08-1.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173271314473055426" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8sm2fHidMI/AAAAAAAAAS0/c1wk92Nrvyk/s400/08-1.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">See the blue colored stadium in the center of photograph.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">We will be visit that area - that stadium sits on the ground</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">where the old Navy Exchange Gasoline Station once sat. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Click on any picture to get a full screen view - great pictures </span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><div><br /><br /></div></span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8smwfHidLI/AAAAAAAAASs/Ejl1A8Fm2rA/s1600-h/08-1.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173271211393840306" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8smwfHidLI/AAAAAAAAASs/Ejl1A8Fm2rA/s400/08-1.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><div><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8smqvHidKI/AAAAAAAAASk/fqltZ-9FVrI/s1600-h/08.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173271112609592482" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8smqvHidKI/AAAAAAAAASk/fqltZ-9FVrI/s400/08.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /></span><div></div><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8smavHidJI/AAAAAAAAASc/kRRCHlEBvH0/s1600-h/07.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173270837731685522" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8smavHidJI/AAAAAAAAASc/kRRCHlEBvH0/s400/07.jpg" border="0" /></span></a> <div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8smRfHidII/AAAAAAAAASU/5x37fJJF5iM/s1600-h/06.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173270678817895554" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8smRfHidII/AAAAAAAAASU/5x37fJJF5iM/s400/06.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8smJfHidHI/AAAAAAAAASM/9jaXnwJkA4A/s1600-h/05.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173270541378942066" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8smJfHidHI/AAAAAAAAASM/9jaXnwJkA4A/s400/05.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Out in the distance is Taipei 101 Building, and right below</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">on the right side is the old Club 63 building (white roof)<br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8sljPHidFI/AAAAAAAAAR8/_HU68B-thkA/s1600-h/03.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173269884248945746" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8sljPHidFI/AAAAAAAAAR8/_HU68B-thkA/s400/03.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Here's a shot looking up from the old Club 63 toward the Grand Hotel on the hill.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div><div><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8slZPHidEI/AAAAAAAAAR0/ITTmb6sN5KI/s1600-h/02.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173269712450253890" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8slZPHidEI/AAAAAAAAAR0/ITTmb6sN5KI/s400/02.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">This was taken from the Airport Shuttle Bus window as we drove toward Taoyuan International Airport, as I departed Taipei for Honolulu last November.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">If you click on this picture, you get a better view of the old Club 63. Look at the brown tent looking structure to the right of the Grand Hotel. Just down from the brown tent is a white building, that's the old Club 63, what's now "The American Club in China", also called the "American Club Taipei."</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">If you look on the river bank down past the Old Club 63, probably down past those trees on the river bank, I seem to remember there was a Mongolian BBQ Resturant in that area on the bank. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8slPfHidDI/AAAAAAAAARs/qrhIJhKIzKU/s1600-h/01.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173269544946529330" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ecy-uUDSWQ4/R8slPfHidDI/AAAAAAAAARs/qrhIJhKIzKU/s400/01.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Is it time to get your bags out?</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >This will be a fun trip, an exciting time and hopefully a highlight in your life.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Taipei Air Stationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13686488354629456728noreply@blogger.com10