We were out on tour by 8:30. Even before we were docked there I could detect the noticeable difference between Japan and China, [even though this is Taiwan, it is still Chinese]. Japan seems to have taken everything American and made it more so, whereas China is still China. Sure, China is a bit messier, not so neat and tidy but it sure has more character and intrigue. Japan seemed to be so predictable.
We had a tour of the city of Taipei where we could actually see what the place looks like, there were no concrete jungles or interesting sites hidden behind trees or other buildings.
As you may likely know during/after WWII, China became communist under Chairman Mao. Chiang Kai Shek fought against the communists and lost. He eventually retreated to Taiwan/Formosa with his followers. It is now a democratic country of 23,000,000 million as opposed to their next door powerful neighbour, China, only 100 miles away with a population 52 times their size!
During the tour we basically only visited Liberty Square, Revolutionary Martyr's Square and the 1800 foot high Tower 101. It was good enough for Fellette and I and it gave us that taste of China again.
Tomorrow is a sea day, we will finish packing and then a day in Hong Kong and that is the end of this great journey that we have been on for five weeks.
Tomorrow is a sea day, we will finish packing and then a day in Hong Kong and that is the end of this great journey that we have been on for five weeks.
101 Tower, 1800 feet high, 101 stories.
This is basically a shrine to Chiang Kai Shek, the founder of their country. Very nicely made and preserved. A perfect last tour for us, no rain, no oppressive heat and good cloud cover for photos.
The happy couple.
It was nice to get away from hordes of people for a change.
They build them big here.
Well kept and well laid out.
Does it get any more Chinese than this?
Boarding: for the last time today.
The changing big screen picture at the top of the lower floor staircase.
Our suite came with a bottle of Champagne so we decided it was time to drink it, over the next two days!
On our balcony as the ship pulled away without any fuss or bother. Next stop Hong Kong.
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