Taipei Trip Day One

This past weekend we decided to go to Taipei. We needed to get some papers notarized at the American Institute of Taiwan. We decided that since we were going to spend the money for three bus tickets to Taipei we should make an entire weekend out of it. We were able to visit Taipei 101, the worlds second tallest building, and the Taipei Zoo. Our bus was scheduled to leave at 5:45 in the morning and this was the wonderful view we had while we waited.

 The bus ride is three hours if there are no traffic jams. After arriving we headed to the AIT to have our forms notarized. After a lengthy wait and $100 later we were done and the forms were mailed to the U.S. Now it was time to find some food. Justin and I decided on spicy noodles but Noah decided he just HAD to have Subway. He hasn't had subway since we have been in Taiwan so he was very excited about it.

 He was being silly trying to use chopsticks to eat his sandwich!

After lunch we decided it was time to head to Taipei 101. It is called 101 because of the number of floors above ground, there are also 5 levels of parking below ground. It also has the worlds fastest passenger elevators 1,010 m/min, according to the Guinness world records and the world's largest wind damper, which helps to ensure stability of the tower and prevents movement during a strong wind or earthquake. 

 Noah thought these police scooters were pretty cool.

 There is lots of artwork and statues outside of Taipei 101. We took pictures with a few of them.

This is a photo of the mall inside 101. It is six stories, I believe, but most everything is out of my price range so we didn't do much shopping. There were stores like Armani, Coach, Tiffany & Co. and Prada.

 Here is the view from the observatory.

 

 Time for a little mango ice break! I am going to miss this stuff when we leave.

 There was a beautiful art collection on display in 101. These were created using jade or blood coral. 

They were so detailed and beautiful.

 We stopped for a little afternoon tea and Noah decided that he needed more sugar! Check out that smile, so handsome.

 Later in the evening we walked to a night market and dinner. I did get the cutest little outfit for my special little dog, at the night market. He is going to look so cute in it! 

 And this concludes day one of our Taipei adventure. Stay tuned for day two....The Taipei Zoo.