It's been over 5 years since I last visited Taiwan where I grew up as a child. So many fond memories came flooding back as soon as we stepped into the airport, and after Europe, I certainly had a bit of culture shock. I also found myself viewing my childhood homeland from different, adult lenses. What a great experience it was and I certainly hope to live here again someday and spend more time with my family.
This little tyke came to meet us at the airport. It was my first time meeting my two baby cousins! Here he is getting a piggy-back from my Grandma.
Our first breakfast in Taiwan 台灣, we of course went to get hot soy milk 豆槳 and some breaded goods 包子, 饅頭, and 油條
A traditional meat market, they also have cages of live chickens...you pick out the chicken that fancies you, and "chop", the vendor takes off its head and defeathers it so you have a fresh chicken to cook for your meal... I did not document this with photographs for good reason :)
One of the many temples in Taipei, I used to go with my great-grandmother when I was young to pray and burn incense in honor of our ancestors.
Hot pot or 火鍋 that my family prepared. Everyone sits together, and puts into the pot whichever side they want, be it meat, vegetables, eggs, noodles, etc. The food then cooks in the broth on the hot plate and everyone enjoys the different flavors and foods with a dipping sauce.
Chicken feet!! Yes, these are the feet of chicken. Simmered in a spicy soy sauce, one eats these by gnawing on the skin and cartilage, a lovely delicacy that is one of my mom's favorites!
Tea-leaf eggs or 茶葉蛋, these are eggs that simmer in a black tea leaf and soy broth and taste absolutely delicious. You crack open the shell to reveal a boiled egg that has been browned and flavored by the broth. These are sold all over the place in convenience stores, 7-11s, etc.
Mom and I went to visit the Taipei International Flora Exposition, Taiwan's first international expo that cost millions of dollars for the 6-month exhibit. It was absolutely phenomenal and I don't think I've ever seen/smelled so many wonderful flowers, what a breath of fresh air to have in the middle of bustling Taipei city
The expo was in the middle of several parks, one of which included traditional Chinese houses and architecture
Can't forget the public toilets! One squats down to use these, and hopes that it is clean and has a functional flush. An almost spotless one here!
Four generations of family! From left: me, my mom, my grandma, and my great-grandma. I am so lucky to have such strong women in my life.
