Day 4 - Taipei

Well, today we went to the National Museum. The museum had all sorts of artifacts from China that was brought over by the Nationalist Party because they didn’t want any of them broken. China still wants them back but is unwilling to do anything about it. We were unable to take any pictures inside, but we started off in the neolithic period that showed all the tools. During that time they developed their bronze wares. After viewing all the bronze works we went to go see the ceramic works created throughout all of the dynasties. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve seen a lot of blue painted china or what, but they were a little boring. The colored ones though were mesmerizing. They were so vibrant even after all these years. We also went to see the paintings during the various peiords. Most beautiful were the 4 treasures.  I can’t remember the name of the painter but those were what began the movement of Chinese art that is famous today. When we were finally let loose I went to see the calligraphy section of the museum. They had the lotus sutra translated on a piece of parchment about 20 – 25 feet long.  The writing was as close to perfect as can be.

 

After the museum we went to Taipei 101.  This building is the 2^nd tallest building in the world after the World Trade Center fell. The observation deck was on the 91^st floor, a dizzying height. On the bottom 5 floors there was plenty of shopping, although mostly for the rich. (I could only afford some lunch). There was Cartier, Prada, Versace, and other shops with those names. The mall area was made entirely of marble. The food court was an interesting experience. All of the tables were full and apparently there are seat hawks. They wait until someone finishes, then immediately rushes them to leave their seat so they can take it. Pablo, Mauricio and I were all standing around with a tray full of calamari, rice and soup to get a seat. That was for about 15 minutes.

Afterwards was dinner, of course. 8 course meal (I just learned 8 is a lucky number). Well, off to sleep and another day.   We’re going to the mainland tomorrow. =)