I planned to go to Danshui, where I have been to before. Its the last stop on the main MRT line and a very popular place with tourists.
Since I was last here, they decided to rename it Tamsui, its not actually a different name, just the more correct pinyin phoneticization of the actual name.
This serves mainly to confuse people because the signage on the train has been updated in some places and not other. Its actually very difficult to find an up to date Taipei MRT map on google image search!
This was the case when I was here a year ago to, so there you go, Google image search doesnt cache even once a year, cause the new lines were in operation over a year ago.
Whilst wandering around in the epic fog I decided I might as well take a ferry to the other side, since there was no way I was going to be able to see across.
My trip this morning was a bit rushed as I wanted to be back at the hotel in time for the Melbourne grand prix. I was super excited that not only could I watch it in my hotel room, but I had figured out how to change the soundtrack from Mandarin to English. My Chinese language skills are not quite good enough yet.
I got off the train and spotted this giant line. I considered joining it to see what it was for. Luckily I didnt as I think its just the tourist bus that saves you about 10 minutes walking.
Hmmmm, last time I was here I could see across to the other side! But its not pollution its actual fog. I could see it rolling in, and it was really quite cold when there was fog, and quite warm when there wasnt.
People enjoy fishing here, and then eating whatever they pull out of the water. It actually looks quite clean.
I didnt actually know where this ferry was going, but I strongly suspected the other side, through the fog.
What happens if a bulk container ship happens to be coming? A couple of times we came to a stop in the middle of the ocean to let something go past. I presume the captain could see lights or had radar or something.
As we approached the far side, the fog cleared, and I had indeed arrived at Bali. Not Bali the drunken explosion island of Indonesia, I think some people I know might actually think Indonesian Bali is a 5 minute ferry ride from Taiwan!
Bali was a fishing village until recently, now its a seaside fun fair town with many bike paths and activities, and a small fishing fleet which in this fog must be useless.
Some people were determined to play on the beach. Black sand here.
Theres many boardwalks and at least 100 bike rental places. They even rent these bikes that look more like a horse drawn carriage, without the horse.
Wait, theres also horses.
Here I am, looking ready to fight off any potential Japanese invasion from the north.
Photo number 300!
Obun for 20 cents, ok.
I had custard this time, it was awesome.
Here I am waiting for the ferry to take me back to (D/T)a(n/m)shui
I decided to have lunch before getting the train back. Big mistake. The most convenient option that wasnt beef noodle was Mr Browns Coffee, which I think is a Hong Kong based cafe chain.
I looked at the menu and chose a nice looking sandwhich thing, and went to order. Sandwhiches are only available for breakfast. Really? I saw other people order them after me!
So I was talked into the mexican chicken. Which turned out to be a schnitzel cooked yesterday and reheated in the microwave, with corn and tofu soup.
It was also expensive at $5, I hardly ate any of it.
I set out for another night market. It was further to get to than I thought, but I got there eventaully. It was also starting to rain a bit. Surprisingly, some things seemed to be shut on a Sunday night.
After perusing the night market for a while, it got increasingly busy and hard to move, so I headed off with another Chatime, mango green tea with coconut jelly. Best way to navigate is by Taipei 101, which means I often end up there.
I found another good place to eat near it, so you can look forward to more pictures of it in one of my 2 remaining days. Too bad I had already eaten this evening.
Making sure I kept my bearings in relation to a landmark.
Theres thousands of kitten shops in and around this area. Kittens are engaged in an epic death match, but its kind of hard to take a photo of that.
The nightmarket. Not really appreciable in the photos but the strings of lights above have some sort of supercomputer program controlling them to pulsate and move in waves to leave you epileptic.
A sudden (but brief) downpour meant I had to find dinner nearby. I had beef noodle last night, and things on sticks were out as it was raining and I needed a sit down. A nearby 'Authentic San Francisco Diner' got my business. First course a salad, complete with bacon and croutons.
Second course, mushroom burger. It was pretty great! So were the chips with the skin left on.
Dessert was excellent tiramisu. Along with the drink which the girl insisted should be beer, this cost $7.
I had to switch to Mandarin to convince her I didnt want a giant beer (Wo bu tsee wan peggio). All Chinese tutorials teach you how to say I want a beer and I dont like Chilli.
I just flip the two around and I am all set.
A glowing waterfall shaped like a pyramid? Well of course I will take a long exposure.
Ditto for an overpass.
This band had screaming fans. Unfortunately they were not good. It wasnt too bad when it was just the singer and they keyboard player, but once the guitar guy had finished combing his hair he decided to do some improv with they keyboard player.
They never did work out which key they were in.
As far as trainwrecks go, this was closer to Super 8 than The Fugitive.