Eat, Drink and Walk in Dongmen, Taipei

Darrin and I were very pleased with the hotel, Royal Taipei, while staying in Zhongshan District last trip; the room was pretty neat and organized, and the staff was very friendly and helpful.  Yet we picked the different hotel this time, because we wanted to expose ourselves to as diverse areas of the city as possible.  Dongmen area was chosen for our second trip to Taipei. 

Right near the Dongmen MRT station, there is Yong-kang street━one of the most popular spots for the young generation━ which is so vibrant and safe from morning to night.  Above all, why we love this area is that a myriad of the famous restaurants and shops are all gathered around this street.  (^ε⌒*)  

Din Tai Fung  

So happy  (^ε⌒*) 

Xiao Long Bao is never ever off. 

The shop selling crepes (sort of like Taiwanese style pancake) 

There's six different type of crepes, which were written in only 

Chineses on the board. 

I had no idea which one was which. 

 ('' )( '');;;

She was helping me order. 

Success!! 

Yong-kang beef noodle shop

As expected, there was a long queue outside. 

 A simple meal with no frills but two thumbs up!

Yong-kang Ice Smoothie shop always popular

TenRen's Tea Shop

Macho looking Schnauzer wearing overalls with a helmet

  

Darrin drinking a can of Taiwan Beer

Having a pleasant time in Yongkang park after breakfast

Morita Bakery in Yong-kang

  Getting in this shop and having some fresh morning breads, I would say, was one of the happiest moments during this trip. 

50 Dan, Bubble Tea Store 

Weather was beautiful. 

Yehliu Geopark Tour_ Feb/22/2014

Darrin and I got up early to catch up the bus to Yehliu Geopark in Wanli district, northern part of Taiwan, which takes about half an hour from Taipei City. 

On the express bus to Yehliu

85˚C Bakery and Cafe 

We arriving at the destination, it was raining hard.  We stopped by at the cafe 85˚C so as to take shelter briefly from the rain.  This place seems so popular especially for Korean tourists as we can see the big note written in Korean in front of the shop. ― It says, 'We sell coffee, juice, green tea, milk tea and mango smoothie.  Not just that; we have a public restroom.'   

Having some hot milk tea

Yehliu Fishing Harbor

To get to Yehliu Geopark, we passed by a small harbor.  The rain stopped and the sun started sticking its head out between dark clouds.  The weather could not be better for a walk. 

After walking around 10 minutes following a signpost, we found the big sign of Yehliu Geopark.

Ticket Counter 

Mushroom Rocks

Yehliu Coast

Yehliu rock landscape is one of the most famous natural attractions in Taiwan, which is renowned for its peculiar geological features.  Its stunning shapes was formed from volcanic lava through millions of years of wave-cutting and weathering. 

Queen's Head

The Queen's head has become a Yehliu landmark due to its unique shape.  It resembles the profile of England's Queen Elizabeth when viewed from a certain angle.   It is said to be nearly 4,000 years old.  Wow!

Playing with the rocks 

Right after exiting the park, we went into an indoor traditional market, in which most of shops sell various dried goods.