Taipei/Taiwan

March 30, 2024 Taipei

Royal Caribbean treated its world travelers to an excursion to this port. After arriving in Keelung we were divided into groups and led to the buses.

We drove to Taipei, where a visit to the skyscraper "Taipei 101" was on the agenda. This was the tallest skyscraper in the world until 2007.

There was a breakfast buffet on the 88th floor that we could help ourselves to. The whole thing was accompanied by traditional Chinese live music.

Then we went to the 89th floor, where you could look down on Taipei in all directions. Colorfully costumed actors provided musical and dramatic performances.

I went up to the 91st floor, which has an outdoor area. Unfortunately this was closed due to bad weather. I consoled myself with a film showing the magnificent New Year's Eve fireworks and the preparations necessary for them.

The path from the tower to the bus took us through a posh shopping center. I discovered a shop there that supposedly sells the best teas in the world. I purchased a pack that, based on the price, was the Rolls Royce of teas.

Back on board we first had lunch.

In the afternoon I met with Judi Shurson and we looked at "Best Food City", a collection of attractive restaurants right in the terminal building.

Then we searched and found the Keelung Night Market, where dozens of stalls offered street food. Only the frog eggs and the grilled goose heads didn't appeal to me.

I bought some interesting looking tea infusers and drinks at a small supermarket that accepted credit cards. Of course I have to try the cola with 45% of whatever.

Finally we visited the Keelung Tower.

I ate the eggs before returning to the ship. Not bad. I would buy these again.

In the evening, "Taiwan Tapestry" was on the program, a distinctive performance by a Taiwanese dance group.