Tamsui in New Taipei City, Taiwan

Just a few steps away from the British consular residence is a small pathway which led us to the campus of Aletheia University, formerly known as the Oxford College. It was founded in 1892 by Dr. George Leslie Mackay, the first Presbyterian missionary to Northern Taiwan. The Canadian Presbyterian missionary is well revered in Taiwan for his vast contributions in the fields of religion, healthcare and education. Oxford College was Taiwan's first modern school.

Bust of Dr. Mackay

Garden in Aletheia University

Aletheia University

original Oxford College

Tamsui Oxford University College

  Cross shaped flower clock built in 1969 to mark
the 50th anniversary of Aletheia University

It was already past 5:30 P.M when we were done touring the Fort San Domingo environs. We wanted to go to Hobe Fort which according to google maps is about 5 minutes away via bus. We alighted at the Hobe Fort bus stop but got lost and couldn't find it. Since we had a 8 P.M. reservation at Mala Hot Pot in the Xinyi district we snapped a few photos near the river before we headed back to the Tamsui MRT station. There are other cultural, historical and tourist attractions to explore in Tamsui, unfortunately we did not have enough time.

 

Fort San Domingo, Tamsui Taipei

Fort San Domingo, Tamsui
Tuesday - Sunday 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Admission fee: NT$ 80.00

Fort San Domingo is a historical fortress built in 1628 by the Manila based Spanish East Indies of the Spanish Empire. It was originally made of wood. 

In 1642, the Dutch colonized Northern Taiwan,  drove out the Spanish forces and built a new fort. Fort Antonio named after Anthony Van Diemen, the viceroy of the Dutch East India Company was completed in 1646. The fort which still stands today was nicknamed "Hong Moa Chen" by the local Chinese inhabitants meaning "Red Hair Fortress" in reference to the Dutch people who they called 'red hair savages'.

Nearby is the former British consular residence, a Victorian style house with some Chinese elements constructed in 1891 when the British government leased the fort. 

Our hotel is located about two blocks away from the Daan MRT station. The MRT ride from Daan station to the last stop in the Tamsui - Xinyi line is about 50 minutes. From Tamsui MRT station, we took bus R26 to alight at the Fort San Domingo stop. The bus route is on narrow roads, passing by small commercial establishment built along the Tamsui River. 

We used our Taipei FunPASS so we entered for FREE. There is a steep walk/ramp to get to the fort area. It can also be reached by a flight of stairs which I unfortunately chose to go up. I left sister dearest down because she has difficulty climbing stairs due to her foot injury. Unbeknownst to me though, she asked the friendly staff if there is an easier way to go up. They volunteered to drive her using a small buggy.  I was all sweaty and running out of breath from climbing those really steep flight of stairs and here she comes up beep beep beep in a buggy! LOL

Entrance to Fort San Domingo, Tamsui

Fort San Domingo with the flags of the different 'occupiers'

The British consul's residence

Interiors of the British consul's residence

Inside the British consul's residence

The British consul's residence

scenic view of the Tamsui river from the fort

side view of the British consul's residence

Twenty three

Whenever I see tributes or memorials about 9/11 in the news, I am reminded that the month of September also marks the 'anniversary' of our return to the home base, for good.

August 2001 at the age of 65, Dad retired from the foreign service after 40 years as a government employee. His career led us to live in different countries every 3 to 4 years, experience various culture, learn new languages, travel to neighboring nations. It was tough, really. Uprooting everything and assimilating anew. But our family is eternally grateful for those memorably blessed years.

After we had packed everything into boxes, hired the 'lift van' as it is called in the foreign service, we headed home via Singapore in September 2001. I remember that Dad had to stay a few days more in Dubai, UAE for some last minute paper work.  

I always seem to forget the exact dates but suffice to say, I was really emotional and upset about leaving Dubai. I've also forgotten how many days we spent in Singapore, which hotel we stayed in, which attractions we visited. It was and still is such a blur.

You see back then I was in a sort of stable relationship and the idea of evolving into a LDR was terrifying. I knew it wasn't feasible but at the same time I wasn't totally giving up. Somehow positive that it would work, or maybe I was delusional. Whatever it was, back then I was a total wreck. Well it lasted for about 2 more years before I decided it was a lost cause. My phone bills was making me bankrupt and he didn't keep his end of the 'bargain' so fine, let's just end it and move on.

So let's backtrack away from the sob story!

September 11, 2001 past 9 P.M. after dinner, I was watching TV when the twin towers in New York City was attacked. We were all in shock! We were living in a rented three bedroom condo unit somewhere in Mandaluyong. It was a temporary set up as we needed a place to stay while we waited for the lift van to arrive with all our belongings. 

I was 32 years old about to turn 33 with no job prospects, a failing relationship, missing my friends but tried to stay positive that everything will turn out for the better.

Fast forward to 2024, it has been 23 years. 

I'm married now for 16 years and counting yet childless. 

3 years ago, I lost both my parents in a scan of less than 3 months.

If you asked me 23 years ago if this is the life I always wanted for myself.

I'd say yes, with maybe a few tweaks here and there.

Amen!

Taipei: a food haven

As mentioned in one of my previous posts, sister dearest and I prefer food trips than shopping whenever we travel. Our taste buds take precedence over retail therapy. We usually (but not always) book hotels that offer breakfasts so we have full tummies for our sightseeing.

Buffet breakast at Taipei Fullerton South Hotel

Clam soup in clear broth

Taiwan has a distinct cuisine that is renowned worldwide. It is quite different from the typical Chinese food. Not too sweet, nor too salty or too spicy. Since I was watching my weight, I found the food just right as it won't spike my blood sugar, my blood pressure and my cholesterol levels.

Actually, compared to Filipino food, it can be quite bland. But don't get me wrong, it was delicious either way. There are always condiments available so you can adjust it to your taste. I reckon they are more health conscious there.

Hence less sugar, less salt but still big on taste and flavors, probably with the use of spices which I'm not too familiar with. Taiwan caters to all types of cuisines and palate. There are international chains of restaurants as well as local eateries. You won't run out of choices.

 

Taiwan is specifically known for its bubble tea, beef noodles soup, stinky tofu, beef pepper buns, and ba pu (taiwanese style ice cream) among others as well as the famous Din Tai Fung restaurant.

There are long lines at all the Din Tai Fung branches in Taiwan. Expect waiting time of 30 - 45 minutes during lunch and dinner time, sometimes even longer. It is also one of my fave eateries here in Manila.

Usual fare at DTF

Grilled mushrooms with black pepper

Night markets are major tourist attractions in Taiwan. Rows of stalls selling cheap affordable wide variety of street food abound. These food stalls are clean so no worries about getting tummy aches or food poisoning. It can get pretty crowded so be prepared to sweat and remember they only accept CASH payments. We visited the Shilin and Raohe night markets and also strolled at the famous Ximending shopping area.

Some of the street foods I liked are the oyster with misua soups. It has a distinct vinegary taste (not too sour), has oysters (another variety had innards) and the soft misua noodles. Some were soupy while others were thick but quite flavorful.

Songshan Ciyou Temple near
Raohe Night Market

I  also acquired a taste for the Taiwanese ice cream called ba pu. A thin 'lumpia' wrapper with shaved peanut brittle, cilantro, and three small scoops of vanilla, taro and lemon ice cream. You eat it like a burrito, it was delish and quite refreshing during those warm, humid July evenings. Sorry I don't have a picture because I had to eat it right away before it melted. LOL

oyster with misua

 

Big fan of hot pot dinners because I feel and I may be wrong that it is healthier. Boiled food is better than fried, oil laden meals. I love how fresh the meats, the seafood and the veggies were in the ones we ate at in Taiwan. It is better to reserve a slot so you are guaranteed a table. I wish we had more time to explore more hot pot restaurants in Taipei. There is always a next time! :D

The Grand Hotel, Taipei Taiwan

Since we were in the Zhongshan district, we took a short Uber ride to the nearby luxurious Grand Hotel. Another iconic Taipei City landmark that was established in 1952,  the 14 storey building has 487 classic rooms. Nicely nestled on a hill, surrounded by mountains and adjacent to the Keelung river, its architecture is reminiscent of a magnificent Imperial Chinese palace with its golden roof and signature red colums. 

We relaxed with a late afternoon snack at the coffee shop in the lobby. Aside from the airport shuttle bus service, The Grand Hotel also offers a free shuttle bus service to and from the Yuanshan MRT station, just a short 5 to 10 minutes ride so it is pretty accessible through public transport.

National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine, Taipei Taiwan

After Taipei 101, we rushed to the MRT station because we wanted to reach the Martyrs' Shrine before it closed at 5:00 P.M. From the Jiantan MRT station, we took a taxi because the memorial is a bit inaccessible. It was built in 1969 to honor the more than 300,000 soldiers and war heroes who fought against the rise of Communism in mainland China as well as the War of Resistance against Japan. 

Located in the Zhongshan district, this important landmark is surrounded by lush mountains, the main attraction is the changing of the guards held every hour. 

Opening hours: 9:00 A.M - 5 P.M.  Entrance is FREE.

We were there in July, it was really hot with the sun blazing!

I actually have a video of the last changing of the guards at 
5 P.M. but for some unknown reason, it won't load in this post.