Lunch in Taiwan

I'm starting to get over my jetlag and function on a semi normal schedule here, although I did wake up around 7 this morning, which for anyone who knows me knows this is entirely out of character.

After waking up, taking a shower and checking emails, we wandered down to the local OK market (which resembles a Circle K from back home, except that all the snacks seem to be some variant of Raman noodles) where we were surprised to run into Kim and John also from are Chinese class. We talked with them and found out that they were actually staying in the same hostel as us (Happy Family) just in a different building. Smalls world!

After meeting with them, we followed through on our plans to meet up with Alex in the vicinity of the paradise hotel. Along the way, we stopped in a bakery where I had the most fantastic bread I had ever tasted - melon bread it was called. Later, as we continued our journey to Alex' hotel my friend Tashi decided to make it his quest to find bubble tea.

To this end we stopped at a tiny coffee vendor, where Tashi decided to order his taro flavored bubble tea. At this point, I think that it should be pointed out that neither Taro, nor Bubble tea appeared on the menu, but this didn't discourage Tashi.

Tashi: Taro tea?
Cashier: stream of fast chinese
Tashi: Taro?
Cashier: *points to Grey Pearl tea on the menu*
Tashi: Which one?
Cashier: *comes out and points again at the Grey Pearl tea*
Tashi: OK
Cashier: *lets Tashi smell the blended tea*
Tashi: huh?
Cashier *sigh*
The Cashier hands Tashi the drink
Tashi: Duo shao qian? (how much?)
At this, the cashier just shakes her head and pushes the money away.

As one might expect, this was not bubble tea, so the search continues, but at least Tashi isn't out a dollar.

(Update: Tashi Found bubble tea at the mall, all is happy!)

After a few more blocks, we made it to Alex's hotel. Shortly thereafter, the six of us made our way to the first restaurant we could find. The double lucky restaurant served that end, and we were able to get a meal for six for $2100NT with tip and drink - or about $12 per person. The meal was big, with all sort of foods including tiny roasted whole fish, shrimp that had been cooked but not at all shelled, wonderful pork spare ribs, soup and some other culinary delights. most of the food was great, although I don't think I will be trying jellyfish again any time soon.

We wandered back down to the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit - the Taiwanese subway) and took the train back and parted ways with Alex. Later I got online with him (our hostel has wireless!) and we played a game of warcraft 3 - I am still a geek :)

All in all, it was a great afternoon.

At the Double Lucky

From left to right: Lily, Alex, Kim, John, Tashi Jacob.