A memorable restaurant to end an excellent holiday我的假期接近尾聲

Today my parents, uncle, aunt and I went to the Spring Natural Vegetarian Restaurant, in Taiching, for lunch. The restaurant is so popular that you have to book a table in advance. They have 150 different kinds of vegetarian dishes, and it has an "eat much as you like" approach. The main attraction is the buffet section offering a selection of salads, soups, cold appetizers, main courses, drinks and desserts. You can choose the vegetable you want and then ask the chef to cook it for you, on the spot. The resulting taste is simply divine and fresh. Making the Spring Vegetarian a really wonderful restaurant and experience.

I had 6 different types eggless cakes. These cakes are so light and fluffy it almost floats off of the plate. They are very delicious too. A Wonderful end to a brilliant holiday. I will bee setting off soon to return to the UK.

Bright Lights and Lanterns

Little cowherd and cattle

After I arrived in Taipei, by high speed train, I took my luggge to a friends home. He took me, by motorcycle, to the Lantern Festival. After the Lunar New Year we now have the Lantern Festival. I am at the one held in Taipei but they celebrate this festival in the cities in Taiwan. The 2009 the Taipei Lantern Festival take place between February 6 and February 15 at several venues, including the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Taipei City Hall.

I have not been attend the Lantern festival for 12 years. I met an ex university friend and we went to see beautiful lanterns. The lantern festival was really just a big competition (and exhibition) of lanterns made with crepe paper and wire in all kinds of shapes, some of them really were quite big. There was also a net of lights to which people tied wishes to.

The festival was crowded but we could see many different lanterns. I was so happy while watching the beautiful lights that appeared to be dancing the evening's darkness. We also we read statements associated with individual lanterns. The Majority related to the OX as we have now started the year of the OX. There are always food stalls at this kind of event, in Taiwan. Wherever there were crowds there will be food! My friend and I chatted until 2am. The talk was interesting and we had a wonderful ttime.

The ride of my life....Taiwan High Speed Train

It is noon and I am taking my first ride on Taiwan's new high speed train. Heading towards Taipei from Taichung. The train is very impressive. Its design lines give it a sleek appearance and it is so smooth. This really is a special experience as the scenery flashes by. Beautiful rice fields and the breath taking mountains. The journey only takes 35 minutes whereas it takes 2 hours on the "fast trains". The ticket is not cheap but compared to UK rail prices it is not that expensive.

The seats are comfortable with plenty of space and the staff are very professional. The train ride was very smooth ride and enjoyable.

I was a very impressive experience and I look forward to taking the high speed train again, soon.

Lantern Festival 元宵節

It is a tradition for Taiwanese people to eat rice balls in celebrating the Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first month of the Lunar lunar calendar.

My parents and I visited the Taichung Lantern Festival. we enjoyed looking a different kinds of lanterns.

Cirque du Soleil 太陽劇團

After relaxing at the Pekoe, we had renewed our energy ready for our next event. That was at night; We went to go watch Alegria (the current cirque du soleil show that’s touring Taipei right now). It was very entertaining and the acts contributed in making a fantastic show. Regardless of which group you see, or where you see it, a mixture of music, light, performance and excitement. We thank Wan Yu as she bought the 4 tickets for her, my parents and I.

Pekoe 食品雜貨鋪

My parents, sister Wan Yu, and I visited my sister Nico's work place Pekoe in Taipei. Pekoe is a good store that has a good range of products such as tea, food, tableware and cookery books. There is a café too. The cafe is only small but more than adequate. You can sit and have a coffee, while your other half has a look around the store. If that's what you like to do. It’s a bright and spacious and very relaxing. The shop is well situated and is always clean and tidy. Their prices are generally fair, considering the quality of the products. Macaron 杏仁小圓餅

Honey Vanilla Pudding 蜂蜜香草布丁