Free time in Taipei

Having a less-than-scheduled day in Taipei means shopping! And food, obviously, but we're in Taiwan so that should go without saying.

We started the day off super smart and went to Addiction Aquatic Development before the sushi bar even opened. We got to take our time wandering the market and were in the first batch of customers when the sushi bar opened at 9:30. Eating here is always a delight. I'd forgotten it is one of my happy places.

Japanese uni

Santa Barbara uni

Salmon salad (with fresh salmon, crispy salmon skin, and salmon roe)

After sushi, we took Ubers to Costco to see what's different. In the jewelry section, they sell 24k gold items, which you don't see back home. Their bakery is open (instead of behind glass) and they were cooling items with giant fans so as you approach the bakery, all you can think is how much you want bread or cookies or muffins. They have different snacks -- many giant bags of Ruffles were purchased.

We split up at this point so that the Costco haul could be dropped off back home while the others got started on their SOGO shopping. Once we were all reunited at SOGO, it was time to eat again. Cat got in the long line for fancy croissants at Hazukido; Johnny, Mike and I got lattes and egg sandwiches at Isaac Toast. The sandwiches were fine. The croissants were wonderful!

After SOGO, we went a block away for Sharetea, then did some local browsing. Mike, Cherry, and Eddie headed home to rest before dinner. The Fricks and I went off the main street and found some really cute boutiques. Then I brought the girls home (taking the scenic route) while Cat and Johnny went to the Harley-Davidson store. Like Hard Rock, they have t-shirts specific to their location.

Mike and I headed out to meet Mom at the MRT station and walk to dinner together. The others met us shortly after. Mom picked a famous Szechaun restaurant that is said to be the best in Taipei, Huang Cheng Laoma (皇城老媽 Huángchéng lǎomā). They invented a dish they call Flies Heads (蒼蠅頭 cāngyíng tóu) which became so popular that other Szechuan restaurants have started serving it.

Flies Heads (蒼蠅頭 cāngyíng tóu)

On our walk home, we stopped at McDonald's to satisfy a french fry craving.

The black sesame sundae is really good

Mom with a statue of her son. No, not really.

And that's it. Our trip is pretty much over. Tomorrow we head to the airport, first thing, and will travel back in time a few hours to go home. Goodnight from Taipei.