The Confucius Temple

The life of Confucius is highly venerated in Chinese tradition. Confucius, the so-called “Grand Master” was very influential in Chinese education and Chinese culture. He popularized the Analects, the principle of ren’ – loving others while practicing self-discipline and wrote Chinese classics. 

With the area of 13,777 square meters, Taipei Confucius Temple symbolizes the Confucian culture in Taiwan and showcases the art of architecture. The beams, columns, windows and plain doors without carving reflects the modest and humble nature of Confucianism.

The temple which is part of Dalongdong culture area is not only a heritage, but a venue for Confucianism broadcasting and a tourist attraction to visiting foreigners. Last May 5, 2016 I got to visit the temple and had a quick look around with some photo souvenirs. In my short stay, I witnessed some believers holding a ritual within the temple. I believe they are called scholars who pray for the sage, Confucius. It is indeed a solemn place and the people in the area seemed to manifest the tenets of Confucianism. There is an audiovisual room that shows the life and works of Confucius. 

蚵仔煎 Oyster Omelet

It was the number of people seated on few chairs, piled around a stainless cart with an extended space as dining area for the customers, that caught my attention. Its sauce has an appetizing color that tickles my curiosity.By its looks, I got tempted to try. It was only yesterday when I had the courage to sit with the locals and savor the classic Taiwanese taste.

one order for 60NT

Like all street foods, it is cooked on-the-spot while customers are waiting for the order. My food was served earlier before I came since I already reserved for one before I sat on the provided seat. While enjoying the dish, I was able to witness how it's done. On the corner of the cart, there's a large frying pan. First, I saw that there was mixture spilled on the pan. It was like a flour with some veggies. Then some pieces of oysters where mixed and cooked. Not soon enough, the cake was topped with egg and all the man did was just to turn the pancake upside down, till all sides are cooked enough.

The taste wasn't harsh for any beginner who is still alienated with a foreign aroma. Everything was smooth and it's gentle to the tongue. It wasn't flavored so the spicing and flavoring are left to the preference of the customers. Right even before I finished the dish, I felt full fast enough. This snack size serving can bloat you enough, especially when combined with a soda. 

I found it really an enjoyable experience to order a dish using a foreign language, sometimes with confusion, have the order served and be with one of the locals.As I checked, there are recipes available to follow. Most are easy steps, so 'happy eating" if you'd like to try. 

The Lift Ride to Paradise

One of the major tourist attractions in Taipei is the four-station-four-kilometer-lift "Maokong Gondola". Situated within  Wenshan district, the Maokong Gondola gives a float ride to savor the picturesque view of the entire city, including the skypescraper 101.

Last May 4, 2016, my son and I took the less-than-30-minute ride to the Maokong garden. Though it wasn't the first time for both of us, the experience was marvelous. My son enjoyed it more, since he was only two when he last had the ride.  The floating feeling while seeing the top view of the city gave the extraordinary ride that lifted up my senses.

The line passes through four stations: Taipei Zoo (動物園站), outside the Taipei Zoo, Taipei Zoo South (動物園內站), inside the Taipei Zoo, Zhinan Temple (指南宮站), Maokong (Sanxuan Temple) (貓空站). There is no direct ride to Maokong Station. One just has to alight from the Taipei Zoo station and stride left heading to the Maokong service station.

 .
There are two lines before getting on the cabin. Since many would like to experience the crystal cabin, also known as "Eyes of Maokong Gondola", it has the longer queue which is assisted by the crew. It is suggested for passengers to bring the easy card to save some time lining up for the tickets.