After another short flight over, we all decided on a traditional garden as the natural site for Taipei.The Shuangxi Park and Garden was spectacular! It is located in the Shilin District of Taipei and approximately 2 hectacres. Although it was built in 1974, the place has a wonderful ancient feel to it. The old Chinese architecture style really brought it to life. It is covered with numerous pavilions, old arch-style bridges and winding corridors. T
he main motivation and reasoning behind visiting this site is because of the stone marble lions guarding the land. Noah and I thought it would be so cool and it reminded us of the giant stone lions at Trafalgar square in London. These have a samurai battle feel to them. The Chinese belief behind these lions is that they represent authority and power as main guardians to the gardens.The other really cool part of the park is the main tower and pavillion. It hosts local art and gardening techniques that have been around for centuries. Mary Beth and Kristen were particularly exc
ited about seeing a pruning demonstration. Mark joked that they could go home with that information and start up their own Chinese gardening business in the States.The intense eye to detail is one of the essential rules to the arrangement of the gardens. All aspects must be balanced in height and size according to Fengshui. Noah was really getting into it, imitating the old man groomer of the bushes balancing on one foot to lean over. The full aspects of the garden are what brings it together through the plants, rocks, and winding stream.
We walked over from the hotel, it was about a 15 minute walk and all bought rice bowls from a local vendor on the street.
Mary Beth, Alex and Kristen bought chicken with rice and vegetables.
Noah bought duck and rice.
And Mark bought one with steak.
Total cost of rice bowls: 1057.32 New Taiwan Dollars (TWD) = 35 USD
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