We wake up around 10AM.  The bed we slept on is short and lumpy.  Kevin's limbs were hanging off the bed and he was not comfortable at all.  My grandfather comes in from his job and goes to lie down for a nap.  We get ready and head for the train that will take us into Taipei Main Station.

From Taipei Main Station we decide to take walk around from there.  First we went into some department stores.  It is still early but there are already lots of people on the streets.  People are giving away packets of tissue paper (there are people giving away packets of tissue paper everywhere you go in Taiwan because it is cheap to advertise on tissue packages and people will actually take the packages rather than flyers).  We went to a Starbucks for coffee, an American habit, and to figure out where we are going.  The walk to the Chiang Kai Shek (learn more about CKS by clicking on the hyperlink) Cultural Center is approximately fifteen minutes so we decide to walk over.  The area around Taipei Main Station is full of things to see and do.  There are lots of shops.  There is a very small mall (don't remember what it's called but it is across from Starbucks) where they sell electronic and computer hard and software.  Kevin is very excited and wants to stay there but our agenda is planned so we move one.  Additionally, the major political parties and offices are all around the immediate area.

Along the way to CKS Cultural Center we pass through the 228  Museum.  Behind the Museum is the 228 Park.  This is Kevin in front of 228 (AKA New Park & Peace) Museum.  Here is a picture from the Taiwan Government site.  The Peace Museum was created to remember the days when Taiwan was under Japan imperialism.  It gained independence from Japan in February 28th of ? year...We will research what year Taiwan gain its independence and update.  On the other side of the museum is the Presidential Palace.

Once we are inside the park, we can see pavilions, gazebos, stone bridges, and pagodas.  This is Kevin in front of one pagoda.  Underneath the bridge is a pond full of fishes.

After walking for about another half an hour, we reach the Chian Kai Shek Cultural Center.  On one side of the CKS Memorial is the National Theater, the other side is the Concert Hall.  Walking up the steps of the CKS Memorial to see the first president of Taiwan is a very solemn moment.  The hall is guarded by two soldiers.  They walk back and forth between the grand statue.  There is a sign that says "Be Quiet" in Chinese.

(picture courtesy of Taiwan Tour Information site)

Unfortunately, the weather isn't cooperating because it is cloudy, as you can see from the pictures, and looks like rain is on its way.  Luckily it isn't cold at all.  The temperature is about 78 degrees and humid.  So we are planning to head over to the History Museum but it seems like we will have to stay put in the CKS Memorial Park for a while since it is starting to rain.  We seek shelter by the Concert Hall.  There are a bunch of Junior High School students practicing dance steps, musical instruments and throwing batons around.  We finally figured out that there is a school fair being held on the grounds of the Cultural Center today.  Despite the awful and cloudy weather, the children are practicing hard and getting ready to put on some type of performance. 

We also realize that this week is spring break for schools in Taiwan so there are various cultural events and many children out and about the city.  The city is bustling with people.  Additionally, it is also the week to pay respects to ancestors so many companies are also off.

Our day ended with us at Shih Ling again.  Since Shih Ling sells so many things, from books, nick knacks, food, clothing, to video tapes, jewelry and anything you can think of, so we decide to look around Shih Ling some more to see if we can find some souvenirs to bring back to the States. 

After we went to Shih Ling we got a call from my dad (did I mention that he gave me a cell phone to use during our stay so he can keep track of where we were all the time?  That's my dad for ya!) to go to san yi's house since that's where he and my mom will be.  They picked up my brother and sister from the airport and will be meeting up with us at san yi's house.

We get to san yi's house and find out that we will be going back to my grandfather's to pick up our stuff and moving to my uncle's house for the rest of our stay in Taiwan.  My uncle (shiao jio, my mom's youngest brother) lives fifteen minutes from Taipei Main Station.  It will be very easy for us to commute from his house to anywhere we want to go since the MRT is right in front of his house.  So shiao jio and shiao jio ma (his wife) picked us up at san yi's house, we all drive to yea yea's and pick up our stuff, while my parents take my brother and sister back to their house (which is right by the CKS international airport).  We get to shiao jio and shiao jio ma's house and they get one of their guest room ready for us.  They have a son who is about four or so.  He is very cute but shy at first.

This is Diana and dong dong (his nick name, don't ask what it means) at shiao jio's house.  Shiao jio's apartment is modern with all the modern amenities that Kevin is used to.  A real shower with a shower head, faucets, etc.  However, because of the way gas is distributed in Taiwan, they come in tanks and not in pipes underground, so we still have to turn the gas tank on in order to get hot water.  However, in shiao jio's house the gas tank is on the balcony and not outside the house so it is easier for us.
The bed is still not as big as our king size bed in our NYC apartment but hey, we'll live.  At least the bed is softer than the one in yea yea's house.  So we are finally settled in at shiao jio's and will be staying here for the remainder of our trip in Taiwan.