101 galore and english homework

Taipei's biggest (pun intended) sight, landmark and claim to fame -all in one- is the Taipei 101. With the height of 509,2 meters (including antenna), it is still the world's tallest building. Toronto's CN Tower is taller, but it is not officially a building (it is a tower); Dubai's Burj Dubai is also taller, it is a building, but it is not yet completed, hence doesn't deserve the "building" title yet. Therefore, we citizens of Taipei can still proudly look up this magnificent structure, at least until September 2009, when the Burj Dubai is due for completion. Who knows, maybe it will fall before that happens.

During my first trip to Taiwan 2 years ago, the very first thing I did (after landing at the airport and checking in the hotel) was go up the 101. This time around, I am not a tourist in Taiwan, but rather an alien, so I've been staying away from the building so far, and very slowly, and carefully, getting closer and closer. There is a mountain (more like a hill), called 象山, or the Elephant mountain, just minutes away from the 101. This is the perfect place for a walk, 101 admiration and photo-taking. In fact, it somewhat makes sense to go here rather than up the 101. Other than Taipei 101, there are no really tall buildings in this city. It makes sense, as Taiwan is quite prone to earthquakes, which probably makes the construction a whole lot difficult. Therefore, when you actually go up the 101, the view is rather monotonous, as everything else is tiny and flat compared to the building. No problem with that at the Elephant mountain.

Pictures follow. 101, over and over and over again.

Is this why they call it the Elephant mountain?

Just a few minutes walk from the busy Taipei streets

Almost hard to believe that.

Taipei again. Where did 101 go?

The locals come here to relax, and excercise. Here's an outdoor gym..

These things are often found in outdoor areas of Taipei. You put some paper in, and make a stamp. The stamp is different for each location. Good to make a collection.

I'm definitely going back there at night, must be a great place to watch the city lights.

Now, about the English homework. I was walking home from the gym, when I girl approached me. She explained that she is a freshman here at Zhengda, and their homework for an English class is to befriend a native English speaker. She asked me to fill out a form "What was your first impression of Sherry? What did you talk about?". The fact that I am not a native English speaker didn't bother her. The fair hair is enough. The girl also asked for my msn "for further purposes". I wonder what will the students be asked to do with their new "native friends" next time.