Post #3: Kenting, Taipei, and other happenings

It's really weird to think that this trip is half way over.  The last two weeks have been pretty hectic.  We're tested about 3-4 days per week and have been really busy over the weekends.  We went to Kenting two weeks ago.  Kenting is the "surfer's paradise" of Taiwan, a little town that has five to ten epic breaks.  Two of my buddies, Bart and Josh, and I decided to stay a few more days to catch some rays and check out the whole scene.  We were really impressed by Kenting's beauty and night market.  Overall, it was an awesome experience.

This past weekend a group of about twelve of us went to Taipei, Taiwan's capital city.  I didn't expect it to be so developed and full of so many foreigners.  We met a bunch of Americans, Europeans, and South Pacific islanders.  We had three crazy nights and four long days.  We didn't get much rest but definitely saw most of the city.  

This weekend my friend Taylor and I are heading to Hong Kong.  We'll be there for four nights.  I will post about it when I get back.  Until then, enjoy some pictures from my recent travels.

Brendan

This picture gives justice to Kenting's nick name of "Tawaii."  Surprisingly, the air and water is actually warmer year-round than Hawaii.   

View from our hostel  

Our buddy and hostel owner, Archie.  Another funny name of the friendly Taiwanese.  He's a huge surfer and really liked showing us around.  

Chang Kai Shek Memorial

A nice view from Dansui, a little town outside of Tapei

Taipei 101, the second tallest building in the world

A gazebo inside the mall.  Their malls are the most extravagant pieces of work I've ever come across.  They're much more advanced, detailed, and high-end than most of what we know in the US.

We had to do it, a shot of snake blood that is.  Notice our pickled friends in the background.  

My new buddy, Sylvester, and I

It's important to stop and appreciate the little things that get lost in translation sometimes.  Note the name of their sale.

We had no idea what this was but honestly came across it 3-5 times.  Maybe a clothing store?  Regardless, I'm not sure if I should be creeped out or what.