Taiwan, Land of Scooters

Scooters line this Taipei street

My nephew Daniel recently took his family on vacation to Taiwan.  He labeled the above photo, "Taiwan, land of Scooters."

That cracked me up.

However, I can see that it's true!

Scooters are a convenient way to get around crowded city streets

It's not all scooters on the streets of Taiwan, however.  

This (below) looks like many of our own downtown areas.

 Street vendors provide some tasty "street food".

Here in the Los Angeles area, we have food vending trucks.  Not much different, actually!

Another shot of suburban Taipei

Taking the stairs to the subway

The Taipei subway system

Daniel has remarked how much nicer - and cleaner - the Taipei subway system is compared to many in our own country.

Boarding the train with the family is quite an expedition

Going on a day trip out of Taipei involves some preparation when you have little kids!  The family took a trip to Tamsui, which is a smaller city to the north or Taipei.

Tamsui was an important shipping port and center of commerce in the 19th century and has many historical attractions.  According to Wikipedia, Tamsui is accessed from Taipei by taking the rapid transit line to its northern end.  It's only a 40 minute trip from the main Taipei station.

Daniel and his wife Holly on Valentine's bridge

Valentine's Bridge, also known as "Lover's Bridge", is located at Fisherman's Wharf in the port city of Tamsui. It's a single slanted tower cable pedestrian bridge, modeled after a sailing ship's mast and rigging, which spans the harbor.

Both the bridge, and the view, look pretty spectacular!

View from the bridge

Sightseeing boats crisscrossing Taiwan's northeast coast leave from Fisherman's Wharf.

I understand that the bridge is illuminated beautifully at night, with lights that change colors, making it a popular destination for local couples... and romantics!

Many Taiwanese TV drama serials are shot in this beautiful area.

The bridge

Hoped you enjoyed this mini vacation!