Visiting four prominent libraries in Taipei was of course the main focus of this 4-day trip, but sightseeing, shopping and trying different cuisine were equally important to this group of 28 librarians who had to relieve their stress either from work or family.

We were very delighted to be invited to lunches by the Library of the National Taiwan University and the National Central Library and to dinner by one of our journal vendors.  We thank them for their enthusiastic reception and hospitality.

As tourists, we visited the must-see places like National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院), Martyrs' Shrine (忠烈祠), Grand Hotel (圓山大飯店), Chiu Fen (九份) and a pearl cultivation factory (珍珠養殖場).

Since Taipei is famous for its variety of food and its exquisite cuisine, we had arranged dinners at two relatively extravagant restaurants.  We, the organizers, let out a sigh of relief when we saw happy faces after the meals.

It seems that our group members were born librarians: we have done comprehensive research on  where to dine and where to shop.  Even though breakfast was provided by the hotel, we still preferred to venture out and look for Taipei's famous soya milk and dumplings.  On the last day of our trip, the majority of us went to Ting Tai Feng (鼎泰豐) and lined up for 30 minutes before it opened for business.  (I don't recall having done this kind of thing in Hong Kong!)  All we had in mind was their world famous dumplings.  They were ever so good and even their other choices were excellent.  Most of us think it is worth the wait.

Touring around the night markets is a must too.  We visited West Gate (西門町夜市), Shih Lin Night Market (士林夜市) and Jao Ho Street Night Market (饒河街夜市) .  Sampling different kinds of snacks and shopping or window shopping at these "zones for the young" were great fun for the first-timers.  Personally, I enjoyed the coffee most.  The quality is great no matter which coffee house you go.  Actually coffee houses and tea houses are just everywhere in Taipei and their prices are very reasonable.

Having been to these "grass-root" areas, we called for a change.  So we went to a fairly expensive shopping area: Tien Mu (天毌).  I am glad that we went there because it offered a big contrast to the noisy and crowded night markets.  Since our hotel was situated in a very convenient location well connected by the mass rapid transit system and taxis, some of us could visit family members or friends or hang out till the small hours.

On the last day, every group member was reimbursed some Taiwan and Hong Kong dollars because there was a surplus.  I guess most of these Taiwan dollars had been spent to boost the the economy a bit.

At the end of the trip, our luggage obviously grew fat and bulgy.  Extra bags were also carried onto the airplane.  I overheard that our members bought various kinds of souvenirs, food, pearl powder, books, CDs/DVDs, toys, clothes, and you name it.

For those who have joined this trip, I hope it has lived up to your expectations.   Those who enjoyed this trip and those who missed it, please feel free to email your suggestions for our next out-of-town trip to hkla@hkla.org.
 

Reported by Brenda Yi
Programme Co-ordinator