The first stop after arriving in Taoyuan was a western themed restaurant called Bangles. I completely forgot I was in still in Asia after placing my order to the staff in perfect English, without waving my arms around and looking like an idiot. The burgers were great, too.
Jake dragged me to a club that night called Search. Apparently Search can be used as a verb and adjective as well as a noun. "Are you Searching tonight?" "Sorry I'm so Searched," were common phrases I learned from Jake and his crew. 
Jake and his Zoolander phone.
After parting ways with Jake and Hum, I got my first taste of Taiwanese food. The pork hot pot hit the spot.
I hopped on the train and made my way down to Hualien, a city near Taroko Gorge, which you will see pictures of later. The menu at this restaurant was completely in Chinese, so I had to pull the waitress outside and point to a picture of this dish. I think it was sweet and sour chicken. The thing in the cup was sort of like a chicken pot pie, but the bread was really flaky. Delicious
Here is the entrance to Taroko, a national park on the east coast of Taiwan.
Taroko Gorge is the main attraction at the park. The narrow valley that cuts through the park is very scenic and there are many tunnels carved through the mountains. 
It's kind of hard to see, but the lady in the picture has feet for hands, probably from smoking. Even the devil on the left doesn't approve.
Can you see the bridge in the middle?
Back in Hualien I feasted on a pork cutlet, similar to Dongkass. I don't know what the light brown, rogue piece at the top was, and I don't think I want to know.
The western food was so good I became depressed. I can't find a decent milkshake easily in Korea. Hum recommended the oreo shake and I may have to commute to Taiwan on the weekends for it.
My first stop in Taipei was the National Palace. You will find similar entrances all around the city.
The entrance to the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial.
There he is! Unfortunately there was construction going on at the time, and this was the best shot I could get.
The Presidential Palace
Peace Park
There were cool little alleys all over the city. As far as I could judge, the restaurants served mostly fried meats, noodles, and dumplings. 
This woman whipped me up a nice little sandwich. Kebab-style chicken in between some bread and special sauce. What a genius!
These men gathered around and played some type of board game for money. 
Longshan Temple
I don't understand what these animatronic puppets were doing at the temple. I don't think they are found here year round, probably for a holiday of some sort.
Is the circus in town?
Taipei 101, the 2nd tallest building in the world.
This is called the "damper baby." It stabilizes the tower during strong winds.
The elevator shot up from the 5th floor to the 89th floor in 37 seconds.
Night shot.
Friendship at its best. Hum, me, and Jake.
