week 68_the Oklahomans in Taipei_DAY 1

Now that I have been in Taiwan for well over a year, my Mom & Sister have finally come to Taipei for a visit! This week has been a whirlwind of sightseeing with feasting and shopping sandwiched in-between. Beginning with the 1st day of the new year (2012) and every day since, Jason and I have been touring them around Taipei and beyond, showing them all the best places!

Honestly there has been so much going on that I think I will mostly tell the story of their visit through pictures... It has been a blast, and I can't believe our 10 day visit is over already! :) Fortunately we put our time to good use and saw many awesome things/had some great experiences during their visit!

DAY 1 of the OKLAHOMANS in TAIPEI

The Jianguo Holiday Flower Market
Lots of flowers, plants, seeds, trees, and beautiful things for sale!
Mom liked the orchids.

Browsing jewelry at the Jianguo Holiday Jade Market (next door to flower market)
Too bad we have no idea how to tell the good from the bad here ~~~ we're amateurs :)

But Mom & I still managed to purchase a few affordable bracelets.

And Chrissie purchased a pig for good fortune! [Designed to place a coin in his mouth] 

After touring the day markets, we headed to Longshan Temple for some traditional architecture and people watching.

Lastly, we walked through 

the Snake Alley Night Market adjacent to 

Longshan Temple, 

before heading home to give our feet a rest!

It was a great start, and a successful first day in the city!