Greg found fast friends in the Seoul Pickleball community. This dedicated court was opened 4 days before our arrival by an enterprising young woman. A beautiful court embraced by enthusiastic players. So fun.

We found these interesting public art pieces on the way to the pickleball courts.

We have 5 days to explore Seoul- thank goodness Deborah Dalton shared her trip notes with us! We landed in our hotel & Greg found a pickleball game which gave me time to explore the fascinating shops & restaurants around our hotel in the Insadong neighborhood. We could not have had a better location. Small shops & cafes in tiny twisting alleys. We did not have enough time to try all of the cafes…tho we did try! And we were close to the museums, shrines, and city hustle. Fun!

This painted doorway was found in one of our neighborhood alleys

When one travels to Taiwan – a last minute decision, as we were so close in Japan- it is a gift to have a friend’s son- who lives there – give us insider hints on the best things to experience. We had a fabulous time exploring the big sites as well as hidden treasures. Yingge was a glimpse into life outside of Taipei. We found a few neighborhoods with fun street food ( Dongmen), a few fun night markets, and just great walks – Elephant Mtn & along the river.

Toroko Gorge was on our list to experience & was hit hard by an earthquake -1 week before our arrival. Kudos to the Taiwanese to hit their stride after Mother Nature’s setback.

Taiwan is fun & vibrant & we look forward to returning.

Greg met amazing pickleball buddies in Taipei. So grateful for their friendship.

Pickleball friends

River walkway.

Our friends Lora & David’s son lives in Taipei snd has provided invaluable suggestions for fun places to visit in Taiwan. Unfortunately Taroko Canyon was on our wish list and the earthquake changed those plans. So tragic.

A suggestion is to take the local train from Taipei to a smallish town where ceramics are mastered. The train ride – either locals – fun. And the community was very low key & interesting. Interesting g street art using ‘found’ objects. An interesting ceramic museum. And interesting main streets. Fun Sunday morning. A departure from Taipei hustle.

As Japan, Taiwan & Korea are so densely populated- citizens are out & about. Especially in public places. Teen Dance groups practicing, tai-chi groups, musicians. It is great to see.

Taipei is easy to explore/ subways & buses great. And we started with a guided tour of the Palace Museum. Artifacts, jade, history. Interesting stories of moving treasures to Taiwan.

Next it was the Chiang Kai Shek square & changing of guards. All very impactful.