Tamsui

Just like Beitou, easily accesible from Taipei, the end station of the Tamsui metro line, and only a few stops from Beitou. From I heard, Tamsui is very suitable for enjoying the sunset. But for me, it doesn't attract me so much. It is a town situated at the estuary of Tamsui river. It is very commune for people to rent a bike and cycle along the well paved cycling path along the river to the Fisherman's Wharf. But my mom and I didn't do so, we just had a walk around old street area. 

Before visiting Taiwan, I had heard that taiwanese tv is packed with food shows. I think it is quite true.
Here already another tv show introducing food in the making.

Street performance is still not very common in Asia comparing to Europe.

There are many shops selling stuffs from 20 to 30 years ago, nostalgic stuffs.
This is what I like the most about Tamsui.

Another nostalgia. This is one of many games that only exist in funfairs in Malaysia in the past.

Tamsui metro station 

Tamsui old street has quite unique feeling.

Another shop selling nostalgia

one huge ass ice cream

some random alley, and good for taking beautiful photos

This is the museum in the old street where one can see some weird stuff, just like a Believe It Or Not museum.
It is not free and we judged it not worthy, so we didn't go in.

Ah Ge, one of the famous food in Tamsui.

Tamsui old street is unique like i said but not really that old.
Probably I am so used to European buildings already. 

Beitou and hot spring

If you stay in Taipei, Beitou is totally worth a half-day trip. Easily accessible by metro, passengers must Beitou station and change to another train to Xin Beitou station. From there, every touristic spots are within walking distance.

decorations in Beitou station 

the train to Xin Beitou station, even the deco is inspired by local hot spring culture

the train to Xin Beitou station

Xin Beitou station

believe it or not but this a library, Beitou library 

if there is a library as such nearby where I stay, I would visit it everyday

There are many hot springs, both indoor and outdoor, but they are either too hot and not suitable for bathing,
or require an entrance fee. Outdoor hot springs are cheaper but swimming suit is necessary.

Some random but not ordinary waterfall in Beitou, the water comes out from hot spring, so it is warm.
In Beitou, even the water in the drains is warm.

 hot spring with very high temperature

in the hot spring museum introducing the hot spring culture in the past

 an ancient bathtub

an ancient hot spring communal pool

in the indigenous culture museum, nothing interesting to visit