February 14: Valentine's Day in Taiwan

While it is only February the 13th in the United States, it is February the 14th here in Taiwan.  Happy Valentine’s Day.  Espy started us out with breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, fruit and coffee.  It was just the right amount of food since we are flying out today to Singapore. 

During breakfast, Doug gave me my Valentine’s Day cards which were beautiful. One was actually a pull out of an RV and the other one was very filled with emotions.  He also surprised me with a ruby and sapphire necklace which was very thoughtful of him.  Due to our travel plans, I never got a chance to purchase a card for Doug for Valentine’s Day, so I feel bad.  I know that he will forgive me.

Rashad and Espy insisted on riding with us to the airport and making sure that we were able to get through check-in.  We all said our goodbyes and bit them farewell.  We are both very glad that we were able to add this leg of our trip to our journey.  We thanked them for their gracious hospitality and for a wonderful (and relaxing for Patrise) stay in Taiwan.  We will never forget the places that we visited, the Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration at the memorial to Sun Yet-sen, the first president of Taiwan, or the Lion Dance.  We will also remember the meals we had the opportunity to enjoy, which we had at the several phenomenal restaurants we visited.

We got to the airport and cleared security with 2 hours to spare.  Once again, we took the time to rest and recoup in the VIP Lounge at the airport while we awaited our flight.  We both had some light refreshments from the food buffet, and the selections that we chose were delicious.  If you don’t eat Asian food, you do not need to travel to this part of the world.  The buffet had Indian curry, Japanese noodles and soups, and Chinese dumplings both savory and sweet.

We are headed to Singapore to our hotel where we will get a chance to enjoy celebratory Valentine’s Day Dinner and head to bed to prepare for the tours that begin tomorrow morning around 7:00 am.

(Good-bye to Rashad and Esperanza. Such wonderful hosts!)

(Last views of Taipei, Taiwan)

(First impressions of Singapore at night)