Mar 14th-Keelung, Taiwan

The moment we sailed into Keelung, the largest and most important port in Taiwan, and saw the female Budda presiding on the looming hillside, I knew we weren't in Kansas anymore! Our first night, spent in the "Night Markets" was sense-sational.

The night markets within walking distance of our ship, blossom between 8-midnight. It's the place to meet and eat if you're a local. Fresh seafood in abundance, cooked "your way" in front of your eyes on a grill, or boiled in your favorite pork, crab or chicken soup with bean threads and such...sticky rice with mushrooms and grilled corn on the cob...dumplings and pork bao(steamed buns with sweet & sour pork inside) galore and even peanut flavored shave ice(G's fav). Taiwan night narkets are also known for their spring rolls so tasty with lots of smoothe and crunchy stuff inside (i haven't a clue what they really were, but most looked well cooked) and together provided a symphony to the taste buds...we haven't gotten sick!