Welcome to Taoyuan -

[kyburg]

It's chilly and very wet. Not what I was expected - or packed for, but doubling up on the shirts is doing what is needful.

Now, if I could figure out how to sleep and stop shaking in my shoes. If there was anything that would give me a clue what Xander is facing leaving this culture and coming into mine, there isn't one I can think of. The bedding is familiar - they use duvets over fitted sheets here as well, that's exactly what he's got waiting at home.

Breakfast at the hotel here simply mind blowing. All included, and everything from congee to bacon and eggs. The coffee and bread reminds me of Switzerland. (caitlin, are the preserved eggs something I should attempt without a net? They put it with tofu as a breakfast food - thought it was mushroom before I read the description.)

We'll be back at this hotel Monday night for the last three nights - and it looks like this is a keeper.

And now, I go in search of a SIM for the loaner phone - Skype me if you need me.

Comments

[odiedragon.livejournal.com]

Glad you guys got there safe! Keep us in the loop, if you can :)

[caitlin.livejournal.com]

I like the thousand year old eggs with tofu, but that's me. I prefer the whites to the yolks but, again, personal taste.

Try a little bit of it. If you don't like it, don't go any further. Usually it's tofu, green onion, soy sauce, and the eggs.

As for Taoyuan... that's where my father's side of the family lived last I remember... Interesting.

[jrittenhouse.livejournal.com]

Thousand year eggs are horribly salty, over and above anything else. I tried some in congee going over on China Southern, and I LIKE salty stuff, and I couldn't deal with it.

[jrittenhouse.livejournal.com]

Oh, yeah - I think Chinese breakfasts are wonderful, so long as you make up your mind as to whether or not you can deal with congee. I've never run into any that did much for me, personally.

Mere, on the other hand, adored chicken congee. And I hate most Western ideas of breakfast food.

[sogetsu2.livejournal.com]

I am a HUGE fan of the egg. Try some! :D

[caitlin.livejournal.com]

They are not horribly salty.

I think it depends on the amount of soy sauce dumped on it.

[galewolf.livejournal.com]

If it's salty, have it with the congee!

[kyburg.livejournal.com]

I think I only saw whites - about a quarter of an egg per serving. Will give it a go next time.

Taoyuan is very VERY Chinese. Very densely populated, old and rusty. Charming...but what's that smell? That's Taoyuan, in a nutshell.

Finding one person would be akin to that needle thing. But I can't believe your Dad could be an asshole...and still live here. I've met more unfriendly people in Alhambra and Arcadia, you want me to be honest about it. But if I wanted to find good people...I think I'd be here too. Dichotomy R This. Seriously.

[kyburg.livejournal.com]

This was straight up rice, with everything to be added. Saw some people eating it, though. I've tried it before - it's not my cup of tea.

Now, the cookies I just tried out? OH BABY. Butter shortbread with tea leaves baked in. HEAVEN.

[kyburg.livejournal.com]

I think I shall!

[kyburg.livejournal.com]

With tofu? The presentation is just as you said. I might dig it. Will give it a go, I think - at least once.

[kyburg.livejournal.com]

Will do!

[jrittenhouse.livejournal.com]

By all means.

[jrittenhouse.livejournal.com]

Straight up rice congee is about as tasty (to me) as eating library paste. Bland and utterly unappetizing texture.

Chinese seem to be big on cookies of all sorts. If you're prepared for salted plums, go ahead.