Takaosan Hiking with Kids

I volunteered to chaperone a group of about 10 kiddies, ranging from 5-8 years of age, for a day trip to Takaosan in northern Tokyo.

This is the best hiking course for a lazy person like Waru, because you can avoid the steepest uphill hikes by taking the funicular. Hehehe.

But there is still some work out involved from the funicular station, which is about 200m below the summit. Obviously not too strenuous, especially considering that the little kids in tow didn't peep a single complaint.

At the summit, we were rewarded with some basic food stalls. Yaaaay! Had noodles and amazake. More interesting than the scenery, given that the fall foliage hasn't really started yet. Plus, this is still Tokyo…and we're only 600m up. Can't expect too much in terms of breathtaking scenery. No Mt. Fuji sightings either since the day was cloudy. Boooooooo.

I don't know which route we took, but the walk down was quite nice, with some temples on the way.
Yes, we walked the entire way down. Good exercise…although I must say that I probably consumed more calories than I burned during the hike.
(I ended the trip with a soft serve ice cream at the base…)

Waru needs to go on a diet!!!

Taipei Food

I was just in Taipei last weekend for a wedding reception. Same couple that had the ceremony in Italy a few months ago.

I don't really understand the need to have 2 separate wedding events for one marriage. Seems a bit excessive. But that's just my thought.

Anyways, since it was my umpteenth time in Taipei, there was no need to see the sights. Food was more important. MUCH MORE!

My favorites:
Din Tai FungNot much of a novelty to their dumplings since they've expanded a lot. I haven't been to the one in Tokyo (due to overpricing and an infinite selection of yummy food options there), but often go to the one in LA whenever I'm there. Always order the same stuff - juicy crab/pork dumplings, chicken noodle soup, pork chop with rice, and veggies. So it was nice to taste some of the other dumplings they offered. Some not even on the LA menu. Love the taro dumpling for dessert; can eat the whole order.

Tofu dessert (豆花)
Usually found in tiny food stalls. I can eat an endless supply of this!!!Note - the entire 4 orders isn't mine!!!
I've always loved豆花, with the addiction having started in NYC Chinatown. They have the tofu and syrup, but no toppings like in Taipei. Which makes it all the more yummier! Chewy taro, barley, rice cakes, etc. Mmmmmmmmmmmm…. Personally prefer it served warm.

Beef Jerky

Aside from attending the reception, my friend had one task in mind while in Taipei - buy a specific brand of beef jerky. I followed. This place was sooooo popular that we had to wait in line to get our hands on them!

Unlike the thick, juicy, sticky beef jerky that's normally available, the ones here were light, thin, and crispy. I'm hitting myself right now for not remembering the name of the store…I'll probably never be able to taste it again : (

Beef Noodle

Spicy. YUM. Extra cartilage or not. I prefer the later - didn't really like the texture of chewing on soft cartilage. Meat better.

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Taiwan has a lot of interesting, unique food. Thought I'd end this entry with this one:

Yup. Duck tongue. I didn't dare try, but my friend bought a whole bag. Apparently, it comes with a tasty, crunchy throat section. Hmmmmmmm