[여행] 淡水 단수이

타이페이 노을의 진수

So what could have been easy breezy day inside home turned into a half-day Taipei tour.
And here comes the third one of the day.

By the time I finished with Shilin Residence, it was around 6pm. Think the day was perfect for the most beautiful sunset spot in Taipei area - Tamsui - at the northwestern tip of the city. I even thought about taking a bike ride there but soon realized I won't make it there by the time of the sunset.
What other choice do I have than cheap and convenient MRT?

Personally, I like Tamsui station because it appeals its local style using red bricks (remember one of the hotspots here is 紅毛城 Fort Santo Domingo <see below> built by Spaniards in the 17th century.) 
I don't know whether the architect had this attraction in mind when designing the station but I think it has the resemblance.

Source: Google image

Isn't it too fantastic a view to have only after one minute walk out of the station?
The view of Tamsui River and Guanyin mountain (觀音山).

Sun is already setting.
Sun glow is ethereal with puffy clouds and light blue sky on the background.

Some made it here by bike. (which I want to do it myself some day)

Seems like a big playground in your neighborhood, making me recall my childhood days. 
When in elementary living in a countryside of Korea, I used to play all day hanging out with other kids outside until the sun set and it was time for dinner.
That doesn't happen anymore like back in the old days but the moment gave me that reminiscence and nostalgia.

To the direction of Taipei city. 
Some buildings in Shilin and Beitou area are in sight.
Everywhere is blue today - sky & river.

Guanyin mountain.
The ancient fengshui 風水 says Yangming mountain is like a lion and Guanyin mountain is like an elephant at the gate to Taipei. In the past visits, I didn't realize the presence of this mountain (probably because of less clear weather) but this time, got to appreciate it so much that I decided to visit here soon! (which, by the way, I did last weekends! I will write about it soon too!)

Panoramic view of the point where the river goes into sea.

I love the cities where mountain and water beautifully cohabit.
Like Seoul, Hong Kong, Kobe... and here.

Who wouldn't want to have a walk and picnic outside on a day like this?

To show my utmost gratitude to the weather, I decided to donate(?) my time gazing the color of nature.

Didn't mean to take that lady but let's call it "a human being mother and the mother nature"
(I waited her to be seated but she was taking her time taking photos for her daughters on the bench)

Felt like I could spend the whole day here daydreaming, reading and sleeping.
That's how good it was.

Now the showtime starts!

It's sky, by the way.

Please enjoy the pretty sunset view!

My selfie here got photobomed(?) by a lady with cool hair.lol

Sunset was beautiful but that orange to purple color sky after the sun disappears into horizon shouldn't be missed out, either!

Wish I could come with a partner...orz (That's how romantic the place was that moment under this weather!)
But it was worthwhile regardless.
Wanted to stay for a little longer but had a dinner appointment to catch in the downtown so gotta get going~!

How peaceful a Sunday is this?
A guy doing a puppet show near the station.
Funny thing was here, the background music was also K-pop. Guess K-pop is welcomed whenever songs with some hype are in demand. (Please see here[English] here[Korean] for my thoughts on why K-pop, esp. idol culture, has dominated Taiwan.)

Then, for dinner, I visited an Italian restaurant in Zhongxiao Fuxing 忠孝復興 called Japoli.
I guess it's a cheesy naming combining "Japan" with "Napoli" lol

JAPOLI義式餐廳

106 대만 Taipei City, Da’an District, Lane 49, Section 4, Zhongxiao E Rd, 2號B1

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It's in the right alley to Sogo department store (that's not green).
The entrance to the restaurant in the basement.

There is a Japanese owner of the restaurant.
Even though it is an Italian restaurant, the place has Japanese ambience. For example, employees chanting like the order or welcome like irrashaimase(いらっしゃいませ)~ I guess it's one of the factors that give the place a positive and dynamic vibe which eventually leads to the customers getting energy and ultimately to the success of the store.
Think it's a great culture and one of Japan's clever commercial tactic.

Anyway, there's a mini bar.

Interior is okay. Foods are delicious.

What a cool glass! Makes the drink extra refreshing!

It was a fusion pasta and had a bit of Taiwanese local aroma.
Chicken was really soft~!
But next time, I think I'll stick to original tomato~! lol

Those who love Italian with a Taiwanese twist (orchestrated by a Japanese) can definitely try it out!