Walking at Chiang Kai- Shek Memorial

We like to go walking when we can to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial, because the grounds are very beautiful and interesting.  It is only a 5 minute walk from our apartment, and there always seem to be different activities taking place. This week colorful tents were set up before Chinese New Years.

Each tent was unusually large, and colorful tables and chairs were being set up in each tent. Upon asking what event was taking place, we were told that it was for 20,000 older poor Chinese people to be honored, and given gifts and food. The next morning we walked this same route and saw the elderly poor Chinese arriving and taking their seats with great excitement. One old man wanted to make sure that I saw his ticket to attend, and when he smiled at me he had no teeth. As he walked away I saw that he had no shoes.  It was sunny February day, but only in the 60's. We were told that each year Taipei honors the elderly poor.

Bob saw this disabled man on our walk, and asked if he could take his picture because he looked so healthy and fit. He understood English, was very proud of his physical fitness and so he wanted his picture taken.

There are 2 small ponds like this located on the Chiang Kai-Shek grounds with large gold and black fish. It is a beautiful place to walk, and one of the biggest tourist attractions in all of Taipei.

This is part of the outside fence and covered walking area surrounding the grounds. We like to walk here if it is raining. Bob took the picture with me in the distance to help show the long covered walk ways.

A young father putting roller blades on his two small sons. This is the first roller blades we have seen in Taipei, and we have not seen any skate boards.

Bob walking on smooth stones that have been placed side-wise in cement.  It is decorative; but it is for the purpose of massaging your feet.  Bob says it hurts!

Many of the trees are amazing here, because roots grow down from the trees limbs.