It wasn't the cost as it is fairly reasonable, and it wasn't the weather as it was a gorgeous day. We just didn't feel like that would be the best use of our remaining time. It is a must-do for lots of tourists but we just were not excited by the prospect of getting a view from a very tall building.
Our handy Metro line showed a Brown Line which we'd not been on. It also showed the Taiwan Zoo at one end. Since it was a lovely 26°C and sunny, visiting a zoo sounded like a pleasant idea.
It did turn out being a nice way to spend a whole morning! The Taipei Zoo is in an absolutely lovely place for a zoo. It seemed on par with the San Diego Zoo in California but this had an entrance fee of less than $US 2. I like this city as it rolls right into the mountains at many of its edges.
The zoo is quite a hike as it encompasses a very large land area. We spent more than two and a half hours walking up to the highest section of the zoo. There is a nearby gondola ride which we had ignored. After probably 6 kilometers our feet were tired. We decided to take a 'train ride' back to the entrance even though we each had to pay the equivalent of a US quarter.
We ate lunch at the intersection of the Brown and Blue Lines. We'd not been in the area, but easily found a row of local restaurants. Noodles and rice, please. I have lived in Vancouver for over 22 years; I should have excellent chopstick skills. I'd starve if I had to eat with a pair. I might be able to use just one to stab a chicken nugget, but that's the extent of my prowess.
After dark, we went back out to see the lights of Ximending. Interestingly, there's a gaybourhood area near the historic Ximen Red House.
Oh my God, it's time to pack up tonight! We have to head to the airport for tomorrow's flight to Bali at 7 o'clock in the morning!