Monday, November 9
Xingtian Temple
After 36 hours of traveling, we arrived in Taipei at 5:30am this morning, a couple days before the formal tour begins. Today we had no agenda other than exploring around the hotel (in the Zhongshan District) and resting to begin shedding the jetlag.
Xianting Temple
A short walk from our hotel is this contemporary temple built in 1967. This very busy temple is devoted to Guan, a famous deified general who lived (A. D. 162-219) during the Three Kingdoms period. A man, who valued loyalty and righteousness above all things, Guangong is worshiped as the God of War; and since he was skilled at managing finances, he is also worshiped as the patron saint of businessmen.
The inside of the temple was a large open air courtyard. There were women praying at individual desks along one side. In the middle a long queue of people were waiting to receive divine guidance by consulting oracle blocks. Along the back of the courtyard behind doors and screens was the deity, and people were waiting their turn to pray before him. There was a respectful commotion in the space as people chatted and were on their phones sitting on benches around the edges and as they waited in line.
We enjoyed wandering the streets looking for a lunch spot…and then again for a place for dinner.
So, interestingly flavored chips are a thing here!
Local fastfood!
Our lunch spot:
Dinner:
I took a serious nap this afternoon / evening, so here’s hoping I’ll sleep tonight!
Tomorrow, we’re sightseeing on our own again.