Taipei Zoo Review

Like a lot of Zoos, Taipei Zoo is still a zoo, and I do not have high hopes for it.

Getting there is a little hassle as it is FAR FAR AWAY, but otherwise easily accessible via MRT.

If you are interested in visiting, I  must warn you. This Zoo is Huge, walking is ok, if you can walk 5km or so, because the exhibits are easily 500m apart.

 The zoo is pretty interesting, with lots of insects and a variety of animals.

 

I was there today, Panda exhibit is not open as Pandas are mating.

Check before you go if you want to see Pandas

Like most Zoos, the animals are far away, sleeping and really stinky. Well Animals poop openly, and you can smell poop from afar.

The design is rather pleasing, and walking around is not hard, except for the long distances. Most exhibits, you get to see Coyotes sleeping, Monkeys Sleeping, Turtles Sleeping... You get what I mean.

The one I recommend is the Insectarium. There are butterflies every, and they land on you!

I mean butterflies don't bite right? So they are everywhere! If you are squirmish, they will come to you.

The Penguins don't seem to sleep in the day, and they are the only animals that swam. Perhaps it because they have an Aircon Tank?

All other animals, like Horses, Giraffes, Camels, Zebras ... Yups -- STINK! Even the Bison. You see them from afar, and smell them from afar too.

 The Aviary is closed too, and there are some large birds in cages, and that is about it.

There are a lot of rare and random animals at this zoo. And expect it to be a zoo, smelling like poop, like all other zoos.

The entrance is only NT$60 and the food is not very overpriced  (Just Taipei Price)

Overall, the zoo is well maintained and staff rather knowledgeable. It is a zoo worth going if you like going to zoos.

But remember, there is a lot of walking, even if you pay NT$5 to take the tram, so wear comfortable shoes!

-- Robin Low

Travel Review - Dominican Republic - 5 Reasons to visit

Dominican Republic is a hidden Gem. Just a 5 hour flight from New York City, costing less than $400 return trip (Flown with Delta in Jan 2013)

Why visit Dominican Republic?

Let me give you 5 reasons.

1) Santo Domingo is oldest European city in the Americas. Much of the historic buildings are still around and they are very beautiful and interesting. Definitely worth visiting where Christopher Columbus landed... (Many of Santo Domingo's most notable landmarks are located within the Zona Colonial district of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. The Colonial Zone, bordered by the Río Ozama, also has an impressive collection of 16th century buildings, including palatial houses and majestic churches that reflect the architectural style of the late medieval period.)

2) Santiago is a very interesting city as well, with the Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration, a big building on top of a hill built to honor all the past. Construction of the monument began in 1944 on the orders of then-dictator Rafael Trujillo. He named it the "Trujillo's Monument to Peace", and was designed by architect Henry Gazón Bona. Trujillo was assassinated in 1961, after which the monument was renamed the "Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration", in remembrance of the Independence Restoration War of 1863, in which the Dominican Republic regained its independence from Spain.

 3) Beautiful Beaches. Popular - Punta Cana -- the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic. The area is best known for its beaches and balnearios, which face both the Caribbean and Atlantic, and it has been a popular tourist destination since the 1970s. The ocean waters are mainly shallows, with several natural marine pools in which visitors can bathe without any danger. Away from Tourists - Monte Cristi -- The northwest of the country, a sleepy town away from large cities with a unique sand dune and beautiful beaches. The beaches near the cliff face of the sand dune is pretty beyond description.

4) Great weather. 30 degrees in the day, 20 degrees at night... No snow.

5) Highlands to get away from it all. Waterfalls, Strawberry fields, Cherry Blossoms... Yep, its all there.

If you have not been to Santo Domingo, it is definitely worth a visit.

-- Robin Low