Taipei, Day 5 - Xiao Long Bao + More Art

After our art high the day before at the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, we decided to museum it again on our fifth day by visiting MOCA Taipei.  In the morning, after coffee and breakfast, we walked to the local elementary school to see if we could let the boys observe one of their classes.  Due to a lack of communication, either because of our limited Mandarin skills or because the school just wasn't amenable, we were only allowed to watch the classes participate in a special class where they practiced what I call the Chinese yo-yo.  Not what we had in mind.  The school itself was set on a hill and had a gorgeous view of the opposite mountain range.

From there we cabbed it to Sogo for our much anticipated brunch at the world famous Ding Tai Fung. I'm not exaggerating when I say "world famous" so if you don't know, you know now and get thee to one.  With full bellies we headed to MOCA. Again, if you've never been (as I had not) it's a must see. The space is small but well-utilized.  We had as much fun looking at the art installations (both inside and out) as we did viewing the film showing the behind the scenes of the artist's creative process. The area around MOCA is reportedly chock full of boutiques and design shops but the kids weren't in the mood to explore any further.  So I made a mental note to go back the next time we're in Taipei.  By the way, the gift shop at MOCA is abysmal so no souvenirs for us.  We spent the rest of the evening hanging around our apartment and neighborhood.