Taichung museums

11/17 Wednesday

Our main stop for the day was a museum of science and nature, so after a substantial breakfast in the buffet, we drove there to spend the day. We watched a planetarium show and a 3D movie that was scary. We didn't need lunch. Garrett spent some time in an exhibit of minerals.

Ryan and Susan at breakfast

In the afternoon we visited the conservatory and plant areas of the museum. I think everyone, including Ryan, had a good time walking in the gardens.

Funny tree

Big fish in conservatory

Tree in tropical exhibit

We had dim sum with Mae and Alan from Ylan. They came a long way to spend the evening with us. They drove from the east side of the island through the tunnel to Taipei, then took the high-speed train (about a 4 hour trip each way).

11/18 Thursday

After another wonderful breakfast we went to the Museum of Fine Arts for the day. There was a great exhibit on Hans Christian Anderson with some of his stories told and hands-on activities. We went to an art exhibit, but Ryan and Susan were noisy and tired of being inside.

HCA's Traveling Trunk story

Susan dancing with ballerinas

There was a children's library area in the basement with books in Chinese and English and a story area. A group of junior high kids were watching a film and then running around. There was a multilevel space with low shelves and bright paint. Ryan and Susan climbed all over it. Another area had puffy hexagon tiles fitted together like a rug. The third had steps for listening to stories or watching films. As we were leaving the kids who were there gathered to do an art project. I spent most of my time reading some new HCA books with wonderful illustrations.

Statue on grounds

Poetry wall with varied calligraphy

We hadn't been hungry for lunch, but we went to the hotel buffet for what Silvia called tea. I called it a main meal.

Susan and I made some plaster magnets from a kit and left them to dry while we went out for a walk and to the Sogo store. Later we painted some of them. We also went to a night market.