Flower Market and Jade Market

We are all so tired. Jet lag is an evil beast and doesn't get the credit it deserves. Last night at about 5pm I was done. I think I told Andy I was cold and was getting into bed to warm up. I woke up around 9 for a bite to eat. Then I slept and I woke up with no alarm at 5:37am. See? Miracles do happen!

We did laundry and took our time this morning. We walked about .75 of a mile to TGI Fridays and it was very interesting. The kids had a 5 course meal and their food arrived a little at a time. I had quesadillas which had the normal cheese and chicken...and cabbage in them. Andy had a burger and said it was good.

Then we headed to the weekend Flower Market and Jade Market. There is no way to describe how large they are. They are located under a highway overpass. And it goes as far as the eye can see.

Inside we saw every plant and tea and ware imaginable. 

Then we went across to the Jade Market side. 

We never reached the end of either Market. There were 6 or 7 aisles with tables on each side of Jade, Coral Gem Stone, and glass jewelry. 

You are expected to bargain and of course that was fun. We'd each enter a number on the calculator and hand it back and forth until we agreed on price. So fun! 

We bought a couple of Jade crosses and this was the girl putting them onto little cords to wear as necklaces. 

Once again it's a little after 5pm and we're exhausted. It's raining out and very humid so we're enjoying the a/c and the quiet. Tomorrow we'll hit the Night Market and the Handicraft Market. We'll probably head back to the food court at Taipei 101 too. I need better pictures of that place anyway. 

We're really enjoying the people here. The majority are very friendly and so helpful. Most of the time they don't speak any English and all I can say in Mandarin is thank you. We all do lots of nodding and smiling. It really is a beautiful country and we're loving this experience!