Longshan Temple and Shilin Night Market

We got to visit a Temple tonight. Most Temples here in Taiwan worship a mixture of deities and this one is no different. It was built in 1738 and has been re-built many times after earthquakes, fires, and WWII bombings. The Temple is for Buddhists, Taoists, and folk deities like Matsu. It was truly fascinating to see the architecture. The carvings in the columns, rooftops, rooms, etc.. were so intricate. And watching the people and smelling the incense..it was quite an experience!

Front entrance to the Longshan Temple

The boys on the outside of the square...before entering the inside garden/square.

I believe the people here were making offerings. Truly fascinating to watch.

This is  one of several deities that people prayed before.

The amount of gold is astounding in person!

Then we met this man, we'll call him Temple Guy. TG spoke english very well and was handing out information on the Temple. We were curious about a few things we saw happening and asked for an explanation. He told us what people were doing when they prayed and how they communicate directly with the Gods...whereas westerners...we just pray and then wait for an answer. ;) 

Here in Taiwan, they are able to pray and get a direct answer. They pray and give the deity their name, address, and birthdate and make their wish, then throw down two red shaped wedges (about size of an orange slice). How the wedges land will tell the person if their wish is going to be granted, if the answer is no, or if they are simply asking for too much. 

I'm sure that's a very simplified version of what's happening but it was fascinating nonetheless. 

TG was very kind and asked where we lived. He then shared that he went to the University of Missouri for his Master's in Industrial Engineering degree. When asked, we tell people we're from Oklahoma which immediately brings up the tornado that hit Moore. People here are very kind and very well informed. I really enjoyed our visit with TG. :)

Then we decided to go to the Shilin Night Market. It was easiest to travel via subway or the MRT. It was SO fun! And I love showing the boys how to buy the tickets, figure out the route, where to change trains, etc... again, another neat, memorable experience. 

He was so happy to be on a train!

Matt's big enough to be a strap hanger!

And the girls. Oh my word, everywhere we went groups of 13 and 14 year old girls would notice Matt and go crazy! Matt blushed about 15 shades of red several times tonight. They literally point and then ooo and awww and try to sneak a picture or two.

We sat down to eat and he says "Figures...the girls here love me but I'm only here for a week. I'm going to have to move here for college." LOVE him!

The Shilin Night Market is famous here and a must see. It goes for miles and all you see are crowds of people, vendors barking at the crowds, selling their wares, and every kind of food you can imagine. 

Just a glimpse of the crowd.

Nathan kindly suggested the Dora umbrella for Matt.

And Eileen..I knew you had to see this pic. It's one of the stores at the Market.

We often see people wearing glasses with no lenses. I guess it's a style thing? Guess that shows how stylish I'm not. Anyway, Nathan and I tried some glasses. Nathan looks like a cartoon character!

Time to try and sleep. The big day we've been waiting for is finally here. I. can't. wait.