So since this is my first photo it probably deserves some explanation.  I met Robin at the hostel.  She is native to Taipei but has lived most of her life in Boston.  She introduced me to her friend Kimberly who teaches Mandarin to foreigners.  Kimberly is also active in the Mormon church.  I found the church surprisingly huge and the people there were very friendly - lots of American young people speaking Mandarin.

The National Palace Museum has all the treasures  that were removed from the Forbidden City before the Japanese invasion.  Amazing bronzes, jade, ceramics, etc. some of it dating back as far as 3 thousand years ago.   Anyway they don't let you take photos in the museum so I photographed the exterior with two random tourists taking a selfie.

As you can see from this street scene there's really not much to indicate the presence of a hostel.  Actually the neighbourhood is really interesting.  There are so many small shops, eateries, tea shops and  people.