Jianguo Flower Market and Jade Market

We have been in Taipei for some time now, and as we come to the end of it, I’m trying to cram in the last of the sights.

We haven’t been doing a great job of seeing all the wonderful tourist attractions there are here in Taipei, like going up to the observatory at Taipei 101 or visiting the amusement parks or riding the Ferris wheel. It’s a combination of having too many kids and not being sure of what’s going to be meaningful for us. We, in a museum of contemporary art, are not absorbing what is meant to be absorbed, and the gremlins are just waiting for their next snack break.

But how can I resist a free tourist attraction? No tickets? Wander in and out at will? That sounds just right for our crew.

The Jianguo Flower Market is only open on the weekends, but it’s central and easy to access, close to the subway, and a nice little meander. It’s covered, so good for all weather, and not too busy, and with lots of space for a stroller to maneuver. We didn’t pick up too much, but it was fun to see all the flowers and plants. They also sell aquarium and gardening supplies, pottery, cats for adoption, and tools.

I didn’t take great photos, but it’s definitely worth the wander if you’re ever in Taipei, especially because you can stop by for an hour and then head off to somewhere else easily. It's close to the big Da’an Park, which is perhaps more fun in the non-summer Taipei months, but being right by the subway means you can go anywhere, really.

The Flower Market is covered and they spray out the mist from the ceilings, but it’s still outdoors—so still warm. We were going to call it after that and skip the Jade Market, but it turns out the Jade Market is air-conditioned, so we wandered through it for a bit. Lots of treasures, in all price ranges, and a great place to hunt for a unique souvenir. Naomi wanted one of everything, but she settled for a necklace.

And! We took these lucky guardians home with us as well. Who knows what adventures these spirits have gone on—and now they’re coming home to Canada with us.

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And we continue on in our adventures. Junia is often in her stroller, but she also enjoys walking as well.

Junia has this relic of her daycare days, where all the babies walk along a rope, each holding a loop on it, and she’s taken this on by holding onto Naomi or Caleb’s backpack straps, and it sort of looks like she’s walking one of the big kids.

She is our own lucky guardian, who requires daily offerings of fresh mango and pineapple buns in exchange for the benevolence and gift of belly laughs and sloppy kisses.