CNY 2016 - Taipei Taiwan Day 7 Sunday

We woke up and packed our things and rushed out the door to go to church in Taipei.  The church building was right next to the temple.  It was gorgeous.  At least three stories high with a grand staircase.  It was like three churches stacked on top of each other.  We went to an English speaking ward. It was only one hour because of the Chinese New Year. One of the members of the Stake Presidency was in attendance and Marcus had shared a meal at his house 11 years earlier.  That was a cool connection.  They both remembered the occasion.  It was also really great to be where my Grandpa Motes and step grandmother served a mission several years earlier.  The temple was beautiful. 





These next pictures show a typical Paige moment.  She didn't want to be in the picture.  We gave up and she was out of there.  We sure love her and her big personality but she can be a stinker.  This was no big deal because it was just a picture but when we are in the airport or trying to catch a train, it can be.... difficult.








Even though we had allowed plenty of time, we were late getting back to the airbnb.  We barely made it in time to catch our driver to the airport.  The airbnb hosts also wanted to take pictures with us so it was a very rushed 15 minutes in the house with an upset driver. We actually had to pay him extra because we were late.  It is part of the deal traveling with a big family.

We have been on China Southern for this trip and have not been impressed.  We have had to get on a bus to be shuttled out to the airplane and it is not an easy task with our family.  The bus has been super crowded and hard to stand up in and then the shoving has been difficult as well.  We will probably chose a different airline in the future. 

The airport in Shanghai was empty.  It was almost eerie.  It was because it was Chinese New Years Eve and in the evening.  You aren't supposed to take photos in the airport but, I got a few and no one cared.  They also waved us through security without checking bags at all. 

I love this photo of Reagan smiling at Zach and Ainsley and Paige running in the background.




Will with his Flat Stanley.  His class at school was assigned to take their Flat Stanley's on vacation and see all the places he would go.  (This is how you can tell it is an international school and most of the families travel).  Will did not enjoy this school project at all.  I had to force him with every picture.


Arriving in Shanghai was an instant blast of "we are back in China".  We got ripped off right away trying to get a driver/taxi to our friends house.  We knew before we left but with five kids and people yelling and honking... it was just how it happened.  It was very frustrating for both Marcus and I.  I am not sure I will ever understand the dishonesty that is ever present in China. 

We were able to stay at a members apartment as they were out of town for the holiday.  This was a great relief to us.  We knew that it would be a certain standard of cleanliness (at least we hoped) and were so grateful to stay in a place that was clean and had a good feeling.  Our friends from Purdue, Heather and Jared, met us at the apartment with Cinnamon rolls from their store CinnaSwirl.  They were the best sight ever. All in all, a good day (aside from the ride home from the airport haha).  Welcome to Shanghai!