Taipei 101

We finally made it up to the Observatory at Taipei 101 today. We were here at Taipei 101 previously, but it was raining then, so we decided to wait for a sunny day to get better views from the Observatory since we would have to pay NT$400 (about S$20) per adult to enter. Well, not that the views were going to be very much better since Taipei is frequently hazy. We were also hoping to go out onto the Outdoor Observatory area, which is closed when it rains. Unfortunately, when we were there today, the Outdoor Observatory area was also closed due to some renovation work.

Taipei 101 is currently the world's tallest completed building, with 101 floors above ground level and 5 floors underground. When the Burj Dubai in UAE is completed (expected date of completion is September 20o9), it will overtake Taipei 101 as the tallest building in the world. Hmm...I just realised that I don't have a picture of Taipei 101 for my blog. Well, for those who are interested, just do a google and many pictures of Taipei 101 will show up. :P

To go up to the Observatory on the 89th floor of Taipei 101, we took the fastest elevator in the world! Travelling at 1010m/min, we were up to the 89th floor in less than 40 seconds!


Here is a picture of the world's biggest passive wind damper. It serves to prevent damage to the building due to vibrations. In this case, vibrations to 101 may be caused by earthquakes or typhoons.

Here are some pictures taken from the Observatory on the 89th Floor. Although sunny, it was very hazy and visibility was very much affected.

Here are some pictures of the family while up at the Observatory. It's getting increasingly difficult to get a good family picture with everybody looking at the camera. Either one or even both of the kids will be looking away!

Here is DD, finally sound asleep in the wrap. :)