Thursday, December 14, 2006

The Arch of Constantine



The large arch with 3 archways is almost 26m (85ft) wide and 21m (69ft) high. During construction, many parts from older structures were reused, which was common practice at the time. The statues at the top were taken from the Forum of Trajan. They depict Dacian captured soldiers, defeated by the Trajan army. The reliefs between the statues were created for Marcus Aurelius while the roundrels (and possibly even the arch itself) are from emperor Hadrian's time. Some figures in the roundrels were modified to resemble Constantine. The decorations at the central and lower part were created specifically for this triumphal arch.


Emperor Constantine
During Constantine's reign, persecution of Christians ended and Christianity became the official religion in the Roman empire. He also moved the capital of the empire from Rome to Constantinople in 325 AD (before known as Byzantium, now Istanbul).

Sunday, December 3, 2006

Spice Market 泰市場

Spice Market is operated by the Grand Farmosa Regent Taipei, and it's Taiwan's first buffet-style Thai Restaurant. The most special dish served here is the "green papaya salad". This salad is made on what looks like a teppanyaki grill, but it's actually a cold slab of Kuanyin ston. The chef employs a "cold frying" method to preserve the flavour from ingredients.
Phone: 02-87860029
Address: 6F 11 Sungkao Rd., Taipei (6th floor of Eslite Bookstore on Hsinyi Rd).
Hours: Weekdays 12-14.30, 18.00-21.3o.








Story Coffee


The specially blended coffee served in story coffee house will not caused any discomfort or pounding heart even in people with weak consitutions. The broth used in dishes is prepared from scratch in the restaurant kitchen and no seasoning packets are used for cooking. Fruits and vegetables are grown at the proprietor's own ecological farm and they are all healthy and safe to consume. Don't miss this when you visit Taiwan.
Information:
Phone : 0492303518
Address: 1108 Pishan Road, Tsaotun, Nantou country, Taiwan.






Qi Li Xiang Boiled Fried Dumplings (七里香水蒸包)


The shop's wholesome,large fried dumpligs are firm and chewy. The dumplings are fried in oil first then cooked in water. The filling is made from moutain vegetables, carrots, leeks,prime tenderloin, and special seasonings. The shop also makes its own broth containing herbs and the skin of dumplings is delightful chewy. Nonethless, the filling is fresh and tasty.

Information:
Phone: 089 334 615
Address: 7 Lane 385, chengchi Rd, Taitung.
hours: 16:00 - 2:00






Saturday, December 2, 2006

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