Celebrating Lunar New Year at the Grand Hyatt and Hiking Elephant Mountain

On Chinese New Year's Day, the Grand Hyatt put on an absolutely wonderful lion dance show, first in front of the hotel and then in the lobby.

Golly, Taipei must be one the very few modern cities that still allows open and free use of firecrackers in the city proper.  We were only a couple of hundred feet away as they let fly a couple of strings of firecrackers to welcome in an auspicious year of the rabbit. It was insanely loud and I regret that we didn't bring some noise canceling headphones or ear plugs with us, but at the same time I loved that this was still allowed in this day and age.  It endeared Taipei to me more.

At the end of the lion dance, the lions started spraying out candy for the kids who were gathered in front, and then they gathered afterward for the kids to feed them red envelopes and take pictures.

After, we went to the park across the street to enjoy a warm, sunny day.  Lola and I wore matching qipaos and the boys wore coordinated jackets that made them look like little kung fu masters.  

That blue sky!! It would be the last blue sky we saw on this trip in Taipei.

After we had lunch (where there was another showing of the lions!), the boys tried to nap (didn't succeed) and Lola braved the outdoor pool with Michael, we headed for a hike!

Elephant mountain, a pretty steep ascent, known for its excellent views of Taipei 101 and just generally stunning views of the city skyline.  We ended up doing it just with Michael, my mom, Lola and me, leaving the boys to play with the park swings and slides with Siti.  It was definitely the right move.

Here, the kids' first ride on the MRT.  Adorable.

Stunning viewing platforms all along the way; lots of tantalizing little glimpses through the trees.  It was nice that you didn't have to get to the summit to get views.

I love these inspirational messages on the way.   This one says,  "it is much harder to be standing when only halfway on your journey, than walking when at your target."

The whole hike was mainly a lot of steps...a lot of steps. 

Lola was an absolute champ, charging up the mountain with her dad.  Here she is at the summit, 184m, her first peak!  And already too cool for her parents.  

We finished the day back on the MRT, clocking in at 20,000 plus steps.  A very rewarding day for all!