With the excellent weather we had yesterday it didn’t seem right to stay inside moving furniture around or spend time working on ‘odds n sods’ in front of computer screen. Other than running I was at a loss as to what to do on PEI on a Sunday, at least until the rest of the family arrives.

Weekends in Hsinchu were not a time of rest. Saturdays the kids had swimming and yoga, my daughter had a 3 hour math class in the afternoon. I often would have work to finish, and my wife if not the same, was off doing all kinds of chores. Sundays were generally set aside for outside activities, long runs, hiking or biking, and the occasional movie.

So I found myself walking around the downtown, checking out the market set-up along the side of Queen Street. Luckily I had no cash, otherwise I would have come home with more homemade soap then could possibly be needed. It’s generally a show for the tourists but I did manage to meet some interesting people and find a source for possible weekly meat deliveries from Saoirse Farms. After that short walk I found myself yet again at The Kettle Black enjoying a latte. Then I kept walking through the haunts of old, circling back to Queen where I fell upon the newly opened Cha Time.

My kids will be excited to see this chain. Tea shops like this are ubiquitous in Taiwan, and my kids, like many, love visiting as much as we allow, or have time for. We didn’t visit this chain often when in Taiwan, but they did sponsor a race my wife and I participated in this past year.

I’m not a tea drinker nor a huge fan of 珍珠 （the balls in milk tea) but I ordered my favourite 芒果冰沙, which is translated inaccurately as a mango smoothie. Not bad, though still too sweet despite ordering with no added sugar.

The staff still seem to be getting their sea legs, but they seem excited, the environment very clean, and the drink selection great. I’ll be back with the kids in tow.