I didn’t know what to expect, really, when I hopped on Hawaiian Airlines’ inaugural flight to Taipei a week ago.

I didn’t know much about Taiwan or what it had to offer. But I was curious — and that curiosity led me to some of the most interesting, memorable experiences of my life.

Who would have thought I’d eat soup-filled dumplings in the basement of the world’s second-tallest building or chomp down on coagulated pig blood on a stick or watch Melissa Chang drink snake semen?

Though I wish I saw more of Taiwan — the mountains and coastlines, specifically — I felt like I learned a lot about this bustling city, modern but traditional, expansive but small-town. Thanks to our native hosts, Sara Lin and Bob Wu, who showed us the best their hometown had to offer.

Here’s what my last day in Taipei looked like:

Last day in Taipei

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It's hard to believe this is my last day in Taipei — and there was a typhoon two days earlier. It was such a beautiful day.

Thanks to everyone who followed my adventures in Taipei on Twitter @thedailydish and on Instagram @catherinetoth. And special thanks to Hawaiian Airlines for allowing me to be part of this special inaugural flight.