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:

Taipei beef noodles

Image 8 of 36

The place was hopping with locals — and locals only. I think people were shocked to see two of us Hawaii girls toting cameras.