So my mom works for this airline based out of Taiwan. Before anyone gets too excited about the endless possibility of free flights, there is a catch. All flights go through Taipei. To get to Paris, I took a 12 hour flight from SFO to Taipei, had a 16 hour layover, and then another 12 hour flight to reach my final destination.

This is what it felt like.

Just kidding. But those two girlies were sitting next to us and I couldn’t help but capture this. Too funny.

During our day’s layover in Taipei, we decided to take a free half-day tour the airport offered. It wasn’t anything to write home about but it was free and better than doing nothing in the world’s most boring airport for 16 hours. It was hot as all hell because of the humidity but it was nice to finally get a glimpse of the city I’ve spent so much time waiting around in.

After our tour, we took a bus to downtown Taipei in search of the world-famous Din Tai Fung, known for their delicious Shanghai dumplings. I’ve tried them in Arcadia, CA, but it definitely doesn’t compare. So yummy!

When it was finally time to board our long-awaited flight to Paris, we were greeted with lovely business class seats! And with business class seats you get business class food..from where else? Din Tai Fung of course! (Although I would have much rather had the dumplings again, but hey, can’t complain!)

Next stop, Paris!