Ally Lin
Latest Reviews
Las Ventas Bullring
The ~17 euro tour is not worth it. It's just the inside of the stadium 🏟 as you can see from the pictures. And if you are a true bullfighting afficionado, I am sure you would buy tickets to see a real performance. There are scalpers outside selling tickets for 60 euros.
But let me describe the tour experience in case it appeals to you. You get an audio guide, the type where you press numbered buttons at each point of interest. At one station they actually make you wait to take photos in front of a green screen. Then they photoshop some traditional costumes on your photo and attempt to sell it to you. This was annoying because we were already short on time and they only do one group at a time and the photos need time to process.
There's another station where you can put on some VR glasses to tour the stadium inside the stadium. Very meta. There's also a VR game you can play where you do bullfighting. There's only one of those but luckily there was no line when I went.
We waited in line for 20 minutes to get in. The line moves slowly because it's the same line whether you purchased tickets ahead of time or are paying on the spot. Then! they explain to each group how to use the audio guide and ask what language you want.
That's why we opted to buy on the spot. But we had our bills ready and weren't responsible for the hold up at all. If you buy online, you have to pick a time slot. It is 1-2 euros cheaper if you reserve in advance though.
But let me describe the tour experience in case it appeals to you. You get an audio guide, the type where you press numbered buttons at each point of interest. At one station they actually make you wait to take photos in front of a green screen. Then they photoshop some traditional costumes on your photo and attempt to sell it to you. This was annoying because we were already short on time and they only do one group at a time and the photos need time to process.
There's another station where you can put on some VR glasses to tour the stadium inside the stadium. Very meta. There's also a VR game you can play where you do bullfighting. There's only one of those but luckily there was no line when I went.
We waited in line for 20 minutes to get in. The line moves slowly because it's the same line whether you purchased tickets ahead of time or are paying on the spot. Then! they explain to each group how to use the audio guide and ask what language you want.
That's why we opted to buy on the spot. But we had our bills ready and weren't responsible for the hold up at all. If you buy online, you have to pick a time slot. It is 1-2 euros cheaper if you reserve in advance though.
Taipei Fine Arts Museum
It is free after 5pm on Saturdays. Closes at 8:30pm that day. Otherwise, it is 30NT. The space is well designed with some rotating exhibits.
There is a gift shop and a museum dessert shop across from the museum building.
There is a gift shop and a museum dessert shop across from the museum building.
Homey Skewer
Homey skewer is indeed a homey place with only 5-6 tables. The prices are reasonable; I wasn't afraid to order a little more and the bill ended up being less than any other skewer place I went to in the last 2 years.
You know how some skewer places seem to flavor their skewers with one overpowering spice? Not here! The skewers are well-seasoned; sweet, spicy, and savory. Relative to other places, the beef tendon and chicken skin are standouts. And I don't even like tendon that much but the one here is particularly palatable.
There was only one server wearing a Stussy shirt when we went. He was very friendly and asked us if we needed any introduction of the menu, named each skewer as he brought them over (they are not always so clear), refilled our waters, and checked in on us during our meal.
You know how some skewer places seem to flavor their skewers with one overpowering spice? Not here! The skewers are well-seasoned; sweet, spicy, and savory. Relative to other places, the beef tendon and chicken skin are standouts. And I don't even like tendon that much but the one here is particularly palatable.
There was only one server wearing a Stussy shirt when we went. He was very friendly and asked us if we needed any introduction of the menu, named each skewer as he brought them over (they are not always so clear), refilled our waters, and checked in on us during our meal.