Ni's Adventure - Arrival

2 Jun 2013, 0530
I arrived safely at Taoyuan International Airport. 

As it was still early, I decided to wait at the newly renovated airport and in the meantime to wait for “Big Brother” to open to purchase local sim card which apparently offers better and more-worth-it package in airport. 

I had my very first breakfast in the airport which really amazing as I remembered when I was there 2years ago, the airport was in renovation state thus don’t really has many eatery place. 

Straight after I purchased the “Big Brother“, I went to find the way/transport to leave the airport. FIRST TIME as it was my Taiwan friend who picked us up 2yrs ago.
With the signs and directions, I managed to purchase a bus ticket and boarded one that got me to Taipei Main Station. 

I miscalculated my time in purchasing train ticket thus was another time of waiting. It was really a morning of waiting and waiting. Haha! 

And for the FIRST TIME, on my own - I purchased a local train ticket to bring me to Hualian., a city I’m going for the FIRST TIME.

Though I took the longer route as there were actually faster local trains available, I still thank God that I reached Hualian - being my first time.

I made a mistake to think that shuttle bus provided by the Homestay I‘m staying. Plus my phone and portable charger were down so I couldn’t call the Boss to pick me up. On top of that, the public phone was way too complicated and so I decided to hail a cab, with just address printed on paper (thank God!!!).
The Homestay is just probably 10mins away thus cab fare wasn’t that ex.

I had a smile when I reached the Homestay.
Not cause “Finally~~~~~” but rather “Weeeee! I’m so proud of myself!”
From Changi Airport to Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station to Hualian and to the Homestay… I accomplished it independently. 

to be continued...

Ni's Pre-Adventure

My first-ever overseas trip ALONE!!!

Actually I don’t really have a dream of traveling alone, just that this time I badly needed a holiday. 
Guess is just to be away from work and the commitment.
It also happened that my available-free-period didn’t meet my friend, Em and I wasn’t prepared to go with others. Opps!
And so… I decided to go ahead, alone.

Two months before, I settled air tickets + insurance.
One month before, I settle all lodging in Taiwan.
Two weeks before, I settled the logistic and rough itinerary.
Solo-ly. 
*pat on my shoulder*

Unlike the previous Taiwan trip two years ago where I had two friends to discuss with and I also did seek consultation for hotels and itinerary from friends in Taiwan, this time I didn’t really want to disturb them so I did everything on my own secretly.

Beside excitement a week before the trip, there was also fear as I don’t know what to expect from being alone right from the start in boarding plane at airport to the days I be alone in Taiwan.

And so on 2 Jun 2013, off I went~~~~
For the first time.. I checked in, waited, boarded the plane all alone.

to be continued, continued..