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Day 6
First night spent in Taipei.
For the FIRST TIME in my life, I experienced earthquake… a minor one though. It was pretty “scary” as it happened during midnight and then I was all alone in the room.
But I thank God for the peace that not only was I able to calm myself down but also to go back to sleep without fear.
Day 7
“Good Morning Taiwan!!!!”
Started my day alone at Taipei. Thank God for good weather!
With the prior experiences in Taipei 2years back, I was pretty confidence traveling alone. And of course that Taiwan Metro services are also very convenience.
During our trip to Taiwan two years ago, we didn’t go to the famous historical places thus this time I made it a point to visit some.
First stop: Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall.
I went with intentions to look at the structure of the building and also for the guard-changing ceremony.
A little break at 7-11, another great place in Taiwan.
Shortly after my walking-around and being a typical tourist by taking lots of photos, I met up with Jill (another SOT teammate).
We went to next destination, Tamsui.
During my visit to Tamsui two years ago with HM and HL, it was actually quite a rush and short one as it was the very day we were flying back to Singapore. We just came to eat the famous fishball. Hehe!
This time round, two years later… my visit here was much more well-spent as went to more places and even took a ferry to the “Fisherman Wharf”
After that, as the weather was SUPER DUPER HOT, we spent quite a while at Starbucks before we continued our walk around the place and did some munching on the local's favorites.
Shortly after, we left for Ximending.
Personally, some of the must-eat:
Ended the night earlier as didn’t want to take up Jill’s time to rest too.
On my own, I traveled back to the hotel.
Day 8
Sunday morning in Taipei.
Though there was breakfast provided by the hotel, I still chose to give it a miss. Kicked start the day with traditional breakfast at one of the breakfast shops nearby.
I then traveled to one of CHC’s affiliated church, Xin Dian Covenant Church. Not only sat through for the entire service but even went to get a shot with one of the pastors.
Next destination - Maokong.
A place I always wanted to go but didn’t get to two years ago.
Being a person who loves greeny and bluey views, the gondola caught my attention and especially the crystal cabin.
Some other highlights:
As my main reason for coming here was for the crystal cabin, I didn’t really spent long time there. Left after a shocking-bill tea time, seem like a must-have when at Maokong.
That night, met up JL and JM for dinner - a Thai treats from JM.
Eating in Taiwan is so shocking cheap, three of us + seven dishes (one fish, two veg, one soup, one curry, one thai pancake) all not even S$50.
We then met up one of JL’s friend and Taipei being JM’s hometown, he drove us to a place best for night scenery and is FOC,
Here are some:
Some better shots are with JM’s pro camera.
And since the night young. we were for a drink at some-pub-look-alike (to Singaporean like me). We chatted and chatted and chatted and chatted and chatted till late late night.
to be continued...
Day 5
After breakfast at the Homestay together with JL and boyfriend who also stayed there too, we met up with Nana and her boyfriend.
We kicked start the day with an activity that most Taiwanese will do during summer, water play! Haha! Best of all, in the nature!
The water was not just clear but cooling!
Good for my legs filled with Little Mozzies’ kisses.
After a good lunch together, we bid goodbye to Nana and YW who will be returning to Tainan for work.
My adventure at Hualian continued with JL and her boyfriend with them driving around using a GPS as both of them are not local people.
Here are the places we went:
(more photos/captions can be found at my FB)
The fun and interesting moments for the day:
My first experiences of picking “clam” and water play in the nature.
We ended the day with a eating marathon at the famous night market.
Always good to go night market with friends as that way, not only you get to try more food and everything you just take a little bite.
Back at the Homestay, I received a gift from the Homestay’s Lady Boss. She felt bad with all the hiccups I encountered during my stay.
From wall to water to light… haha… but seriously I’m not affected and it also wont stop me from recommending this Homestay to my friends as in general, I’m happy with my stay and especially being my first time staying alone. I felt “secured” there.
The staff are nice and friendly too - from the Lady Boss who attended to my needs when I told her about my Little Mozzies’ kisses to the Boss who came to talked to me while I was waiting in the lobby alone to the Front Desk Lady who always made sure I’m in comfort whenever I’m at the lobby etc.
I’m touched by Huang Papa and Huang Mama’s gesture.
Despite the time as we returned back late, both of them came specially to pass me bottles of “Rice Wine” for myself, JL and another two friends.
Chatted a while with them before I said the last goodbye to them.
I also attempted to return $$$ to them but was firmly rejected by them.
Seeing them drove away, my heart filled with gratitude.
With my visit to Hualian for 5days, they spent so much time and especially $$$ on me.
EVERY expenses of mine in Hualian were covered by them - even the night stay on mountain top.
Day 6
The day we were be leaving Hualian to next destination, Taipei.
Just before that, we made a trip one more time to Qixing Lake.
Being my third time visit… FINALLY I get to see the view I wanted to!
I always enjoyed looking at blue blue sky and white white cloud!
All these can be found here at Qixing Lake and best of all, with a bonus of beautiful sea view!
Like the shore too… not typical sand like but little stones.
Final goodbye to the beautiful Hualian and off we went on a long distance travel up.
There was this road that had the MOST numbers of turn… almost every 5seconds!
Really salute JL’s boyfriend who drove throughout.
Here are some places we stopped to take photos:
(more photos/captions can be found at my facebook)
Just before another one hour plus drive to Taipei, we stopped by at Yilan to grab a bite at one of their famous night markets
We arrived safely at Taipei in the night.
JL and JM accompanied me to check in at the hotel before they left.
Thankful to the both of them
