Wednesday, December 26, 2007
I figured that too much a day would probably kill my readers. So here's long-awaited day 2 where we'll be moving from the North to the East.
Day 2: Taipei - Chiufen - Hualien
Did i mention travelling to places by bus in Taiwan take hours? I fear long bus rides cos 1) i get strained neck from the uncontrollable jerks 2) my poor butt experiences numbness 3) will disclose this on my entry to Alishan. Before i forget, tour guides love to share this common "joke", i remember hearing this during my previous trip to HK. The Da-ge (this is what bus drivers are known as) who's driving the bus now is top notch, the rest are either hospitalised or not driving anymore. Okay, so they stooped this low to assure us that we'll be safe in these rollercoaster rides.
First stop, Yeliu Stone Park
You must be wondering how interesting these rocks can get. Think differently, cos these rock formations are sculpted by nature. How often do we get to see this Singapore? Or rather do we even have a chance to see this. The azure skies, lush greenery..
Shop houses near the park. These shops look run down, but they probably appear so because they are operating in the less developed areas.
Shop houses near the park. These shops look run down, but they probably appear so because they are operating in the less developed areas.
These were taken on my way to Jiufen. Notice the 槟榔 store. This is one of the many along the roads after the expressway. 槟榔 sold is mixed with lime (not the fruit!) and wrapped in a leaf. There is also a story behind those skimpily dressed girls which i can barely remember. Opps.
Next stop, Chiufen
A village with many teahouses and shops selling famous local dishes, snacks and crafts. We left with boxes of sun biscuit, assorted flavours of mochi, fruit jelly. The bus ride down was horrible. Sharp turns were made without any warning and i had to stand at a weird angle beside the da ge for closed to 2o minutes. Can you tell how relieved i was when i alighted from the bus? But I could barely walk properly as my legs pressed against the safety handles throughout the whole journey. Although it was a good experience to take the public transport, i would only try it again when it is less packed.
Train ride to Hualien
I asked Daddy casually if the windows inside the train can be opened and shut easily, just like those you see in those movies. Guess what he said. He doesnt remember seeing this in Jay Chou's MVs. -______- He must have thought i was kidding when i asked that. I've never taken a train in my life, except for the MRT of cos. The train was delayed for closed to 45 minutes. Sickening. This ride was 3 hours long, and from what i gathered, it was travelling along the East Coast Highway. It was indeed a scenic ride coupled with warm country inns, plantations, beautiful mountains and lakes.
I asked Daddy casually if the windows inside the train can be opened and shut easily, just like those you see in those movies. Guess what he said. He doesnt remember seeing this in Jay Chou's MVs. -______- He must have thought i was kidding when i asked that. I've never taken a train in my life, except for the MRT of cos. The train was delayed for closed to 45 minutes. Sickening. This ride was 3 hours long, and from what i gathered, it was travelling along the East Coast Highway. It was indeed a scenic ride coupled with warm country inns, plantations, beautiful mountains and lakes.
Although Hualien is less developed compared to Taipei, the hotel room arent in the least shabby.
Tau Huay. Notice that it's clear soup instead of syrup here. It's really yummy. Who says yummy food are sinful huh. Heheh.
sprinkle some dust 9:52 AM
Sunday, December 23, 2007
You realised you've been neglecting your blog when you cant remember when was the last time you wrote in this space and what that was about.
I've 1001 pictures from my taiwan trip to the recent get togethers to share with my ardent readers. But it was only yesterday that i managed to take some time off to make them into collages. I almost went cross-eyed but i guess it was worth the effort to remind myself of those happy times.
Taiwan 07
Overview of Taiwan. Travelling around in 8 days was no joke. In fact, i was a nomad in disguise. But it was an amazing feat nevertheless.
Day 1: Singapore - Taipei
Arrived at Taoyuan Int'l Airport at about 5pm. The sky was overcast and silly me thought it was about to rain. It was then i realised that the day breaks as early as this. (?!)
Our first stop, Taipei 101.
Think Paragon and that gives you Taipei 101. It holds most of the high end lables such as Gucci, Chanel. However, only B1-L5 makes us the shopping mall. The rest are offices which cannot be accessed by visitors. There's an observation deck which promises breathtaking views but i didnt get a chance to go up to the 89th floor because 1) fear of heights 2) entrance fee of NT350. Nahh it was due mainly to a packed schedule. And i was told that i might catch a glimpse of Jay Chou if i'm lucky enough. Apparently, that rich kid lives in the districts near the mall.
Next stop, Shihlin Night Market.
From the popular fried chicken fillet (bigger than the size of my face!) to the pearl milk tea whose novelty has died out in Singapore. Shihlin has more to offer than pasar malams back here. Think oyster omelette and noodles, cuttlefish thick soup, STINKY tofu, onion pancakes, medicinal pork-rib stew, meatballs, shaved ice. When i meant STINKY, it really is. The smell is soooo bad to the extent that you can smell it from the opposite street. But i heard the steamed stinky tofu is worse than this. Arghhhhh. Ok, i was exaggerating on this part but trust me, you wouldnt want to try it. This was not the only night market i visited, there were others along the way. Stay tune.
What's better than sleep after travelling for so long. You would probably have noticed those crease on the bed linen. Opps. I plopped myself onto the comfy bed before i could take a proper picture of the room.
Convenience store, Hi-Life which was of walking distance from the hotel. I was amazed with the variety of teas available and cant help getting a packet or two from there.
So that was my first day in Taiwan for you peeps.
sprinkle some dust 11:46 PM