I was clearing my desk when I saw the travel brochures I took during NATAS fair.
goddammit. I wanna fly back and eat and shop and camwhore again.


Day 0
I just love that feeling; even though I was lugging around that burdensome and bulky baggage, my heart was still fluttering with excitement.
The highway to Changi Airport never look more vibrant.



Stayed overnight at Hong Kong International Airport.
God forbid I take Cathay Airways to Taiwan again.
I hate the transition and those uncomfortable chairs.


Day 1
Took the Free Go! bus to Royal Castle Hotel.
I thought we were going to crash at the rate the bus driver was speeding.
When I alighted from the bus and finally took a good look around my surroundings, I was like; Huh? Where's the hotel?
Royal Castle was tucked neatly between shops on either side with cheesy couplets on both sides of the entrance. My first thought was:- Eh okay. I have seen better three-star hotels in China.

I'll have you know the hotel delivered good service to its guests.
I was especially touched when the staff were VERY helpful when we asked for directions to a particular destination.

Ate lunch at Ximending(西門町) and we went to purchase the EasyCard.
I was fascinated by the automated money changers in the MRT station.
That's super convenient for us foreigners.
We went to visit Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall(國立中正紀念堂) next.
The weather was cool and refreshing and it lifted my spirits.



As dusk approaches, we went to Longshan Temple(龍山寺) to take a quick look around.



Then we visit our first night market - Snake Alley(華西街).



I shivered at the sight of the huge snake I saw.
Ate 蚵仔煎. Omg so nice. A pity I don't eat oysters or else I would have enjoyed it more.


Day 2
We had 蚵仔麵線 at this super famous store.
It was quite delicious. I love the soup base and the vermicelli.

We visited Sun Yat-Sen's Memorial Hall(孫中山紀念堂) next.
Made it in time to see the honor guards marching!
I got quite a good spot; right in the centre so I had a good view.
Pretty impressive performance; it makes our army men look inferior.



Next stop, Jay Chou's dessert shop - Mr. Qute.



I LOVE the food.



I love my bacon risotto.



I love the carbonara.



I love the creme brulee.



I love everything about that restaurant.

We trained down to Wufenpu(五分埔) next. How amazing it is to set foot on the place I researched about for my entrepreneurial project.
I'm visiting this place if I ever come back to Taiwan, it's like Bugis.
Only much better and bigger.
Bought some bottoms and dresses. Met a cute guy.
Wish I had taken a picture with him lol..
As if. I wouldn't dare. :P

We visited Shilin Night Market(士林夜市) next.
I finally fulfilled my wish of eating authentic 炒雞排.
Such a blissful moment. <33
We went over to the fashion area and shopped around.
That's when I saw something jaw-dropping. Dēji Toki!
Thanks Yuewen for giving it to me! ♥
We cabbed back afterwards since it was starting to drizzle.
And at night, us roomies enjoyed a footbath together!



Can you guess whose feet are these?


Day 3
We woke up early to get to Taiwan Storyland(台灣故事館).



I love museums like these. It reminded me of the one at the basement of Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower. S.H.E even filmed one of their music videos here for their latest album [SHERO].



So exciting!



I prayed at the Japanese shrine there



and I got a supreme fortune! Ain't that great?
Their dessert shop was pretty quaint and cozy.



I love the banana milk ice!

We headed down to the underground mall under Taipei Main Station and shopped for footwear. I bought a pair of peek-toes. And then it's time for a KTV session at Holiday KTV! Our room came equipped with a toilet! How cool is that?
I stuffed myself at their buffet. It's nothing like Kbox's crappy selection.


Day 4



We traveled out of Taipei to Yeliu GeoPark(野柳地质公园) to see the famous 女王頭.



This scenic site had some amazing sights. I really enjoyed my time admiring the scenery.



Walked around the dry seafood market before taking a private car ride to Jiufen(九份). It's almost like a movie. The towering mountains you see as you take a peek outside. Round and round you go, up the winding road.
I never felt more comfortable as I slept.



Arrived at Jiufen. Ate our lunch at one of the shops here.
That's where I fell in love with 滷肉飯.
It's even better than the 炒雞排 at Shilin.
I have to come back and eat this again! I swear!
Bought some candies for souvenirs. The sweets were so pretty!
It's the candy shop featured in Down With Love(就想賴著妳)!

Went to Shilin again and I ate my 炒雞排 for the second time!
I can't get enough of it. That's probably the reason why I fell sick the next day.
Ate 芒果冰. It was delicious. That's another delicacy crossed off my list.


Day 5
Went to the underground mall at Taipei Main Station again to shop for heels!
I bought a pair of sandals and two pairs of heels! Can't wait to wear them.

And then we meet up with the rest at Tamsui(淡水).



We walked down Tamsui Old Street.



I ate the 雙淇淋 which kept melting in the wind.
Ate the famous takoyaki balls too. After which we strolled along Fisherman's Wharf(淡水漁人碼頭) and played some roadside games.



A good way to reminisce about your childhood.



Then we sat down and listened to the soothing music of the street performer.



I enjoyed the slow pace of life. Just sitting there and relaxing.

We took a bus to another area of Fisherman's Wharf to visit Valentine's Bridge(情人橋)



It was super windy so I didn't really fancy that since I was sick. Other than that, the bridge was quite romantic.

We went to Miramar Entertainment Park(美麗華百樂園) next.
Had omelette rice for dinner. Yummy!
And the highlight of my day! The ferris wheel!



You know the green-lighted ferris wheel in Taiwanese idol dramas? Yeah that!
And my stupid camera and handphone BOTH had to die at the same time! What are the odds?
The night view was fabulous. I went to rode on the merry-go-round next.



It was a magical night for me; almost felt like a fairytale.


Day 6
Took the high speed rail(台灣高鐵) to Taichung(台中).



Visited one of the shopping malls - Pacific Sogo(太平洋崇光) Department Store.



Then we walked to Jingming 1st street(精明一街) for lunch.



I love the conversation we had while waiting for the bus to Fengjia Night Market(逢甲夜市). Frickin hilarious.
Reached the night market and we shopped some more.
Ate 滷味 for dinner. I was so tired I fell asleep on the high speed rail.


Day 7
I officially lost my voice. It hurt to speak.
We went to visit Taipei Arena(臺北小巨蛋) where most stars held their concerts in Taiwan.



Then we rot around in IKEA before we head over to Taipei 101(臺北 101).



Taipei shopping malls were quite service-oriented. Everyone bowed to us and thanked us for our patronage when we left during closing hours. It makes you feel like some important figure. I wish I could have taken some pictures but I was feeling too embarrassed.


Day 8



Walked around Ximending for the last time.
We also visited an idol shop to browse through its merchandise.
And then it's time to leave.


Day 9
My ears were throbbing painfully on the flight back.
I felt like my eardrums were going to explode any moment.
I have never experienced it before so it was a bit of a surprise.
My ears were still ringing when I got home. Luckily a forum friend of mine taught me how to clear the pressure in my ears. Or else my hearing would be impaired for sure.



My loot from Taiwan! Precious spoils of war! :P


This concludes 10 whole days of fun, adventures and fatigue.
On to the next country! Korea perhaps? :)