Monday, March 31, 2014

I'm back! (Or: a quick summary of my Taiwan trip before the photo-dumping)



Man, I've missed home. Home with its wireless network EVERYWHERE, home with its palatable food, and home with its clean, familiar environment.

Taiwan wasn't too bad, but I remember enjoying South Korea more. I guess the Taiwan experience varies with different people, but for me the hotels were the best part of the trip, with their hot springs and breakfast buffets.

Hot spring in our bathroom at Fleur de Chine, which overlooks the Sun Moon Lake

Mmm, sashimi



I know a lot of people loooove the street food in Taiwan, but I found it pretty hard to get used to it. My dad and I aren't really into street snacks from night markets, so we spent most of our time taking photos and chilling in cafes while the rest were going crazy with oyster vermicelli, bubble tea, fried chicken schnitzel and Taiwan sausages.

We survived on Starbucks and 7 Eleven, the latter for snacks like yoghurt and apples and nuts. The only unhealthy street food I tried was the barbequed corn on the cob, which turned out to be drenched in oil and barbeque sauce.


Shopping was okay - I got a pair of shoes, a Kindle sleeve and a trenchcoat (whee!) - but anything from international brands are crazy expensive since Taiwan imposes a 120% import tax, so a pair of Converses costs upwards of S$100. Anything locally made, though, was a steal.

The people were nice - the service they provide is definitely better than that in Singapore, so that's a plus. I got to practice my rusty Mandarin, chatting with the service staff.


Environment wise, Taipei was the place that came closer to what I was expecting. Halfway through the trip, my dad and I got pretty nostalgic for Jeju Island and Seoul, and started making plans to go back. (YAY!)

I'll see you again, lovely

That's all for now! I know I promised lots of photos, but I've been swamped with emails since this morning. One week away from work, and it's a mad rush to catch up on everything. So photos will come in a bit, pinky swear!

In the meantime, it's Monday! I'm still in a holiday mood, so here are some happy things.



by Crosby Newell Bonsall



Have a great week, everyone! :0)

2 comments :

Whiskoffee said...

I like the no difference pic. Heh!

Joyce C said...

@Whiskoffee Purr: I think we like it for different reasons. Ha! :)