Taipei Taiwan 2009

I visited Taipei, Taiwan in Nov 2009. It was supposed to be cooling but it turns out to be another summer time in winter period. It was hot.

This was also the first time I travelled overseas with friends without parents or guardians by my side. I was very much a greenhorn as compared to my travel-mates as they had already packed their bags and visited countries alone without guidance.

It was also my first time learning the ropes on how to take care of myself abroad, how to do research online and sourcing for information instead of blindly following a tour group I’ve signed up.

The accommodation recommended by my friend was Rainbow Hotel located in Ximending. A popular place among the youngsters, it is a place of fast fashion, cheap deals and the hippest things. Hotel is situated in a great location. It is in the heart of Ximending and opposite the hotel there’s a convenience store 7-eleven and a 2 storey Watson (drugstore). There was also this Ah Zhong Mian Xian round the corner. Queue is a bit long but the staffs were fast in serving. Train station is around 10-15 minutes walk. It can be a challenge if you’re tired.

the mattress is quite hard

not beautiful, but clean

Do not deposit this train token into any slot. Scan it.

Ximending was actually quite a disappointment, well, just slight disappointment about it. What you usually see on TV, the vibrant streets of Ximending wasn’t that vibrant. It was lacking something. Something like lively atmosphere, noises and rowdiness. Yes, rowdy is the word. It was in fact, pretty orderly. 

ximending

To go to Jiufen, my friends and I proceeded to Zhongxiao Fuxing (opposite the shopping mall) to board a coach bus. The journey takes about 1.5 hrs to 2hrs. The return journey, surprisingly, took only an hour. 

Zhongxiao Fuxing

Along the way there wasn’t any much to see. But once the bus reaches Jiufen the view is magnificent.

this is candy. not what you think.

this is also candy

and it's from this shop!

Another famous restaurant you may hear about is the Modern Toilet. It serves its food on mini toilet bowls and such. Tables are made of bathtubs with a panel glass placed on top and the seats are real toilet bowl seats. But you can’t pee in it of course.

candy that you can bring home

Well, if you’re trying for the concept, by all means go ahead. If you’re going for the food, I suggest you eat something else as the food wasn’t at all tasty or up to standard. Cup noodles may be of better choice. I know it looks good but it is not. Really.

Taipei 101. A landmark. A building that can’t be missed. 

 

If you fear heights or isn’t keen to go all the way up to see the aerial view then please don’t proceed, unless you want to buy souvenirs or to see some pricey ornaments. There isn’t any much to do up there, but there are shops in the building itself, mostly branded situated on the first few floors.

Oh, the next thing I want to say is, I’ve also visited Shilin Market. My verdict is, don’t bother. It’s over rated, too crowed, too pricey, and too commercialised! I recommend Wufenpu situated at Zhongpo N. Rd., Songshan District ,Taipei City. MRT: Get off at the Houshanpi Station (Exit 4) and walk about five minutes west along Yongji Street to the corner of Zhongpo N. Rd. Train:Train from Taipei main station to Songshan, Wufenpu is located across the train station.