Finally the day arrived (30th May 2007), we are setting off to Taiwan. I have been looking forward to this, to take a break away from work, from everything else to go and relax.

Yu Zhao’s father sent us off at the airport and Darrell was there to see us go, really appreciate it dude. It is really a very nice feeling to be standing inside Changi Airport after such a long time.

We grabbed a bite at Swenson’s before we left.

Changi Airport Swensons

How nice it is to be sitting on S.I.A. again. The usual “familar” stewardesses and stewards, the symbol of Singapore. The feeling of getting bubbles in your ears comes back. The food was pretty good, with the exception of the cold prawns, just don’t feel like eating them. Watched ‘200 Pounds Beauty’, the result of paying more for a S.I.A. flight: more comfort and service.

It is a pretty good show, really funny and I think the storyline is really good. I think this movie touches a lot on plastic surgery and the effects of it, above all it is re-enacting a part which is close to all of us; the music industry.

Finally arrived at Taoyuan Airport, was told by TS Hotel that there would be a driver waiting for us. And so we looked around, no sign of him. It turned out to be we couldn’t spot him, credit to Yu Zhao who spotted him. Off to TS Hotel in a 9 seater van but not without signing up for the YTC (Youth Travel Card), you can get loads of discounts with this. Let’s Be Friends!

Along the way we were given a mini tour of Taiwan as well. Some background information was good.

TS Hotel looks like a cozy home for our stay and just a few minutes to Xi Men METRO as well. The reception we got was good and they helped us in every way we needed, giving us directions and all.

Our bed and there was a wooden tatami on the floor which serves as a platform for another bed.

Room 307 bed

Room 307 TV

Room 307 bathroom

So off to the Bugis of Taipei also known as Xi Men Ding, there are so many streets, we were lost on the first day there. There is so many corners and streets to turn and at every turn, there are so many shops selling fashionable stuff for guys and girls.

There are so many hot girls; sometimes you lose track of where you are too. I noticed a trend going in them, they like to wear hot pants and long black socks; adopting a Japanese style, skirts aren’t that popular for some reason but the girls look great all the same. Cars and scooters just drive through the streets while you are shopping and unknowingly, a vehicle just flies past you, so we have got to be careful.

Had to thank 2 girls for helping us take this picture at Xi Men Ding area.

Outside Xi Men Ding

Ended our introduction to Taiwan by heading back to our hotel via the METRO station. At the escalators, everyone stands to the right and on the left are for those who are rushing. Why can’t we have that in Singapore? That earned my respect.

A good rest now as tomorrow is left for Formosa Fun Coast; our first journey out of Taipei.