Day 3 Another day, another chance to see a different side of Taiwan. Knowing that today marks a 400-year celebration of their Lantern Festival, I had my eye set on Tainan but with a side trip to Taichung. Insane is it? But all thanks to High-Speed Rails, made it in half a day. Well how did I spend my last official day in Taiwan? Started the day with going to Sun-Yat-Sen Memorial Hall and see Taipei 101 from afar and enjoyed the morning rituals from locals, others dance, chat and stretches, a typical day for our elders. Then off to Lungshan Temple where it is famous for worshiping Guanshiyin Budda and other divine spirits. (Just casually immersing is best.) I got my HSR tickets prebooked as directed timely for my little morning walks and eats as my metro card is still valid, thanks Klook again! Then off to Taipei Main Station and alight the train to Taichung. Taichung Rainbow Village and Museum I know there are a lot of things to do in a city but this is just a little side trip for my main goal for the day, to Tainan, so I went to their Rainbow Village by bus and got some tea and was supposed to go to Miyahara but the minute I saw their museum was LOVE. My eyes glistened as the bus stopped and I went out and crossed the street. As simple as that, and everything inside was neat and organized. There were stimulations and simulations I have interacted before but the place and crowd made it more astounding. It had a lot a of people yet distant. I probably spent an hour or two inside but I still need to go back to the HSR station by taxi to catch my train to Tainan. Arrived late than scheduled, but the staff told me that I can take the next train, so I still had time to buy some for late lunch. I got to say, Taichung's Station is way better than any other most countries I've been to. Tainan Lantern Festival The sun was setting when I arrived Tainan but since there are two places for that event, the HSR and Anping, I had to enjoy what the first has to offer. Walking with the locals, watching traditional dances, and seeing families and friends taking photos, was such nostalgia. Taiwan and Philippines can be relatively similar. I may not know Fujian or any Chinese language is but the sense of familiarity makes it comfortable, the temperature in both Taichung and Tainan was also similar to our country. An hour after, I took an old rail to An Ping and got on their complimentary shuttle buses to another Festival Area. A charming town near the beach, I figured, it would be nice to stay for a day, but my flight's tomorrow. Day 4
Fortunately, since the organizers know that I had to go back to Taipei, the shuttle driver dropped me off An Ping Bus Terminal and took a midnight bus back to Taipei (Thanks to 7-eleven for my dinner fix) then arrived at 0300H. Had to take a short nap, did a morning walk to 228 Memorial Park and off to the airport using their express train. Being a backpacker has its pros and cons, but what I love about it is the randomness, not thinking about missing spots and schedules but just enjoying what is in front of you. This is my first time to be in East Asia as a solo traveler and will not be the last (perhaps). But if you do travel, take a chance, take that train, spend wisely. Close your eyes, smell the fresh air and look at the view, pray and trust the people around you.
0 Comments
Day 2 I registered late for an out of town activity from Klook, that Yehliu Geopark - Jiufen Old Street - Shifen Waterfall and Sky Lantern Day Tour. Though I slept late last night, I had to wake up early (half six is still early for me), luckily the meeting point is just in Taipei Main Station which is across the street from where I'm staying. Overall, I realized being fortunate to get this tour as the three tourist spots aren't accessible and might take hours if to commute. Kelly, Klook's tour guide is just awesome, she engages to each one, her wit and humor only shows how she loves her job. Special thanks to my fellow travelers and surprisingly met another blogger, Oliver, Instagram: builtbytravels, this trip was such a breather. We ended the tour lightly and went back to city with smiles on our faces and full tummy. I told them that I might rest for a while and might walk around town. Taipei Walks - Zhongsheng District and Raohe Night Market
My happy feet led me to Creative Huashan Park and had a taste of Chun Shui Tang, the origin of bubble tea. Then traversed to Zhongsheng Markets (luckily it was already late for shopping) then to Raohe Night Market where another food crawl continues.
|
AuthorI go for the name GK since it is short for Gloria Katherine. A nurse by profession but a traveler at heart. I hope you'll find my blog interesting and noteworthy. ArchivesCategories |