Long awaited post is finally up!
Finally squeezed in time to edit, upload and blog about Taiwan! Spent 10 good days there, really letting go and enjoyed myself thoroughly. I like how we can just sleep in till noon before deciding where to explore for the day and go on our little adventures everyday. The deluded me still thinks I'm in Taiwan, I badly badly miss the weather, the daily life and people there… Even the local people mistook me as a Taiwanese! For my dear friends who have been planning to visit this wonderful place I adore very very much, this blogpost will be useful for you in finding the treasures I explored ;)
Stop One: Taichung, Miyahara
Miyahara (宫原)
台中市中区中山路20号
(04) 2227-1927
A tourist spot selling chocolate and delicacies. Not sure of how the food here taste like cause all I remember was that they were all pricey! Thumbs up for the interior design though, a Harry Potter inspired layout with classic Chinese decals on the other side facing the main road. Their packaging for the products are also intricately designed, some with the nostalgic feel, others with a more elegant and modern feel. If you're into classic nostalgic designs, be sure to visit this place! I koped their order forms cause the designs were oh-so-pretty! Imagine nostalgic combined with chinese characters...
Not to mention their fever for chocolate?!
I've never seen such a wide variety of chocolate flavored ice cream to choose from! Totally spoilt for choice! And this is only the chocolate section, there's also the tea section and fruits section!
Stop Two: Taichung, Carton King
Carton King Creativity Park
台中市406北吨区东山路2段2巷2号
(04) 2239-8868
www.cartonking.com.tw
This is actually a creativity park, like a mini zoo but instead of animals you see stuff made from paper and carton. The souvenir shop was the highlight of the visit as they sell lots of unique products, most of which requires hands-on from the buyer. Do visit in the day for nice and clearer photos of the place and bring along an insect repellent if you are intending to visit at night where the place will be lighted up!
Stop Three: Sun Moon Lake
The iconic tourist spot that is recommended for everyone! I haven't been here during sunsets but I bet it's gonna be breathtaking. Thankful for the great weather when we arrived here as the sun was out but not too hot cause the cold breeze balanced the temperature well enough!
Stop Four: Rainbow Village
(Don't exactly have the address for this, but your best friend Google might know!)
The photos tell it all! It's quite a scenic place with a cute history. So the story goes this way: Some unknown man held captive during war may have felt bored or nothing better to do so he started doodling on the walls of the place, drawing figures that were half human-looking half monster-like. It was the vibrant use of colors and how the whole village is being highlighted in colors that made it famous. People come here to take pretty photos, there isn't anything else to do here. But the experience was special for us as we had interaction with this "ambassador" of the place, who probably love meeting new friends, cause he was kind enough to help us take photographs and allowed us to play around with his props.
Stop Five: Jiu Fen & Shi Fen
The old town of Jiu Fen is another famous tourist spot located up on the mountain so expect a mountainous ride up (be it by public bus or cab). A good place to shop for souvenirs, especially for things we don't usually get in Singapore. We went to this cafe which faces the waters and enjoyed our tea break after the long walk. In Taiwan, snacks such as mixed beans were served (what a healthy lifestyle!) and boy, they are yummy even though they seemed to be all dry and unappetizing.
Shi Fen is well known for its waterfall but we didn't get the chance to catch it as the place closes at 5pm. The reason why it closes this early is because the sun sets at this timing! Nights in Taiwan are longer than Singapore so that explains! We got arrived in Shi Fen around 4.30pm and still have to walk a distance before we can reach the waterfall. Such a wasted trip, but I'll definitely revisit this place again if I'm back for another trip in Taiwan!
There's definitely more to Taiwan than what I have here, we went to their highly-raved about night markets as well, the famous Ximending, Rao He night market, Shi Lin night market, Feng Jia night market etc. I'm merely procrastinating and being lazy but I have collaged some photos of the food I always crave badly at night for supper *cries* Can someone fly me back to Taiwan again?! Ohgawd…
Have I also mentioned that the dogs in Taiwan are of such wide variety of breeds? I encountered so many cute puppies and doggies during my stay over there and was dying to bring one back with me to Sg! Adrian and I have decided that we shall buy one next time when we have our own house, I cannot wait!
If you're in Taiwan, do visit their salons as well because their customer service is just…. wow. I felt just like a celebrity having my own private room for my own makeover, with sweet treats served. And of course, the hair stylist is super friendly! Now I regret not finishing this entry the previous time cause all these awesome memories makes me question myself why am I still in Singapore…….
Till next time Taiwan, promise!
