“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller
Travel in Asia
Angel's Taiwan 2016 Trip
Day 1 - High Speed Rail From Taichung to Taipei
Had my final Breakfast at my favorite bubble tea shop in Taichung, had a wonderful formal omakase sushi lunch with friends before quickly packing and heading to the High Speed Rail. Taiwan's HSR (or bullet train) is extremely fast and convenient, not to mention clean. It's a nice place to wait and linger as the station itself is huge and has plenty of stores like 7-11, Subway, Starbucks, and Mister Donut. So there's no need to worry about the food situation if you're ever waiting around. Since I had a lot of luggage with me, my friend Anika booked and gifted me a Business Class ticket. The ticket was around $35-$40 USD, but it provides you reserved seating and a more room, so it's worth the small splurge. She was also so thoughtful to book me a seat in 2C which happens to be an asile seat close to the luggage storage area. While Taiwan is relatively safe, I still want to keep an eye out my luggage, so that seat was great.
The total train ride from Taichung to Taipei station was about 45 minutes and during that time, a snack cart came by and offered me juice, a wet towel, and a small snack. Overall the ride was relaxing and comfortable. After arriving at the Taipei station, I was in contact with my AirBnB Host, who kindly met me at the MRT station and helped with luggage and guiding me to the studio apartment I booked. Still jetlagged, I stayed close by and had a nice Tonkatsu Dinner at (xxxx) which is located underneath the department store and called it an evening.
Had my final Breakfast at my favorite bubble tea shop in Taichung, had a wonderful formal omakase sushi lunch with friends before quickly packing and heading to the High Speed Rail. Taiwan's HSR (or bullet train) is extremely fast and convenient, not to mention clean. It's a nice place to wait and linger as the station itself is huge and has plenty of stores like 7-11, Subway, Starbucks, and Mister Donut. So there's no need to worry about the food situation if you're ever waiting around. Since I had a lot of luggage with me, my friend Anika booked and gifted me a Business Class ticket. The ticket was around $35-$40 USD, but it provides you reserved seating and a more room, so it's worth the small splurge. She was also so thoughtful to book me a seat in 2C which happens to be an asile seat close to the luggage storage area. While Taiwan is relatively safe, I still want to keep an eye out my luggage, so that seat was great.
The total train ride from Taichung to Taipei station was about 45 minutes and during that time, a snack cart came by and offered me juice, a wet towel, and a small snack. Overall the ride was relaxing and comfortable. After arriving at the Taipei station, I was in contact with my AirBnB Host, who kindly met me at the MRT station and helped with luggage and guiding me to the studio apartment I booked. Still jetlagged, I stayed close by and had a nice Tonkatsu Dinner at (xxxx) which is located underneath the department store and called it an evening.
Day 2 - Taipei - Raohe Street Night Market
One of the great things I love about Taiwan is all the small bites (aka shao chiu) at the night markets. My first night market stop of this trip was at Raohe Street. Located at Songshan station, follow the signs to the exit and you'll be right there.
(Travel Tip: Use the bathrooms at the station and wash your hands before heading out as clean restrooms are hard to find.) I leisurely walked the entire Raohe street (both sides) so I could take in the sights and drool over the food. I ended up getting a fresh tropical fruit smoothie and munched on some small skewers of food. The Taiwanese skewer favorites included (xxx) Chicken Butt (yes, it's a thing!), a chicken and green onion mixed skewer, and of course the famous delicacy (xxx) which is Pork Blood Rice Cake. I understand that these may sound weird, but they do taste good and this delicacy is worth a try.
One of the great things I love about Taiwan is all the small bites (aka shao chiu) at the night markets. My first night market stop of this trip was at Raohe Street. Located at Songshan station, follow the signs to the exit and you'll be right there.
(Travel Tip: Use the bathrooms at the station and wash your hands before heading out as clean restrooms are hard to find.) I leisurely walked the entire Raohe street (both sides) so I could take in the sights and drool over the food. I ended up getting a fresh tropical fruit smoothie and munched on some small skewers of food. The Taiwanese skewer favorites included (xxx) Chicken Butt (yes, it's a thing!), a chicken and green onion mixed skewer, and of course the famous delicacy (xxx) which is Pork Blood Rice Cake. I understand that these may sound weird, but they do taste good and this delicacy is worth a try.