Taipei 2011

Following the 2 days at SML, we took the 855 Natou Bus 南投客運 from SML to Taichung HSR Station 高鐵台中站 and transfered to the high speed train THSR at Taichung (Wu-Rih) Station 高鐵台中站 . the Journey took us only around 40mins.

After checking into our hotel at Cityview III (near Taipei Main Station), freshened up and went on our way. First stop was a quick taxi ride to Din Tai Feng at Yong Kang Street. As usual it's crowded. We took a number and started to explore around Yong Kang Street. Got our table around 1 hour later and i simply loved the Xiao Long Bao with Truffle. so heavenly and you don't get it back here in Singapore!

And after filling out stomach, we went on our way to Maokong Tea Plantation 貓空. Took a train to Taipei Zoo Station and from there took a cable car up to the last station. Happened to have a promotion and we actually got the cable car tickets at 1 for 1! lucky us.

However, weather was so hot, that by the time we reached the top, took a short walk, we were so tired. Stopped by a tea house for some refreshments before walking around again. By 5 plus, we gave up and started our way down.

Took the train to Lioujungli Station and made our way to Tonghua Street Night Market (通化街夜市)/ Linjiang Street Night Market (臨江街夜市). Had our dinner there and off we went via taxi to XiMengDing area for some shopping and of coz, Ah Zhong Mian Xian!

Pre-matured plans

There goes the Aussie plans.

Went back checked the schedule and realised that by the time my bro had a break, it's the lunar 7th month. And it means no no travel for my parents. Better luck next time...

Aussie - Gold Coast?

Saw the promotional offer by Scoot yesterday, and boy, was I tempted. A normal air fare to Syndey is around $800-900 and this sales launch by Scoot is only around $400. Did a little research and found that the cost of 4 tickets to GoldCoast for the National Day weekend is around $1600 which means only around $400 per ticket! Almost half price of the regular air fare. So what's it's budget air? If we meant to go Aussie, this is really the time to go!

Left my brother's holiday and attachment schedule at the office today. Which means, I can't do any booking today. Well well, let our luck decide. If I am still able to get the fares tml, Goldcoast, off we go!

Hong Kong Yet again 2012

After many discussions of where to go, for my Bro's vacation, finally it's Hong Kong, Yet AGAIN!!!

haha, me, my mum and bro just went HK 2 years ago and we covered quite a lot of areas in our last trip. For myself, this will be my 4th trip, and i really running out of fresh ideas, and attractions that I have never been!

Anyway, bought our air tickets via Priceline for Hong Kong Airlines at less than $400. Decided to spend a night at Macau, and after much searching, managed to get a 1 night day at the Venetian for SGD$300 a night. For HK, we got the 3 nights stay at YMCA Salisbury at Tsim Sha Tsui - Family suite at around $330 a night.

Will be flying off on the 5 April and returning on 9 April. Now still thinking hard of where to go. Have more or less settled my Macau itinerary. As for HK, decided to go Ocean Park this time round. Have never been there. As for the rest of the days, i guess it's very much F&E, with some relaxation time and SHopping! unlike my previous trips hahaha...

Guess will try to update again when i have gone for the trip.

Sun Moon Lake 2011 (Part 2)

And on Day 2 itself, after a great breakfast at our cosy homestay, we spent the whole day exploring Sun Moon Lake. Started off with the Boat trip (Price included with our dinner at the Home stay at only 243NT per pax!). The pier is just a few steps away from our homestay, less than 5 mins walk. After getting our hand stamped (it's a whole day hope on and off ferry service), off we go!

First stop : Was at XuanZang Temple. Took a short walk, and yes, you have to try the Ah Po's 茶叶蛋(Tea leaves egg). It's simply heavenly.It's just so yummy. We had one each, but it's not enough especially for my Aunt who loves it, and even until today, she keeps grumbling that i did not let her have a 2nd helping of the eggs! hahaa

After that, we boarded the ferry again, and off we went to Ita Shao, the Village of Thao. Had a walk around, bought some rice wine, and took the ferry back again. Kept our shopping stuff.

After a short break, we took the shuttle bus, and went on our way to the Ci En Pagoda. It's quite a walk up, approximately took the 4 of us around 30-45mins, but the walk's really worth it. It's so peaceful and serene up there, and when we went up the Pagoda, the view is fantastic! you get a 360 degree view of the Sun Moon Lake from up there. Simply like a view of the heavens..

Our last stop before heading back to our homestay, is at the Wen Wu Temple. A big and majestic temple. Although it's my 2nd visit to this temple, i still enjoy the peace and serenity there. And another not to be missed snack is the "BBQ taiwan sausage" sold at the little stalls just outside the temple. It's just different from the usual stalls. THe meat more tender, and juicer! Yum Yum.

And off, it'a back to the homestay, for another night, and off to Taipei the next day. Byee sun moon lake.

Ci En Pagoda