Taiwan Day 6

Wake up early morning before strolling around Xin Bei Tou. 2-3 hours is sufficient enough to walk around the main places of interest at Xin Bei Tou. We went to famous thermal valley 旅人茶房, plum garden 梅庭 for calligraphy, Beitou Museum 北投文物館 and random church.

Thermal Valley

Plum Garden

Beitou Museum

After checking out from Aqua Bella, we headed directly to Manhattan Bridal Shop for photo selection. Took us around 5 hours to complete whole selection including photo selection for album, sister photos, frame photo and Thank you card photos. Mostly are nice that we had a hard time choosing it.

We managed to take memorable pictures with 賴sir and 豆豆先生 and Vivian. Too bad unable to take picture with my make up artist and the lady that help me with my gown selection.

Finally, we headed to the most famous and overrated night market, Shilin Night Market 士林夜市 at Jiantan station 劍潭站 at Tamsui Line 淡水線. Do not get off Shilin station 士林站. You need to walk 1/2 hr to reach. The nearest station would be Jiantan station. Had our dinner at Shilin and we bought some snacks back to hotel. The best buy would be the original OPI nail polish at only NTD280 each and NTD500 for 2 bottles. Hubby does not allowed me buy 2 bottles, very regret. OPI nail polish in Malaysia can easily cost RM68 each. Super expensive. I'll be back for moarrrrr!!.

Not much activities for Day 6 as we spend most of our times at bridal selecting photos.

Next Day 7.

Taiwan Day 5

Carving for a must eat mian xian, we woke up early and headed to Xi Men Ding for the famous Ay Chung Mian Xian (阿宗面线). It was less crowded in the morning compare to evening or night time. We ordered a large bowl of mian xian with pork intestines. As expected, it tasted so good. For a not oyster mian xian lover, this was good enough for me. Hubby said rather normal though. We finished the whole bowl without any left. Slurrp!

Ay Chung Mian Xian

Next, we headed to National Democracy Taiwan Memorial Hall 國立中正紀念堂 at Chiang Kai Shek station (中正紀念堂站). This time we managed to see the guard changing ceremony. Took around 15 minutes to complete the whole ceremony. I keep looking at the 'smart' guard though (dreaming). Then we walk around the hall while me as usual searching for stamps. Superb happy each time I saw stamps XD.

Feeling hungry we headed to Dongmen station Exit 5, a new refurbished station opened in Sept 2012 for the famous Yong Kang Beef Noodles 永康牛肉麵. The station was in the middle of Zhongxiao Xinseng 忠孝新生站 of Nangang Line 南港線 and Guting 古亭站 segment of Xinzhuang Line 新莊線. We had a hard time finding the shop that I accidentally bump into a San-X store out of nowhere. Happily, I bought Shappo from Sentimental Circus. I was giggling whole day long for my new plush. Yong Kang Beef Noodle shop 永康牛肉麵 was crowded by the time we reached. We waited for around 10 minutes before it is our turn. The weather was cool, well I do not mind to queue up though. Compare to Malaysia, I won't bother to queue up as the weather was too hot for me to patiently waited for my turn. We ordered one big bowl of beef tendon noodles and 2 side dishes which we can select from varieties.

Shappo from Sentimental Circus

Beef tendon noodles

Side dishes

Enough said, I simply love the side dishes and the beef noodles taste was rather special but not the best.

There is only two of us, so normally we did not order a lot of food so we can taste more food XD. We went to Smoothie House, a famous shop for dessert. We ordered mango smoothie and it taste superb and soft. The ice just melted in my mouth. We even had our smoothie under cool weather. Divine.

We had planned  to stay overnight at Xin Bei Tou 新北投 to enjoy hot spring. We booked a room at Aqua Bella at Xin Bei Tou. We sit MRT to Beitou 北投 and transit to Xin Bei Tou train 新北投站. After checked-in, we headed to Tamsui 淡水區 as it was nearer to Xin Bei Tou compare to Taipei Main Station.

When we reached Tamsui, the weather started to get dark. We headed to Tamsui Old Street 淡水老街 to search for food. Initially, I thought Tamsui Fisherman Wharf 淡水漁人碼頭 was a walking distance from MRT station. Little did I know, we need to take boat or bus to the wharf. So we sat Bus 26 and headed to Tamsui Fisherman Wharf 淡水漁人碼頭. Maybe it is weekday, there were mere people around. It was a quiet place far from what I expected. We strolled around before we waited for next bus back to MRT station.

The regret is we unable to find Ah Po Iron eggs 阿婆鐵蛋. People would easily find the shop but not us. So we give up and headed back to Aqua Bella for our hot spring. The good about this hotel is the hot spring is right inside our bedroom and we can enjoy it as much as we can. But please do not soak yourselves too long, you gonna get a nose bleed and dizziness out of it. A recommended of 15-20 minutes is the best.

That is how we end our 5th day in Xin Bei Tou. Next, morning stroll around Xin Bei Tou.

Next Day 6.

Taiwan Day 4

Day 4:
We had free 10-hours tour from the package we signed with the bridal. We allowed to choose any trips and to me the most hardest place to get to around Taipei and New Taipei City would be Jiufen. Somewhere northeast of Taipei.

We departed from CityInn at 11am to head to our first destination, Jing Tong station which located just beside a train railway. It is the first station of Ping Xi Line (平西). The journey took us around an hour from our hotel. The weather was rather good on that day. No sun and cloudy but no rain.

Our driver dropped us at Jing Tong station (佟健) and asked us to enjoy the feeling of taking old train and he will meet us at either Pingsi (平溪) or Shifen (十分) station. We opted for Shifen station because we scared that we have limited time to visit the rest of the places. We bought bamboo from the shop beside the station and hang it at one of the pillars. Next we took a train from Jing Tong station to Shifen station which was 4 or 5 stations away. Do note that the train depart every 1 hour. We did not buy any train tickets as we did not know where can get the tickets. Lol..free seat XD.

Once we reached Shifen station, the driver brought us to the railway track where we can stand freely. We can even took a picture on the track freely. Cool huh! We bought tanglung and release all our wishes to the sky. Next we headed to Shifen Waterfall (十分大瀑布) which was quite famous for its large waterfall. Lucky enough, it rained for 2 days that we had our chance to view the magnificent waterfall.

To avoid spending too much time at Shifen, we headed to Houtong (侯桐) aka Cat's Village aka Cat's Heaven. There are lots of cats around. Hubby spent some time taking pictures of cats and I'm busy stamping. Hohoho~. Due to limited time, we skipped Gold Ecological Park and Jiufen Gold Mining Museum which is the home of a more than 200kg gold.

Later, we headed to Jiufen (九分) and on the way up there, it was hazy enough. Driver scared that it is going to rain but luckily it don't. Speaking of luck. However, we unable to view the sea from top of Jiufen. We bought some food to fill up our hungry tummy as we did not have our lunch. We were going to keep out tummy for our dinner at Keelung, Miaokou Night Market (廟口夜市). Bought some local products for family in Malaysia.

Wild boar sausage
Taro balls

On the way to Keelung (基隆), we stopped for a while at Golden Waterfall (黃金瀑布) and rock formation along the beach. We bypassed a 13-level old mine at Jiufen. In fact, that is a 18-levels old mine (like 18-levels hell?). In order not to scare out the tourists, normally they just called it 13 levels only.

Next, night market. We were so anticipated, well maybe we are hungry as well at that time. The night market was not big enough, for me lah. We had braised pork rice (滷肉飯) and thick crab soup. The braised pork rice just divine. Kinda miss it now. We picked up some small snacks along the way. Some of the stalls provide mini games as well and from what I had seen, it is quite a popular activities in the mid of night market. After having our lunch, we went back to hotel. It took around 1 hr to reach. Maybe it is weekday and not crowded. Rather than sleeping after a whole tired day, we chit-chat with the driver throughout the journey.

We ended our trip with hubby watching 海綿寶寶.

Next, Day 5.

Taiwan Day 3

Day 3:
We started off our journey by going to Shandao Temple station (善導寺) to have our breakfast. The famous Fu Hang Dou Jiang (阜杭豆漿) which was at 2nd floor inside the market. Easily found though. We queued for around 20 minutes until our turn and lucky enough the queue was until ground floor at the back of the market. Normally, crowd would queue even further.

We ordered salted soy milk, normal soy milk, pancake and deep fried crullers. The salted soy milk was rather impressive which tasted more like salted 豆花. I love the crullers very much. Thin layer of flour and very crunchy.

After having our late brunch, we went to Sogo via Zhongxiao Fuxing station (忠孝復興). It's one of the famous department store in Taiwan. Goods sold are not cheap though. I managed to buy some skincare.

Next, we went to Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall 國立國父紀念館 via Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall MRT station 國父紀念館站. This was not in my plan initially but we want to travel to suite the MRT line which is all within same line which is Taipei Nangang Line.

This place is quite magnificent and large. Many teenagers were practicing their dances outside the hall which is rather new thing for me. Not something we can found easily in Malaysia. Plus, Taiwan is famous for its diverse cultures, mixture of old and new. Perhaps, their country is nearer to countries like Korea or Japan, we can sense some similarity in their cultures.

Continue with our tour inside the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, we just went to the museum and the hall where Sun Yat Sen statue sat. Saw stamps and get over-excited with it, as told by my friend, that we can see those stamps basically at most of the places of interest. Stamps hunt continue on. Gift/Souvenir Shop is a must visit place for me anywhere I go except Selangor & Kuala Lumpur lah...

Looking around and saw postcard. A must sent item back to Malaysia whenever I go, if I can find it lah. So I grabbed  2 pieces at the price of NTD60 each. One for me and one for my colleague. Stamp to Malaysia cost NTD10 each. Bought some magnets for myself and my colleagues as requested. I'm super fans of magnet and must find until I get it bwahaha!. Lucky enough, Taiwan has lots of magnets especially cute ones. Any magnet lovers here?

We sat the train to next station in Taipei Nangang line (台北南港) to Taipei City Hall station. Upon reaching, we asked the information center how to take a shuttle bus to Taipei 101. Seems nearby but is not short walking distance though. And again lucky enough, we just waited for 5 minutes, the shuttle bus came. It was crowded at that time. The shuttle bus departed from Taipei 101 every 1/2 hours and drop by Taipei City Hall to fetch passengers.

Inside Taipei 101 was full with super luxurious branded goods. It's not a shopping destination for us. So we straight up to 5th floor to the entrance. The entrance fee is NTD400 and with Youth Travel card at NTD350 which we do not bother to enter. Some more, the weather was hazy which I guess nothing to see as well. Not to be miss is the gift shop, I managed to buy wooden postcard at NTD100 which was unique enough. Other souvenirs was expensive though.

To sit back to Taipei City Hall, we waited for 15 minutes for the bus to depart. It's near evening and we are heading to the most happening, youngsters spots in Taiwan, Xi Men Ding (西門町). We tasted some of the food and the famous mala hotpot is at there as well but do note that reservation is needed. By the time we reserve for a place of 2, the earliest is 10pm. Instead, my hubby suggested to watch movie there. We watched Olympus Has Fallen. By the time the movie finish, around 9pm we stroll around and I managed to get myself boots and thick jacket. Something to warm up my body finally.

We ordered 陰陽湯 (麻辣 和草藥). The mala was very spicy and can cause numb which I opt more of the herbal soup. I like the freshness of the ingredients prepared and the most important is my favourite abalone slice is available as well as angus beef (the best beef yet). I took that like crazy gal who never eat that before. However, beef tendon and pork slice was rather normal. They do serve Movenpick and Haagen dasz ice cream (something that I no need to emphasize for those had been to this mala hotpot). We did not really took up 2 hours here as we want to catch the last train to Taipei Main Station at 12am.

This is how we ended our Day 3 trip.

Next, Day 4.

Taiwan Day 2

Day 2:
Today is my photo-shooting day in Taiwan. Super excited therefore I slept once I get back to hotel last night. Wake up early to search for breakfast before proceeding to our bridal shop at Min Quan W. Road station.

Since we are not so familiar yet with the surrounding, transportation and exit, we headed to McDonald for our breakfast. We ordered ordinary Fillet O'Fish and Chicken Muffin, something we can get in Malaysia as well. After filled our small tummy with quite heavy breakfast, we proceed to Taipei Main Station and took MRT to Min Quan W. Road station, 4 stations from main station.

Upon reaching, Manhattan (曼哈頓) yet to open for business. We waited for 1/2 hours for my turn to make up because a lady married on that day late for her make up appointment. I nearly fall asleep then. It took me around 11/2 hours to finish setting up my hair and make up. Superb I can said. Totally is not me and I look damn pretty (giggling in heart). 豆豆 is 賴sir assistant of the day. By the way, they do provide food and drink for us during the photo shooting. Aww...so touch.

Once me and my hubby ready, we departed to our first destination which is Tatung University (大同大學)
for the building design, the Shan Chih Hall which similar to Rotunda University of Virgina. Quite spectacular I can said. Do we have those architecture here in Malaysia? well not in university I bet. A comparison below. Credit to pictures owner.

More info here.

Shan-Chih Hall at Tatung University

This is Rotunda from University of Virginia

Been first time shooting, I was rather awkward and stiff in positioning. Fortunately, 賴sir and 豆豆 was good and patient enough to retake some of the shots. The shooting was rather fast for each shot which I would not required to smile and pose for long time. Fair enough.

Next, we headed to Tatun Flower Farm (大屯花卉農場) nearby Tamsui (淡水) for our next shooting destination. An entrance fee of NTD800 is required per photography group. The surrounding is pretty enough with abundant of scenes for us to take. Plenty of couples were present at the same time for photo shooting session as well. My bet would be they are mostly Taiwanese. Too bad no photo was taken at this place, due to busy make up, hair styling and photo shooting.

Shower rain started when I changed to my 3rd clothes. We took some shots and next we headed to Tamsui beach. The wind was strong and the weather was incredibly cold for me and my hubby. Due to I mentioned before that I did not bring any thick jacket, we need to bear with the weather condition. No rain though. My hubby requested  賴sir to take a picture of our trademark pose. I was shy but it's a special thing for us which rather famous pose among our friends.

A little exhausted yet excited, we headed back to bridal shop. After setting up my 4th hairstyle, it rained heavily. I was regret for not shooting at Taipei 101 yet, glad that it rained heavily. At least it ease my heart a little. By that time we were totally tired and smile seems the hardest thing to do. We felt grateful that 賴sir and 豆豆 take their effort in making us smile until the completion of indoor shooting.

Finally, 5th dress and the final hairstyle, we eagerly want to finish up the shooting asap. But we did not told them though to avoid disappointment later. Upon completion and we were damn hungry by that time, we headed back to Taipei Main Station for our dinner. We don't bother to stop at any night market for our dinner. It was raining quite heavily then. We packed some food and have our dinner in the hotel while watching 海綿寶寶.

Thank you Manhattan photography group for the professionalism and funny-ness. You makes our day easier and I love every bits of the pictures.

Link to Manhattan website is provided if you wish to know more about them.

Next, Day 3

Taiwan Day 1

Back from our trip to Taiwan last weekend. Superb excited to share with you all our ad-hoc yet quite compact I would say XD.

Day 1:
Reached Taoyuan International Airport (桃園國際機場) and the weather was so cold with shower rain. OMG, I did not bring any extra jacket because my mum and my friend that went early and Mid March said Taiwan was hot. I was like....gosh how I'm going to pass my days with only cardigan as my so-called thickest and the only clothes I had with sleeve. Gosh, but I do not have extra time to bother about that yet.

I asked my bridal shop in Taipei Manhattan Bridal (曼哈頓) to instruct the driver to drop us off at our hotel, City Inn Branch 3 (新驛旅店三館) at Taipei Main Station (台北車站) before heading to bridal for dress selection. Our appointment is at 5pm. I was worried that we not managed to reach in time. Once check-in and drop off our baggage, we head to bridal by hailing a yellow cab (小黄) and we managed to reach slight after 5pm. Phew!

The bridal was crowded with customers at that time. So we proceed with our dress selection, make up artist styling and photography style. Upon finish then we left for dinner as we haven't eaten any food since our last food in aircraft. Due it was too late which was around 10pm, we took the MRT to Taipei Main Station for our dinner. We were scared that we unable to find our hotel then.

Again we was blurred by so many exits and we were lost a while. We kept looking at those direction as well as map and try to figure out which is our exit. Unfortunately, we exit wrongly and due to hungriness growing, we headed to 711 and settled our dinner there. We had beef noodles cup and warm milk heated by staff on that night. Our stomach was satisfied and we headed back in to research our exit. Finally after sometime we managed to figure out the nearest exit to our hotel. Phew! the weather was damn cold and I was wearing t-shirt and cardigan only. So daring ><.

We ended walking a lot for our 1st day in Taipei and don't be surprise, my itinerary was packed with walking. I'll describe in later posts after our photo shooting session. We ended our night by taking a quick bath and get to bed early because we need to arrive early for make up tomorrow. 

No much photos was taken on day 1.

Next, day 2

Pre-Taipei Trip

Woots. Aloha!

After months of preparation/research on what good food to eat, where to shop, a MUST visit place of interest, suggestion from colleague, finally the long await trip. Taiwan. Cool huh~

Counting 2 more days to go for my pre-wedding photoshoot and pre-honeymoon trip to Taiwan. We staying mainly in Taipei. Other states will be next in the near future. Do not like the rush though which anyway suppose to be free & easy.

Settled our arrangement with bridal makes me relief thanks to my colleague who helps me a lot in translating English to Trad Chinese.

Packing mode is on. And more stories to come when we back from there. So stay tune for our exciting trips.

Time written: 2:33PM on 27 March 2013.