7 May, 2016
Before my year 2 of uni life ended, I was already planning for a holiday and a getaway. I badly needed one.
So one day, as I was studying for my exams, I was texting Cherry and we talked about going on holiday etc.... and that led us to making our decisions to fly to TW to meet each other.
I honestly really love such impromptu decisions!
And since C was in her graduating sem, her parents are more willing to let her travel around.
We fixed a date that was good for the both of us, booked our flights (we tried to match to each other's timings too, so we can meet each other in the airport), booked our accommodation, and waited for the day we fly to meet each other!
And that's how we started our #karerrytravels ... and it's a REAL holiday for the both of us now, as we are no longer in each other's country :p
And it's also my second time flying by myself, and I really enjoy such!
I don't know why I love the window seat so much, but its probably because I won't get disturbed by people trying to move in and out, and also because I can admire the beauty of God's creations.
And, I can sleep peacefully. :p
Upon landing in TW, I connected to the wifi and contacted C right away!
As HK is nearer to TW, C arrived earlier than I did and was waiting for me.
So it was like C picking me up from the airport kinda thing. hehe.
Went to purchase my data card from 大哥大 before we went to purchase our bus tickets for the bus ride to Ximending.
The ride was almost an hour, but it was alright because C and I had a lot to catch up with!
And she flew my favourite egg tart over, so I was happily enjoying it though it was cold.
The bus stopped us at Taipei Main station, and we had to change to another bus that took us directly to Ximending.
It feels good to be back in TW again! (I went last year in May too, but unfortunately I didn't finish blogging about it except for the first day.. oops)
We were trying to googlemap our way to the hotel, and had a hard time finding it because it wasn't a hotel building on its own.
Thankfully, the hotel receptionist was really nice, and tried to guide us to the hotel based on our surroundings.
And after awhile, of walking past that building without knowing, we finally found it!
We stayed in Gosleep Hotel- Xining, and it was at XMD! So it was super convenient.
The hotel was located at the top, I can't really remember which level, but I can only remember that our room was on the same level as the reception, so it was even safer :p
Our room was pretty huge too, and I guess the only downside is that there isn't any windows, but that was fine with us.
After washing up and putting down our luggages, we left the hotel and went to walk around XMD for a little while. And to also have our very late lunch!
Immediately got my bubble tea fix by getting it at Chachago!! (i think they need to bring this to SG!)
C and I also shared a chicken from Hot Star, and honestly, i think it's o-k-a-y only.
But it was so huge, we couldn't finish it at all!
Thereafter, we hurriedly make our way towards Elephant Mountain (aka Xiang Shang) and met C's friend there too.
We wanted to go Taipei 101, but then we were a bit too late and we did not make any booking for the Starbucks too.
We were both totally not prepared for the hike that was waiting for us... we were only prepared to see the amazing view... but... lo and behold, all these were awaiting us.
Steps, steps and even MORE steps.
It seemed never-ending.. It was like stairway to Heaven kinda thing.. but we were totally not prepared for it, and we were trying to catch our breath with every step we took.
There were a lot of mozzies too, but thankfully, C's friend brought mosquito repellant! (so do take note to bring repellant if you are planning to go there!!)
And after I don't know how long, we finally reached the peak of the Elephant Mountain, and the view was indeed amazing.
Apparently the rock that I was sitting on, many other visitors were also waiting to take a picture there. (haha)
But we had to climb up and because it was a huge rock, it wasn't so easy.
Sadly though, it was quite cloudy/foggy etc, so the pictures didn't really come out that nicely ;'(
I think we stayed at the peak for an hour or so, as we wanted to watch the before and after-sunset view. (evident in the pictures of the Taipei 101)
I personally preferred the night view, as the lights were so pretty.
We then began our trek down, and this time, it was quite dark, and there were not much street lamps around, so the walk down was a little bit too dangerous.
While making our way towards our dinner venue, we walked past the 'takashimaya / town' of Taipei, and it was all the branded outlets area!
C's Taiwanese friend brought us to this restaurant for our dinner, and it's apparently quite a famous restaurant!
Sanhoyan, a restaurant that serves Chinese food with dim sum too!
When the food was served, they did not only look appealing, it was super yummy and we had such a sumptuous dinner!
Their fried rice was served in a pyramid shape (and it was so much! we couldn't finish), and my favourite dish of that night is the super soft tofu that had roes on it. SO SO GOOD.
And this is coming from a girl who hates tofu.. :P
Their dimsum was quite yum too, especially the super cute peanut based bun!
It was indeed a super fun and awesome day one!! :)
