A Trip to Taiwan ( Day 5, 6 & 7 )

17th December 2013

I'll never get tired of these, ever.

The pancakes made my day better.

If you don't know, I really love going to the beach but I rarely have the chance to go to one although Malaysia has dozens of fabulous islands and beaches to go to. This is because my parents think that the sea is dangerous where accidents and natural disasters are prone to happen. The only beaches I've been to are Desaru in Johor ( which was probably 10 over years ago? ) and East Coast Park in Singapore, which is not counted because it's man-made. Pretty sad, right? The lack of exposure to 'natural beaches' has actually added another item into my bucket list; to visit most of the wonderful beaches in the world, such as the ones in Florida, Australia and Hawaii. 

And I was actually granted the wish to go to one in Taiwan! This made my day even better - a visit to the Chishingtan Beach! Everything was perfect to me; the sound of the waves, the weather, the sand, the colour and the surrounding. 

So picturesque.

I spent so much time there until the tour guides came and 'shooed' me to the bus.. 

Here's one of my favourite photos taken that day.

Creepy.

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Then we proceeded to a Lingzhi and Tea Art Centre. If I remember correctly, this building was built to fund the Amis people ( one of the largest tribes in Taiwan ). Taking photos are prohibited in the building, so there won't be any pictures shared in the blog. During our visit here, the Amis explained to us the benefits of consuming lingzhi ( ganoderma ) and dead deer foetus ( yeap ). According to them, lingzhi enhances vitality of a person and it also promotes longevity whereas deer foetus is beneficial for pregnant women and also people with respiratory problems. It was proven by Soong May-Ling ( First Lady of the Republic of China ) 's case. The consumption of deer foetus had cured her asthma. Don't worry, the foetus was crushed into powder and not eaten blindly like that. 

After a whole 30 minutes of explanation, we were free to look and purchase the products. We were also served lingzhi and Royal Jelly drinks. Royal Jelly is actually honey but it'll give you a tinge of spiciness in the throat although it's really refreshing if you drink it cold. Not sure how true this is but we were advised to buy the whole lingzhi ( 'head' and 'tail' ) instead of either one, or else we won't be enjoying the full benefits of it. Two small boxes of each, cost more than RM1000. A bottle of Royal Jelly costs about RM700. 

Also, mum was dragged to buy the Royal Jelly facial products because apparently, it reduces the aging spots on her skin. She even told mum that it can reduce the freckles on my face too. That, successfully persuaded her to purchase the products which costed her about a total of RM600 ( two small bottles of whitening cream and a smoothing cream ). Now I'm always reminded to apply those products onto my face, everyday. 

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Good lunch, as usual. Finally, brown rice for me! 

And off we left to Yilan by train. The ride took about 2 hours.

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When we reached Yilan, the local tour guide treated everyone of us Mua Chi. Each of us had two, one with peanut filling and another one with black sesame filling. They tasted soooo goooooood. I'm a mua chi lover and I just can't resist them. Besides, they were freshly made! It was a pity that we couldn't buy it because they'll be spoilt if not consumed within a day. They tasted so much different than those being sold in boxes, ready-made ones. 

Mua chi is actually glutinous rice flour with fillings, usually with peanut. Too bad we couldn't ask for more. Urgh. 

Here's another Quaker product we bought at 7eleven. It tasted weird to me, although it's supposedly a healthy drink. 

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We were brought to Nantien Temple to worship the three Chinese Goddesses, Ma Zhu, Yi ( jade ) Ma and Jin ( gold ) Ma. Not sure if there's any significance to it, but the statues were placed in three different floors, Ma Zhu on the first floor, followed by Yi Ma and Jin Ma. Yi Ma and Jin Ma are made of real pure jade and gold which made the whole hall glow ( a little exaggerating here ). I apologise as there are no photos taken inside because I think it's appropriate to snap pictures at worship places; quite a sensitive issue to some religious people. However, there are photos taken from the temple. The view was wonderful too.

Then we went to the row of shops nearby and was recommended to try this! It's actually ice-cream and peanut wrapped with crepe. The combination was just nice, especially when it's eaten in cold weather. 

The biggest fishing port in Taiwan is situated in Yilan, so it's not surprising to see many fish markets there. 

I think those are fishes' eyeballs.

Then we checked into EHR Resort and Hotel. 

The best part about staying in this hotel is the view from the rooms. Imagine waking up to this every morning.

The second best thing about staying in this hotel is the natural hot spring! It has an indoor and an outdoor hot spring. 

The hotel has various recreational areas such as a pool room, table tennis room, karaoke rooms, a kid's playground and a gymnasium. Oh, they even have Wii too.

Pool room.

Indoor hot spring. Cold water on the left and hot water on the right at 39 degree celsius. If you are ever going to one, it's best to immerse yourself at a 5-minute interval in both for 30 minutes to prevent hyperthermia. Also take note that the water level does not go above your heart level.

Why isn't there any picture of the outdoor hot spring? Here's why. I did plan to experience the indoor hot spring after dinner, around 9.30pm because I supposed there wouldn't be anyone there already. For your information, the indoor hot spring is not unisex and it requires you to be nude. As I took a step into the room, I found 5 women soaking in the water. I went into the dressing room and spent 10 minutes pondering whether to join them. Being a rather conservative person, I left shyly. Yes, I left.... 

So, my sister and I went to look for the outdoor hot spring which is unisex and everyone's allowed to wear swimsuits into it. We went to every floor but failed to find a hot spring. We asked the staff about it and so we followed his instructions. We went outside and it was quiet and dark.. I walked further from the entrance, found a few scary statues on the floor, and bumped into a Cultural Centre which was still under renovation. A staff ( hopefully it was a staff ) saw me, I got a shock and ran back towards my sister, then back inside the hotel. I slipped and fell when I tried to close the door. The worse thing was I was in a bathing suit. Yeap. In the end, I experienced neither one. If you're wondering, sister was just there to accompany me but she didn't have the intention to join me. If not, I would probably have the guts to go to the indoor hot spring.. 

What an embarrassing night. 

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18th December 2013

And againnn! Breakfast while enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature was just, different. 

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Went to 九份 ( Jiu Fen ) which is located at New Taipei City, on a mountain. It was drizzling but that didn't stop us from splurging on souvenirs, food and more food!

Interesting fact: The model of Jiu Fen was used in the movie, Spirited Away. Have you watched it yet?

It's a popular place to spend time especially for people from Taipei.

Mochi!

And we got to try a bite ( many bites, in my case ) of many food products!

Black Sugar Ginger Tea. It's good if you have a bad cold!

Sausages.

Peanut Brittle.

Peanut Crisps! Love these. The aunty was really friendly too. She even opened a new packet of Green Tea Crisps for me to try, and didn't mind me not buying it. Do visit this shop if you're ever going there as her shop was the first shop selling these crisps. And they're the best too. 

I would also like to point out that Taiwanese are very warm and good-natured. I've concluded that after spending a week in Taiwan. Feel free to ask them anything if you've any enquiries because I'm sure they'll be willing to help you as much as they can. This is also one of the reasons why I want to revisit Taiwan in the future!

Chinese choreography.



I also realised that there are many dog lovers in Taiwan! Many shopkeepers in Jiu Fen actually rear dogs and the dogs are allowed to walk freely in the shops. 

Souvenirs.

Fishballs.

View from Jiu Fen. It was freezing cold up there.

One of Jiu Fen's delicacies; Asiatic Wormwood Rice Cake. The rice cake is filled with dried salty radish sauted by fried shallot ( I googled this, because I had no idea what exactly it was filled with ). Its chewy texture and the generous filling were such a good combination. It's a must-try if you're there. 

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Next up; the best lunch of the whole trip at Five Dime, Taipei. The artistic exterior of the restaurant is certainly eye-catching and the interior is unusual yet unique, which is decorated with sculptures and paintings.

Five Dime.

Abstract sculptures.

The stairs are special but dangerously scary to me.

Sweet potatoes and rice are a great combo.

So deliciousss.

*snickered*

First picture with these two sweetie pies / little friends I made during the trip. They reminded me alot of my sister and I.

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After a sumptuous meal, we went to this place, also in Taipei.

Basically, we were taught about Feng Shui there. 

The Feng Shui Master guided us about touching the Chinese Guardian Lions, whether for wealth or knowledge. All you have to do is to put your hands together and rub the lion's head clockwise, thrice. Then move your hands along the lion's body towards the backside. If you want more wealth, place your hands into your pockets ( indicating money going in ). If you want knowledge, place your hands on your head ( indicating gaining of knowledge ).

We learnt about the Chinese Horoscopes and the Feng Shui (?) behind our names. Apparently, if your Chinese name characters have 9 or 13 strokes, it means wealth. We had a session of 'name readings' by the staff there. They did shove pendants and charms onto our faces with reasons like increasing our 'yin'. The pendants introduced to mum for her and dad costed about RM6000 each. She also mentioned that the pendants, charms and statues being sold in the shop are authentic and are only available there. Luckily mum didn't fall for that woman's gimmick. I could see that her expression changed instantly when we didn't plan to purchase anything. Oh well. 

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We also visited the popular landmark skyscraper, Taipei 101. 

TWD 500 ( Around RM55 ) per person for the entrance fee to the indoor observatory deck, which is on the 89th floor. I've wanted to go to the outdoor observatory deck on the 91st floor instead but we had limited time there. One of the cons of joining a tour group.

It took only 37 seconds for the lift to reach the 89th floor ( 382 m ). Some of us had temporary ear blockages, caused by the sudden change in air pressure.

Magnificent view, aye?

Many information corners. 

Christmas-themed miniature.

You can even enjoy the view while sipping on coffees or indulge in some desserts.

A tuned mass damper. According to one of the tour members, this pendulum will counterbalance any movements ( probably caused by extreme weathers ) in the building. Technology at its finest here.

And on our way out of the observatory...

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In the evening, we went to Xi Men Ding. It's a popular hangout place for youngsters.

But before that, we were brought here to purchase Taiwan's famous pineapple tarts. It's just located outside the entrance of Xi Men Ding.

More food-testing.

At Xi Men Ding, 

We were recommended to try Ah Zhong Mee Sua. It's quite well-known.

I'm not a fan of mee sua, but this, was super yummy. Served hot and quick service too.

Despite the lack of seats, everyone was willing to stand and eat outside the shop. Still delicious though.

We were also recommended to try the honey bittergourd juice. TWD 60 each ( RM6.60 ).

 

Blergh. I didn't like it because it was so bitter! The honey didn't help.

Anddd another place recommended by the tour guide..

Chicken feet, chicken wings, intestines, eggs and etc

We did not try any because well, they didn't look appetising. Anyway, Xi Men Ding is a big place to eat and shop. The shoes and apparels are dirt-cheap but we were only given an hour or two to spend there and we barely walked half the place! 

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Our next and last stop was the famous Shihlin Night Market.

 

Taiwan's famous Stinky Tofu.

Buns.

Seafood.

 

'Small Sausage In Large Sausage'. The one in Feng Jia Night Market tastes nicer.

Crab.

Shishamo.

Taiwan's oyster omelette is a little different from the one we have in Malaysia. It seemed that it contains more potato starch than eggs, making it gooey, similar to the texture of a mochi. It didn't suit our taste. However, it's still one of Taiwan's top cuisines.

I have no idea what is this called. It looked nice, so we bought to have a try. It was like crushed peanuts with crunchy crust outside ( shown in the previous picture, before crushing ) wrapped with dough ( yes, dough ). This sounds bad but it was probably the worst food I've tried in Taiwan. Looks can be deceiving, really.

Fried Squid!

Fried Tentacles!

I personally do not like Shihlin Night Market. I still prefer Feng Jia Night Market and I miss the food there already! And if you didn't notice, many food selling in Taiwan's night markets are fried. Absolutely not a place for health conscious people. 

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Our last stay in Taiwan was at Fullon Hotel, Taipei.

Two Queen-sized beds, only for my sister and I.

 I believe that a comfortable accommodation makes a big impact on the whole trip.

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19th December 2013

Our last breakfast buffet. 

The last day of our trip was free-and-easy. So, we explored the shops nearby the hotel but not for long because it was about 8 degrees celsius on that day and the wind gusted to our faces didn't make us feel any better but the lunch did. 

Braised pork with rice, alongside with braised eggs and soup.

Tofu.

Stir-fry Kailan and 'Buddha Jumps Over The Wall' / 佛跳墙

Grilled Mackerel.

Braised pork.

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Good things always come to an end, sadly. 

Long-anticipated inflight food. This set of food made me suffer from food poisoning for 3-4 days, and the discomfort on the plane was unbearable. Now, I'm pretty traumatised of inflight meals already because of this experience. No more anticipating.

 Loots from Taiwan ( excluding the apparels we bought )

Should have bought more snacks home because I've ran out of pineapple tarts and peanut crisps already... but nevertheless, it was indeed a fulfilling and memorable trip. Hopefully, I'll visit more places in Taiwan next time. Attending the Taiwan Lantern Festival is added on my list too!  

I'm really glad that the group had so many wonderful people! Not to mention, really adorable and obedient kids too.

Happy New Year's Eve,  everyone!

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Coming up next: An Eventful Day; Wedding.