15 March 2008 (Day 1)
A long awaiting get away. Today is a day where I told a lie to the whole wide world and to my loved ones who might stop me from doing it.
I made a wilful decision which I am actually proud that I did. One person, a young lady, followed a tour to Taiwan, a faraway place. Today my feeling is mixed. I am happy yet worried. Am I really able to take care of myself without friends tagging along? All alone with tour to Taiwan. It is my bravest decision. I only told my mum that I am going to Taiwan with an Anonymous friend to Taiwan. All believed me as I seldom tell lies. But this round I did for this selfish reason, because Bro CQ is going.
We checked in our luggage at 11am where we met our tour leader, Ivy, at Terminal 1 Counter 6. She passed us the pink ribbon for us to tie onto our luggage so as to facilitate us to locate it later at Tao Yuan Airport when we collect at the luggage belt.
All done within half an hour though the queue seems to be never ending. After I checked in my luggage, I went to chat with one friend from CQ FC club. Sorry that I don’t really remember your name. Minutes later, Bro CQ came with Bro David, his Jing Li Ren. Throughout the whole journey, Bro David is staying with him in the hotel.
Time to go to the boarding area and wait for our turn to check in and wait at the boarding area before we board the plane. There I met Bro CQ and Bro David face to face. Wonder from where he heard or maybe when he saw I am all alone. He popped me this question which startled me, "Are you alone to travel with us to Taiwan." Stunned by his question, I only able to nod my head. I am still shy when face him, though it is not my first time face him upclosed.
To be frank, he is very cute and friendly. He does not have any stuck-up feel which some stars may have. That's why I so fond of him as my idol.
Time now is 12:35pm and the start of my brand new self exploring Taiwan will be starting in 4hours plus time. Eva Air is the plane I am taking and the flight number is BR 226. The plane took off at 2pm sharp. It will be a 4 hours flight from Singapore to Taipei(Tao Yuan Airport). As the plane took off, we are told to off our handphone, laptop, mp3 player, etc, electronic appliances, as it will affect the plane in the direction radar.
Hence I am writing this diary instead. I am going to record down the things happened and done in Taiwan. As it was my first time ever planned get away. Moreover, it is a truth not revealed to my parents and my relatives. Wonder was it because I am alone, I kinda worried that they will treat me specially as I am alone. Especially when Bro CQ knew I am alone travelling with tour to Taiwan.
In the plane, we have songs to listen and video to watched. The videos are Enchantered, Tou Ming Zhuang and many others. I chose to listen to songs as I find those movies do not suit me. As it will be 4 hours flight, there will be lunch provided. We had a simple lunch on board. Nothing special. But I had their sweet apple juice as my beverage.
Time is now 6pm plus where we touched down Tao Yuan Airport safely. We were told to assemble near the luggage claimed belt area where we will board the bus provided in a group. WELCOME TO TAIWAN!!! My group is full of families and only me came alone. I guess, no one will ever done that at age 24 ba. :)
The youngest is a boy name Guan Xiang, he is already 3 years old. Wonder when I am 3 years old, what I am doing then. But will never be like him so blessed as he already took plane to Taiwan at age 3. The oldest is a lady in her 60s where she came with her daughter. First day with them we did not talk much as we do not know each other.
When we all gathered and waiting for our bus to come, we had a small chat with CQ. He will be following Group A today till tomorrow as when we reached there, it is already 7pm.
In the bus, our tour guide, Guan, introduced himself and he roughly told us the plan for tonight. First, we will be alighting at the Taipei Railway Station for our dinner. At there, we can get to taste the Oyster Omelette with Sweet Sauce and many more. There are over 20 choices for us to choose. We were told to gathered at the meeting point at 9:30pm where we will be sent to our room for rest.
I ordered the Oyster Omelette for dinner. The sauce was super sweet. If you are not sweet tooth, you will never like it. But their oyster omelette is really different from the one in Singapore. It is more sticky and very unique.
From here, we can take train to other places and there is also MRT for us to take too. It was an eye opening. Sad to say, the shops closed as early as 9pm. Hence, there wasn't anything for us to shop here. But there is 7-11 located at all the ends. The night sight here was great. The wind was cold like aircon. It is 19degree Celsius now.
Time is 9:30pm. We met as told and set off to our hotel located not far away. It is called Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. In Chinese is call, Fu Peng Xi Lai Deng Jiu Dian. It was not bad hotel but we only stayed there for a night and will set off at 8am tomorrow. Morning call will be set at 6:30am where we will take our breakfast before we set off tomorrow. My room number was 1116 where I am staying at Level 11 Room 16. :P
That ends my Day 1 exploring. Staying in here was not bad. The bed was cosy and there is an arm chair at one corner. The bathroom was also not bad renovated. Quite grand. Wonder how the charges per night stay is. Alright, shall end here for Day 1 as there isn't much to say now. Continue tomorrow. :P
16 March 2008 (Day 2)
Day started when I woke up at 6am. Half an hour earlier than the set morning call. I start do some packing up as we will be shifting to another hotel later in the evening. When the morning call came, I then set to bath before I went to Level 2 for my delicious breakfast. It was buffet style and by the time I reached, there were already a number of them at there eating. I sat at one of the table and started my breakfast. After which, I went back and watch television programme and took some photos of the room.
Time is now 7:55am, I check out and waited for the tour guide and my tour leader. The bus was trapped due to some reason and we were delayed by 15 minutes where Group A and B already ready to set off. Without delaying their time further, Group C tour guide, Guan, told them to leave first and we will joined them shortly.
We set off at 8:15am and today's first destination will be Gu Gou Bo Wu Guan where the ancient past Dynasty Porcelain showcase in three levels in there. At there, our tour guide uses the mike to tell us stories related to the porcelain and how it came about making it. We can see the dragon in different sizes and forms from different Dynasty. Some were really dragons, some looks more like lizard than dragon.
We spent almost an hour or two at there. I became bored and started to plan to leave the group to walk on my own. Outside the hall, I met my tour leader and Group A's and B's leader. They were chatting away as they also finds it bored.
When all ended, we set off at 11am to go Jiu Fen for our lunch break. It is self paying lunch at Jiu Fen. But our tour bus cannot take us to there directly. We have to alight at one carpark and took the bus specially prepared by them to reached Jiu Fen.
It is a long stretched of shops where we can find food and also souvenirs for presents to colleagues or friends. I got to taste the Yam Balls with red bean soup. Also the sausage for lunch. At there, I saw many souvenirs and I bought some back for keeping. There is many people walking here and the things here was quite expensive but was nice. There is also quite a number of foods where you can't find it in Singapore. Such as Ping Tang Hu Lu, Smelly Toufu, Fried Seashells, unique fishballs and many more.
There is a shop that sells many tricks stuff. You can buy and play trick on others. It is like Chinatown in Singapore but was much narrower than Chinatown. At here you can find many stuffs like food or souvenirs.
We set a time to gathered at around 2plus. When all came, we crossed over to take that special bus back to the carpark where our tour buses waiting. We then set off to another place.
Our next destination is Yi Lan. Weather now is Sunny and hot. Time is now 3pm. It will need around an hour from Jiu Fen to Yi Lan though the traffic was clear.
We reached Yi Lan at 4pm plus. We went to the Mu Ji Factory where we will witness how Mu Ji was made and how we can add colours on the Mu Ji. It wasn't cheap for even a small souvenirs to bring back home. First, we get to see videos on the intro of Mu Ji. Then we headed down to Level 2 where we were taught on how they make Mu Ji and how they added colourful patterns.
We also say the world's biggest Mu Ji. Some took photos with CQ. As I was shy, I didn't dare to ask him to take photo with me. We stayed in there for 45 minutes where we were free to walk around and discover new things.
Some of the Mu Ji was meant to be a help in our health. Some is meant for kids to wear and some is meant for ladies to wear only. In the village there, everyone owns a Mu Ji and they made their own Mu Ji and now they made for tourists to earn some profits from it.
One pair of Mu Ji cost NT$800 which is around SGD40. Very expensive hor? Hence I didn't buy even one small souvenirs from there.
Then we headed to a straw factory. Actually not really a factory la. At there we get to see different things made from straw. Like cute little straw man, straw house and straw animals. Heard from Guan that, straw have nice smell and cooling. But the bad point is, it is easily on fire and once caught fire, in minutes, the whole house will be gone. Hence when the smoker wants to smoke, they have to smoke outside the straw house to prevent it from catching fire.
From here, I had learnt that straw is not just straw. It can be made into things like Straw Doll, Straw Rat Statue and Straw House for people to stay.
After this, we headed to our next destination, Jia Zi Yu Liao for our dinner. It will take an hour from the straw showroom to there. Time is now 5pm plus. Throughout the journey, we met some hiccups.
As our bus was the first to set off. The rest of the group following us was behind. We thought this time, we will be the first to reached as today we are always the last to reach. But we were all totally wrong. Something happened when we suddenly found that the bus met some difficulties. First, we came to a junction where the driver had to made an U turn as he went to the wrong place.
Then when we thought he is getting it right this time, he stopped suddenly for almost 20minutes. Those buses behind us was not with us anymore. Then we came and learnt that, he took the wrong turn and came to the wrong place. We are stucked in the narrow T junction where only lorries can enter here.
Big tour buses finds it very difficult to turn as it was a two way narrow traffic. It was really tough job for a big tour bus to turn in the narrow two way traffic. If it was not turned carefully. we might find ourselves landed into a small drain. So they need to block cars from entering from the lane we are turning. From there, we can detour to find the correct way to the destination. It took another 20minutes as it is really not easy for the bus to turn. He needs to be skilled and he must make the correct estimation, if not, we will find our bus landed in the drain or some holes.
With the help of the resident there, we managed to turn out and finally we found our way to the Jia Zi Yu Liao. I find it very great experience though in the end, we are still the last group to reached. Though we met some hiccups, but we still managed to reach there safely. Then we were asked to seat where there is place specially for us. We are told to take note of the seating arrangement and table group for the rest of the days' table arrangement.
It is a 10 course dinner I guessed as there are more than 6 dishes served. There are seafoods. chickens and vegetables with funny taste and smell. Maybe because we do not appreciate their vegetables or maybe it is really taste funny, we wasted a lot of food. The fishes were not really cooked. There is still smell of fishy smell. Even the prawns taste very weird. There is also sea shells that are edible served and kim chi served too. Some finds the kim chi nice had ordered a bottle to bring back home. Sad to say, there isn't much food for the small boy. Hence our tour guide specially ordered fried eggs for the two boys in our group.
Then to make the dinner more exciting, CQ went from table to table to Yum Seng. He only knows how to say Zao Shen Gui Zi. Super funny sia. When he came to our table, he asked any newlywed couples or couples who have no children. But our table all couples already had at least one child. As CQ does not know what to say, hence we agreed to yell, Zao Shen Gui Zi. We had lots of fun. Seems like we attending wedding dinner sia. :P
But I must say the ambience there was romantic and the place was relaxing. But as the sky was already darkened at 6pm, many scenery unable to see without the light shining.
After this, we boarded the bus and headed to our hotel for rest and washing up. Today our hotel is Lan Yang Spring Resort. It is a hotel where you can have your spa nearby or inside the hotel itself. Neighbouring were shops of spas and some eateries. As I am alone, hence I did not go out to explore. My room number for today is 9520. Level 9 Room 520. I am staying at the same level as CQ and we were actually quite near each other. But I didn't have to see where his room is. Anyway, it is already 9pm plus when we finally reached the hotel after the awful dinner. I went to bed quite early as I had a tiring day today with sooo many places visited.
As usual, the morning call is set at 6:30am and we will set off at 8am. Tomorrow CQ will board our bus and follow us throughout the whole journey.
This ends my Day 2 exploring. Shall sleep early in the cosy room. Good nite. :P
17 March 2008 (Day 3)
Day started today when I woke up at 6:15am waiting for the morning call and then headed to bath. After which we will have our breakfast at Level 9 where we had to take lift to Level 8 and climb stairs to Level 9. The restaurant opens only at 7am and we were there at 6:55am. Hence had to wait before they opened the buffet bar. I had a quick and full breakfast and headed back to my room to do some packing.
As planned, we set off at 8am and will be heading to Orchid Garden for a walk before we headed to Zhong Zhen Ji Nian Tang to see how the soldiers change shift every hour. During the journey, Bro CQ said lots of ghost stories and jokes and some brain twister. He also called Sis Weibin to disturb her. Haha.. We had lots of fun. Then he passed the mike over to Guan and Guan began to tell us the background of the Zhong Zhen Ji Nian Tang.
When we reached the orchid garden, we were greeted by the cute rat statue. There are lots of beautiful flowers here and cute children where they have their life class here. The line up in an orderly manner, partner holding hands. So cute and adorable. So naive. I took some photos of the orchids and many others like the stone insects, beetles, snails, etc. I took some photos of the flowers and also took with Tour leader, Ivy and tour guide, Guan. I still dare not ask Bro CQ to take with me as I am super shy. Haha... As if...
Then we headed to Zhong Zhen Ji Nian Tang to witness how the soldiers changed shift. Before it starts, we took turns to take with the human statue where they will stand motionless for an hour. It was at there, I took my very first photo with Bro CQ. He was super cute. :P
Then came the ceremony of changing shift between two different army. I can't remember is it Air force change with Navy or Navy change with Air force or with others. But it was really an eye opener. Why do I say that? They are very professional and the way they change shift was really spectacular. You have to be there to experience it yourself. It took almost half an hour for them to change shift and then for the next two to stand there motionless for an hour.
After that, we headed to Pi Qiu Guan where we were introduced to Pi Qiu where its real name is call Tian Lu. It is one of the auspicious items in Feng Shui. Almost all who believed Feng Shui had at least one small pendant of Tian Lu.
Frankly speaking, I do not really believe Feng Shui. Then the man begins to tell us stories of how Tian Lu was brought to bring wealth to us. He also talked on the Feng Shui in Singapore and some snap shots of the Feng Shui building like our Suntec Convention Halls, banks' building and etc. I learnt a lot but do not mean I believe. Then he said than our names can determined our life whether is it good or bad. He talked about why Bai Xiao Yan died at age of 16 and how come it was done by age 16 killer. It all because of her name. Xiao Yan, this two words each have 16 strokes when you wrote in Fan Ti Ji. In Feng Shui, multiples of 10 and number 16 are unlucky numbers. The two names added together must not be multiples of 10 and the name individual must not be 16 strokes. The best and luckiest numbers of strokes is 13.
The small pendant was not cheap wor. It cost at least NT$5888 which is few hundreds when converted to Singapore dollars. Really not cheap wor. :X
When I asked for my own name at two different counters, the colour if Tian Lu they offered was totally different. This shows that the prediction was not the same for same place but different counter. Thanks god, I didn't buy it. If not, I really will feel pinched. :X
After this, we will set off for lunch. We will be lunching at Wu Jiao Chuan Ban Can Ting. The designed was very unique and the owner who owns this place had never studied architect. Nevertheless, she can managed to designed it in a very unique way. Even the restroom was specially designed. It was a marvellous piece of art. No words can used to described the uniqueness. You have to visit to experience it. If you want to have a closer look, you can stay at the hotel opposite this restaurant, Victoria Hotel. Haha..
Before we left, we found this unique ticket which we mistakenly thought it was a summon ticket. But we were all wrong. It was a parking coupons where the customer will pay it later at the nearest 7-11 store. Another unique things I discovered. The traffic was designed is a way where the motorist have a box of their own before the cars behind the traffic light crossing. It is a big box for all the motorist to line up and they will be the first to drive passed when the green traffic light shined. Very unique hor.
Now we are heading to the next destination after the tasty lunch at Wu Jiao Chuan Ban. As mentioned by Guan earlier, it will take us 4 hours to reach the next journey. So we began to sing for a while and then we all slept in the bus till they brought us to the interval stops to have a short break for some refreshment or toilet break. We stopped twice and finally reached Liu He Ye Shi.
In this night market, there are a lot of eateries, snacks store and soft toy stores. At here, I finally found my Qi Zai. It was famous ever since the movie called CJ7. It cost me NT$150 for the small soft toy and later I bought a strip and another small keychain with CJ7 in it for NT$250 total. I know it was not cheap but I am afraid if I don’t buy now, I might not be able to see it liao.
Then while walking, I met Bro CQ with one of the couple. They managed to catch a bigger CJ7. So lucky while mine was bought using cash. Haha...
In the end, I ate the oyster omelette and one mouth of the Tian Bu La... It is really spicy. I ate one mouth and could not continue. Luckily the oyster omelette was not bad taste with the sweet sauce afterall. :P
After much shopping and eating, we are back to our bus and will be proceeding to this hotel call, Ren Dao Guo Ji Jiu Dian for resting our tired body and legs. We really walked a lot today. Haha... It is also the hottest day we ever encountered. The temperature today reached the highest of 34degree Celsius. No wonder I was having split headache. Haha... But after a cold bath, I am feeling better le.
Oh yes, the hotel was really grand and staying here resemble emperor staying here. Heard that Group D and E were already here and will meet us tomorrow morning. Bro CQ will be boarding Group D’s bus and we might not be able to see him till Day 5’s Gala Dinner.
Time flies, so fast it was already ending of Day 3 liao.... Time is now 12pm liao.... Think he should be very happy today ba... He got Doreamon VCD, Big Mickey Mouse hand and also Big CJ7. The VCD was a gift I bought for him when we were at the Dreamworld shopping mall previously before we reached the Liu He Ye Shi. It was a short stopover as the time is still early for us to go to the night market.
At there, I also bought two VCDs of Doreamon. It was new release as I didn’t came across when I was in Singapore.
Oh yes, my room number for today is 1012. Haha...Meaning Level 10 Room 12. This time I do not stay the same level as him le. I also didn’t take the same lift as him as he has to wait a while and chit chats with another tour guide. Shall end here and will sure have a good night sleep as the bed is really very cosy. Good night all... :P
18 March 2008 (Day 4)
We set off at 9am as we only reached hotel at 12am instead of the usual 10pm. Hence the morning call shifted to 7:30am and breakfast will be 8-9am. Tomorrow will have be very special night as we will be having Gala Dinner.
We will not be able to see Bro CQ today until tomorrow’s Gala Dinner as he will be joining Group D for his another exciting journey. He will company Group D-G (if I am not wrong) till the end and will follow the last group fly back to Singapore. He will be back on 28 March while Group A-C will be back on 22 March. So he can stay till 28 March. Wow, very long holiday for him wor. :P
As for us, Group A-C, we will continue our journey to the rest of the scenery without Bro CQ’s company. But later we might get to see him at night for sure. Alright, now we are entering Ping Dong to go to the Hai Shen Guan. As traffic is jam now, Guan briefly introduce what is Taiwan famous of. So we will have a better understanding of Taiwan.
Finally, we reached the fruits farm, At there we get to taste the sweetest “Shui Yong”. But I didn’t pick as I am not fond of eating fruits.
After this, we set off to watch the ancient way of barbeque potatoes in the olden day’s style. It is located at Kenting National Park. I didn’t follow them downhill as there are more than 100 steps of stairs. It will be tiring by the time you climbed up. Besides, I already know how it will be barbequed. Hence, I just wait at the stand at the top of the hill to watch them from far.
After this, we set off to Hai Shen Guan (National Museum Of Marine Biology & Aquarium-Guo Li Hai Yang Shen Wu Bo Wu Guan). To my surprised, I saw Group D and E at here with us. In other words, Group A-E are at Hai Shen Guan at the same time. We enter the gate group by group. Once we passed the gate will be self touring inside the Hai Shen Guan.
Basically, Hai Shen Guan is Taiwan’s Underwater World. It is no different from Singapore’s Underwater World but of course the design will be different la.
I saw lots of fishes and statue of dolphins. As I do not wish to walk with the rest, I decided to go on the opposite direction of the rest to explore this place myself.
When I enter one of the location inside the cool air conditioned room, I heard there is some performance or some introduction of the fishes. Something caught my eyes, its Bro CQ. I also saw Ivy, my tour leader. Initially, they did not see me. But when it was ended, they walked and saw me. Then I somehow follow them out as they asked me to. When they came out to the lobby or the entrance of the underwater world, they decided to go for a bite. Bro CQ asked whether I had eaten, I replied no. He asked me to tag along as I was alone and also as I have not eaten. So I follow them with much persuade. Ivy scare I will run away, hence she hold my hands and Bro CQ will turn and look to make sure I will follow them.
With some discussion, they decided to go to the eatery place inside this place. There is a lot of dim sum here. I ordered six of them and went to sit down. But Bro CQ called me and asked me to sit next to him. I was so shy that I did not dare to talk to him at all.
When he offered food for me, I rejected. Wonder will he be angry a not. Frankly speaking, I do not eat much. His concern I understand. Well, in the end, I ate the bun and some Tang Bao. We didn’t managed to finish all the food hence we sit around and rest. Some left to shop at nearby store. Bro CQ and Bro David decided to go back to the Underwater World as Bro CQ wish to see fishes which he had missed just now. Hence they left.
I saw Ivy was not around hence I decided to re-enter the Underwater World to continue. As I was very bored and the time now is only 2pm. We assemble at the main entrance at 3:30pm. So long. So I decided to go back to the eatery. On the way, I came across a shop of selling soft toys and keychains. I bought some home and then I met one of my tour members. It was Junjie and his parents. They asked me to join them, since I had nothing to do, I decided might as well follow them and spend the rest of the time with them ba.
Then we happened to met Bro CQ, Bro David and Uncle Magic. He showed some magic trick to JunJie and he offered to teach him some. It was very fun. We had some fun time and soon, time is near the meeting time. We assemble and then we set off to another location.
Finally, we are reaching the hotel. This hotel looks like a resort which is like the Pasir Ris Resort. The name of the hotel is called Yoho Hotel. Time is now 5:30pm. Our dinner is at 6pm. Hence we only given half an hour to wash up and rest. So after we got our keys, we went to wash up and changed. My room number is 3116. The funniest thing in this resort is, the first number was not level but was meant the location at Blk 3A and level 1 room 16. Funny right?
After putting down my stuff and change my clothes, I went for a walk walk. When I passed by a shop, I saw Johnny and his friends shopping inside. They planned to buy swimming trunks as they want to enjoy the spa in here.
In the end they did not buy as the price was very expensive. Then they happened to meet one of the staff here and ask if track shorts is allowed. He say can as long as the material same as the one for the swimming trunk. Then on the way, we met Bro David. Then we happened to pass by a pond and Johnny and friends decided to feed the fishes there. We played for awhile before we set off to the dinner place.
The dinner was not bad. After that, we left and I went to their arcade to play basketball. Not very good results. I played till my hand very tired and also till I finished the coins. Each game cost SGD0.50. Very cheap wor. Haha... I played total of SGD10 there. Then saw Bro David playing the catching machine. He managed to catch one soft toy and gave to one of his friend. He say at here not easy to catch. The arcade at the other side was better.
He spent some money only managed to catch two. But none he kept for himself. As I felt very hot, I decided to go back my room and bath. After shower, it was only 11pm. I am still awake. Hence I decided to explore this place alone and also look for the venue for our breakfast for tomorrow. The park inside was dark. But I tell myself to be brave and you can do it alone de. Afterall, you came here alone. Nothing to fear de. Then I heard there is sound of the wave. When I came to the beach, there was no one. Probably all went to bed or at somewhere I do not know. But I saw one man sitting at there alone. Probably he is the beach guard ba. Then walk further, I saw a big chess board. As I was bored, I decided to go back to arcade to see if there is anything to play. On the way I one of my Group’s couple, they told me got show to watch in here. Hence I followed them. There we saw it was already started. So we joined the fun. The performers teach us how to dance and even invite audience on stage to dance. We had lots of fun and very enjoyed. Bro CQ was invited to dance with them and he won a prize for that.
After that we left and walk around. I walk back to the arcade but there is not much I can play as I do not have coins on hand. But I am still awake. How to spend my time now???
Hence I went back to my room to change my pyjamas and then I went out for a short walk. There I met Bro CQ and Bro David again and also one of my group’s couple. He suggested to see our rooms and then when he looked down from the balcony, He saw another group’s members bought some wine and chips planning for some games later. He decided to trick him by acting that he is smoking outside the room. Very funny wor. We made lots of noise with the jokes and disturbed the residents there. Then Bro CQ say he showed us his room at the other side. We took photos and then we left as they wanted to rest liao.
We all went back to the room. Time is now 12plus. Though I am still awake, but I tried to sleep after packing my luggage to prepare for tomorrow’s hotel changing. Good night and shall end here now.
19 March 2008 (Day 5)
Time flies, today is already Day 5. We set off at 8:30am. We will be going to this special place to taste the well known coffee in the coffee making factory. In here, we learnt that coffee can turned into biscuits and sweets and many more. I bought 1 packet of coffee biscuits and 2 packets of sweets of different flavours.
After this we headed to Jian Hu Shan Hotel. Before we can check in at 4:30pm, we were lead to their amusement park where all the exciting and non exciting rides awaiting for us. We deposited our luggage at the lobby and followed our tour guides to the venue. We went to a long long way before we can reached the Jian Hu World.
There are many rides. Some are exciting, trilling while some are not so exciting. It suits many age group. There are some for kids only and some for adults only. Some are for families.
I took almost all the trilling, the exciting and the giddy rides. They are G5 roller coaster which I think not so exciting. There are also another rider more exciting than G5 as it keeps turn around till you will feel that you are almost thrown away. Very trilling. I also took this ride which I really regret taking it. It is a bowl like sitting. It will keep turn and turn round and round till you felt giddy and nausea.
I also took the ride which is not so trilling as it will only swing sideways. Well, after all these rides, I am almost half dead and was very hungry. Hence I went to nearby fast food shops for some bite. I bought a packet of French fries only. Then I sat for awhile to rest before heading back to the hotel as it was already 4:35pm.
When reached there I had my room keys and my room number is 677 Level 6 room 77. :P
Finally can rest for an hour before the dinner at 7pm. It was Gala Dinner later. So I shall rest a while and change to a dress. Actually was thinking whether to wear it a not. But a lot of them say I look nice in this dress.
When reached the dinner room, we saw some already reached liao. Our table was just in front of the stage. So we can see him upclosed. Then we started taking table shots. Bro CQ was so shocked when he saw us taking photos before dinner starts. He was so charming with his coat on. Prince Charming Bro CQ. The highlights of today’s dinner will be shows lined up and also games for us to participates and lucky draws for us to win exciting prizes.
Before the start of the dinner, Bro CQ called to Singapore to Sis Weibin and tell all the listeners how happy we are in here and made those who cannot make it jealous. Haha.... Of course he also said his feelings throughout the journey in here and he is very happy to tour with us. Then he announced that the dinner will start now.
The start of the dinner, we watched Bian Lian and then followed by singing and then hand shadow show. After that, Bro CQ say he wanted to give us a challenge. He requested 12 items from all groups. The first group which had all the 12 items and came up first will won prize. Group A and C came up at the same time and we all had all the correct items. As the prizes are divided into two groups, hence we will have lucky draw in the bus tomorrow for the prize.
Then we had also beauty and prince competition where each group will select the prettiest and the handsome group members to come on stage to PK. In the end, our group won. Congrats. :P
Then we have singing session where all those who wished to sing can go on stage to sing. Though no prizes will be given but they enjoyed a lot. During the interval, Bro CQ was busy taking table photos with all the tables. Of course we also asked him over la. We had many shots and he poses many different poses. Very fun indeed.
I also plucked up my courage and took some photos with him alone. I also took with Tour leader Ivy and Group B Tour leader, Joanne.
I did not went on stage to sing in the end as I have stage fright. Well, never had before singing on stage with so many people watching. Very scary ar.
After the dinner, it was a planned programme-Light up Tian Deng and let our hopes sent to the sky. We are given one Tian Deng for each group and everyone is given a chance to write our hopes and dreams on it.
Bro CQ is given one also for all his crew members also and the tour guides and tour leaders.
Then we proceeded to a carpark located at the far end of the park. We formed a circle and place the Tian Deng in the middle. Tour guides will do the setting up and we must let it burn and accumulate enough carbon dioxide before it can fly up to the sky. As ours were heavy. It fly not long ago and dropped down. Then when tried to reduce the paper weight, it suddenly caught fire. Though sad but we console ourselves as it is the fastest way to make our dream fulfilled. After all we enjoyed the process. That is the most memorable experience. There are only few groups managed to let it fly up successfully.
We saw Bro CQ helping one of the group to light up and then it was successfully flown up to the sky. May all our hopes and dreams will come true. We all cheered when the Tian Deng made the success flight,
After that, we walked back to hotel and some went back to rest while Bro CQ and Bro David and the rest went for their late dinner. As I was not tired, I decided to walk around. Then I came to this park where I heard there is programme on. But I was too late for all the programmes. Anyway, I managed to take some shots and went to see their pub.
Time is now 12 plus, it’s bedtime. Good night....
20 March 2008 (Day 6)
It was Day 6 already soon we will go back to Singapore liao. Today is also the last time we can see Bro CQ and then we will continue our journey without him tagging along as he will be travelling with the rest of the groups to other destinations. Before we left Jian Hu Shan Hotel, we had a group photos with him. Then we set off to our next destination. Time is now 8:15am.
We will be going back to Taipei. It was a 4 hours journey from Taipei to Taiwan. So we will be taking short nap and some short stops before we finally reached our lunch time venue where we taste the organic food.
The place was relaxing and full of nature sight. It is located uphill. The name of this restaurant is called Rui Shi Xiang Chun Nong Zhuang (Swiss Country Village). Time is now 12pm plus
The plain water was served in a glass bottle. Inside was a plant. This place was unique. There is a swing as chair in one corner. Took some photos of the food I ate before I start to eat my Chicken Chop Rice. The sauce is curry sauce but was not spicy at all. It just taste weird. Chicken chop with curry sauce. Haha..
My dessert is coffee pudding. It was very nice and tasty. Cannot imagine an organic food can be so tasty. The drumstick was big for the chicken chop. I almost unable to finish it.
After this, we went to this Ah Mei Zu shop where there is intro of Lingzhi, honey and many herbs for beauty and for health. We get to taste the honey drink and the original taste of Lingzhi water without honey. It was very bitter but scientific proven that it can help cancer patient to dissolved cancer cells and help diabetes patient to cure diabetes and many more. The price of course was not cheap la. I didn’t buy as I think it is not that cheap anyway.
Then we went to 101 building to take a look. Guan briefly explained the building than we walk for a while, we left and reached Xi Men Ding for short walk where I ate Ah Zhong Mian Xian(the most famous food in here) and then we headed to Shih Ling Night Market for another round of snacks or dinner.
At there, we happened to met Zhou Chor Ming, supposed he is here with his tour group ba. Some of them took photos with him. Ivy told Guan that he is our superstar in Singapore. As famous as Bro CQ wor. Haha... Indeed, he is a star in Singapore. So cute and handsome.
We went to Shih Ling but I did not buy anything as here things aren’t cheap. But I love the Doreamon Tee. As I do not have enough money, had to say good bye to the Tee. Hope I can buy it soon ba. :X
Then after this we set off to our hotel, Holiday Inn, my room number is 826, level 8 room 26. After deposit my bag, I went down to hand in the money for the tour guide and tipping for the driver and also the fees for tour leader.
Then I went to the nearby 7-11 to buy some snacks. Nearby there is nothing to shop. Hence I went back to my room to watch TV programme. Tomorrow will be our free day. Shall plan what can I do tomorrow. Good night.
21 March 2008 (Day 7)
As mentioned, today is our free day. There will be shuttle bus to fetch us to either 101 Building or Xi Men Ding. In the end, none wished to go 101 Building. Hence we will all alight at Xi Men Ding and then self explore. As the time is still early, I decided to follow the rest to conquer Yang Ming Shan. As they say there is Sakura in Yang Ming Shan.
Since I have nowhere to go and since I am alone, so I followed them. We took the train to Bei Tou Station where we can take bus to the entrance of Yang Ming Shan. We climbed 0.6 metres and finally reached the top. We managed to find the glimpse of Sakura and took some photos.
Then when we wanted to go out, we met some hiccups. As none of us are familiar with the route back, we took many wrong moves. Finally we left the place and headed to Wu Fen Pu, the whole sale market.
At there we had our lunch and then I decided to go back to Xi Men Ding as there is nothing to buy in Wu Fen Pu. When I reached Xi Men Ding, I started to walk around aimlessly. then met the mother-daughter at there. They asked me to follow them but I rejected.
I went to arcade to catch toys and managed to catch 3 soft toys. I ate the Ah Zhong Mian Xian again and went for a walk around Xi Men Ding. As the time drew near to 8pm, I walk back to where the pickup point is. There I met the mother-daughter again and then my tour leader Ivy and Joanne. Then I walk to the destination while they continue the shopping. While waiting, a guy tried to approached me. He say he met me before and trying to ask me lead him to somewhere. But I acted as though I am a mute then he left when I started to walk away. So scary....
When I told this to Ivy, she also say very scary but she say I was smart. I wonder if I followed him, what will happened next. Haha... Then we boarded the bus where it is actually meant for Group A. We sit at the last few rows and the front will be for the Group A members. Their tour leader crack jokes and say tomorrow we will be leaving Taipei to go back to Singapore. He say he will sing a song for Group A tomorrow. He reminded us that we have to leave hotel at 4:50am sharp as it will take some time for us to reach the Tao Yuan Airport.
So he ask us to have an early night and morning call will be at 4am and assemble at 4:40am at the lobby to allow time for upload our luggage to the bus. So we must have an early night as we have to wake up super early. In the end, I slept at 1plus. :)
22 March 2008 (Day 8)
As I slept very late hence I am very tired. Breakfast was packed and given to us is a packet form. So we can eat on the bus. There is also a yogurt drink for us too. We reached airport at 5:40am. Unload the luggage and we walked to assemble at one place while our leaders and guides arranged for collection of our boarding pass. We met some problems. The seats were jumble up as the airline counter arrange the seats according to our name in alphabetical order instead of in order of pairs or families in one row. Hence our leaders told us to board first and will mutual change when all boarded the plane.
Finally everything was fixed before the plane took off from Taipei Tao Yuan Airport to Singapore Changi Airport. It will be a 4 hours flight and we will reached Singapore at 12pm plus. Plane took off at 7:40am and reached Singapore at 11:40pm.
I took some photos inside the boarding lobby and also my meals on board. Had a short nap and when wake up, I am nearing Singapore. Before we reached Singapore, we met with some current. It shook the plane. Feeling like roller coaster, Everyone was shocked and some scream. But all settled when we are about to land on Singapore Changi Airport.
We parted after collecting our luggage and we went to different direction. I am home again. Sob Sob... WELCOME TO SINGAPORE!!! :P
