Day 1: SG --> Taoyuan Airport --> Hualian

An introduction to the party of 10 people who went Taiwan:

1. Jiehui - my first three months JC classmate, and NTU coursemate as well as my hostel roommate from Yr 2 to 4.
2. Meihui - knew her since Primary 5. My best buddy in Secondary school. Then she went into the same JC as Jiehui.
3. My mum
4. My paternal aunt
5. My paternal aunt's daughter - a Yr 2 NTU student
6. My Cousin - Chiew Yee Jie Jie
7. My Cousin - Pei Chun Jie Jie.
8. Chiew Yee Jie Jie's daughter - Cheryl (5 yrs old)
9. Pei Chun Jie Jie's daugther - Amber (5 yrs old)
10. Myself - highly distressed civil servant on limited holiday period

Our detailed itinerary can be found here: Click
Comments on food and their locations can only be found in my food blog.

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Our flight was at 10:25 am. Dad sent Mum and I there. The wait had been long! I had wanted to travel overseas during June, but there were so many things happening that trips were cancelled. Upon boarded the plane, the feeling of anticipation was heightened.

We reached Taoyuan airport a little 10 minutes late. Chiew Yee jie jie they all had already arrived half an hour earlier than their prescribed timing. They were sitting on the chairs just outside the belt. I was so happy to see all of my relatives! We then proceeded to buy bus tickets to Taipei Railway station so that we can go Hualian. The different bus companies were shouting quite loudly to us to choose them. In the end, we took 大有巴士 (Airbus) cos' the bus was departing soon. The two little kids do not have to pay for the bus.

The bus journey was slightly less than an hour and we reached Taipei Railway station. JH and I went to buy train tickets to Hualian, Hualian to Luodong and Luodong to Taipei - 3 sets of train tickets. Luckily there were still tickets. ^^ The ticketing lady was very polite and helpful. Since there were still an hour for the train, we went level 2 to have our dinner. Taipei Railway station was big and there were many stalls. It houses three 7-11, donut shop, bakeries, ice-cream, food court, etc. We were so excited about one bakery named "Milkhouses" which sells a variety of creative bread. Despite photography was restricted, we managed to snap a few pictures. Click for food link.

It was a long journey and we reached Hualian 3 hours later... Cheryl and Amber were having lotsa fun inside the cabin, without catching a wink. They didn't have to pay for the tickets, but it also meant they didn't have seats. The train was packed and hence they had to share seats with us.

Our tour guide, 潘导, was already waiting for us outside the station. I called Rose Garden 民宿 at Taipei Railway station and arranged the timing. He was a very friendly man. He helped us with our luggage onto his Volkswagen van. He drove round Hualian city to tell us where are the nice food and the shops around our 民宿. It was a short ride of 10 minutes before we reached the 民宿.

We were greeted by a narrow staircase in between 7-11 and an eatery shop. Luckily there were people to help us carry our luggage upstairs. We checked-in, and we were all amazed by the room cleanliness and decorations. We simply love the place!

After unpacking for a little bit, we left the 民宿 to walk around the vicinity for FOOD. We ate 鹅 at 鹅肉先生 (NT$200 for half goose), cockles (NT$150), 小笼包 (NT$5 for one)，水蒸包 (NT$50 for 10)，炸鸡排，贡丸。。。before heading back. Click for food link.

I took a nice hot shower after this very long day. Settled the accounts from everyone that night before the night's rest.