On Thursday, we left the Han-Hasien Hotel to return to Taipei on The Bullet Train. As I sat in the breakfast room, eating my eggs on toast, I had time to reflect on the five days we had spent in Kaohsiung. I remained happy and content with all we had achieved in this southern Taiwanese city; it is totally different from Taipei, and that is part of its charm.
Taipei is obviously geared towards international tourists and is a far easier place to get around, but Kaohsiung does have a distinctly more relaxed feel, and I did feel particularly at home here for that reason. In many respects, I was glad to be leaving Taiwan; yes, it had been a Monmouth holiday, but it had also been rather exhausting and testing at times.
We took a taxi from the hotel to the high-speed railway station, rather than getting the MRT train. I think both of us just wanted an easy final day, and didn't mind paying the extra $400 TWD for the luxury of getting to our destination, without having to walk to our nearest underground station.
​Sleep was few and far between on this holiday, and anything that was going to help us endure the next few days was welcome. Luckily, we weren't flying until Friday, which at least gave us a night in a hotel before our two flights back to Australia. Flying home, back to Perth, is not my favourite thing to do. The flight is long and usually turbulent, so as I arrived at the train station, my anxiety levels were already elevated, to say the least.
Taipei is obviously geared towards international tourists and is a far easier place to get around, but Kaohsiung does have a distinctly more relaxed feel, and I did feel particularly at home here for that reason. In many respects, I was glad to be leaving Taiwan; yes, it had been a Monmouth holiday, but it had also been rather exhausting and testing at times.
We took a taxi from the hotel to the high-speed railway station, rather than getting the MRT train. I think both of us just wanted an easy final day, and didn't mind paying the extra $400 TWD for the luxury of getting to our destination, without having to walk to our nearest underground station.
​Sleep was few and far between on this holiday, and anything that was going to help us endure the next few days was welcome. Luckily, we weren't flying until Friday, which at least gave us a night in a hotel before our two flights back to Australia. Flying home, back to Perth, is not my favourite thing to do. The flight is long and usually turbulent, so as I arrived at the train station, my anxiety levels were already elevated, to say the least.
We arrived early for the 12pm train from Zuoying to Taipei; thankfully, we had booked our tickets well in advance, so had reserved seats in the fifth carriage. While we waited, we took a last look at the famous bullet trains at the station. On the surface, they all look pretty normal, but these big beasts really do have a lot of power behind them. Travelling at 300 kmph, they are the quickest, most convenient way to get from one end of the island to the other, in just over two hours. I am in awe of these trains it has to be said, and once again I was looking forward to the journey back to the capital.
There was no time to eat lunch before we left Kaohsiung, so we grabbed a 'Bento Box' from a kiosk at the station. Now these are famous across Taiwan, Korea, and Japan and are a cheap way to purchase nutritious food on the go, that you can eat on the train. They are full of healthy ingredients, piping hot, and packed with flavour; point-blank, they are bloody delicious. Costing just $11.00 AUD for the two of us, they are also amazingly good value; had I bought them on the train, it would have cost significantly more!
The only real difficulty I had was eating with chopsticks, but as a Westerner, this is very much a work in progress. I am getting more used to using them, but eating large pieces of meat and small grains of rice, can be a challenge. The secret to using them is just to watch others, observe how they do it and follow their lead!
The only real difficulty I had was eating with chopsticks, but as a Westerner, this is very much a work in progress. I am getting more used to using them, but eating large pieces of meat and small grains of rice, can be a challenge. The secret to using them is just to watch others, observe how they do it and follow their lead!
The journey from Zuoying to Taipei took two hours; there were eleven stations on the way, but it went so fast that you didn't even notice stopping. We did make one mistake, however. We got off the train at Taipei, when we should have alighted at Taoyuan Station, three stops before. This was the station closest to the airport and Novotel, where we were staying. By taking the train to Taipei, we added an extra hour to our journey, having to take the slower MRT from Taipei to the Airport Hotel. Having said that, The Novotel, had its own dedicated station, and it was relatively simple to get there, giving us more time to see Taipei!
When we arrived at The Novotel the rain had started to come down. It was also windy and stormy as we left the station and walked around the corner to the entrance. This was the first time we had seen any real rain in Taiwan; both of us were extremely lucky; most days we were there, temperatures were in the mid-thirties. It was really quite nice to end on a wet note, and just enjoy that fresh feel for a few hours, before we left for Perth in the morning.
When we arrived at The Novotel the rain had started to come down. It was also windy and stormy as we left the station and walked around the corner to the entrance. This was the first time we had seen any real rain in Taiwan; both of us were extremely lucky; most days we were there, temperatures were in the mid-thirties. It was really quite nice to end on a wet note, and just enjoy that fresh feel for a few hours, before we left for Perth in the morning.
​'Jay Dean is swimming in the pool, and I am listening to Jennifer Rush on YouTube; the perfect end to one of the strangest holidays of my life.
Taiwan is unique, full of amazing characters, and above all, it was one of the most perplexing trips I have ever been on. This wonderful country is unlike anything I have ever experienced before. The culture is so different to any other east Asian country, that I have ever visited, and has left me rather baffled at times.
This is not a criticism of this small island, but rather a need to discover more about the people, customs, and society that makes up the dynamics of this place.
I would love to return to Taiwan in the future, but I fear this will be one of the last times we will see it in its current, free, democratic, all-embracing state. Change is coming, you can hear the march to war everywhere you go here, and that is deeply concerning and sad.
I have had an unforgettable experience in Taipei and Kaohsiung and hope we can continue our travels in six months' time, if circumstances allow. If only all nations could live in peace, all of you could experience the joy, Jay and I have, over the last few weeks.
However, for now, it looks likely, the draw bridge will be pulled firmly up, as all of us pray for conciliation and harmony across the globe! I remain philosophical about the future, but also realistic about the year ahead. Wherever you are, stay good, kind and empathetic towards everyone, whoever they are. The World deserves so much better!'
Je vis dans l'espoir!
Taiwan is unique, full of amazing characters, and above all, it was one of the most perplexing trips I have ever been on. This wonderful country is unlike anything I have ever experienced before. The culture is so different to any other east Asian country, that I have ever visited, and has left me rather baffled at times.
This is not a criticism of this small island, but rather a need to discover more about the people, customs, and society that makes up the dynamics of this place.
I would love to return to Taiwan in the future, but I fear this will be one of the last times we will see it in its current, free, democratic, all-embracing state. Change is coming, you can hear the march to war everywhere you go here, and that is deeply concerning and sad.
I have had an unforgettable experience in Taipei and Kaohsiung and hope we can continue our travels in six months' time, if circumstances allow. If only all nations could live in peace, all of you could experience the joy, Jay and I have, over the last few weeks.
However, for now, it looks likely, the draw bridge will be pulled firmly up, as all of us pray for conciliation and harmony across the globe! I remain philosophical about the future, but also realistic about the year ahead. Wherever you are, stay good, kind and empathetic towards everyone, whoever they are. The World deserves so much better!'
Je vis dans l'espoir!
The Novotel at Taoyuan Airport is a five-star luxury hotel, with superb facilities. Despite only being there for one night, it was wonderful to sleep in a soft comfy bed, eat the best food we had had all holiday, and just have one last day of pampering, before the arduous flight back home.
To our detriment, we have made mistakes in the past, booking inferior hotels for our final night and hated every minute of it. Paying more money was a wise move; everything was seamless, from our arrival to departure in the morning.
This was also one of the few places we were able to get authentic Taiwanese food. Everywhere else we had gone, either had Chinese or Western cuisine, which was, in truth, a little bit of a letdown. The good food was extremely welcome before the journey we had to take in the morning; I can highly recommend this place if you are in Taiwan, but there was a slight downside, although it didn't really affect me!
To our detriment, we have made mistakes in the past, booking inferior hotels for our final night and hated every minute of it. Paying more money was a wise move; everything was seamless, from our arrival to departure in the morning.
This was also one of the few places we were able to get authentic Taiwanese food. Everywhere else we had gone, either had Chinese or Western cuisine, which was, in truth, a little bit of a letdown. The good food was extremely welcome before the journey we had to take in the morning; I can highly recommend this place if you are in Taiwan, but there was a slight downside, although it didn't really affect me!
I had booked a room overlooking the airport, as a final treat on our last evening. I thoroughly enjoyed looking out at the planes outside. Personally, I couldn't hear anything from them at night while sleeping. I have slept with earplugs for years because of Darrell's snoring, so I couldn't hear any background noise while I tried to sleep. Darrell, however, found it rather difficult, complaining that he was woken up at 3am, by the sound of planes taking off.
This wasn't something I would have usually done, but for a few hundred dollars extra, it was a nice touch. Maybe I'll think twice before doing it again, but then Darrell was particularly annoyed at having to wake up early anyway, so I don't think it would have mattered where we slept. If you are a light sleeper or don't wear earplugs, maybe book a different room... If anything else, it will be cheaper anyway!
This wasn't something I would have usually done, but for a few hundred dollars extra, it was a nice touch. Maybe I'll think twice before doing it again, but then Darrell was particularly annoyed at having to wake up early anyway, so I don't think it would have mattered where we slept. If you are a light sleeper or don't wear earplugs, maybe book a different room... If anything else, it will be cheaper anyway!
We left the hotel by free shuttle bus at 6.30 am and made our way to terminal 1 for our 10 am flight. We checked in relatively quickly; everything was straight forward and surprisingly there were no queues. Darrell was in a foul mood in the morning, probably because he had no sleep and wasn't looking forward to 21 hours of travelling. As for me, well, I slept like a log, so was feeling rather chipper and ready for the day ahead.
Darrell and I did a lot of shopping at the airport, in Taipei and Hong Kong. Despite budgeting for the holiday, I returned with over $2000. I thought I would have spent substantially more, but no... My budgeting skills are second to none these days and I take care of finances fantastically well. After years of spend, spend, spend, today I save, and I do it perfectly!
The flight from Taipei to Hong Kong took just over an hour. It was a little bumpy on the way over, but nothing too bad. Flying with Cathay Pacific, although expensive, was a good idea. Even in economy class, we were well looked after. The food, entertainment, and cabin crew were amazing.
With plenty to do and buy in Hong Kong, during our three-hour transit, I was more than happy to just relax before we flew to Perth.
The flight to Perth was horrendous, the most turbulent I have ever been on. I did something I don't usually do and drank a few glasses of wine. Do you know what, it worked; I actually had a fairly enjoyable flight. Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do!
When one of the lovely cabin crew came around with the meals, she managed to have a chat with me and explained that we had just flown through a typhoon. The captain had told her the first few hours were going to be bad. Thankfully we weren't told beforehand, or I would have been a nervous wreck.
The crew, food, and service were fantastic on this flight, and I am so glad I chose it over one of the cheaper airlines. I managed to watch a lot of episodes of 'Derry Girls' which is my new favourite TV show and thankfully we landed in one piece.
I had my usual problems with Border Force in Perth but was allowed to pass through after they investigated my residency status, as they always do, and we were home by just after midnight.
This was a truly unforgettable holiday, and I am glad I have managed to see Taiwan before the inevitable happens. Taiwanese people are friendly, willing to help and so polite. I will remember the time I spent in Taipei and Kaohsiung for all the wrong reasons, however, - the trials and tribulations of trying to find something to eat, the excruciating humidity (Which I love), the amazing transport system, the endearing Taiwanese culture and the beautiful places of cultural and historical interest. This was a unique holiday in a place many Westerners have never visited, and I am so happy to have dipped my toes into a country that has left an indelible mark on my life.
Darrell and I did a lot of shopping at the airport, in Taipei and Hong Kong. Despite budgeting for the holiday, I returned with over $2000. I thought I would have spent substantially more, but no... My budgeting skills are second to none these days and I take care of finances fantastically well. After years of spend, spend, spend, today I save, and I do it perfectly!
The flight from Taipei to Hong Kong took just over an hour. It was a little bumpy on the way over, but nothing too bad. Flying with Cathay Pacific, although expensive, was a good idea. Even in economy class, we were well looked after. The food, entertainment, and cabin crew were amazing.
With plenty to do and buy in Hong Kong, during our three-hour transit, I was more than happy to just relax before we flew to Perth.
The flight to Perth was horrendous, the most turbulent I have ever been on. I did something I don't usually do and drank a few glasses of wine. Do you know what, it worked; I actually had a fairly enjoyable flight. Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do!
When one of the lovely cabin crew came around with the meals, she managed to have a chat with me and explained that we had just flown through a typhoon. The captain had told her the first few hours were going to be bad. Thankfully we weren't told beforehand, or I would have been a nervous wreck.
The crew, food, and service were fantastic on this flight, and I am so glad I chose it over one of the cheaper airlines. I managed to watch a lot of episodes of 'Derry Girls' which is my new favourite TV show and thankfully we landed in one piece.
I had my usual problems with Border Force in Perth but was allowed to pass through after they investigated my residency status, as they always do, and we were home by just after midnight.
This was a truly unforgettable holiday, and I am glad I have managed to see Taiwan before the inevitable happens. Taiwanese people are friendly, willing to help and so polite. I will remember the time I spent in Taipei and Kaohsiung for all the wrong reasons, however, - the trials and tribulations of trying to find something to eat, the excruciating humidity (Which I love), the amazing transport system, the endearing Taiwanese culture and the beautiful places of cultural and historical interest. This was a unique holiday in a place many Westerners have never visited, and I am so happy to have dipped my toes into a country that has left an indelible mark on my life.
