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| Rainbow Start Line at Ximending Metro Station Exit 6 |
Cannot believe 8 days in Taiwan just ended so fast, like how I summarized this trip in 3 blog posts. Happy times fly real fast. No worries. I shall look forward to the next adventure. If you are like me who loves travelling in Taiwan, probably search 'Taiwan' on my blog for my past posts to see where I have been last time. ICYMI, I shall leave the previous 2 links for this trip for your reading pleasure.
Before our journey to Taipei, stopped by a roadside noodles shop for lunch. It sells Curry Noodles in Udon especially. Full house that day we were there but managed 4 seats for us. Waited for a long time (damn hungry actually) because they cooked bowl by bowl. And when it finally came, couldn't wait to start immediately (but I need my photos). After trying, I suggest you get a Dry version (if you happen to pass by) because I find the soup version kinda diluted although there is still a hint of curry taste. A big bowl with prawns and veggie, and the noodles was kinda different from the type of udon we know. The texture on point and loved it, only if the curry is thick enough to let it absorb can the flavour.
DIHUA STREET
迪化街
Oh my god! After so many visits to Taiwan, I'm finally here in 2024 to visit this famous Lunar New Year Market a.k.a Dihua Street. Although is New Year is over but then I just don't wanna miss exploring this place in proper. The traditional architecture, the old shops and the people here not to be missed! It is a pretty long street so take your time and immerse in the old school vibes.
Watch the street view of Dihua from my POV on my YT Channel now!
So after visiting Dihua Street, we were left to explore Taipei on our own for the last 2-3 days before heading back to Singapore. I requested for that because I enjoy taking train rides in foreign land too. Lol... on the same day at night, we headed to Shilin Night Market for dinner with his friend who was also in Taipei at the same time. Nothing much change at Shilin Night Market. Still as crowded like before.
Watch the 1 min Short on my YT Channel now!
The next day, we met the same friend for lunch before they flew back to Singapore before us. So before that, we filled ourselves with something light before lunch. Mister said to have Ah Chung Mian Xian. Price increased but still the usual tourist spot for Oyster Mian Xian.
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| Ah Chung Mian Xian |
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| Is this guava? So crunchy. |
MALA HOTPOT
马辣火锅
So they brought us to their favourite place and totally worth it! Thank you Francis for the treat! Buffet style hotpot place with free flow of food, drinks (including beers), fruits and desserts. So good! Many outlets within Ximending but they have their own preference.
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| 5 pax Hotpot |
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| I miss Switzerland now! |
Also on my YT Channel, watch the Short of our hotpot lunch now!
MITSUI OUTLET PARK AT LINKOU
After hotpot lunch and bidding goodbye to his friend, we headed to Mitsui Outlet Park at Linkou. To my disappointment, it wasn't as good as the one in Hokkaido. I actually have the same expectation for this one in Taiwan. Anyway, you can check out their website before deciding to go because is nearer to Taoyuan Intl Airport so quite far out from Taipei. Don't want you peeps waste a trip there. Oh and they provide free shuttle service (by schedule) from Linkou station to the Outlet park.
After that, we decided to go Ningxia Night Market for dinner. On our train ride back from Linkou (21.03.2024), the train suddenly stopped and the announcement from PA system said that there was an earthquake happening. Didn't feel anything actually. Probably small scale. Heard that the trains will stop automatically when tremors detected. At least it stopped in the open so still okay than in the tunnel as it feels catastrophic in confined space.
Reached Ningxia after 20 mins walk from Taipei Main Station. So crowded and almost every stall has a long queue. Intended to try the seafood stall which his friend said was good especially the live prawns but too long. So after random eats at the night market, we ended up at Mcdonald's. And it was so much cheaper than in Singapore.
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| Fried Crab, Crayfish, Prawns |
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| Piggy as a pet |
They have Chicken Big Mac in Taiwan Mcdonalds. Watch my Short on YT Channel.
Last full day in Taiwan. Had our brunch at our usual spot in Ximending before our journey to Taipei 101. Also how to miss that Honey Bittergourd just opposite our brunch place. Now we have filled the stomach, time for more walks. Gonna give it a miss for Ichiran Ramen in Taipei because of our full-filling brunch.
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| Our Brunch |
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| Honey Bittergourd |
SI SI NAN VILLAGE
四四南村
1st stop, Si Si Nan Village which is just minutes walk from Taipei 101 station. A former site of Military Dependents' Village 卷材 where the soldiers and their dependents lived after retreating from Mainland China in 1949. The low-rise houses sit closely together with the exterior still retains the simple and rustic style. Take a walk down memory lane on the narrow alleys and footpaths in-between houses. This village surrounded by modern buildings and Taipei 101 is a great testament of Taipei's urban development. Visit the museum to understand the history of this village.
Take a look at Si Si Nan Village from my POV now!
Had a coffee break at Starbucks nearby and I can't believe I'm this lucky to get some stuff from Starbucks on their 1 day Sales. Grab a bucket bag and some popcorns. I'm a happy lady! See what I bought on my YT Channel!
How to miss out a visit to Dior at Taipei 101, right? It was so much bigger than the store at MBS where my SA is. Find out what small items I bought there, and also DFS at Taoyuan Intl Airport.
HUASHAN 1914 CREATIVE PARK
华山1914文化创意产业园区
Xiao Li recommended us visiting Huashan previously and here we are finally in 2024. It was first built in 1914 as wine and camphor factories, founded by Japanese businessmen. Now, it is an important cultural event venue that holds large-scale exhibitions, installations, theater productions and performances. The historical sites and architectures at Huashan 1914 were repaired and renovated in 2005. Do you know that Huashan 1014 Creative Park began operations in 2007?
There were many events going on when we were there thus it can occupy your time for at least an hour or so. Also cafes to chill and enjoy the artsy vibes in this park.
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| Welcome to Huashan 1914 |
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| I love red bricks houses |
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| This angle makes this space so suitable for Taipei Fashion Week |
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| Cafes in the park |
For The Conjuring movie fans, this short tour of The Conjuring franchise will be quite interesting because it feels like Singapore's USS Halloween Night with some characters jumping out to scare you. For TWD 400, go take lots of photos (no videos allowed) with the familiar scenes in the movies. *from the date of this post, the tour might be ended. so find out from the website.*
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| The Conjuring Universe Tour |
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| Annabelle |
I purposely went for the food instead of the merchandise to show my friend who likes Snoopy. Enjoy it Jeslyn, if you are reading this! Hahaha... the egglet was so fluffy and nice while it's hot.
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| Peanuts x Artistory Food Kiosk |
YANG PORK RIB NOODLES SOUP
杨排骨酥面
Ended our day with Pork Rib Noodles dinner at our usual shop at Ximending. It was recommended by his friend many years back and I must say it was good. The ribs so soft that it actually melt in your mouth. This time, we tried the Braised Meat Rice and it was so fragrance that Mister wanna have another bowl. The braised tofu should have gone through frying before braising so the flavour was fully absorbed. Every bite was a joy.
We had Sushiro for lunch before heading to the airport. What a trip with lots of hiking through mountains. I rough out my Dior sneakers this time rather than keeping at home and wear on special occasions. Love Taiwan so much! Will be back again for sure. Thank you Xiao Li 小李 for bringing us around to new places we never been to from the last trip. Stay tune soon for my next trip out with my folks and aunt. Cheers!
Disclaimer: All the above were paid by the writer. Not a sponsored post.