A colleague had sent me a photo of the setup to get into the airport express at IFC - separate lines with staff checking each person and a handful of riot police on standby. Right oh, I’ll definitely be leaving the office earlier than planned!!
It’s a nice easy process to take the train back to HK island where there is no line to get to the airport express. I even have 8 minutes before the train departs.
We slow down as we arrive to Kowloon, ooh please don’t tell me it’s reopened again. A few seconds later we are off again, so no it’s still closed.
For whatever reason we actually come to a standstill for a few minutes at the next station. Here I was thinking it would be a straight through fast journey to the airport.
Walking into the Qantas lounge I’m greeted like an old friend and asked if I’d like an Aperol spritz - wow! Slightly scary but.....Yes please.
I had been informed earlier my gate was at the other end of the terminal so decide to leave the lounge; as I’m walking out I notice on the TV screens I’m now departing from gate 1. Excellent! I reverse and order myself another Aperol Spritz. My sparkling water is still on the table. Win win.
Right time to confirm and pay for my flights next year with the Cathay Pacific Vantage pass. Dubai and Cebu I’m coming for you!!
As I arrive at the gate I notice my flight isn’t boarding yet so I pop into the Cathay lounge a quick hop, step and jump away.
We push back from the gate right on time at 7.50pm.
We land into Taipei at 9.31pm; love a quick flight!
One of my traders (from work) has given me a heads up on where the APEC line was so once I was off the plane I was high tailing it there!
Within minutes I’m through then out into the big wide world of Taipei. Getting money is nice and easy. I then follow the signs to taxi where I have two super friendly airport workers to help me with a taxi.
My taxi driver is super cute and friendly! As soon as I get in I’m told to put my seatbelt on; ooh absolutely! He’s playing classical music which is soothing. After about 10 minutes we start “chatting”. When I inform him I’m from NZ, he promptly says milk comes from there. That’s definitely a first.
I’m reviewing the registration slip at reception and notice it says club floor. Hmmm I don’t recall booking that. The receptionist notices my delay in signing and advises they have upgraded me. Super nice! And that explains why it says club floor.
An hour after landing I’m in my room.
When I open the curtains on Friday 25 October its blue sky and open spaces. Awesome!! I can see the sea.
I head out for a run. So lovely to be out in fresh air and sunshine.
Breakfast is an interesting affair when I ask for poached eggs. When I see them try for the second time I tell them to give up. I’ll have scrambled eggs instead.
As soon as I sit down the head chef comes over with two poached eggs. Hmmm, a tad late.
When I came back from my run I had reserved a seat on the 11am shuttle to the Taoyuan High Speed Rail station. Of course I’m down here early......
On arrival at the train station I purchase a ticket via the ticket office and am told I have 5 minutes to the train departs. Easy as bro. It’s a quick walk through the ticket gates then down to the platform. The train pulls up as I get off the escalator. Talk about timing!
We are off with a hiss and a roar! No mucking around here. The signage on the back of the seats remind me of the Japanese trains.
As I leave the train station I immediately notice the blue sky and sunshine followed quickly by the impressive Taipei 101 building,
My room isn’t ready as yet, which is what I had expected. I’m taken up to the Club Lounge where I relax with a coffee while overlooking Taipei 101 and Taipei City.
I’m started to feel sleepy so decide I need to get outside. Meg had recommended Addiction Aquatic Development so I decide to head off there.
I take the train to Xingtian Temple train stop then walk to Addiction Aquatic Development. Along the way seeing normal day Taipei life and a coffin being pushed down the road......
Addiction Aquatic Development is a seafood lover’s paradise! Seafood market come food eatery place come every day supermarket.
I wonder around the live fish market - there were some massive crabs that seemed to want to escape!
The sushi bar is in the middle of what they call a supermarket - once I had looked around I ask for a table. Well it’s a place at a standing bar!
I decide on a deluxe sashimi set and a tuna hand roll - both are super fresh and delicious.
I had googled earlier the route to walk back to the hotel; google maps told me just over one hour. Totally doable.
Wandering the streets was interesting, being a Friday it really is every day life around me.
The journey seemed to take forever! I was beyond tired so every step seemed like 10 steps. Once I could see Taipei 101 I felt better.
The line at reception was looong to check in. Yeah I’m not doing that. The friendly staff at concierge help me and within minutes I have my key and are heading to the room.
It’s nice just to sit and stare out the window.
The super friendly and helpful receptionist who had checked me in earlier advises the cocktail hour (5.30pm to 8pm) is free flow. So at 5.25pm I head up.
Sitting here with the window blind up (no idea why they have them down) is relaxing as I see day turn into night. I’m very glad I decided on this hotel and the club floor option!
Before leaving the club lounge the super helpful staff give me some details on a hike that's close to the hotel. Yes thanks, I’ll be doing that tomorrow.
Saturday 26 October I wake just before 8am. There is no blue sky this morning.
I enjoy a relaxed breakfast before leaving the hotel. It’s an easy walk to the start of the Xiangshan Hiking Trail.
Then it’s all up hill, by stairs, from there.
When there is a break in the greenery the views of the city are amazing. A shame there is no blue sky as the back drop.
To say I’m drenched is an understatement! Stairs really do take it out of me. I’m hoping the breeze will assist in the drying process.
I decide to wander the streets around the hotel; the number of people around has increased since I left earlier for my hike. I come across Taiwan Pride.
Once back at the hotel I decide a coffee and some water is needed along with a seat to rest my sore legs!!
Feeling clean and refreshed I leave the hotel and wander on the outskirts of Taiwan Pride. A couple of hours have passed since I was here and the number of people around has increased tenfold. Some are dressed up, others wearing normal clothes with pride accessories. I follow the route of the parade for a bit.
Within minutes of sitting down a lady asks if I’m here by myself or waiting for people. Alone. She informs me she’s waiting for her husband and asks if she can sit. Yes of course. She’s from NZ and is in Taiwan for her husband’s work. We have a lovely chat before we both go to our tables.
The English start off with a hiss and a roar. And then continue to dominate! I did hope at half time they would come out firing but alas no. One hundred percent the best team on the day won. It’s off to the third place match we head.
I enjoy the rest of the evening relaxing in the Club Lounge then my room.
Sunday 27 October I wake just before 8am to blue sky.
I head out for a run. Definitely not as easy as Friday morning; at every block I need to wait for the lights to change. Kind of annoying.
Breakfast is a relaxed affair before I head down to the pool. The sun comes and goes.
I wander the streets near the hotel before picking up a sandwich and eating it in the park. So lovely to be outside.
I enjoy a couple of hours relaxing in the room while researching holidays. Early evening I head up the Club Lounge for drinks and dinner; enjoyed while watching a movie.
The sun is up when I open the curtains just before 6am on Monday 28 October. After procrastinating for what seemed like forever I head out for a run - Taipei is slowly coming to life.
Last minute packing is done. Now for breakfast
As I sit here staring at the mountains, and watching the traffic slowly increase below, I reflect on how lucky I am. But it’s something I’ve chosen - to travel and explore the world. 2019 will have me visiting two new countries (over Christmas) and a trip to Sydney (where I’ll work in the office) followed by a super quick trip to Wanaka for a friend’s wedding. What will 2020 have in store for me??! For now it’s time to check out and head to the office.
It’s a quick 10 minute ride to the office - part of the route was where I ran this morning.
While the view from my office isn't amazing it's lovely to be able to see outside.
My colleague Amily has booked lunch for us at Din Tai Fung. YUM!! As it’s across town we take a taxi. Lunch doesn’t disappoint.
I have the afternoon in the office working working working. The view from the office I’m sitting in is great. Sunset would be amazing if it wasn’t so cloudy.
My driver is waiting for me when I get downstairs just before 5pm. I had been warned traffic can be bad around 5pm so hoping being a Monday that’s not the case. Time will tell.
The 45 minute journey seemed to pass by quite smoothly - we did a lot of lane changing which was like being a roll coaster at times.
For now it's back to Hong Kong I go.
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