I flew from Manila to Taipei, Taiwan, in September of 2019.
This vacation had been planned by myself and my friend Alyyssa since August of that year. This was going to be a four-person vacation, but Lara and one of her friends were unable to join us. We had to re-plan our activities because it was only the two of us. We also seek for locations to stay that are close to public transportation, such as the train.
When we told our closest friends that we were going on vacation and gave them the details of our itinerary, they were perplexed as to why we were flying from Manila to Taipei rather than Cebu to Taipei. I informed them that we needed to arrange ahead of time because, unlike Cebu, where I was offloaded, immigration in Manila is much more relaxed. Lol.
Before our flight, we remained in Manila for the night. We got up early and left at 5 a.m. for the airport. I was nervous at the airport, but my friend helped me relax.
My dread of being offloaded is still there, I guess. After waiting in line to check in with the airline, we headed straight to immigration and waited in line there as well. It was a relief when the Immigration Officer simply checked my ticket and passport and stamped my passport in a matter of seconds, not even a minute.
We opted to buy a coffee while waiting to board the airline because we departed early and didn't have time to grab something to eat. While we were waiting, we forgot to bring one of the most crucial items for traveling, which is medicine. We checked the weather in Taipei and assumed it would be sunny, but we were mistaken; it appears to be raining. It was fortunate that she had her umbrella, but it was awful news for me. Lol
We landed in Taipei after a few hours. We waited in line for an hour or so to get to the Immigration booth to get another stamp.
When we got to the airport, we were struck by how stringent the policies were. Bringing trash, meat, or frozen food is prohibited and will result in a fine.
After passing through Immigration, we proceeded to a booth where we could obtain pocket wifi that would be activated during our stay. Alyyssa presented both of our passports, as well as the credit card used for the purchase and the receipt that we needed to return. We buy or rent it through Klook, if you're familiar with that website.
We arrived at our destination and had our first meal. We also convert our money into NTD. We've already exchanged some, but we might as well use the time to exchange more just in case.
It was raining when we arrived which we already expected but we are very determined to do all the activities we planned.
We arrived at our booked accommodation too early, so we were handed a key to our drawer to store all of our valuables and our bed assignment.
We tried to get some rest after securing our belongings. It's fortunate that the location where we're staying is close to a food stall. A bar is located below in the hostel where we are staying too.
The first activity we have is the walking tour.
🌸 THE WALKING TOUR 🌸
The walking tour is free; we don't pay anything when we schedule it, but we do have to tip the individuals who lead the tour. The majority of those leading the tour were students. The walking tour should have a minimum of 8 to 10 individuals.
While waiting for the others, it was pouring so hard that we had to wait under the bridge. In a group setting, we were able to meet new people. A couple from New Zealand, one from Spain, four from Korea, and me and Alyyssa make up the group.
🌸 Grand Hyatt Hotel 🌸
When we first started the trip, we had to stop at several locations where they would give us the background or history of the location, which is how we came across the Grand Hyatt Hotel. I recall how it was described to us. This hotel is not just recognized for its beautiful accommodations, but it is also rumored to be haunted, and its design is reminiscent of a coffin.
🌸 Tao Zhu Yin Yuan or Agora Tower 🌸
Unfortunately, this is the only photo I salvaged from this tour because it was raining and I only had a few shots from a distance. This skyscraper or tower is claimed to be created for survival if the apocalypse occurs, which is insane, right? But, on a more serious note, it was how the tour guide explained it.
🌸 Taipei 101 Shopping Mall 🌸
This shopping center has a plethora of luxury retail brands, you name it. They explained that the mall's owner opted to bring these high-end businesses because of his two daughters. It was said that these two girls studied in Europe and that they enjoy expensive brands, and that even after college, they would return to Europe to shop for those luxurious branded bags and clothes.
The mall inside has a lot to offer, we even started buying souvenirs and food inside its grocery stores before we headed home.
That was our first day, and it was far too much for a first day, especially considering the heavy rain.
I can't wait to share the second part of my trip to Taiwan.
See you around. 😘❤❤❤
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