Little Bubu and I set off on our year end vacation yawning to Changi T2, as we took SQ108 for a 3 hour layover in KL while Taipei awaits us at sundown, Nov 25, 2023.
After a disappointing lukewarm soup at Ding Tai Fung, KLIA, we boarded China Airlines (National carrier of Taiwan, not China!) and was greeted with festive vibes, silver bells classics and lively greetings.
While SQ's 350 from Changi to KLIA impressed Bubu with its brand new recliner seats and big screens, China Airlines won me over with warm, efficient services with genuine smiles, and a touch down so smooth, we felt like landing on a cloud of marshmallows!
We reached Taipei Airport T1, but the sun decided it was time for bed at 5pm. Yes, the sky was dark. About 2 hours earlier than Singapore.
We bought EZ Metro card pack (comes with a 1 trip token and different designs) and grabbed the first row seat on a half empty express train bound for Taipei Main Station in just 3 stops.
At Taipei Station, we took a cab to Hartago+The Alley, a Japanese themed boutique hotel in vibrant Ximending. Check out a short video of Hartago.
Hartago is walking distance to several popular sites, including The Red House, Ximen MRT Station and Huaxi Street Tourist Night Market.
Ximending on Saturday night is a carnival of food, fashion, gadgets and everything Taiwanese.
Bubu's dumpling and soya milk combo at Yonghe was a triumph, while my NT100 beef noodles nextdooor was a culinary symphony in a bowl.
As we wandered the neon-lit streets, it felt like stepping into a living, breathing postcard.
Our first day in Taipei wrapped up with a promise of more adventures and more culinary escapades. Good night!
Thanks for reading, till then! 🐻
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