This past January, I traveled to Taiwan with a friend for the Lunar New Year holiday. After the mess dealing with the tickets, I was ready to just go and relax, no more stressing. So finally vacation day arrived and I was barely packed in time. I finished stuffing my suit case minutes before leaving.
There were a few bumps along the way. First, my friend missed the first bus to the airport. Then after waiting in long lines due to the holiday, we thought it would be easier to just get cash out on the other side of security. Well, this proved to be a stupid idea. There are no ATMs or banks on the other side of security. After running around in circles we kept our fingers crossed that the card would work in Taiwan. (Luckily it did!) Finally we boarded the plane ready to go, only to realize that my carry-on was too big and had to be put with the rest of the luggage below. It seemed as if this trip was doomed from the beginning. The ticket scam should've been our first clue...
We finally arrived in Taipei and found our bus. Keep in mind, we didn't plan out one thing to do on this trip. We figured we'd wing it and find things to do once we got there. (Very prepared!) On the bus to our hostel, we met another girl traveling who happened to be staying in the same place and decided to stick together. We also met a group of guys who had the most detailed itinerary I've ever seen. Everything down to the minute was planned. And yes we did take pictures of it and used it as our own! What'd you expect...
The hostel, JV's Hostel, was pretty easy to find and once we checked in, we headed right back out. We met a bunch of others staying here as well and went out together. We went out on the town to different things like Taipei 101, the Modern Toilet Restaurant, ate some dim sum, went to the Shilin Night Market, and hit up some bars. I'd say the first night was a success.
The next day we attempted to go to some museums and do a beer run, but both failed. Being that it was a holiday, it seemed like everything was closed. But that didn't stop us from having a great time. We went all over the city and decided to go to a hot spring. So, we trekked up to Beitou and found a ton of them. We walked to the top of the mountain and finally all decided on one to go to. We went to change, but couldn't find a women's changing room. So what did we do? We took over the men's! We snuck in some wine and overlooked the city with fireworks included. The best way I could think to spend New Year's. On our way back, I did have a small run in with a train official over eating food in the station, but that was quickly solved since by the time he got to the platform, my burger was gone.
The next day, my friend and I drifted away from the group. We went to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the Longshan Temple. The temple was first. On the way there we ran into a group of drummers performing and people in dragon costumes. We couldn't help but watch for some time. The we finally made it to Longshan Temple. I didn't see any other foreigners in sight. I felt a little bad being there on such a big holiday when others were there for spiritual reasons. You can only take so long of being pushed around in a mosh pit before you have to get out. We wandered around the markets surrounding before heading to the Chaing Kai-shek Memorial Hall. This was amazing to see and not many people were around. Being that it rained the entire time, and it was a holiday, there weren't many tourists in sight at any of the hotspots. We finished the day with a visit to the local market and an impromptu party at the hostel with all of the guests.
The next 2 days I was by myself. People had either gone home or traveled to another part or Taiwan. I made friends with some of the guys that were staying in the hostel long term. One of which I hadn't seen until that point. They were fun to hang out with. I got to see Taipei from a local's point of view and eat at some out of the way restaurants I never would've guessed to go to. I even attempted to get a tattoo, but again because of the holiday, it didn't happen.
This turned out to be a great trip even with all of the hurdles and the rain. I can't wait to go back again! None of this would've happened without the help of my Gammie!
Stay tuned for the next adventure...
Peace & Love,
Elissa Rae
Elissa Rae
