Taiwan, Let's Go! Part 1

Why go to Taiwan? There's nothing there... This is the challenge we faced, so why would we waste money going there? The answer that resonated with us came from someone close to us: "Go and see for yourself. See how empty it really is." And so, this trip was born (February 24-28, 2018).

Exploring Taiwan: A Night Market Adventure and More

Our journey begins in Taichung, where we'll spend the first night. Our mission: to track down the legendary Chun Tang Shui, the birthplace of bubble tea, and indulge in the sweet delights of Miyahara ice cream. But the adventure doesn't stop there. We've stumbled upon two hidden gems: the whimsical Totoro Bus Stop and the bustling Feng Chia Night Market, rumored to be the largest in Taiwan.

Next, we'll head to Cingjing Farm, where we'll breathe in the crisp mountain air and encounter adorable sheep. From there, we'll hop on a bullet train to Taipei. As for our plans in the capital, we're keeping it open. The city will be our canvas, and we'll paint our own itinerary upon arrival.

The first city, an unexpected gem, impressed me greatly. The city is beautiful, and although it lacks a train system, the buses are incredibly convenient. Bus stops are conveniently located, making it easy to get around. The buses are also much nicer than those in our country. The city was bustling with people, making it difficult to take photos. We stayed at the Kiwi Express Branch 1, which is conveniently located near a bus stop, the Jingjing bus station, and the Miyahara pastry shop. The location is fantastic. However, if you're looking for the best location, I recommend the Chance Hotel, which is visible from the Taichung bus stop. Food is readily available everywhere, on every street corner. Don't worry about going hungry. Chun Tang Shui is a short walk from the hotel, which is great. However, other attractions are a bit further away by bus.

Upon arrival, my sister met up with her Taiwanese friends. They took us to a luxurious buffet in a shopping mall, the price of which we were unaware of. We knew that if she came, we had to take good care of her. It was an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet. Unfortunately, photography was prohibited. There was unlimited Taiwanese beer, tea, and milk tea. The ice cream was excellent. After we were full, we checked into our accommodation and freshened up. In the evening, we were still full, so we went for a walk to digest our food at the Totoro bus stop. We took a bus from the front of the hotel for 15 minutes and arrived. When we got off the bus, we turned around and realized that the bus stop was actually behind us.

The first day did not go as planned. We were supposed to go to Chun Tang Shui for dinner, then to the Totoro Bus Stop, and then to Miyahara. After putting the kids to bed, we were going to have dinner at Feng Chia Night Market. We only managed to go to the Totoro Bus Stop and Feng Chia Night Market. I apologize for the lack of photos, as it was a Saturday night and we were having a lot of fun shopping. We ended up getting back to the hotel at 1am, which was the last bus.

The morning started with a delay at Jingjing, as we still had two more places to visit: an ice cream shop and the original pearl milk tea shop. Let's go!

Miyahara, a trendy ice cream shop housed in a converted eye hospital, boasts long queues throughout the day and night. While the prices may seem steep, the chocolate ice cream selection ranges from 100% cocoa to a 25% milk blend, offering a variety of flavors to suit every taste. Customers are encouraged to sample before committing to a purchase. The fruit flavors are equally delicious, but be prepared for long lines.

This is a relaxing spot by the canal, opposite the ice cream shop. Most people take out their food and eat here. The atmosphere is very comfortable, just cool and chill.

Turning into this small road, the restaurant is 300 meters ahead. I can also see house number 1 of Taizhong. I'm so excited!

We have arrived. The queue is very long. This small shop has an upper floor and a basement. We got a table in the basement.

The interior of the shop is beautifully decorated and the air conditioning is cool, making it a refreshing escape from the heat.

Just looking at the pictures makes me want to go back and eat. Sigh, I love this restaurant so much. I even went to the trouble of finding a cheap ticket and made a special trip to Taichung just to eat there. After I'm full, I'll travel to Nantou and Jingjing Farm. Let's see if it will be cold and beautiful. I'm so curious... Bye, Taichung.