I had done most of my packing last night, and so I got up about 8:00, had breakfast, and soon after 9:00 I was out the door and on my way to the MTR. I arrived at the airport about 10:20 and checked in with CP for my flight which was scheduled for 11:30. This time we were at gate 4, which was quite close to the main terminal, and so it was a short and easy stroll this time.
We were on a 777-300, with 9 across seating (3-3-3). I was placed in 65A, near the back of the bus. When I boarded I asked the flight attendant which side of the aircraft would have a better view as we went over the city. She asked the pilot and reported back that the right side (the other side) would be better. As the flight was only about 30% full there were lots of empty seats, and so I moved over and enjoyed a very nice view directly over Hong Kong Island. Actually I think that other side of the aircraft would have had a good view of Kowloon side, but I liked seeing HK Island. I almost was able to see where I live, but the view was just blocked by the aircraft as we flew almost directly over it.
The flight to Taipei was short, only about 80 minutes in the air. We just barely had time to eat our lunch sandwich before it was time to descend. On the flight I met W, a flight attendant for Trans-Asia Airline, who was returning to Taipei after spending a couple days shopping in Hong Kong. I asked her about the best way to get from the Taipei airport to downtown, and she told me to follow her to the bus terminal at the airport where I could take a bus to the downtown train station, and from there I could get a taxi to the hotel. Otherwise a taxi ride from the airport would be very expensive, about $35US. So, after getting thru immigration and customs I followed W to the bus terminal where we found that my bus was already boarding. I quickly bought my ticket ($110 NTD, about $3.50US), said thank you to W, and boarded.
The ride downtown was smooth and easy, about 40 minutes, mostly by expressway on what I think is Taiwan Route 1. We reached downtown, exited the highway, and soon the bus pulled over and everybody stood up. I guess this is our destination! So I got out, retrieved my bag from under the bus, and walked to a nearby taxi. I showed the driver the print-out of the hotel name and address in Chinese, and we pulled away from the curb. 10 minutes later I was at the Shin Shih Hotel.
My friend D, who I had met at a trade show in Miami a couple years ago, had helped me find this hotel. I think she has a friend that works here. At any rate, the location rate, and amenities appears to be just what I was looking for and so I accepted her recommendation. My decision was justified when I reached the hotel and entered my room. A nice, reasonably large, room with a double bed, large TV, DSL internet line, all for about $50 per night. I called D and told her how pleased I was, and we planned to try to meet for dinner tomorrow.
For tonight I am meeting my friend A, who I met when flying to Tokyo, and her sisters. At about 4:30 A arrives and we take the MRT (subway) to the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, which is just a couple MRT stops away. The Hall is located on a large expanse of grounds that include the Concert Hall, an Opera Hall, a large plaza, and the CKS Hall. By the time we got there it was getting dark, and unfortunately the CKS Hall was closed for repairs. But still the place was very impressive. I hope to come back during the day and get a better look.
After eating we walk to the nearby merchandise might market. Similar to a large flea market. At one point we passed a $10 shop, which is similar to a Dollar Store in the USA, but $10 NTD is only about 30 cents!. I walk in just to see that could they possible sell for such a low price. Actually, not much different than a dollar store. It is amazing how cheap things can be! At another store I pick-up some socks--mine are getting a bit thin--at 3 pairs for $150NTD, or less than $5 total. Why are socks so expensive? They look pretty good, but we'll have to see how long they last. After walking around for a while we go back to the subway station. I say goodnight to A and one of her sisters, and the other sister and I take the MRT to Shanglien Station (near my hotel). There we wait for her husband to come by and pick her up in his car, and then I walk back to the hotel. On the walk I stop in to a convenience store and get some cookies and water for dessert. The rest of the evening I watch some TV, and work on this journal.
Chiang Kai Shek (CKS) Memorial Hall area
with concert auditorium on right
Go to Taiwan p2