Imagine
a little girl riding on a cute little pony galloping around the garden. YES. I
was that happy when I got offered to join the university’s summer exchange
programme to Taiwan in July. It was what I really need at that moment, a moment
of happiness, apart from being occupied with thesis and final exams.
So,
June was hell of a hectic month. Last minute Reading journals (pulling
hair) and writing for my thesis (Banging my head on the wall). Well, I got
through it, thank God. Final exam is a b*tch for adding salt on my wound. Oh
July, please be kind to me and come quickly.
24
days in Taiwan is UN-FOR-GET-TA-BLE.
Visiting
Taiwan as an exchange student was different compared to when I first visited that
beautiful country as a tourist two years back during winter. Joining a local
tour with a well-planned itinerary versus attending classes and last minute
planning of trips. Besides, it’s summer. Less restriction on my daily
activities. Whee~
150
students (Whoa..) of different faculties took part in this programme, so yeah,
I met new friends, not to forget Taiwanese friends too. Lecturers were so passionate of their profession,
cracking jokes and enlightening our days in every classes. The facilitators
were so young, yet dedicated and were great helping hands throughout our stay
in their university. Even the lady boss of the cafeteria was
always concerned and ensured that all of us had taken our meals. Are Taiwanese
that kind-hearted and helpful? No doubt.
That was a huge group of people.
Taipei – first visited
destination, and also my very first backpacking destination. Together with
three friends (whom I just met in this programme and randomly decided on
backpacking) we embarked on our luxury backpacking adventure. Though it
only lasted for a day, backpacking was FUN but super tiring. Like seriously.
More
than 12 hours of traveling with a lot of walking, catching buses and trains,
sweating, yet it was worth it by the good memories gained from this trip.
My backpacking group (from left: Andy, Tat Joon,
Cheuw Yan & me)
Day 1: Tamsui, Taipei
Tamsui street.
Cycling
around Tamsui was something interesting. I have got to say the guys have really
good stamina in controlling the bicycle with such great weight on it.
Fisherman’s Wharf at Tamsui. Also known as Lovers’
Harbour.
We even visited Jay Chou’s high school – Tam Kang
High School.
Day 2: Jiufen, Shifen, Qing Tong
Jiufen Old Street
Golden Waterfall
Familiar?
We were trying to imitate a scene in the movie “You are the apple of my eye”.
Great photo taken by Mr Eric Chen whom we met at Jiu Fen.
Railway track at Shifen.
Wishes written on a sky lantern at Shifen.
There it goes. May our wishes come true.
Bamboo letters at Qing Tong.
Oh
this is something worth remembering. Twice in a day, we ran like mad people
(good looks and reputation? Screw it!) chasing after trains. And the best part,
the train stopped for us to board in. *heads held high*
Day 3: Mao Kong Cable Car station,
Taipei City
Mao Kong Station.
Spot
the colour difference. We got stuck on top of the hill for more than an hour
due to the rain downhill. Cable car system was stopped and we had to queue for
the shuttle bus.
The magnificent Taipei 101.
Day 4: Taipei City
Old Palace Museum in Taipei.
We
didn’t manage to visit all the hotspots in Taipei due to restriction of time. Taiwan, a beautiful country indeed.
It
would be an extremely long essay to talk about Taiwan. Keep following as I blog
more about my stay in Taiwan. As for now, toodles~
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