sweet escape

well, 2008 had been exceptionally interesting and it ended with a little sweet escape to taiwan. although it was a short trip, it was really fulfilling. i'm especially happy that i did quite a lot of things that i've never done before just in those short seven days.

1) HOTSPRING. and i mean it. it was really hot. but that's not the main point. (how can hotspring be hotspring if it wasn't hot?) i did it naked. like seriously full frontal nudity. (yes, that's THE point) well. no pictures to share with regard to this aspect. it just ain't right to show my dad's arse to the world.

2) FIREWORKS. i actually had the chance to set off my own fireworks. and they look exactly like those on tv, but shorter duration and less elaborated.



we bought the fireworks. (at about S$5 for 3)



we lit up the josstick, which was used to light up the fireworks cos' we were all too scared to be near it, and took a bloody long time. (wind was too strong!)



... and we lit it up.



TADA! pretty awesome huh?

3) TURTLE SOUP/MEAT. i actually ate turtles. and before eating, i saw how it was skinned and executed, alive. right at this stall!





the soup tasted a little (eww) weird. but we finished it nonetheless.



the turtle's paw. cruel, no?



oh. this stir fried one is good stuff.



see how we're enjoying them?

4) SHOPPING. ok this is something i've definitely done before. but can you imagine shopping for 5 nights straight? right til the wee hours? my legs were all sore within the first 2 nights! the following are some of the shopping hot spots we went to.



shih lin night market.



ximending.
well, i didn't exactly take pictures of all the night markets we went to. they look too similar.

5) GRAND HYATT. we spent our last night at tw at GRAND HYATT. even the taxi driver exclaimed how luxurious the hotel. he said, in chinese of course, "wha. you guys live in Grand Hyatt? very luxurious leh!".



and although it was only for one night. it was a sweeet end to the trip. oh, did i mention that the hotel has a club?! pretty cool chillout place!





the rooms. may not look as grand but it is. believe me.



oh, and the hotel is just a stone-throw away from the world's tallest building. TAIPEI 101!

well, that pretty much sums up the more interesting things i did during that trip. this is the first time i've tried so many new things in such a short period of time! although this is already my third time in tw, a place i'm starting to be quite familiar with, it is nonetheless thoroughly enriching! what a trip to end the year. :)


next to come will be NEW ZEALAND. i'm starting to look forward to it. will be flying off this coming thursday. HAPPY CNY IN ADVANCE!