Last 2018, me and my sister Ate Judy went to Taipei in Taiwan. We were there for four days and during our third day, we decided to split up with our own itineraries. We were so excited and a little bit nervous too because it will be my sister's first time to travel alone, so I was quite nervous for her but also excited so she can experience how it is. She decided to took up the high-speed train south all the way to Taichung, a city in the south. I on the other hand really wanted to go up Yangmingshan Mountain and around the trail leisurely and hopefully catch some Autumn leaves which I have always wanted (and which I did not catch, sadly, since they all have fallen of already).
Selfie with Canadian Missionary Dr. George Leslie Mackay
I had an awesome time and I got back to our apartment just after lunch time. I rested for a couple of hours and decided that since it's still early, I'll ride the train going to another city in the north, Tamsui. the journey to Tamsui from Taipei took two metro train rides which were not so long, around 30 minutes in total. Tamsui is situated at the northwestern tip of the island of Taiwan so the views were nice on the way there. I alighted the train and the first thing I noticed was the Spanish inspired design of the station.
Brick train station of Tamsui
Okay I hope you don't get fed up with my selfies, I was alone that time haha but there you have behind me was the train station. It is symbolic since Tamsui was once a fort by the Spaniard during the area of colonialism which also colonized my islands for 333 years that's is why it looks very familiar to me.
The first thing I visited was the Catholic church so I can say a prayer and make a wish. For us Filipino Catholics, we have this tradition that whenever we visit a church for the first time, we can say a prayer and make a wish and it will come true, okay that's not in the bible I know.
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church
I spent a good few minutes resting from my uphill walk and said my prayers before leaving. It was very quiet and empty but it was open so I decided to go inside and lit a candle at the candle station just outside.
I then went down to continue my leisurely walk downtown. Downtown Tamsui was packed with people and tourists enjoying the perfect cool weather of Taiwanese November. I was looking around from shops, to restaurants, to street hawkers selling their delicacies and pastries and at a small junction, there was this statue.
Dr. George Leslie Mackay
Dr. George Leslie Mackay was a Canadian missionary who devoted his life for the objective of making the lives of the native Taiwanese better. He was a Presbyterian missionary that founded a number of hospitals and colleges all across Taiwan. This statue is a commemoration of his life and his works for the love of the Taiwanese people.
Following where the people went, it led me to a Presbyterian church standing on top of a hill just downtown along the shops. It was beautiful and humble and that day there were a lot of people. I was so curious as to why they were a lot of people when it was not a church day. But before I decided to check the happenings, I asked a kind lady to take a photo of me in front of the church.
Tamsui Presbyterian Church
See the people behind me, it really got me curious so I thought maybe I can check it out since it's still a bit early. So nosey me got into the church and I saw this people lining up on a queue going to the front of the church where there's a guy that seems to be a celebrity taking a photo with the people. I just found out that he was a famous baseball player in Taiwan.
Baseball is a famous sport in some East Asian countries including Japan and South Korea. The organizers there were greeting me and motioning me to the side of the church. At first I thought they were showing me the exit but then I realize they led me to the end of the queue!
It's kinda funny because I had no plans of queueing up I was just stuck with the crown inside and had no chance because if I leave the line, I would have to excuse myself with the people behind me and people might think I'm disrespecting the athlete so I just went in and had a photo with him.
A photograph with Brothers Baseball Club's Choi Szu Chi
I did not know him at all before this because I am not a sporty person but I was happy that day because he was a very cool guy and was even surprised when I shook his hand and told him I'm from the Philippines. After a few photos, I thanked him and again another organizer stopped me and gave me this pentagon frame with a signature which I reckon was Mr. Choi's. I still have that autograph with me to this day, an unforgettable souvenir.
Mr. Choi Szu-chi of the Brothers Baseball Club
After that, it was starting to get dark, I did a phone call with my sister and she was still in Taichung. I told her that I'll go ahead and board the train back to Taipei where I'll be looking for a church so I can hear Mass since she's still hours away.
We'll just never know what's in a place and what surprises are in store for us especially on spontaneous side trips like the one I did! I wanted to try some of the cakes and sweets that I saw but I kinda miss my sister so I just did not since she was there and we'll just have something nice for dinner when she arrives back.
This pandemic, as much as I can, I always travel through my past post and look at my old timeless pictures and adventures whether it be on my phone, on my blog, or on YouTube. This week, let me take you to an island nation on top of our archipelago, Taiwan!
It was my 15th country/territory, Taiwan was. Since the island nation above the Philippines has opened its doors to Filipinos last 2017 and imposing a temporary visa-free policy for a year which was then extended to another year from July 2018 to July 2019, many Filipinos, including myself, made plans to visit and see what Taiwan has to offer.
Officially the Republic of China, Taiwan is the place where the nationalist leader Chiang Kai Shek fled to exile and established the Chinese republic when the communist party led by Mao Zedong took over the mainland. through the years, Taiwan went nowhere but up and the success of its industry and finance has fortified the nation into being one of the richest countries not just in Asia but in the whole world.
WATCH: Steven's Queue VLOG#39 - Ni Hao Taiwan!
Me and my cousin Ate Judy flew to Taipei last November 2018 and we spent the first day looking around the capital city of Taipei. We flew in via Cebu Pacific Air on their earliest flight from Manila.
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
From our place at Minquan Station (we stayed here for 4 days at a private room at a condo via AirBnB), we took the Subway all the way to our first destination which is the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial. via the Red Subway Line, it took us just 5 stations to reach the memorial hall which is one of the major landmarks of Taiwan.
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Station is a junction for both the Red Line and Green Line of MRT.
(L) Me inside the Taipei Metro (R) Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Complex
The complex was vast! Aside from the memorial hall, there are two halls that are built in traditional Chinese style, the National Concert Hall and the National Theater Hall. They were not open when we visited so we were not able to explore whats inside both halls.
WATCH: Steven's Queue VLOG#40 - Chiang Kai Shek Memorial
When me and my cousin continued walking through the entrance to the complex from the station, we saw our high school classmate and friend April who has been living and working in Taiwan for 7 years now. She is accompanied by her boyfriend Roilan and it was a happy moment to see her after so long. She went all the way to Taipei from Hsinchu just to see us that afternoon.
There is no entrance fee to pay when visiting the Memorial complex, even through the Memorial Hall and the museum that is located at its base. I think it is a must to visit this place which is why it is also the very first landmark we visited not just for its beauty but to give respect to Taiwan's leader Chiang Kai Shek.
Ate Judy, Me, April, and Roilan - Groupfie Time!
Climbing through the stairs at the Memorial Hall, it led us to the tomb of the Nationalist leader wherein a changing of the guards ceremony is taking place. Everyone was quiet and solemn as we all silently watch the ceremony. Travelers from different nation were present during that afternoon's program.
(L) Changing of the Guards (R) Intricate design of the Tomb's ceiling
After the ceremony, we decided to go down and visit the museum that is housed right below the tomb, at the hall's ground floor. It has an exhibit of photographs and memorabilla related to the life and legacy of Chiang Kai Shek. I really did enjoy the exhibit that shows his garments and clothing that showed a fusion of both traditional Chinese clothing and modern day attires.
(L) Chiang Kai Shek's Coat (R) Me and Chiang Kai Shek
Bethelites Batch 2006 at Taipei
We then said our goodbyes to April and Roilan and me and my Ate continued on our adventure around the city. We then went to Taipei Central Station where we are about to ride the Taipei Sightseeing Tour - Hop On, Hop Off Bus. We got our tickets at Klook.com. They have a 4-hour ticket which costs Php 450 while a 24-hour unlimited pass costs Php 899. We purchased the 24-hour unlimited ride with stops at major tourist attractions in the city.
WATCH: Steven's Queue VLOG#41 - HOP ON - HOP OFF TAIWAN
Our first stop is Ximen Junction wherein we visited the famous and historical theater called The Red House. It was constructed by a team led by a Japanese architect Kondo Juro which was originally made to become a public market. It was then turned into a theater and now, a museum and cafe.
Me and my Ate Judy at The Red House
Ximending District is very busy and I can even compare it as a quainter version of Tokyo's Shibuya Junction. Shops and restaurants lined up the streets and smaller alleys led to a lot of other stores and establishments. It was full of life, especially at that time of the afternoon which was about just an hour before sunset.
(L) Selfie Time with the 'Locals' of Ximen (R) Loved this little alley across Ximen
To be honest, we were not able to maximize the 24 hour ticket that we purchased because we started the bus ride late at around 5 pm and the last round trip is at 7:30 in the evening. But nonetheless, we can say it was worth it because we did a round trip sightseeing on it's final trip and we were able to see the sights of Taipei during nighttime, it was beautiful!
The last full round-trip that we did was on the Taipei Sightseeing Tour Bus's Red Line. It starts and ends its route at Taipei Main Station and passes through important locations such as the Ximending District, Taipei 101, and the Sun Yat Set Memorial Hall.
(L) Me taking videos at the Taipei Sightseeing Bus (R) Taipei 101 at Night
Just like any other East Asian country, Taiwan is a well developed nation and truly one with the first world. Its infrastructures and efficient public transport makes it not just a good place to visit and travel to, but also a perfect place to live and work in.
Locals are very nice and disciplined and a barrier I did experience was language as to not all locals are fluent in the English Language but if you are lost, it's not hard to find a younger generation Taiwanese which can help you find your way.
Visit Taiwan, and experience 'The Heart of Asia'
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I would love to welcome and invite everyone to join Timeless Thursdays.
Timeless Thursdays is open for anyone who wishes to share old photos or old thoughts that you would like to share as beautiful memories with everyone. This can be from yesterday, a year ago, or something from your grandma's treasure chest.
This runs every Thursday at 12 am (Manila/Perth Time) until Sunday at 11:59 pm (Manila/Perth Time)
Last Autumn, I did a solo hike along the rolling hills of YangMingShan National Park (陽明山) just a few miles away from Taipei. From Jiantan Station, I rode a bus that took me straight to QingTianGang Circular Trail which is high above the mountains and you can get a bird's eye view of Metro Taipei.
How to Go to YangMingShan National Park: From Jiantan Station, walk towards Exit 1 (Shilin Night Market) and walk to the left side of the train Station. You can ride the city bus R5 or the smaller buses marked as S15 or S17 which I rode that took me all the way to YangMingShan Station. It cost me a very cheap price of 15 NTD (0.48 USD/ 25 PHP) that's why even if I was standing the whole zigzag road all the way up, I didn't mind it at all.
Me at the S15 bus to YangMingShan National Park
During Spring, a lot of cherry blossom trees or Sakura line up the National park and showers its slopes with beautiful flowers. Summer gives it a lush green foliage due to the thunderstorms that happen across the mountains which gives it a more livelier spirit.
Since I visited during the late and short Autumn season, it was the silver grass that emerged victorious to my sight. I have always been dreaming of a colorful autumn but I was quite late to see the red maple trees and other hues of yellows and oranges. But yes, the silver grass were as glorious as they were.
Silver Grass Fields at YangMingShan
I was all alone walking around the trail that weekday but there were a few families marching under the clear skies with their kids and loved ones, some where even kind enough to take pictures of me. It may be quite hard to do solo trips like these but at times, it can be very peaceful and detoxifying.
Blue skies above me
The views are amazing with all the silver grass that are growing along the the mountains. It was a very cool day and I had a really great time on the mountains that morning. I did several trails but every trail was a different flavor. Even if all of them had silver grasses, every trail gives a different angle so it was all worth the try. I am so happy I was able to bring my Hufflepuff Pride Scarf that I got from Universal Studios Japan and it complemented the deep shades of blue in the sky.
Autumn Trees at LengShuiKeng
To my surprise, walking towards the LengShuiKeng Recreational Area from the QingTianGang Trail brought me to this amazing view. I know it's not as colorful as one dreams of autumn would be like, but this was enough to make my heart smile. It may not be the time to see an array of warm hues that trip for me, but living in the tropics for all my life, this made me happy. Still, I hope that someday I can experience a very colorful Autumn somewhere in this world.
How to get back to Taipei: Buses will also pass by LengShuiKeng Recreational Area which can take you directly back to Jiantan Station in Taipei. The fare is also 15 NTD and just be ready to ride their buses standing because their city buses are usually lined with just a few seats, most of them are for elders.
House Hufflepuff - Just and Loyal
This post is part of Skywatch Friday that features different views of the sky around the world. Visit Skywatch and go on tour around the globe seeing sunrises, sunsets and so much more than the sky that you know at http://skyley.blogspot.in/
