18th August 2008 "One of the aims of this Taiwan trip was to spend sometime in Hualien, which I've read it often but never had a chance to see it for myself ..." Three hours on the Tze Chiang Express (自强号) down the eastern coast of Taiwan brought me to the charming city of Hualien. With a population of only 15% of Taipei, the city has maintained a relaxed and laid-back pace by the sea. I had come to Hualien on a 2 day 1 night mission to the Taroko Gorge, eastern Taiwan most popular destination. It was a bonus that [View Full Entry]

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My last trip to Taiwan was fulifiling and challenging as I was very much involved in the pre-trip planning process. However, once in a while, it was always nice to have everything worked out for you. And all you have to do is to just follow and enjoy the journey...... Where: Kuantan, Malaysia What: A Factory Visit Start: Friday, 12th September 2008, 8.30pm End: Saturday, 13th September 2008, 10.30pm Costs: S$170 (fully subsidised) About 7 hours drive from Singapore brought us to the city of Kuantan, the state capital for the state of Pahang (the sam [View Full Entry]

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Seen in Taipei Metro "台北人的热情，让银发族乐开怀....." "感谢您的抚持，让我们的旅途更轻松...." These were some of the messages written on the publicity posters next to the Priority Seats. One of the poster contains the smiley picture of an elderly couple. On it, are some Chinese phrases that serve to educate the able-bodied individuals to reserve the priority seats to those who need it more. [View Full Entry]

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Overheard in Taipei Metro: - "台北车站。往淡水，北投，新店和南势角的旅客，请在本站换车。" "Taipei Main Station. Attention, passengers transfering to Danshui, Beitou, Xindian and Nanshijiao, please alight at this station." I'm sure Mum would like to stay here too and take the MRT trains often because there were Chinese, English and Hokkien announcements. She will have less difficulty finding her way aroun [View Full Entry]

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Like what 阿布 oftened said in his weekly "冒险王" on Channel U, 我永远无法忘记这趟旅程，因为是它让我看到一个更全面的台湾. My 101th entry for this blog space since its inception in 2005. This magical figure coincides with the landmark of Taiwan, the Taipei 101 International Financial Centre. And this is where I had spent [View Full Entry]

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23rd January 2008 The Taiwan story started this evening while watching So Simple Part II on Channel U. The idea of heading back to Taiwan for an "indepth" railway experience was mooted. 1st March 2008 My first Trip Advisor Posting relating to Railway Schedules in Taiwan. It was helpful commmunicating to the Taiwan Destination Experts. I've "known" some of them since the days of 2005. [View Full Entry]

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I finally found time today to wish Singapore a Happy Birthday (no matter how belated I was). Lately, I was simply preoccupied with the Olympics and "operating" my Travel Agency services for Clare's (and my own) impending trips. It was the time of the year for us to proclaim our patriotism as the nation welcomes her 43rd years independence last Saturday. Having took part in the Human Flag Event the year before, there was no excuse for me to absent myself from this year's affair. Afterall, I've not managed to get any tickets for this year's National Day Parade. By stationing [View Full Entry]

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Hey, time really flies The trip to the Imperial Palace of Singapore (read: Istana) last Sunday afternoon was interesting as it brought back memories of my NS experience. Just 7 years ago, we were marching on the very same path leading to the main building for the monthly Change of Guards Ceremony. As the marching took on to a leisurely stroll today, I took a closer look at the Military Guard Room. This was where we used to rest in between breaks. I pitied the ceremonial guards standing outside the main gate where each duty lasted for about 1 hr 45 [View Full Entry]

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It was amazing to be able to join the rest of the 3,000 strong spectators for the Mass Annual Sing-A-Long session, 我们的歌，大家唱. This year's venue was shifted to the Creative Techonology Amphitheatre after the old venue, The National Stadium was slated to be demoblished (at the time of writing, still standing proudly @ Kallang though). The highlight of the mass concert was reached early. Mavis Hee, who was seated in the spectators' stand was asked to lead the crowd with her signature tune, 城里的月光 [View Full Entry]

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A Railroad Journey through Northern and Eastern Taiwan (16 - 23 August 2008) Tour Highlights Day 1 ~ Taipei (City Inn Taipei) 5.45pm ~ Arrive @ Taoyuan International Airport 6.20pm ~ Took a Free Go Bus to Taoyuan HSR Station (NT30) 6.58pm ~ Took a High Speed Rail from Taoyuan to Taipei Main Station 7.30pm ~ Gong Guan Night Market / Chiang Kai Sek Memorial Hall 10.00pm ~ Ximending Day 2 ~ Taipei / Shifen (City Inn Taipei) 9am ~ [url=http://ww [View Full Entry]

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