DAY 01 - 台北

Wow wow wow, after weeks of planning, we are finally embarking on the trip to Taiwan !! *phew*

Went there many years ago in 2006, that was a very short trip and we did not really explore much of this 宝岛. The impression that I had of Taiwan then was shopping, eating and shopping. Not so much of sightseeing, cultural and historical exploration.

Through the homework that we have done as well as the blasting of the travel shows on TV lately, I began to see Taiwan in a different light and DEFINITELY look forward to this trip =)

Booked a flight with the Cathay Pacific and was scheduled to depart on 19 Sept, 4:05pm. This week is a POPULAR week !! The whole of Singapore seems to be travelling and we only managed to get a flight in the last minute at such timing, gosh. To make things worse, we had to transit at Hong Kong and by the time we reached Taiwan, it was already 11:55pm !!

Dashed out of the customs so as to catch the last bus to Taipei Main Station and were glad to see that the bus companies were still in operation. Checked with one of the friendly operators and she advised us to alight at 国道客运总站 which is nearer to the Lio Hotel that we will be staying. We decided to book a two-way bus ticket with this operator as she is from 大有巴士 which offers the cheapest bus rate.

More info on 大有巴士:
o URL: http://www.airbus.com.tw/
o Location: Arrival Passenger Reception Area Bus Booth
o First bus: 435am; Last bus: 110am;
o Duration: 70 - 90mins
o Cost: NT$90 (one-way); NT$160 (two-way)

After a long bus ride along the quiet streets of Taipei, we finally reached 国道客运总站 and Eugene and I lugged our tired bodies and big luggage to Lio Hotel. It is indeed within walking distance and we konked out shortly after we checked in. What a hectic journey .. =(

Lio Hotel is a decent small hotel, it just underwent renovation recently and even though the rooms are small, they have all the basic amenities. If you are looking for a cheap and good hotel, you can consider Lio Hotel. But for those with weak legs, you might give this hotel a miss as you need to walk for about 10mins to the Taipei Main Station *cold sweat*.

Nevertheless, attached are some info on Lio Hotel for your consideration:

o http://www.liohotel.com.tw/
o Economic Suite (NT$1500 per rm per night)

Sorry folks, as it was a long day for us, hence I did not take any picture on Day 1. Do stay tuned ya, more pictures on your way hehe ..

Good Night !! zZzzzzz ..