Hualian (花蓮) Spring Break Tour

(Photos only) Link to my cousin’s blog about the trip coming soon!

Photo credits to Wanni B.

Spirited Away in Jiufen：九份

Two weeks ago, my friends and I decided to go to Jiufen. I have heard a lot of good things about it. However, what really attracted me about it is knowing that it was the inspiration of the setting of Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. Most of the people who had been reading my entries would probably be well aware of my fascination with old streets. I just like having that nostalgic feeling once in a while. I had been to Dasi Old Street last year but Jiufen is relatively more popular and interesting.

How to get there:

1. Ride the MRT’s Blue Bannan Line and get off at Zhongxiao Fushing Station.

2. From the station, head to the bus stop and ride the 1062 bus headed to Jiufen. The fare is aroud 102 NT.

Upon entering the winding streets of Jiufen, I noticed that there were a lot of people speaking in Japanese, locals and Japanese tourists alike. Having plenty of Japanese visitors in Jiufen, it’s no wonder that the place would have establishments catering to the Japanese tongue. My friend and I ordered some Takoyaki from this small stall. I missed eating Takoyaki and I have to say that the best one I’ve tasted was still from Little Tokyo in Makati, Philippines.

It was cloudy when we came to visit Jiufen. Actually, I was thankful it was cloudy and not raining. The trip would have been such a hassle if it rained. This was the view from Jiufen. Honestly, this view reminds me more of Hayao Miyazaki’s Ponyo than Spirited Away.

Going around the streets, we saw some interesting things, some are bizarre, even. There was a place with creepy masks hung on the wall, a shop that sells grilled snails (could it be escargot?), and a lot of carved black stones.

We also entered Jiufen’s Teahouse and Art Gallery. Inside were various teapots, cups, and other paraphernalias used to make tea.

One of the remembrances I got from Jiufen would be my carved stone charm. It only costs 50 NT , inclusive of the black stone, labor, and the strap. The owners of the shop seem to be a husband and wife tandem. The man carves designs (depending on the client’s preference) on a stone that the customers choose from a pile inside the store. After carving, customers bring the stone nextdoor for payment and strap attachment which the wife is in charged with.

My stone was carved on 2 sides. My Chinese name on one side and a clover leaves and the date on the other.

One of the places that I adored while in Jiufen was this shop. It sells painted clothes and other crafted things. It gave me that feeling on finding fulfillment in simple things. I thought this place was really beautiful.

Whenever I go to some place new, I always want to taste their food. One of the things my friends and I really love eating is Shaved ice with soybean curd and glutinous balls. We had it for afternoon snack!

My friends and I spotted this place in one of the streets atop Jiufen. At first, we were wondering what kind of place it was because it wasn’t selling anything. Later on, we discovered that it’s a place with a lot of old stuff. People can take pictures inside, wear some costumes, and do whatever they like. We paid 20 NT to get inside.

Jiufen used to be a place where gold was mined. This is the reason for their numerous tunnels. One of the mines we saw is this picture below. Unfortunately, it’s not filled with vandals.

Heading back to the bus station, we passed by what seemed to be a small version of the Lavender Cottage.

I am grateful that I am able to find friends to share my wanderlust with. I am hoping to see more places and experience more adventures in the future! Cheers!

Bits and Pieces of Taiwan: Student Life

Time flew by fast. I’ve been a student here in YZU for almost 6 months now. I’m loving Taiwan so far; the people are really kind and the environment is not too stressful. I just have to agree with my cousin about what she dislike about Taiwan which are the freezing cold and rainy weather, and the language barrier. It’s difficult to go around if you can’t communicate well with the people. I’ve been particularly challenged in ordering food which requires one to mark the name of his/her order on a paper menu. At first, I did not even plan on recognizing the characters, I thought it was just not possible. But as time passed, I felt like I need to be able to recognize the characters just in case I wouldn’t have any Taiwanese friend around to help me order. I wanted to be more independent in some ways. My friends here are really nice, they are taking care of me well but I don’t wanna be a burden to them. There’s one incident that I felt like a real burden for my friend.

One night, I decided to ride the bus and go to 中原 Chung Yuan Night Market alone. I was particularly craving for Sweet Potato Balls topped with Parmesan powder that night, and thought that I should reward myself for studying the whole day. Chung Yuan Night Market is chaotic, and I guess that’s why it is very charming. There are food stalls and clothing stores everywhere. My friends and I usually go there to buy small presents whenever someone’s birthday is coming. I always go to Chung Yuan via scooter, which my friend drives. On that night that I went to Chung Yuan, I was certain that I could go home by riding the bus again. I just had to wait on the bus stop, and it will pass by my home. After shopping, I already got bored and decided I should be heading home. I was just in time for the next bus home, I thought. But 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour has passed, the bus still did not pass the bus stop. I got worried because I did not know how else I could get home if I don’t ride the bus. Although I had an option of walking 3km home, I still waited and waited some more.

Good thing my Taiwanese friend, Judy messaged me on WhatsApp that evening, telling me about our teacher who’s on TV. I informed her about my situation, which is the reason why I can’t watch the TV at that moment. Without hesitation she offered to pick me up and take me home. When she arrived, we decided to shop around for a bit and have some dinner. My heart was full of joy and relief! I really felt grateful that I am surrounded by kind and helpful friends here in Taiwan. It’s also one of my motivations to learn Mandarin, so I can communicate with them more beyond basic English.

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Pardon this author for such a lengthy tale. I rarely share these kinds of stories here but today I thought I wanted to share some stories of my experiences as a student here in Taiwan. Below are a few of the interesting photos I took while I’m here.

1. Milk Tea

Before coming here in Taiwan, I was one of the few people who got addicted to milk tea. My brother would always buy some for me when he goes home from school. Now, living in the country where it all began, I feel like I’m in milk tea paradise!

2. Taiwan’s Weather

This shot was taken while I was waiting at the bus stop after my Chinese class in Chung Yuan University (中原大學). It was windy and rainy that day so I had to wear my rain boots! This is the first time that I met Kuya Bus Stop , a guy that my cousin and I usually ride on the bus with on the 1:15pm bus to YZU. I’ve always just smiled at him, maybe next time my cousin and I should talk to him. He seems like a kind person!

3. Travel Stamps

Another thing that I love about going around Taiwan are the travel stamps. These stamps are usually located on tourist spot entrances. I just love collecting these prints! The photo below shows the stamps I took when I visited Pingxi in New Taipei County.

4. Yuan Ze University

Alas, my picturesque school.

5. Les Enphants Factory

A few weeks ago, my good friend invited me to go to the Les Enphants Factory as part of her class activity. They were allowed to take one friend and she chose me to go with her. Les Enphants is a children’s apparel brand. I got this cute elephant stuffed toy (which I stuffed myself) from the DIY shop of the factory. I got this for free so it’s really awesome!

6. School Library

I really love our school library because it’s so conducive to learning. There’s a huge amount of natural light coming from the glass windows.

7. LGM (Little Green Men) Paradise

I absolutely adore these Toy Story characters and I feel so happy to find a lot of stuff based on them here in Taiwan!

That should be it for now! I’m so excited for our Hualien trip over the Spring break! I’m going to write about it soon!

Cherry Blossoms at Yangmingshan National Park

After almost 2 months of spending my “Winter Break” in the Philippines, I’m now back in Taiwan for the Spring semester! The weather is still cold but it’s not as cold as it was from the previous months. I like spring better than winter because to be honest, I’m getting sick of wearing so many thick clothes at a time. Speaking of spring, what better way to enjoy it than to see wonderful flowers coming into bloom! Last weekend, my friends and I visited the Yangmingshan National Park in Taipei to see the Azaleas and the Cherry Blossoms.

How to get there: From the MRT’s Red Line, get off at the Taipei Mainstation and head to the North Gate 2. Outside that gate is a bus stop. Ride the bus 126 going to Yangmingshan. (Fare 15NT) Get off at the final stop.

Photos by James Ong

Picspam: Boracay’s Splendor

Photos by Anie Carillo