More Trips

Korea6 April 24


Japan10 November 23


Taiwan5 April 23


Korea5 November 22


Korea4 May 22


Cape Otway April 21


Japan9 October 19


Frangland July 19


Korkong April 19


Japan8 October 18


China4 April 18


Japan7 October 17


Taiwan4 March 17


Japan6 October 16


Europe May 16


Japan5 November 15


Korea2 March 15

Even More Trips

HongJapWan March 2014
Sichuan March 2013
Tokyo3 October 2012
China2 August 2012
Japwan March 2012
China November 2011
Korea September 2011
Taiwan March 2011
London3 June 2010
Japan May 2010
London2 February 2010
London September 2009
SE Asia December 2005

Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Page 9

Day 25 - Sunday, 21 May 2023

All the tea in the Republic of China

Maokong trail from Taipei zoo station

The last hike is completed. More of a long walk between various tourist areas via concrete steps and roads than an actual hike. About 16km station to station, nearly 5 hours, but that included a few wrong turns.

The Maokong trail is section 7 of the Taipei grand trail. I think I ended up doing most of this, or most of the actual good bits that are not walking along a road. I certainly did all the bits in Yangmingshan national park, which is where all the main peaks on the trail are, plus I did the 4 beasts walk (by accident) and now the Maokong trail.

As you shall barely see, Maokong is all about tea. There are cable cars to haul you up into the tea plantations, and lots of people come to do just that. All of them were glaring at me because I was completely drenched with sweat.
I must also mention, no rain, at all! I expected another downpour. So I think that makes 1 actual day of rain on this trip, although yesterday I changed my plan due to rain, there was no actual rain while I was at the zoo. I predicted there would be 10 days of rain out of 28, so I was lucky (again, Korea was the same), and the drought is real.

Back to today's hike. The views were not great due to a combo of weather and pollution, the trail was overly developed (a feature of trails in Taiwan), but the the actual scenery on the trail such as temples, tea houses, farms, rock features formed by ancient cats, was all quite interesting.

Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - The 'hike' started at the Taipei zoo station, same place I was at yesterday, where I was greeted by this statue of a girl suckling a lamb / goat / pon

The 'hike' started at the Taipei zoo station, same place I was at yesterday, where I was greeted by this statue of a girl suckling a lamb / goat / pony (or are they suckling her?). I have seen these in many countries.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - This is the bottom gondola station. I think I called it a cable car above, or is it a ropeway? It is not a funicular railway.

This is the bottom gondola station. I think I called it a cable car above, or is it a ropeway? It is not a funicular railway.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - I made a stop here because of their awesome sign.

I made a stop here because of their awesome sign.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - This is where the stairs start. There are 1000 stairs to the first temple, they are numbered periodically.

This is where the stairs start. There are 1000 stairs to the first temple, they are numbered periodically.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Staircase with flags. Very Auspicious. Apparently today a Taiwanese guy won a Taekwondo event in Korea and then decided to be presented with his medal

Staircase with flags. Very Auspicious. Apparently today a Taiwanese guy won a Taekwondo event in Korea and then decided to be presented with his medal while holding the flag of China, it is big news here, and presumably on the mainland. I just thought I'd throw that in.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - What sort of a temple is this? Pentagrams instead of swastika's.

What sort of a temple is this? Pentagrams instead of swastika's.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - A really great staircase up to this temple, must be good.

A really great staircase up to this temple, must be good.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - At first I was a bit disappointed, sure there is a nice bridge there, but I expected a huge complex, although those stairs going up the hill seem to g

At first I was a bit disappointed, sure there is a nice bridge there, but I expected a huge complex, although those stairs going up the hill seem to go nowhere, maybe I will follow them.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Ahh, here we are then, or are we? It is part of Zhinan temple.

Ahh, here we are then, or are we? It is part of Zhinan temple.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - It has a nice view, even if it is a polluted grey day.

It has a nice view, even if it is a polluted grey day.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - I actually went back down the stairs, then read the internet that said to go through the temple to continue my journey. Out the back of the bit of the

I actually went back down the stairs, then read the internet that said to go through the temple to continue my journey. Out the back of the bit of the temple shown above, I arrived here. More bigger temple in the distance, lets go.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - The main part of Zhinan temple. I keep typing Zhipai which is a pack of cards.

The main part of Zhinan temple. I keep typing Zhipai which is a pack of cards.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - The next stop of the gondola is just past the top of the temple, following the path with all the gold bits of cardboard you pay for to hang in a tree.

The next stop of the gondola is just past the top of the temple, following the path with all the gold bits of cardboard you pay for to hang in a tree. BTW, today's temple had a sign saying it was the centre of Chinese Taoist culture. So no Buddha.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Crap pic, but instead of riding the gondola, I will walk down, and back up again to the station across the valley there.

Crap pic, but instead of riding the gondola, I will walk down, and back up again to the station across the valley there.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - The path down was this horrible style, where they construct a stair case, and all the material between stairs washes away or gets compressed, so you t

The path down was this horrible style, where they construct a stair case, and all the material between stairs washes away or gets compressed, so you trip over the stair with every step. Useless.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - A rather ordinary gondola shot from nearer the bottom of the valley. No rain at all!

A rather ordinary gondola shot from nearer the bottom of the valley. No rain at all!


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - OK, this little spot here is the entire reason Maokong is called Maokong. The little holes in the rocks in this spot were believed to be made by an an

OK, this little spot here is the entire reason Maokong is called Maokong. The little holes in the rocks in this spot were believed to be made by an ancient giant cat.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Giant cat statues guard the bridge to the area.

Giant cat statues guard the bridge to the area.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Almost at the top gondola station now, and it is a very developed area full of tea houses and cafe's.

Almost at the top gondola station now, and it is a very developed area full of tea houses and cafe's.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - I couldn't get me and the gondola in the same shot, but here is my giant sweaty head. People were staying well away from me.

I couldn't get me and the gondola in the same shot, but here is my giant sweaty head. People were staying well away from me.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Behold, the upper gondola station.

Behold, the upper gondola station.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - The 'trail' down from this point goes through a few garden areas like this, with both plastic and stone statues of various things to have your photo t

The 'trail' down from this point goes through a few garden areas like this, with both plastic and stone statues of various things to have your photo taken with. Still no tea to be seen though (in my pictures at least), I had already passed the tea museum.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - OK, here is some tea.

OK, here is some tea.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Not a great pic, but I left it in as you can see Taipei 101 over on the right.

Not a great pic, but I left it in as you can see Taipei 101 over on the right.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - After wandering through some touristy fields of tea and various other things, I rejoined a 'trail', one last chance to slip over on some moss covered

After wandering through some touristy fields of tea and various other things, I rejoined a 'trail', one last chance to slip over on some moss covered stone?


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - But wait it gets mossier! But thankfully I did not fall over. All hiking complete, time to clean my shoes with a toothbrush to keep BORDER FORCE!!! ha

But wait it gets mossier! But thankfully I did not fall over. All hiking complete, time to clean my shoes with a toothbrush to keep BORDER FORCE!!! happy. Tonight will probably be a shorter outing, but I am still here for most of the day tomorrow before heading to the airport in the afternoon to go to Singapore... more on that, tomorrow.


Dinner at 5:30pm? Sure

Xinyi at dusk

Almost certainly, the final beef noodle soup has been eaten. I like it a lot but I think it makes me fat. I think all soups do. Soup which includes fresh hand made dough in the form of noodles, probably more so.
The important thing, was to eat dinner as early as possible, which was almost too late, so that I could get a seat on my own. Sadly I had to eat in a real restaurant, the pic has no tray and there was no buzzer, because all the food courts were already full! Are these people eating a late lunch or an early dinner? Do they have 2 dinners? How would I know.

For my last night in Taiwan I went back to Xinyi, the up market area where Taipei 101 is. I only took one photo of that building tonight, because everyone has seen it enough. Now I am back in my hotel again early, but that was the plan, it is going to be a long couple of days and nights, after tonight, which will be my last proper sleep until Wednesday night!

Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - First up, dinner! A great beef noodle soup. Note the lack of tray, because this is not a food court, but an actual restaurant (near a food court). The

First up, dinner! A great beef noodle soup. Note the lack of tray, because this is not a food court, but an actual restaurant (near a food court). They were still reluctant to let me despite having small tables unoccupied, I had to reassure them I would eat fast and leave.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - The nearby food court was already overflowing at 5:30pm.

The nearby food court was already overflowing at 5:30pm.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - This guy is trying to avoid the fee to go up to the top of Taipei 101. But seriously, sadly selling these metal balloons to kids to let go so they flo

This guy is trying to avoid the fee to go up to the top of Taipei 101. But seriously, sadly selling these metal balloons to kids to let go so they float off and choke a dolphin is still a big thing here. I think they are banned in some parts of the world now.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - HELL NO! I still have not recovered from paying $7 for one of these.

HELL NO! I still have not recovered from paying $7 for one of these.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - This photo is here only because it is the ground floor entrance area of a flash department store. Instead of make up and jewellery, people spend their

This photo is here only because it is the ground floor entrance area of a flash department store. Instead of make up and jewellery, people spend their disposable income on bobble heads and pokemon. Like I ranted on already, anime culture for want of a better term, is out of control. Also I am aware there is also a MAC makeup shop in view. But imagine if when you walked into David Jones in Australia you were not greeted by women in lab coats trying to sell you face cream, but instead some kind of blue haired teenager trying to sell you a plastic bikini clad 12 year old girl doll with a sword?


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Final Taipei 101 shot? Maybe, I do not know what I will do tomorrow morning.

Final Taipei 101 shot? Maybe, I do not know what I will do tomorrow morning.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Some more mall type areas in Xinyi.

Some more mall type areas in Xinyi.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Time for some light pollution. Trees are boring on their own, add LED lights.

Time for some light pollution. Trees are boring on their own, add LED lights.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - And while I have taken a shot from the above ground subway stations a few times, here is one in the dark. I guess these are mainly office buildings as

And while I have taken a shot from the above ground subway stations a few times, here is one in the dark. I guess these are mainly office buildings as there are not a lot of lights on. Tomorrow I do not have to check out, as I overbooked 1 night which I explained earlier, so I probably will go out early, have a coffee or 2, then laze about in my hotel until it is time to go to the airport. Take that as a warning for boring pictures tomorrow.


There are currently 2 comments - click to add

mother on 2023-05-21 said:

I think it's time I tried some beef noodle soup too. You've convinced me it's good.


adriana on 2023-05-21 said:

Beautiful temple area.


Day 26 - Monday, 22 May 2023

Mini update

Last lap of Zhongxiao Fuxing

I plan to post a second update tonight from Singapore, which will involve hotel pics from Singapore, plus the various boring airport photos people seem to love. So for now, here is a mini update from my 3 hour dawn walk around the vicinity of my hotel in Taipei which involved multiple coffees and a high degree of sweating.

I guess I can post a review of Taiwan while I am at it....

1. Food great, food courts everywhere, cheap.
2. Hotels great, first one in Taipei was small and had shit internet, after that all great and cheap.
3. Hiking average. Not as good as Korea or Japan, I think I have done all worthy permit free hikes.
4. Weather ok... Too hot but did not rain anywhere near as much as expected, I knew I was going too late in the year for good weather though.
5. City comparison - Taipei is where to spend most of your time, Yilan and Keelung also have good access to hiking spots, Taichung does not have enough hiking spots. Taipei wins overall because of transport options.

Now to spend 2 minutes packing and then go get some lunch before going to the airport.

Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Dockless bike and scooter hire is evidently banned in Taiwan. Instead you still have docked bike rental like this, which Melbourne used to have before

Dockless bike and scooter hire is evidently banned in Taiwan. Instead you still have docked bike rental like this, which Melbourne used to have before they decided to kill old people and drunken fools by unleashing electric rental scooters onto the public that you can just throw off a bridge when you're finished with it.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Some streets in Taipei are tree lined with a linear park running up the middle of them like this one, generally in areas with a lot of government buil

Some streets in Taipei are tree lined with a linear park running up the middle of them like this one, generally in areas with a lot of government buildings. The fat cats have heir hands in each other pockets as always.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Bonus Sogo, a mini version near the 2 larger ones just up the street, connected by an.....

Bonus Sogo, a mini version near the 2 larger ones just up the street, connected by an.....


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - ....underground mall. Not open yet of course. Note that Daiso Japan is the prominent advertiser, as Taiwan is really trying to be Japan.

....underground mall. Not open yet of course. Note that Daiso Japan is the prominent advertiser, as Taiwan is really trying to be Japan.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - And my last pic of the morning, most metro (MRT) stations have a library such as this. No staff. You can go in and burn all the books you want if you'

And my last pic of the morning, most metro (MRT) stations have a library such as this. No staff. You can go in and burn all the books you want if you're from Florida.


Singapore arrival

Taipei to Singapore on a Boeing 787

Well, now I am in Singapore. It is late for me, a quarter to midnight! So this will be brief and nonsensical.

All my transfers in both Taipei and especially arriving in Singapore were very smooth. In fact the time from exiting the plane to leaving Singapore airport with my bag was under 20 minutes, and then another 30 to take the Singapore metro and walk a bit to my hotel.

The flight was also fine, just over 4 hours in the air, a bit of messing about on the ground as usual, I had a spare seat next to me, I watched the movie Spielberg made about his own childhood that was pretty good, especially since it went for over 2.5 hours.

So now I am in a shit hotel, photo below, in a shit part of Singapore, but it's cheap.

Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - I launched a drone to take a photo of Taoyuan airport (the Taipei airport). It looks like lego!

I launched a drone to take a photo of Taoyuan airport (the Taipei airport). It looks like lego!


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Here is the observation deck, from inside the building. They would not let me out there because I had a camera! Never had that happen before. The peop

Here is the observation deck, from inside the building. They would not let me out there because I had a camera! Never had that happen before. The people out there taking photos with their phone, apparently that is ok, but my little point and shoot camera, not ok, or was it because I was a round eye?


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - I love Taipei airport, here is the shopping and customs area, well, one of many, this was also a very smooth process, no more than a couple of minutes

I love Taipei airport, here is the shopping and customs area, well, one of many, this was also a very smooth process, no more than a couple of minutes in any line. There was super extra security for people going to Japan because of the G7 summit that just finished there.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - The Singapore airlines lounge in Taipei is closed, and apparently is not going to re open, ever. No problem, I like this airport, time for the giant w

The Singapore airlines lounge in Taipei is closed, and apparently is not going to re open, ever. No problem, I like this airport, time for the giant walk! Just enough time if I walk fast!


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - There are at least 40 little booths to see with art like this. Well, art, ads for parts of Taiwan.

There are at least 40 little booths to see with art like this. Well, art, ads for parts of Taiwan.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Here is another for native Taiwanese culture. I have shown some others on previous visits.

Here is another for native Taiwanese culture. I have shown some others on previous visits.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - This is actually a library of sorts, with traditional furniture that looks quite uncomfortable.

This is actually a library of sorts, with traditional furniture that looks quite uncomfortable.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - The airport is a big square you can walk all the way around. Pics wont do it justice, but here I am in the middle looking right, through tinted window

The airport is a big square you can walk all the way around. Pics wont do it justice, but here I am in the middle looking right, through tinted windows I fixed with the white balance slider...


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - And from the same spot, looking left across the mini train elevated track. The airport bit completing the square of terminals to walk around is behind

And from the same spot, looking left across the mini train elevated track. The airport bit completing the square of terminals to walk around is behind the tower, so it is quite far. I would say it is further around than Singapore airport, which you cannot quite walk all the way around, but there are less spurs shooting off at the corners at Taoyuan airport, if that makes any sense at all?


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - This is my tiny 787 Dreamliner, my next flight is apparently on the recently reinstated A380, which is the cause of my flight change which forced me t

This is my tiny 787 Dreamliner, my next flight is apparently on the recently reinstated A380, which is the cause of my flight change which forced me to stay a day in Singapore.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Proof I exited the airport, this is a Singapore MRT station at the airport, and for once, I am not taking this photo after being awake for 36 hours st

Proof I exited the airport, this is a Singapore MRT station at the airport, and for once, I am not taking this photo after being awake for 36 hours straight.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - And finally for tonight, my very basic hotel room, it is an Ibis Budget, about $140 AUD, very cheap compared to nearly everywhere else in Singapore, b

And finally for tonight, my very basic hotel room, it is an Ibis Budget, about $140 AUD, very cheap compared to nearly everywhere else in Singapore, but it is right in the GAY RED LIGHT DISTRICT. Now I must go to sleep immediately.


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Day 27 - Tuesday, 23 May 2023

Phase 1 of 3 complete

Singapore Chinatown area

I think today will be a 3 update day.
First update, sleeping in the crap hotel was crap, bed too hard, went to sleep after 1AM, still woke up at 6AM. Great.
After pretending I was not wide awake, it was time to go for a walk.

It was raining on and off, but that kept it a bit cooler, so that is good. Also since everyone has already been to Singapore, I won't go on about it too much in detail, and will probably talk in nonsense abbreviated sentences.

A lot of places are open early, breakfast food courts, this is utopia. After a small ride on the subway, I walked through Chinatown, there are a huge number of mainlander's here these days, more and more arriving daily.

Everyone here has COVID. So much coughing. Not a lot of mask wearing. Not a lot of long sentences.
It is very annoying, I keep fleeing. The Singaporean Prime Minister tested positive for COVID yesterday. I saw an Australian woman who was so sick when she coughed mask free, on the subway, she slumped over in a semi faint and had to pull her self up using a pole. Awesome.

Now for another shower, a noon checkout, and then only 12.5 hours until my 8 hour flight home...

Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - This is the area near my hotel, in gay nightclub land. Lots of adult shops, spa's, questionable massage joints, sauna's (just stand outside?), and eve

This is the area near my hotel, in gay nightclub land. Lots of adult shops, spa's, questionable massage joints, sauna's (just stand outside?), and even a place literally called 'BIG GAY CLUB'. Sadly they were all shut for my early walk.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Nearby of course, the Taipei Buddhist centre. I just left Taipei!

Nearby of course, the Taipei Buddhist centre. I just left Taipei!


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - After a brief trip on the subway, I emerged in tall building land.

After a brief trip on the subway, I emerged in tall building land.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - That is not Marina Bay Sands, just some apartment buildings made to look like it.

That is not Marina Bay Sands, just some apartment buildings made to look like it.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - The first of many food courts. I have been to this one on a previous trip.

The first of many food courts. I have been to this one on a previous trip.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Chinatown. Obviously.

Chinatown. Obviously.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - A lot of Chinatown is undercover. It is made to look old, I don't think it is.

A lot of Chinatown is undercover. It is made to look old, I don't think it is.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - More Chinatown. That big yellow building on the right appears to be old apartments. I would like to see inside those.

More Chinatown. That big yellow building on the right appears to be old apartments. I would like to see inside those.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Last one of Chinatown.

Last one of Chinatown.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Chickens roam freely in the streets?

Chickens roam freely in the streets?


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Today's open sewer. The pink flowers and reflection look nice, but it is surprisingly full of rubbish.

Today's open sewer. The pink flowers and reflection look nice, but it is surprisingly full of rubbish.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - And final pic for phase 1, some new under construction public housing. The scheme is studied globally, we have similar blocks in Australia, people cal

And final pic for phase 1, some new under construction public housing. The scheme is studied globally, we have similar blocks in Australia, people call them prisons, in Singapore they are an amazing gift to the people that are greatly appreciated?


Phase 2 of 3 - stay cool

Orchard Road - Clarke Quay - Harbourside

It is 6:30pm. My flight is at half past midnight. Now I am at Jewel, the big shopping centre in the middle of the airport before customs with the waterfall, which I shall photograph shortly and upload later to kill more time.

Today I spent all day in malls, killing time, staying out of the heat. So many malls.
I had some chicken rice, small, cheap, not bad, but could have done better. I will go buy some dinner here somewhere soon.

People in Singapore walk really slow, this might be the heat. The subway strangely stops and then inches forwards for 30 seconds at each stop, quite annoying.
The heat is real! This morning when it was raining I was ok, but from lunch time onwards, it was really a case of find a mall. I do not want to sweat too much before my flight, none the less, my gusset is moist!

Now for a few pics of the long mall day.

Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Sun shining now, no more rain.

Sun shining now, no more rain.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Here is Orchard road. Everyone has been here. Not really a place for the likes of me, but I like the buildings. I think this one is Ion centre.

Here is Orchard road. Everyone has been here. Not really a place for the likes of me, but I like the buildings. I think this one is Ion centre.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Singapore also has Japanese stores, this is Tashimaya, there is also Isetan.

Singapore also has Japanese stores, this is Tashimaya, there is also Isetan.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - It is like I never left Taipei! By the way, as soon as I left, most of Taiwan flooded!

It is like I never left Taipei! By the way, as soon as I left, most of Taiwan flooded!


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - My very sad looking but quite delicious Hainan chicken rice lunch.

My very sad looking but quite delicious Hainan chicken rice lunch.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - This is now Vivo city at Harbourside. I have been here before and eaten too much here before. Today I ate nothing. In fact I fled a 7-eleven where I w

This is now Vivo city at Harbourside. I have been here before and eaten too much here before. Today I ate nothing. In fact I fled a 7-eleven where I was buying water as the guy serving clearly had covid and took his mask off to cough on my water, and when I told him I did not want it, he got mad at me.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Vivo city roof has drowning pools. You are not allowed in them though.

Vivo city roof has drowning pools. You are not allowed in them though.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Over there is Sentosa island, Disneyland lite I think. I will not be going over there, too hot.

Over there is Sentosa island, Disneyland lite I think. I will not be going over there, too hot.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - There is a monorail to take you across to Sentosa as well as the gondola. Also it appears to be a container freight terminal.

There is a monorail to take you across to Sentosa as well as the gondola. Also it appears to be a container freight terminal.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Well, this is a new concept. Clean everything that comes out of a baby off of the pram.

Well, this is a new concept. Clean everything that comes out of a baby off of the pram.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - I caught the subway back to Clarke Quay, it seems it is under intense redevelopment, you could have fired a canon.

I caught the subway back to Clarke Quay, it seems it is under intense redevelopment, you could have fired a canon.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Annnd, one more of Clarke Quay. Now I will put long pants on in a disabled toilet, check in my bag, and go find dinner.

Annnd, one more of Clarke Quay. Now I will put long pants on in a disabled toilet, check in my bag, and go find dinner.


Phase 3 of 3 - Jewel shower

Jewel Changi airport

The rare third update. Probably the final update! Although because 2 trips ago the bus broke down after arriving back in Melbourne, sometimes I post a bus pic. And years ago there was the Sydney apocalyptic dust storm that extended my trip in Sydney overnight, so you never know.

So, I had never been to Jewel before. It is in the middle of the airport, but accessible to the public. It is a giant shopping centre surrounding a forest with a fountain in the middle as you shall see. I think one other time I actually exited Singapore airport while it was in operation it was a work trip and I had a hire car with driver who dropped me off at the terminal door, so I missed it. It is worth going to, and if you live in Singapore, it is still worth going to, as the food is good, plentiful and cheap, and the airport train is priced the same as any subway ride.

After eating some Singaporean food and gawking at the fountain, it was time to go for my shower. Only a 20 minute wait, so that worked out also. Now it is just under 3 hours to my flight. Hmm, probably should have spent more time in Jewel.

Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Here is the Jewel water fountain of doom, as seen from low down but above the drain level.

Here is the Jewel water fountain of doom, as seen from low down but above the drain level.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - The fountain is sponsored by Marvel of course, so here is Thor's hammer.

The fountain is sponsored by Marvel of course, so here is Thor's hammer.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - I ascended for more fountain appreciation.

I ascended for more fountain appreciation.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - And, oh look! The train goes right past it, through the middle of Jewel.

And, oh look! The train goes right past it, through the middle of Jewel.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - The above pics were looking down on it from above, now for the drain shots from below. This is the first level below the fountain.

The above pics were looking down on it from above, now for the drain shots from below. This is the first level below the fountain.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - But you can keep going down 2 more levels, and look at a giant lit up drain.

But you can keep going down 2 more levels, and look at a giant lit up drain.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - A Food Republic food court! Is there anything Jewel does not have?

A Food Republic food court! Is there anything Jewel does not have?


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - Despite there being a Food Republic, I actually went to a real restaurant in Jewel, advertising that they have been doing something authentically impr

Despite there being a Food Republic, I actually went to a real restaurant in Jewel, advertising that they have been doing something authentically impressive since 1941. I got the Dry Hor Fun (I think?). It is filled with various sea creatures. It was very good actually, but too much, however I thought I better eat some real food rather than have a salad or something similarly light and sensible before a 7.5 hours plane flight.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - This may be a big flash mall in the middle of the airport, but locals still come here to do their shopping as I explained above. It even has a fairly

This may be a big flash mall in the middle of the airport, but locals still come here to do their shopping as I explained above. It even has a fairly regular sort of supermarket.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - I had dropped my bag off in Jewel, they have an early check in counter there, however you still proceed via an elevated walkway back into the normal c

I had dropped my bag off in Jewel, they have an early check in counter there, however you still proceed via an elevated walkway back into the normal check in area, for me that was terminal 3, the check in area looks to have been re done and is large and impressive.


Taiwan for the 5th time - April and May 2023 - And now possibly the last photo? Possibly not? My long awaited shower in the Singapore Airlines lounge. I was thrilled to be able to take a shower!

And now possibly the last photo? Possibly not? My long awaited shower in the Singapore Airlines lounge. I was thrilled to be able to take a shower!


There are currently 3 comments - click to add

jenny on 2023-05-24 said:

Only place I can visit in Singapore.


mother on 2023-05-23 said:

Orchard Road has changed since 1963 when I was there last.


adriana on 2023-05-23 said:

Love all the brightly coloured buildings. Surprised at rubbish in the canal.


The end

The end for now

Contents

Day 1 - Thursday, 27 April 2023
  Leaving just before midnight sux
Day 2 - Friday, 28 April 2023
  Slow motion sex scenes on repeat
  Full discombobulation
Day 3 - Saturday, 29 April 2023
  I out sweat Taiwanese people 10:1
  A city named after the airport
Day 4 - Sunday, 30 April 2023
  3 stop tour
  The busiest place in Taiwan
Day 5 - Monday, 1 May 2023
  Me vs the volcano ver. 3.0a
  The capital of the new Taipei donut
Day 6 - Tuesday, 2 May 2023
  The elephant and beyond
  Sunhenge
Day 7 - Wednesday, 3 May 2023
  Possibly the only rest day?
  The newer parts of the new part
Day 8 - Thursday, 4 May 2023
  Fogsweat
  Fuxing about
Day 9 - Friday, 5 May 2023
  First class cake experience
  I have seen it now
Day 10 - Saturday, 6 May 2023
  Matcha latte missionary trail
  Am I staying in the wrong city?
Day 11 - Sunday, 7 May 2023
  No see view of sea
  Lizards and ducks
Day 12 - Monday, 8 May 2023
  Rainy train day
  Closed on Monday
Day 13 - Tuesday, 9 May 2023
  Cats and dogs
  Steak night
Day 14 - Wednesday, 10 May 2019
  Fortified whine
  Time for a view
Day 15 - Thursday, 11 May 2023
  I am sleeping on a plane for 5 nights
  Modernity
Day 16 - Friday, 12 May 2023
  Smoke and ladders
  2nd Coco rejection
Day 17 - Saturday, 13 May 2023
  The restiest of rest days
  The trendy bit
Day 18 - Sunday, 14 May 2023
  Taiwanese grand canyon
  Skyscraper district
Day 19 - Monday, 15 May 2023
  Trains and drains
  Half soft grand open
Day 20 - Tuesday, 16 May 2023
  Outside hotel photo include
  They let me in!
Day 21 - Wednesday, 17 May 2023
  Declining fitness
  Tomato soup night
Day 22 - Thursday, 18 May 2023
  Mouse hunt
  Surprise sea of flowers
Day 23 - Friday, 19 May 2023
  I am a very wet lunatic
  Old little America town
Day 24 - Saturday, 20 May 2023
  Rainy safari
  Even the food court is too busy!
Day 25 - Sunday, 21 May 2023
  All the tea in the Republic of China
  Dinner at 5:30pm? Sure
Day 26 - Monday, 22 May 2023
  Mini update
  Singapore arrival
Day 27 - Tuesday, 23 May 2023
  Phase 1 of 3 complete
  Phase 2 of 3 - stay cool
  Phase 3 of 3 - Jewel shower
  The end