Detailed Postings for the Day
One look at this clogged up road and my curiosity was piqued! Unfortunately, I had to kick start my jog to burn off all the calories gained in the past ten days in Taiwan, before the motivation waned. So let's proceed to jog towards the direction of Taichung railway station but instead of going to the right (along Taiwan Connection 1908), we shall conquer a new terrority! The left it shall be.
Around the Yongquan Park (湧泉公園), which was converted from site that used to house a sugar factory! Don't think it's just a normal park as this park won the "2020 Golden A' Design Award in Urban Planning and Urban Design". The clogged up road I mentioned earlier? It's actually a Morning Market along Xinmin Street! Since this was just a few days before lunar new year, the whole market was bustling with customers! Walking back to the hotel instead as my eyes were blurred from seeing so many items for sale at the morning market! If I live in Taiwan, I would have purchased plenty!
Driving out towards the eastern end of Taichung City; not sure which road this was but there's a spectacular view right in front of us. I don't know about you but this felt like a Japanese anime scene.
The drive to our destination took us about an hour and that's quite tiring for the driver. Thank god I am just the vehicle commander, and didn't have to concentrate on the road. Poor Alex but don't pity him as I did offer to take over the wheel.
Structures that I didn't know what they were for. Only thing I knew, they were near the port.
Arrival at the Mitsui Outlet Park Taichung Port (with the only seaside ferris wheel in Taiwan), where I thought I would do a bit of shopping and secured some irresistible deals. It didn't happen even though I got one piggy banks!
Next destination was just a 11-minute drive away!
From the map, it seemed like a straightforward, short road.
Getting up close to the Gaomei Turbine Avenue (高美風車大道); these massive fans were a marvel to behold, and boy were they loud! Click the link for more photographs and a video! Gaomei Wetlands (高美濕地) - while it was my second visit, this time hit different as I managed to check out the 800-meter long boardwalk, in the strong, freezing wind that could have blown me away if my aim to slim down was a success! Glad to get back to our rental car where I could finally hide from the wind! Only regret was that we didn't stay long enough to check out the known to be glorious sunset at Gaomei Wetlands. Oh well, maybe a 3rd visit soon? What the heck was the above structure?
It looked like a worm with no head and tail.
A bus stop, and there's even a dedicated lane!
At closer look, the design was actually pretty futuristic.
Parked at the Park Lane by CMP as it's so hard to find parking at this area! It also didn't help that we don't quite understand public parking in Taiwan, and just wanted to play safe.
First thing that was in front of us after stepping out of Park Lane by CMP would be a pet adoption and fundraiser booth! As a former pet owner, I bought two packs of dried strawberries to support their noble cause! Plenty of pet dogs in the area too.
A bazaar in this park known as the Calligraphy Greenway that connects to the National Museum of Natural Science. Well, I am not keen in the museum and the park just happened to be along the way to the place I am super keen to check out. Lane 117, Section 1, Meicun Rd - said to be a quaint little street with creative souvenir shops that I would likely enjoy browsing through.
Turned out there were more F&B than souvenir shops, with the most popular being christinetart. However, I am more a cake than tart person, and I am mindful that I am no longer young, with a much reduced metabolism.
I was more keen in MINIMAL on a parallel street; why? Well, I prefer ice cream over tarts, and most importantly, it was said to be the only ice cream store awarded a michelin star in the whole world! Pity, we missed the last order. :( SEiC - a bicycle store with unconventional bikes that had thick wheels, and almost looked like a smaller version of a motorbike! Damn, I should have gone in for a closer look. Can't blame me as I honestly thought it was a motorbike store.
The surprisingly crowded Taichung Civic Square (臺中市民廣場)! Maybe due to the weather, maybe due to the laughter of kids, maybe due to the sights of dogs playing so happily; it was relaxing moment for Alex and I.
Drawn to the FAFNE Bakery!
Got a sugary donut with bursting custard cream made with Hokkaido milk for just NT$45 (less than S$2.00). Delicious with a ton of cold custard cream! p.s. got this also because Alex loves sugary donuts and we can share the fats!
Got back to
Teaway Hotel and here's a short video showing us taking the slow car elevator to basement one of the hotel, where there were limited carpark lots!
Strolling in the area; I thought I am at Southeast Asia!
Eventually walked towards the direction of Yizhong Night Market, where I chanced upon a large stationery store, and spent quite a bit of time there; to the extent that Alex had to make his way to meet me after his well-deserved rest (driving was a chore for him).
A final run for Yizhong Night Market, where we continued to indulge in more food before we retired to our hotel, with a full and satisfied tummy. That's the way to end our last night in Taiwan, where street food is, and always, a must-eat.
Sadly, I am still suffering from itchy bumps on my legs!
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