Detailed Postings for Day One
The line was so long! According to the service staff of Chan Brothers, who met us at the airport, tour groups would usually have to go through the manual counters and since we were flying Scoot, not a full service airline, we can't have group check in as well.
Nonetheless, smiling would be a great way to manage the frustration!
Greeting us after clearing immigration would be the eye-catching Louis Vuitton store at Changi International Airport Terminal 1. Thankfully I am not brand conscious and I think the most expensive branded in my wardrobe would be the Braun Duffel cross shoulder sling bag.
Thought of checking out the Cactus Garden but it was drizzling! Quite a start to day one of our trip and I was hoping weather would be better in Taiwan, although I was aware of a cold spell just a few days earlier.
Proceeding to Gate D49; the furthest gate!
Interestingly, it's like a rainforest themed section with three combined gates; allowing for reduction of manpower and deployment of lesser luggage scanners.
Don't think these were giraffes even though their placement enlivened the otherwise boring space. It's the things like this that made Singaporeans very proud of their airport.
Dad again; be prepared for many photographs of him!
The construction right ahead was for the upcoming Terminal 5. It would take a few years for completion and based on news report, around the mid 2030s. That's like ten years away!
Getting ready to queue up to board the plane for flight TR896. Usually, you would see Alex and I being the last to board as we don't see the point of getting seated earlier in the tiny airplane seat, without the use of free Airport Wi-Fi.
Seated and waiting for takeoff! Since it's been a while since my dad took the plane, I guess I would have to give up my window seat for him. Being his son, I guess I inherited quite a bit of his interests, like in photography, scenery, bird's eye view on the plane etc.
The Boeing 787 plane took off after a short delay of about 20 minutes.
Meal was included as part of our tour package. Well, presentation wasn't to be expected for non-full-service airline but the oyako don was really a disappointment; there just wasn't enough eggs and onions! Accompanying cheesecake was surprisingly not bad though.
Problem with window seats; the sun! I just read recently of a heightened risk for cosmic radiation and UV exposure for air crew. Thankfully, we don't fly much.
Finally flying over the Land of Taiwan!
Taoyuan International Airport! Although it was my second trip, I couldn't remember much of the airport as I don't remember really exploring it on our last trip back in 2014. I only remember our excess baggage of 20 kilograms!
We were the last to meet up with the rest of our tour mates; numbering 19 in total, consisting of a family of five, two families of three, two families of two (including my dad and I), and a family of four sisters!
Given the sorry lunch we had at the plane, I was famished and the food stalls the coach drove past all looked so enticing. It didn't help that temperature was quite low and my tummy was looking forward for some warmth!
I did get my wish granted as we had a satisfying shabu shabu dinner at 稻之屋鍋物, with free flow drinks and ice cream.
Chanced upon this food truck selling custard apples and pumpkins and I kid you not; a basket of custard apples cost just 150 Taiwan dollars! That's like S$7 for about 6-7 custard apples! Did I buy? I didn't as I was skeptical of such great deals. :(
Boarding the coach again.
Checking in to our comfort twin room at Tao Garden Hotel (桃花園飯店). Among the six hotels that we stayed for the entire trip, this was, in my opinion, the least favorite. Breakfast was not the worst though but I am not that picky when it comes to breakfast.
Random photos.
An anime club that seemed quite new. In my teenage years, I am into comic books but it's been a while since I last read any comic books. Honestly, I don't have the patience nowadays.
Seemed like the Japanese Pachinko games parlor where users can partake in collection of little steel balls to exchange for gifts. Back in Japan, although gambling is illegal, pachinko is "an exception and considered as an amusement activity".
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Ending the night with the daifukumochis we purchased from a popup store under the brand: King's Handmade Treasure (大王千金). A sweet conclusion to our first night in Taiwan.
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