Taiwan Day 19 - Taichung Day 6 (spring)

 Today I got up  early around 7am and finally crawled out near 7:30am to go to my dental appointment on time. Breakfast done, but it was still raining.... 

I walked down and had to make a decision. Do I call a taxi or do I buy a poncho and go? I still had 20 mins to get there before my appointment. I went into 7 but couldn't see the ponchos. Then I went into FamiMart and asked where theirs was - I bought a bigger one that was a better material and longer. 

I put it on once outside and then OK let's go get a Youbike. I managed to borrow one of the last ones (phew) and a dark-skinned guy took the other one. We was in a short poncho, guy smart, later I realised it doesn't get caught in your knees when cycling. 

I had to cycle fast but I forget there is a slight uphill going towards Shuinan so it wasn't as fast as coming home. The poncho kept riding up, but I managed to stay dry mostly. 

I arrived and there were no bikes in the dock near the primary, so I parked it under the tree for a better chance of a drier seat if it was still drizzling when I came back. 

I made it on the dot to the clinic, and took off my raincoat. I opened the door and asked the ladies where to put? And they said just hang it over the yellow moped (it was a Gogoro). Thank you. 

I went in and they asked if I wanted to make an appointment - I said I was the 9am. Oh! You are Alice. They asked me for my Jianbao card on auto drive - I don't have one hahaha. 

I sat for a wee bit and they asked about my trip this time around - I've already been! And fly back tomorrow. 

A guy came in to deliver a stamp when I got seated, and then Dr Huang came at 9:10am. And commented to the stamp guy when he said "這麼早就上班" that he's already late by 10 mins. Lol. He replied "喔，你們還要準備，我們開門就好".

A lady walked in when I was halfway through my treatment, but I think she maaaaay be Dr Huang's wife. Not too sure. 

My clean wasn't as painful today, perhaps cause it's only been like 3 months since. Just sensitive near the gum line. Dr did polish off my stains though with prohpy. 

He said I should get my wisdom pulled sometime, as there's not enough space in my jaw and it's pushing on the other teeth. I need 1 week recovery time. 

An Ah-bei came in and got seated just as I finished. I asked for the toilet and it was on 2F - their toilet still retains some of the original wall flower tile. Maybe even the original tap, cause it was a oblong handle type you turn, and it was old. 

After I was done, I thanked them and paid $600. See you next time!! 

After that I went to 三舅媽's place. It was OK busy. I hung up my poncho and put down my backpack on the shelf. 三舅 was going to 炒油蔥 and he said it takes like an hour. Honey wanted a hug so I carried her for a wee bit. Then I let her onto the ground. She just walked here and there abd eveb under the stove!! Gurl! Ain't it hot there! 

I watched him do fry it for the whole time. He used lard, and added some salad oil. Then the red onions (chopped by machine) into the heated oil. And just stir so it doesn't burn. Scoop off the scum (because they didn't wash the onion). Until the onions become brown, float to the surface, pushes easily and follows the spatula, and the bubbles become fine and almost none. Then you turn the heat off and add some soy sauce for it to add some aroma. At some point I went to the dry goods store to buy 榨菜. The shop lady was happy that I bought my own bag and said that plastic bags are now expensive and very hard to get. I asked why? Oh it's because of the oil shortage. 

When I got back I asked 三舅 about it. He said that it's true and they can't get more. It started 1-2 months ago (the shortage). And pointed out that their stock in the corner - once it's gone they will have none. 

I also managed to add him on LINE, and he asked how to get to watch 棒球直播 on YouTube or similar. He said a retired teacher comes almost everyday and he watches live broadcast. We couldn't get it to work so he said he'll ask the retired teach. 三舅 also said he never wear pants, after commenting on how the mosquitos here keep biting. Only shorts. He did buy 4 pairs for their upcoming trip April 23-30 to China. In case it's cold. He bought 1 pair for his trip last time, but ended up wearing it once and then just shorts after. Hahaha. 

After 三舅 was done with the onions, he just let it cool there. I went out and saw 三舅媽 picking off the tough bits off the 榨菜 so I went to help. Not too long after 三舅媽 fed me and I had 陽春麵 and added just a tiny bit of their chilli, which was quite spicy. They gave me a side with the pork bits and a braised tofu & egg. Delicious. 

After eating I went back and helped finish picking the 榨菜 off. I asked 三舅媽aabout the plastic bag situation, and sje said it used to be $100 for a box, and not it's $500 for a box/bag. 

Honey got picked up for her groom and wash. Once done with the 榨菜 it was pretty much time for them to tidy up. So I said my goodbyes and hugged everyone. 

I said bye to the big sis but I don't think she realised/heard me. 

Ah well. I went around and onto the main street to go to the bus stop. I took 82 to go to Chungyo Dept Store, not a lot of people were riding at this time of the day. 

I headed to Eslite on 10F once here, opting to take the escalator so I could also see what's on the other floors. It stopped at like floor 9F, so I had to take the elevator up.

Eslite was big. They had 2 floors! I managed to find my book cover but also asked a staff if it was the right one because the packaging was different. Turns out I got the fat book one and not the normal one, which was just behind it. The lady at the checkout had to call the stationary lady (whose checkout was closed), and I ended up checking out at the stationary checkout. The stationary lady helped me and opened up the packaging to check/confirm. 

I had a look around and ended up buying a papercraft kit (the same maker as the plant ones). They also had these gorilla massages for smartphone swiping sore hands, and high heel sore calves. The branding was funny. 

Floor 12F was Daiso but the elevator doesn't go there - I got into the elevator and a lady going to 15F told me it's a 夾城 so I need to go 11F and walk up, (and the elevator just passed it as I hit the button), or 13F and walk down. Opps. Thank you lady. I went to 13F and walked down. 13F was an exhibition space - lots of temp stalls here. 12F was indeed like an inserted level. This Daiso had more stock but I couldn't find any of those dehydrator beads??? No oshikatsu sticks either. 

Then I went down to 11F and saw the Eslite. This floor was a big Eslite bookstore and cafe. They have cool shelves. 

OK enough mucking around let's go home. By the time I crossed the road and got to the bus stop 25 and 35 bus were already leaving the stop and waiting for the lights.... 

I ended up waiting from 2:18pm to like 2:40pm (the next 25/35 bus never showed up on time), and took a 303 since it goes to Taiwan Bouvelard. Turns out it goes the other direction and the final stop was the high school. Lol woops. The bus driver shouted out to me and told me it's the final stop. And I got on the wrong direction when I ask - doesn't this go to Maple Valley? Ah oh well. 

I just walked out and checked the bus stop and they all stop here. So I G Maps and walked 10 mins to the next parallel big road and took 33 to get to 教師新村, which is actually even closer to 四叔's shop??? The stop before was Shinkon Mitsukoshi. Everyone got off here. There wasn' t much people on the bus. And then the driver didn't stop at my stop?? I pressed the button! I walked up and politely asked when the bus would stop at 教師新村 and the driver let me off as we were stopped at the lights, just past the bus stop. There was construction going on and he told me to be careful. Thanks driver. 

Seems like the construction is redoing some pipes as they dug up the middle of the road and were adding concrete back in when I walked past. I took a detour around the alleys and a tiny back alley connecting the back alleys, and got to 四叔's shop. Phew. He had a friend visiting. I left my 榨菜 as it was so heavy, and went off to buy my bus ticket first. 

I went by foot and took a sky bridge. The arcs were really pretty, and a building 2F next to the stairs had a tiny balcony, but really old wooden door and glass just like the juanchun. Nostalgic... 

Some of the floor tiles were loose on the bridge and someone had stacked them on the side. Who knows how long this sky bridge would exist, they seem to be getting rid of them now. 

What a privilege to be able to walk one. 

I got to the Ubus station and purchased ticket. Then I took a bike back... One day I will actually go into Maple Valley and have a look. 

Once back at the shop (parked at Shangshi Park) I got treated to tea and some Vita brand nuts with caramel flavouring. That was really nice?! There were 6 other flavours as they came in a new year pack, but some had garlic and some had pepper/salt... I think the caramel ones are the best lol. 

四叔's friend was younger than me, they are bug hobby buddies. They talked bug, and ended up talking about his 3 dogs and how they came to be taken care of at his family. His family lives at Nantou, on the middle of the mountain, facing east side so they get the morning sun. It's a wooden house so it heats up quick. Lots of nature and vege fields near his house growing up... And he once captured a snake with his brother to take home lmao. 

Guy sat from 3pm to 6pm just chatting with 四叔. I left just after 6pm and went home. Organised myself to go out to grab dinner and also see if could change Ange's Pom shirt for the women's version. They can change but can't refund the $100 difference, unless you buy like something else. Dang.... 

After debating a wee bit and tried calling Ange (but she was already asleep), I opted to just keep it as is and took measurements with the ladies version so I can modify it... Since it's just tailored slightly with with shorter crop and sleeve. It shouldn't be too difficult. Famous last words I bet lol. 

Then onto dinner 中興素食. I got them to put the rice into my box so saved a bowl, and then took some soup. $95. 

I thanked the lady, and went home. Goddam how do they make it taste so good?! Especially the stir fried green chilli?!?! And the hash... Everything yum... The kimchi... Dang... 

OK so it is a wee bit greasy you can see it front the leftover juice in the box, but it doesn't feel heavy. Maybe that's why it tastes so good lol. 

After dinner I ended up liquid pooping for a fair while... Dafuq... As long as it's not something more serious. 

I just finished packing up the rest of the luggage and then showered and sleep. 

Taiwan Day 18 - Taichung Day 5 (spring)

 I naturally woke up just before 8am today. Had breakfast, some wood bread with a banana (yum), and then headed to the post office just after 8:30am.

The post office was busy with 11 people for banking services and 3 people for postal. I went to print the EZ Post label but it didn't come out. It took ages to print. So I tried again.... And then decided I need help so took a number. 

The gentlemen was patient and went to get the label from the print - it was an A4 paper and he said only the small packets print from the EZ Post machine, the EMS ones are bigger so they get printed inside. Sorry... I printed twice... 

The package was 6.1kgs and cost $2305. Pretty cheap if you think about it. 

Then I bought stamps for the rest of my postcards - he was going to stick it on for me but I said I can do it, and he can service someone else. 

That's also because I didn't leave enough space for some that ends up getting 2 stamps so I have to rewrite what it covers up... 

After that, I headed home and got ready to go to 三舅媽's place. 二叔 offered me a ride since he needs to go charge his car. Yay I don' t have to solve the problem of how to get the stuff I'm bringing for 三舅媽 onto the Youbike lol. 

Once arrive, I greeted the auntie that fries the eggs. She told me 三舅媽 is at the back 在打麻將 loooool and then I walked there and found out she meant it as 炒麻醬. XDDD 

I gave the stuff and then chatted with 三舅媽 for a while. 

And then got bitten many times by a mosquito just hanging out around there... Vicious. 

When 三舅 was free I greeted him and asked if everything was good. 

At some point Honey wanted me to hold her so I got to hold her twice. 

I got fed 麻醬麵 and 豬血湯 which was all delicious. 

They had less customers today. A lot of the stalls were closed and that was kinda a rare sight. I even went to the dry goods store in the arcade, but both were closed! 

Instead 三舅媽 gave me 2 packs of dried black bean instead. 

三舅媽 told me about how they went out to Hualien on a travel trip with a friend, and their lil brother suicided so had to go back ASAP without completing their trip. It was so sad. The brother was happy about anything the wife did - he fried chicken for a living and the wife would just come to collect the money. (My brain went, I bet she's a narc, I think I may be partially right). He would do anything to please the wife. At some point the wife wanted a divorce, and he took it way too personally and couldn't unthink himself out of the depression pit. All his siblings were supporting him and said that they'll support him in what he wants to do. The day before he was found dead - hung himself on a bridge; he sent a photo to his sister dressed up all fine and got a new cut and shave. Asking if he was handsome. His sister said, of course, you look absolutely handsome. 

ON the way back this friend insistented on dropping them off at home, when 三舅媽 said that just drop them anywhere near their neighbourhood and they can  arrange a taxi hime, and would save them 2 hrs travel time as it'd be faster for them to go to the funeral home straight from the highway. But nope they insisted... 三舅媽 also said the friend likes to go see animals, like eagles that cost a lot, and the aquarium/sea park in Hualien (they have one to?!). Originally they were going to go to Kenting's one but then they got the news. I felt so sad as well. The brother probably thought it was him that was at fault when it likely wasn't, and the trauma bond just took a really bad turn. 

About 12:45pm I left as they were packing up. It was raining lightly when I left, and I managed to find a Youbike (2 left!) with a dry seat.In the 10 mins that I cycled home, I got drenched lol. But at least my undies stayed dry hahaha. 

A shame, I couldn't stop at the juanchun spot on the way home. I forgot an umbrella. 

Once home I got changed and the rain lovingly helped me to wash my pants which I had splashed the noodle sauce on lol. 

After a wee break I headed out to the TVGAME 360 shop, but they didn't have Ryuusei no Rockman package version. Oh well... Guess I'm going to 小拳王 then. They did have!! And also Rockman EXE Collection. For some reason $200 more lol at $1390. I also spotted the MHST3 Amiibos around $580-680. But I really, don't have space for them, especially in the box, as it's so big. 

I exited the shop, and walked a wee bit debating. Since the package ver was in Chinese and the cover art was different and not Japanese, it felt weird. And inconsistent with the rest of my games. After like 15 mins in the pouring rain I ended up going back and buying the game. Lol. $1190.

Then I went home as it was raining hardcore and my feet were real wet. 

I changed out from my socks and just chilled. 

At some point I ate dinner from leftovers in the fridge. And then decided to sort some luggage out. 

Then decided to go out at 7:45pm to grab the Pompom shirt I had sent Ange a photo of a clothes store stand. Just as I left the front door downstairs, I bumped into 四叔 going home. He said he was worried that I didn't have enough money left. I said, then I will take $10000 to give back to dad so he can spend straight away when he comes back later in the year. He handed me the cash right there lol. 

I got to the shop CACO and they had a 2 for 12% off promo, but one shirt was $790 (they signed me up for membership so I could get that $790 price, otherwise it was like double the price). I had a look around but I didn't really like the material they use for their shirts and stuff. So just ended up getting the one shirt for Ange. The ears on pompom move, it's cute. 

On the way home I looked at a couple of figure shops, and eventually found a cute human Eva blind box as a gift for Bridget. OK this will do! I picked the heaviest one as I think Rei or Misato would be heaviest based on their hair. The carton comes as a full set. There were 4 left. It was $280. I hope Bri gets the girl she likes. 

Then home and shower. 

Taiwan Day 17 - Taichung Day 4 (spring)

 Today I slept in until 10am. Lol I really needed that sleep! I didn't do much in the morning, just organised packing a bit more and fluffed around until 11am or so, then I finished yesterday's blogging. As it was almost 1pm, I got ready to go out to get some lunch (as I had some breakfast, late, but not much). I also asked L to fill in the details for their parcel online on EZ post. 

Meilin ayi has gone out to get a haircut and came back with instant noodles just as I was getting ready to go out. She said I can have. Oh thank you!! There were also some kumara leaves in the fridge from 二叔's garden. So I rinsed all of those out (it has some basil leaves in it too) and blanched it before cooking my noodles. 

It was the 台酒 beef noodles. Very delicious. And also the kumara leaves were yum. I added too much water so ended up having too much soup lol. 

After a rest post-lunch, I went out and started to do shopping. I went to Watsons first, around 3pm, and then the sales lady got me to try a Watsons house brand of vitamin C. And I saw they also had Retinoid, so I got that too. Everything is currently on special, and they were $799 each. They also had a promo going on with buy over $488 over 2 items and then get $100 off. And then I went upstairs to check stuff out - the sales lady upstairs started selling me Dr Wu lmao for vita C. OK then. Since it was on $598 for the vita C brightening serum, on special form like $1399 or something, it was a really good deal. She said she has never seen it that cheap. 

I had a look around the store for other stuff and just picked up a Kiss Me eyeliner as well. 

In total I spent over $2000 lol, and managed to get tax free too. They also had a promo with Ariel pods (washing detergent), for $89 if you buy with another item which is like half price for 11 pods. I had used one at Tainan at the hotel, and the smell is pretty much what the Japan laundry smelt like at that Apartment in Osaka! 

I took my goods home as I had also run out of cash lol. On the way, the old Watch & Clocks store that has been open since I was a kid, had a banner saying "closing down sale, all must go". They are finally finishing business... I don't blame them, but it's still a little sad to see. I went inside and asked if they had any Jaga watches, and they still had 2 children's watches. I ended up picking the black and pink one. It's $590. I said I'll come back as I need to get more cash. 

I got home, unloaded my stuff, and then went back to do more shopping and stopped by the watch store. Another older oucple walked in at the same time. The boss man saw me come back and I paid for my watch. Thank you. He said that he's been open for 30 years, when I said I remember buying a Jaga watch here as a kid. 

Off I go to Daiso. They only had 1 item I was after - the B5 OPP slider zip folders. They didn't have anything bigger than my A3 one to put my laptop in, and their oshikatsu section didn't have any nui holders. Ah well. No YBC Aerial too. 

Off to PX Mart. I didn't mind the microfiber cloths, but did find my Pocari and Dalli, along with picking up a tub of cotton buds. The economy pack of Felix cat brand was made in Thailand, and only the round pottle ones were still MIT.  The PX Mart was busy and the air quality wasn't great. Over 1000ppm. 

Then I was tired and almost dinnertime so I went to buy myself Yixin Stinky Tofu. I opted for 2 servings and a side of 泡菜. Home to eat. I only managed to nibble the 泡菜 and struggled to finish the last 2 pieces of the second serving. I did it though! 

After a break after dinner, I went out again at 8pm to grab another box of Ariel laundry pods. Since I discovered half the tub is empty, I can fit 2 tubs in one! When I got there one of the lady's saw me just with the 1 tub, and said that I needed to buy something to go with it. I said OK I'll look for the wipes I like - and went to the shelf. But they don't stock it here!!!! I ended up buying cotton pads (made in Greece?!) which I thought was $59 but turns out it was $79???? Oh well teh Ariel was $89 and I had got tax back of $100 so I guess I still save. 

After that I walked to 久久大賣場 to buy the extractor hood filters. I couldn't remember how many dad said to get so I just grabbed like 8. Any extra can sit here lol. They were $65 each and total was $520.

Then back home, and 二叔 wasn't back yet. It was 8:50pm. I told Eilin ayi I'll go take a shower first, and then after my shower 二叔 had just come back. 

After I blew dry my hair I tried to consolidate some of the skincare but it was annoying and they didn't wanna fit as diff sizes and the bozes were just a bit too small. Ugh. 

And played around with packing a little bit. Then I went to sleep. I will finish blogging tomorrow.