Singapore Day 5 (AFA Friday)

 Today is AFA!!!I stuffed myself full of congee from the hotel buffet. Sadly it was quite busy but there was a side room that was less busy. The outdoor table was wet cause it was raining. After eating, I went back up and started to get ready in cosplay. I'm doing a inverted colour version of a t-shirt collab art of Yuuma from World Trigger (since the black t-shirt on the collab art was sold out, I had to buy the white one). 

Once I was done and wigged, and found my shoes, Nadi is meeting me at the taxi stand at Suntec. I took a grab and my driver was so nice. He didn't know there was a anime event happening today, and he thought my wig was my real hair. xD I sad if he sees lots of colourful people congregating, it's probably a con or event happening. He dropped me off and Nadi was already there! In front of the big screen~

We headed up and went through the many many many stiles set up for the queue, but today was no queue so it was just walking walking walking through the maze to get to ticket redemption. Archer took longer to get ready in cosplay and just arrived, so we met him up to pass his wrist band to him. Then we went to bag check. I wasn't allowed to take a pastry into the convention so got told to eat it at the side... I would hate to just through it away so I ate it as fast as I can, and then went through bag check again. One of the muslim ladies stared at my eyes and I let her know that it's contacts/fake eyes. She was so fascinated. I thanked them and went through, and caught up with Archer and Nadi. We met up with Shawn and the guys did their Ultraman stall thing. And then Archer got asked for a photo, and we joined in as photog to make him look popular. xD Everyone just wants his big d...dark sword. xDDD

Then we went to the Neopets stand, and Cookie Run!! And had a look at the Arkknights one which was very popular, and they had a stand for Infinity Nikki. You could sit in the chair! There's a stand with the couch for Link Click, a Frieren stand, and some others. Lots of big stands. 

Archer was getting hungry and so was Nadi so we went to the food stalls, and they got food. I wasn't quite hungry yet. We finished eating around 1pm and then my hunger hit. Arrgggh why must my body be like this!? We were about to head to main stage for the Übel Blatt panel! Well I guess at least my bowels and digestion are regular... 

We got to the panel and they gave us a card with the key visual and calendar on the back with the airing dates. They showed us the first episode, and they just did a really quick intro of vol 0 of the betrayal and murder scenes, then cut to vol 1 with Peepi. They cut out all the sex scenes LOL.

Sadly Hirose Yuuya and Producer Watanabe couldn't make it due to flight issues, and they had to video call in. They were so gutted and sad!! They were wearing short sleeves in the spirit of being in Singapore. They wanted to try a certain restaurant, do the Night safari, and see Marina Bay Sands. 

Later on the official twitter you can see me in the crowd xDDDD My Yuuya head and Replica on the back hahaha.

Nadi liked how fast paced it was. I thought it was really interesting at the pace they were going! But makes sense to get the action started, they have a lot to cover.

Then my bro and I went for lunch and Archer/Nadi went to explore the con. We went to Donki in Suntec. Everywhere was busy.... I had no choice... I tried to eat as fast as I can. I got an udon and a box of rockmelon. Once done we headed back.

Alan went off to do his thing and I headed towards the Artist Alley. I couldn't find Archer so I gave up and started to browse the artist alley. There's heaps of stalls of highly detailed art and super pretty, but all the fandoms are ones that I am not in... mostly Hoyoverse, and vtubers. It made it really easy to get through. No holy grails sadly. But I did find Melanbread artist who drew Danny Phantom! In 2024!! xD I had to get it hahha. I bought a couple of prints and two Shangri-La Frontier things! The only 2 I saw. An acrylic chained keychain of Sunraku and Emul, and a sticker of them each. There was a couple of Danmeshi prints too, so I bought selectively. 

Nadi found me halfway through my browse and I took about 2.5~3 hrs in the artist alley. We were about done and it was 5:30pm ish so we decided to wrap up and start to head out. On our way out we looked at the new Shadow Palmpals figure (from Sonic), and then the GSC nendo stall. We managed to get out at around 6pm. My bro had already left earlier to rest up for the concert tonight. 

\We walked through Suntec and had a look at the food court places, and settled on a Thai place. It was one of the first halal-friendly restaurants that wasn't packed and had spaces in between tables, so it was somewhat acceptable from a covid risk perspective.... can't say I like it though. Dinner was really delicious and the appetiser was like the size of 4 people's appetiser. Wow. We got like a tofu dish, a soft shell crab noodle, eggplant, and cereal prawn. The prawn was really amazing in the sense that you can eat it with the shell on, even the head! I believe it's been fried to the point where you can do that.

We didn't finish everything for dinner, but Archer and Nadi packed it back up. Archer went back into the con to socialise some more, and Nadi and I sat for a bit before heading back. By the time we got to the front entrance with the big screen, Archer was done so we waited for him so we could go home together. They took a grab home, and I attempted to find my way out via walking but failed. So I ended up walking out, around the expressway exit? and then doubled bacl cause it felt wrong, got lost in the towers and finally decided to take the MRT home instead by 1 station. At least I'll be out on the street...

I took the yellow line to Bas Barah and then got off and walked back to the hotel. Totally exhausted, but really wanted to relax and watch anime so I took a shower, and then watched an episode of I Parry Everything anime. My bro came back not long after. It was really funny though and even though I was so so tired I watched 3 eps, was 11pm and defeated and went to bed. Good day.

Singapore Day 4

 Headed to breakfast around 9am and sadly it was moderately busy. The outdoor seat was taken. :( I got congee (yay! just what I need, something light) and had two bowls, and some fruit. Finished asap within 30 mins, and headed back to my room. Finished blogging and writing postcards, and then headed out.

I had a look around Bugis, there's a lot of outdoor stalls, and a couple of divination stalls! Interesting. Outside the big temple, what's interesting is that there's one temple with various deities inside, all sectioned off in their own semi-room and you just choose who to go to pray to. And then in another temple, outside there were heaps of vendors selling incense, paper offerings, and fresh flowers/orchids. The rest of the stalls were like your typical nightmarket style ones. I walked through a food court and it was so busy and stuffy. After having a look around, I took the bus to Chinatown.

I got off and walked around and had a look. There's a lot of shops selling all sorts of wares. Jades and jewellery, fashion, odd bric-a-brac, pharmacy??, 5-metal-stores except they call it a general store, homewares stores, all sorts. I was trying to find the fabric shop... turns out I'm not quite at the right place. I spent some time trying to figure out how to get to People's Place, and there was an overpass to cross the road but it's built into this building complex? I managed to find it and went over, and finally was at the right place. The ground floor was kinda a wet market, and foods, and then second floor is what we want!!! But I decided to try and find a wig head first, and headed to 3F via an really old Live Journal post that comes up when you google "wig head Chinatown Singapore". I finally found Peng Him Corp but they were closed... nevertheless I kept lookign around and then found an actual wig shop!!!! Near on of the corners of the floor. I asked the lady inside if they sell the fold up wig heads, and she did! $5. It's the exact same one I bought from taobao yoinks ago, and was crap and wouldn't stay together (I threw it out last year). 

Mission done, I stopped by a shop before going down that had heads of buttons and trims, and they had a tweezer that looked like it would be good for papercraft, so I bought one for $2.50.

Down to 2F!!! To all the fabric shops!! A bit like Yongle market. I found the same blue linen for $12/metre. And then looked around a diff store, they sold another type of textured linen 150cm for $8/m. They had a lovely "oxford" fabric in pink as well, with dual colour thread weave 120cm for $5/m, so I got 2.5m of that. I wasn't decided on the blue yet so went to look around more. They had a lor of printed cottons at another shop. And Japanese cottons, some brocade but not much. There's a materials shop that I spotted a white chalk marker for $2.20 so I got one of that.

Then I found!!! Japanese anime printed cottons!!! They're all in pieces and in the most obscure corner, next to the tiniest counter. The boss wasn't there, and just when I was about to leave, he came over. It was $3 for the piece, I got a Kamen Rider Drive one for Archer.

I was about done, the humidity was getting to me and I was starting to feel sick. I just needed a hairspray now. I found one at a pharmacy shop and they had a small can for $1.70, so I got that. And discovered they have Got2b Glued!!! The legendary stuff from early cosplay days, lol!!!

Alright, feeling not so good. Time to go home. Just as I was about to get onto the escalator, I decided to buy the cheaper blue linen. I went back and found the shop, and then asked for 2m. There was 2.5m on the roll so I just bought it all. 

Home now, I got downstairs and sat outside for a wee bit, but so many smokers... so I dried my sweaty face and put on the zimi and got ready to take the MRT home.

Except, I took the wrong side (I forgot to check and just assumed), realised about 5 stops down, got out, and then got onto the right direction (Expo), and finally got to Bencoolen. Up we go through like 5 escalators, and then back into the hotel. I asked for a ironing board from the front desk.

I felt really sick and had a cup of tea, and then set an alarm for a nap but then housekeeping came to deliver an ironing board. So I decided to iron my skirt first, and then ended up doing everything else. 

Took about half an hour and my alarm went off. I still had my wig to do so I set up the wig head. It was better? quality? The joins were stiffer? And the ring actually clips into place? Maybe they improved it. It still sucks though cause the inside is empty and the wig collapses, but it'll do.

Finished styling my wig and I decided to try with my zimi mask and see how it works. Oh yeah! Just as I was donning my bro arrived at the hotel and came through the door. mask works but it's kinda a bit loose, so I added the silicone stoppers onto it just for that extra security. 

Once done, it looked fine, we waited for Nadi to arrive and went out to dinner together. We ended up going to Flippers, and there wasn't too much people. The ceiling was high. Just as we were on the last bits of our meal two Chinese girls, for some reason, decided to sit at the table right next to us when there were heaps of tables free =_=. I was already on the verge of comfort dining inside, please....

I managed to finished everything on my plate for once!! I haven't been able to do that in Singapore so far, everything is so rich. Finished my yuzu honey tea, and then masked back up. We were all done so we went to have a look at the Bugis Street - which I had totally missed in the morning somehow!? And then Nadi showed us a hidden crêpe shop in 2F amongst all the clothing fashion shops. There's also a little section with gachapon and crane machines. Woooo~

Then back into Bugis Junction, where we came from dinner, (it's a mall), and had a look at Kinokuniya inside. This branch was a smaller one. They didn't have as big of a manga section in English, but they had Taiwan Mandarin manga?! Quick look only, and then stopped by Sephora. Huh it's actually more expensive here than NZ. Who would've known? Even with the Black Friday sale, it ends up being same price as NZ (without the 20% NZ sale discount) for the primer I was looking at, so I decided not to get it.

Then back to the hotel as my bro as pretty tired and we should be getting an early night.

While bro was taking shower I finished my postcards upstairs, as shower situation is a it awkward for privacy. 

Just blog, and sleep. AFA tomorrow.

Singapore Day 3

 Shark week!!! So I woke up tired and icky. I took my time and went down for breakfast, just after 10am. There was hardly anyone - score!!! But not much food was left ince breakfast service closes at 10:30am. There was a lady that seemed curt in her response but I took it as that's just how she is. I grabbed some croissants, fruit, and milk tea. Then a waffle (don't recommend), scrambled egg, and bacon. I finished eating just before 10:30am and went back up. I finished blogging, wrote my postcards and rested. 

Then it was almost lunch, so I went out and seeked out a post office, and got stamps for the postcards. I didn't get a stamp, but rather a printed label (that was size of two stamps) for 85c to send to anywhere in the world. Oh cool!! 

After that I waked back to the library, where I saw heaps of outdoor seats. There was a rsetaurant there and it was super busy inside (but efficient!!!) and lined up to order food. I opted for something lighter, chang-fun (the rice skin sausage) and a teh drink. They served it on a piece of paper on a plate, on a tray. Grabbed cutlery and left the stuffy store, found a seat coincidentally in front of the big air conditioner lol. At least I'm getting semi-clean air?? The chang-fun, I was expected a soy sauce based sauce on it but the sauce was heavy and black bean based?? Whoa, too much. The the is good, but eating the sauce alters the taste of the teh. I managed to finish it, and then off on my way to meet Nadi.

Initially we were going to meet at Suntec and go to the weeb shops but Nadi said we can check them out when AFA is happening but we're not attending. So the plan was to meet at Esplanade MRT station. But I got there faster than Nadi, so ended up walking towards Aniplus Café myself. She told me to find the big Durian building so I found it and went towards it, but went inside and it was a theatre and didn't look right. Rofl.

So I went back outside and walked further down around the durians, and then spotted the Merlion!!! !!! I didn't know it was here!! So I told Nadi meet me at the Merlion hahaha no better landmark. I went towards it, and took my photos. But because it was raining lightly, it was really hard to take a photo with an umbrella, selfies especially. There were a considerable amount of people. And near Mos burger just not far from the lion, was a mini merlion statue from mosaic tiles, haha. After my fill, I went to the toilet and tried to find a seat that wasn't a restaurant, and not wet, and failed. So I stood around waiting, and then spotted a seat that was wiped dry by a couple before, just a little wet, so I sat down on it. Not long Nadi has gotten here so I walked towards her across the bridge. 

Hiiiiiiiiii~~~ we took a selfie together of the surfboard (Marina Sands) since the Merlion was a bit small from where we were, and we headed to Aniplus. Wow there was no way I could have found this place by myself LOL. They had a Hololive collab going on. I don't Hololive LOL but we still got some food. I got a blueberry yoghurt parfait, and a yuzu drink. Nadi got a peach tea? and a oreo cake. Thankfully the café only had two other tables and the staff so it was quiet and I didn't have to worry too much about covid risk. 

We had a nice chat and I gave her a couple of recs that she might like and she likes being fed pieces of info and have to speculate and work out the plot/what's happening herself, rather than being spoonfed everything at the start. We had a look around the merch parts of the café and it was interesting to see the merch from China, Malaysia, etc. And what was popular. 

Then we decided to head to her house to chill, and Archer was crunching his cosplay. We took a Grab taxi, and then arrived at Tampines area. It's interesting that SG houses don't really have balconies (but had a laundry balcony), and if they do have balconies it sacrifices their living room space instead? It's like some sort of regulation that your building can only happen within these boundaries? But the condos have balconies and bigger living room. Some newer condos have smaller rooms overall but better facilities?? Anyway it was interesting and weird comparing differences. 

We watched the new Ranma 1/2 for an episode, (oh Mappa, no wonder the animation is pretty consistent and lovely drawn), and then I helped Archer paint his sword. He did a really good job with it in half a day with foam shaping and hot glue!? For some reason they didn't have black or silver acrylic but like 4 golds lmao, so we made do with the rubber spray paint and white. I dry brushed the sword and it looked pretty sweet with what we had. It photos well. I'm ssatisfied. Archer was finishing his tunic top. He's cosplaying Noor from I Parry Everything anime. 

I finished his sword and then I needed to poop again?! I told Nadi her enzymes are working too well (she gave me some digestive enzymes) 🤣. And not too long after Archer was at a good stopping point with his shirt. So we went out and took the bus for the nightmarket. We arrived just as the bus was pulling up into the stop, and the driver was kind enough to wait for us. My Wise card wouldn't swipe on but my phone's Google Pay could???? So strange.

We got there and the nightmarket was in a huge gazebo. Apparently it's a temporary thing! We walked around, saw jackfruit that smelt less offensive than durian but still pretty strong, and got three things. I got Mexican taco (halal), we got a dessert thing, and some steamed fishcake in bamboo leaves to try. 

There was a gazebo's and plastic strip screened portion of seats with aircon machines running, and we sat there. Not the best in terms of fresh air, but... the ceiling was high enough and the tables were pretty spaced out so I just have to hope for the best. I tried the fishcake and it was very concentrated. Then the taco, was really good but rich, and then finally, a slice of the dessert. Archer poured on the sugar syrup and coconut milk first. The dessert had like sugar pastry wisps outside, and cheese inside. Ground pistachio for decor. It was good! Just so rich.... and then I realised through conversation here that although Singaporeans live a long time, it's because they have a good health system, and not because they have a good diet. They have public health campaigns saying choose less salt, choose less sugar.... woweee that explains why my stomach seems to have shrunk in Singapore!! Everything is so heavy! 

After dinner it was like 9:40pm so we decided it was time to go home. They dropped me off at the MRT station and I took the blue line home. 

I took a shower and went to bed. So tired!!!

Singapore Day 2

 Slept in and woke up and felt tireeeed. So just chilled in my room, caught up on blogging and some computer stuff, then around lunch I headed out to go to Gardens by the Bay. 

On the way to the bus stop, I was hungry and spotted a Chinese place that had outdoor seats that were sheltered. I stared a bit at the menu and decided to try. I got the wrong counter, go told to go to the one on the side for the 3 side and rice dish, and then got told to go to the cabinet next to the person on the side. Lol. Seems like they have 3 places in one, or different factory lines? It was very loud the gentleman couldn't hear me very well and vice versa, and thought I was taking out, oops. That's OK. I picked mostly vegetables and then another man that was close by said I should pick the signature curry chicken and I said OK, trust the regular. The staff put two potatoes and asked if I wanted a piece of chicken? But I looked at the box and it was enough. 

The total was $4 dollars. Like whaaaaat. So cheap?!

It started raining as I sat down at an outdoorsy table. It rained harder. The food was good. But not much flavour with the rice, need more sauce... no goot balance lol. I started getting misted on so moved to the seat next to me that was closer inside.

Once I just finished, a lady came and asked to sit down at the table, no problem. She started chatting to me and I said I was new in Singapore. Her name is Yunice. She has been to NZ before when British airways combined from 2 other airways and gave her a free ticket from flying so much. She has also lived in Taiwan for 2 years, her husband does a handbag company? in Tianmu. She's been a lot of places!! The rain subsided and she said not to let her keep me. I thanked her and said maybe I'll bump into her again as I'm staying near the area. That was really nice.

I found the bus stop and got on but my Wise card didn't work tagging on!! A red screen that said error/invalid. But it worked for the MRT last night! The driver asked where I was going and waved and told me to sit down. I ended up getting a free ride. Thanks Mr Driver. TToTT

I got off and then got lost trying to find the entrance to Gardens by the Bay. So turns out you have to take a lift to go up into the passageway. I was trying to find it on ground floor, and the entrance is through the hotel. I ended up going into the hotel lift (which needed an access card) with some other guests going up to floor 33 uhhhhhh, but it stopped at floor 4 so I got out, and a lady was waiting for the elevator. I said I think I'm lost, and the lady asked where I was going, and then said I needed to go to the lobby and find the glass door for the Gardens elevator. I thanked her and she let me get down on the elevator. 

I spent some more time trying to find it and turns out it was right next to the bus stop LMAO which I completely missed. R I P.

I finally made it. I saw the super trees! And then walked down towards the visitor centre. I ended up going to the gift shop first to buy postcards, and then to the ticketing office. I ended up getting the recommended combo for Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.

I went into the Flower Dome first. It was so cool inside~~ later I learnt that there are pipes running through thr ground with running water all the time, like an aquafier, which keeps it cool. I wondered where the air was coming from.... and googling said that only 20% is fresh and the rest is recirculated. Ergh. Ok I'll pull my earloops on savers....

I accidentally latched onto a paid tour (which I asked later and the tour guide said yes it was) so I left after that. Oops. The flower dome was really nice with different flora/fauna from different regions of mediterrianian climate, and warmer climates. It was a good walk around! They also have a Christmas train display from Sweden going on, and a mini exhibit to the scientist who conned the Latin naming convention and the categories for all life on earth. Then they have a impressionist painting Claude-Monet exhibit which turned out to be bigger than what it looked like!! It was really cool with fully themed rooms. I was in a bit of a rush here now as Archer was going to join for the Cloud Forest so speedrun the rest of the exhibit.

The giftshop has these cute supertree plush keychains. I did not buy any xD. This was a different gift shop to the one I went earlier. 

Archer was waiting outside, and we got a milo (I thought it was a fresh drink but it was just a tetrapak). The milo is made in Malaysia and tastes more malty, less milky, and more vanilla-y? Interesting. After that we headed into the Cloud Forest. This was also climate controlled and cool~~ there were so many orchid species inside! The tower is kinda amazing. I wonder how they keep it all trimmed and stuff. We walked around the base, and then up to the top of the tower and made our way down. Each level was a different climate/altitude and they have a themed thing inside the tower. The Crystal Cavern was pretty cool, it had the full on interactive projection room and would react to touch. People would throw their coins into the various pools and there were signs at certain pools that told you to keep your change... but some people were still naughty obviously. There was a little section on the roof with carnivorous plants and that was neat. Near the middle of the tower, we could see the walkway at the top from the bottom view. Archer said it looks like a Beyblade stadium and showed me, LOL, it does!! We took a gasping pointing photo at the walkway hahaha.

At the end we thought it was teh exit but there was more stuff! Like it kept on going while saying way out LOL. It was the Secret Forest section, and at the end they have a room of humaity's damage on the environment and an emphasis for conservation/climate crisis. They had humans made from panels of different materials and how each material's impact on the environment, etc. It was pretty cool. By the time we were out of the Cloud Forest it was like 7pm. We were originally going to meet with Nadi but it would take too long to get together for dinner so she opted to head home. We tried to find our way out but walked the wrong way, lol, and passed by Satay by the Bay, so we had dinner there. 

Dinner was satay skewers (beef and mutton), and a chicken wing. The chilli sauce they had was super nice. Then we walked around and decided to get lala (cockles) without the satay in case it's super spicy, and a plate of tong choy. One rice was like huggge, we didn't know, should have just shared 1 rice! We had to leave the rice. :') It was almost time for the light show at 8:45pm so we power walked towards the supertrees, and almost got there as the show was starting. It was still ongoing as we got into the area with the central supertrees, and Archer spotted 1 light on a tree that was a little out of sync/colour LOL. Poor light trying its best. It was pretty cool with classical music and the timed lights. After the show (ended just before 9pm), we went to the dino food court to see the dinos (but food court was already closed). I took photos and ticked it off the box. xD

Then we tried to find our way to the MRT. There was a coconut drinks stand on the way there so we got drinks. It was iced smoothie and so cold whoops. On the way we found a Sonic themed kids adeventure playground place, so took photos of the display. xD

We were taking the same line, and then I said bye to Archer as my stop was sooner than his. 

It was like 10pm by the time I got home, and I took a shower and crashed. Sadly, the fridge wasn't working and the coconut drink I had to leave overnight... :') It was nice though!!! Just a shame.

It was a 

Taoyuan Day 2/Singapore Day 1

 Managed to wake up around 5:40am as per alarm. The motel I stayed in is quite nice. They had a condom pack behind a business card at the bedhead table LOL. I wish I was able to enjoy it better. I got mysef out and packed up the rest of my toiletries. My backpack was dry enough but it still smelt faintly of puke - so I will have to wash this properly again when I'm in Singapore. My clothes were damp and I missed some parts on the pants (dragonfruit red). My shirt wasn't stained, phew. But still smelt. They will need to be properly washed...

It was about 6:20am now and I went down to get my breakfast at reception. They had it ready. I took it back up and it was congee. Phew. Just what I need! There was also a cooked small squid and prawn. I did not feel like eating it at all, but I didn't want to waste food. I ate a few bites of each and couldn't do it. I also couldn't finish my congee, but ate most of the vege/gluten/bamboo shoots. And I felt really weak and ill. Reception called the room phone (thankfully I had finished pooping, still liquidy poop) and asked if I wanted a 休旅車, I said no, just a normal 計程車, a normal taxi. Then they called back like 7 mins later saying the taxi is here. I said I'll come down now. I had all packed up so made my way down with my three suitcases and also checked out.

The driver was ok to help me with suitcases, and he was nice. I had some light conversation - he was asking if I would be over the weight limit? I clarified that each piece has to be under 23kgs, he thought it was combined. Then made some small talk about the baseball game. I asked who won? Turns out the game I watched with 五叔 and 五嬸 was the prelims, and they had the finals last night. Taiwan won. Wooo. But Japan was a kinda sore loser with their stinky faces. I was feeling so off I said tot he driver that I will snooze a bit. There was traffic (bottle neck with 3 exits merging into one) so good thing I came out a bit early. We set off at 7:05am and by the time we reached Terminal 2 it was 7:45am. Fare was $525, and we had a bit of a juggle trying to work out change as I was short $100 and driver was also short on $100 notes. We managed to make it work with the driver giving me $200 in $50 coins. He said he has only done airport runs this morning, I said that's ok!! It's understandable at the start of the day. He was sooo nice. I wished him a good day. I felt way better after getting a bit of shut eye, but still exhausted. 

Check in was fairly smooth, and my suitcases weighed 20kg and 22kg. Security was busy but it was efficient. They asked to see my face for check in and also at customs, where I did the fingerprints too. No issue. My gate was C5R and it was downstairs, so I had to ask someone where to find it. I found a seat and just snoozed. I had no energy to visit the Pili themed gate sadly. :')

We took a bus to board (they asked to see my face again), but because of the bus the doors were wide open so the fresh air was coming in, which was nice. Never taken a bus to board before. Dropped us off on the tarmac in front of the stairs and went up. My premium economy bid was successful and Eva Air has a seat of 4 in the middle for PE. I didn't see what the economy seats were like. I snoozed for most of the trip, and woke up for lunch. I had pork rice, but tried 1 piece of pork and couldn't do it. So I just had veges, rice, fruit, bread and butter and an ice cream. They had Despicable Me 4, so I watched that and finished just before landing. The film was fun. xD

I felt way better having gotten more sleep on the plane. Changi airport is sooooo big. I needed to get some cash out and a SIM sorted. They had a staff holding a sign at the gate exit saying which number belt our baggage would be on (43). I spent some time trying to find an ATM, and then there was only a Citibank one and a DBC(?). So I got some cash out first, despite the fee.

Then Archer and Nadi was waiting for me, so I decided to go through customs first. All my baggages were out on the belt already, so that was really fast. And nothing to declare... the customs biosecurity staff were looking pretty free 看起來很閒 xD. Lmao. Once I was out I couldn't see them in the crowd so I sent them a selfie, as it's been a while and they might not recognise me masked. And turns out it was that xDDD.

They found me and we had a hug! Then went to find a SIM that didn't cost $50. We found one for $12 at a convenience store place. Sorted that and then they haven't had lunch so we sat down at a café style place and they got something to eat. I got a popiscle cause my tummy was still delicate, and I just ate with my mask on (and excused myself for being weird). Then we went to the Jewel (where the waterfall was!!!) and on the way there we saw plenty of Sanrio character displays. It was amazing seeing the waterfall in person for the first time! The plants are real! And we talked about what do they do if the plants gets too big.... we weren't sure lol.

There's a walkway you can pay money to get close to the waterfall. I spotted a European couple that seemed like they were wearing red strapped Auras! We walked down the mall and came to the Pokécentre and just enjoyed looking at all the different wares and trying to figure out the new Pokémon that we weren't so familiar with. After that, we went down and saw a Sanrio store and went in and had a look. Everything was so expensive there?!?!? !?!?! And then realised it was 5:30pm. Where did the time go??? I met up with them around 3:30pm. We decided to head out and check in at the hote first, drop bags off, and go have dinner. They called a cab via Grab, and let uncle open the boot. Nadi pointed out the beach, how there was an oil spill? at a particular part, and how when she was small she went swimming in the sea at one part and her toes were covered in oil, and her parents said "ok no more swimming". But further down the beach it was fine. Mystery?? Pointed out some condos and how if you buy a condo you can't go back to buying public housing due to govt rules. So you have to make sure you're committed to be able to keep up that lifestyle of a condo. They were at least $1-2m? Or the fancier apartments near the condo area where. Like I know that's expensive! But for NZ house prices that's... average. Isn't it shocking. 

When we got to the hotel, I checked in and they had a free room upgrade cause my bro is a platnium member. I opted for the upgrade cause I thought the sofa bed and loft bed is separated and there's more space between us. Housekeeping can set up the bed for us before my bro arrives. Archer and Nadi followed up to see the room. The toilet has frosted glass and Nadi needed to pee and pointed out how weird it is. I peed after and also pointed out how weird it was. xD 

I found their chocolates and gave them the souvenirs. And then gifted Nadi her Sonic café shirts! Archer said the bucket hat was sold out - close enough. xD Then don't forget the Burger Rings. 

We headed out for dinner, and took the MRT to Teloy Ayak. They took me to Le Pou Sat. I could pay using my Wise card for the MRT! Wow! Le Pou Sat is 130 years old. The building is beautiful, filigree iron supports and arched inside. High ceilings. Giant ceiling fans. We opted for a seat near a doorway but could still feel the fan, as it was hotter inside with the cooking heat. I had a look around (THERE'S SO MANY STALLS) and saw a meegoreng that didn't have too much meat from a Indian Muslim place. Turns out it was spicy!!! LMAO!! $8 for a small plate. I saw a table being chope'd with tissue packs. Wooooo. Nadi had like a lamb flarbread pizza thing. Archer had a lemon friend chicken maggi curry noodles thing. They got drinks and there was Qoo!! QOO!! My love!!! I asked if I could also get one. It was green grape flavour and they got me one. TToTT Intersetingly it's made in Malaysia and Halal!

Dinner was great! Then we returned the trays and walked back to the MRT (and found a UOB ATM I took more cash out from). They dropped me off at the hotel (so kind TToTT) and they took a grab home.

I got back into the room, set up the CR box, and took a shower. I made sure to wash my backpack as much as I can in the shower. And then rinsed out my clothes some more to try and get rid of the puke smell. I hung then on the stair way to dry.

Lol I realised with loft beds, that if you wanted to pee you have to go up/down the stairs which is a bit inconvenient!!! I decided I don't like loft beds. Shower situation will also be a bit awkward when bro is here. Went to bed at around 11pm. 

Taichung Day 12 (Taoyuan overnight stay)

 I woke up late and 二叔 made me a type of 燒餅夾蛋. It was essentially brunch because it was about 10:45am when I finished eating. I just tidied up the rest of my luggage, and folded up my sheets and pillowcases ready for laundry, gathered my last min stuff, and swept the floor of my hair.

Then I was about to go out to buy some more period pads from Watsons because the one I got last night was super cheap ($99 for a twin pack) and it seemed to be on clearance? But I went to drop off the big bag 四嬸 lent me to take my wares home the other day. Just as I was going out, 二叔 came home and said that the 涼麵 and 中興素食 was closed. Welp. I'll have a look at a vege place that says open on Google Maps when I'm out.

So I stopped by 四嬸's house, and they let me in to have a look. I've never been in their house before!! 四叔 was changing his soil over for some of his bugs. He took two out from 1 container and put them in a new container each. And then checked to see if another one had started to cocoon yet, but it hasn't. 四嬸 was doing taking the opportunity to air out their duvets, and also do some cleanout (rare). They let me look and see what their house is like. They had a table left from the purchase from the $10000 grandma gave them when they first got married. All the other furniture from that time had been retired but only the table is left. He also showed me some of the hardening bugs in a half-formed state, which was cool and creepy. He makes a bed for them from the green floral sponges. 

He also showed me his special fridge, which was full of his bugs. Lmao 四嬸 can't take it. xD It felt like a lab fridge when he opened it. The soil he uses is the same type for mushroom growing so fungus grows from it too. Super cool.

四嬸 handed me a soy bean pudding, which was quite nice. They showed me the other rooms and talked about how back then they had no money and 4F was the cheapest and they didn't mind the superstition of 4. The old shop storefront, used to be all farming and rice fields. Imagine that now! Wow. There was a time when they rented 4F out and they lived on 1F for a while. The apartment next door to theirs on 4F was bought for 二叔's when he first divorced and came back to Taiwan. Then later 二叔 had the opportunity to buy his current house. So the 4F apartment was rented out.

And then they said they'll take me to go eat sushi/sashimi/takeaway. The shop they wanted to take me to was closed, so they took me to another one, which was super busy. They were going to dine in but they had takeaway option so thankfully I could go for that. I looked at their takeaway menu and they also had temaki - but 四叔 said it's only nice when eaten fresh cause it'll go soggy. So I said, that's OK, I had one in Kaoshiung I can choose something else. And 四叔 ended up ordering so much for me... I said it's too much! And he ordered a temaki against what I said and made me eat it in store while my takeaway order was being prepared. Please. 😭 There's so many people here I feel anxious. I ended up eating with my mask on and holding my breathe to pull it down. 😭😭😭 Soon my order was done and I thanked them and left. They said I can go to Watsons through the alleyways, do I know how to walk it? I said yes (vaguely had an idea), and ended up walking through with the help of Maps to a different, smaller Watsons. They had the pads on promo, where you pay an exra $1 and get another item for $1. Wow!! Got two packs of pads and 1 pack of liners. Then I walked home to eat.

Since I was still full from breakfast, I ate one of each type of nigiri. There was fruit as well so I had some pomelo, dragonfruit, and grapes. Then I finished packing up and got ready to go. 二叔 came back from an errand and said time to go. It was like 3:30pm at this stage - time went fast! He brought the car around and dropped me off at Ho-hsin bus station at Chaoma. I went to buy a ticket first before unloading my luggage as prompted by 二叔, the next bus is at 4:11pm and the only seat left is next to the driver. They say you just can't recline the chair. The next bus would be at 5:21pm... I decided to go for the 4:11pm one. The bus station was so full. I said goodbye to 二叔 and he hugged me real tight. He said he'll be sad when I'm gone. Awww. Off he went to go pick up Meilin ayi who is coming back from Taipei today.

After waiting a bit I realised the reason the station was so full was due to the buses all being delayed and coming late. My bus came around 4:34pm and I got on. I greeted the bus driver and he asked me to unlock the door since I was sitting in the seat, and he will enter from the other side. The lock was like a tiny knob/nail in the armrest part. He would talk on the phone during driving and I feel asleep soon after.

I woke up around 5:30pm and he asked if he woke me up - I said no, you're good. I said I had never sat in this seat before. How did you know there was this seat to buy? The lady at the counter said this was the only seat left to purchase. You don't often take ke'un buses? Yep. Are you studying in Taoyuan? I'm staying there overnight and heading to the airport early morning. Alright.

Soon I started to feel ill... it was like indigestion I thought at first, but then I started cold sweating and I tried to keep it down and I didn't want to throw up and unmask on the bus... Please... I battled with it for about half an hour and ended up throwing up into my zimi mask. 😭 It was all red from the dragonfruit. The mask contained most of it but I panic rummaged in my bag and found a ziplock and chucked my puke in there. I threw up some more. There was spill on my bag, my clothes, and some of the seat/floor. I apologised to the bus driver, I felt so mortified. And started to clean up the seat and floor with some wipes. The bus driver said that there's bags on buses if you feel ill. Some at the stairway. I went to grab some. He gave me his box of tissues to use after asking if I had enough. I felt so awful for the bus driver. He could probably smell the puke. I fished out my mask frame from the puke and wiped it and popped it into the regular ziplock I use for it to clean up properly later. I ended up puking a couple more time and feeling horrible. Initially I thought it might be carsickness but now I know it's not, and Mr Driver said that typically if youre carsick you throw up only once. I said I think I must have ate something... he said something unclean? Yes probably. The driver was so nice. And since there was traffic he was calling someone else saying that they might have to carry his bus since he was still stuck at xxx place. So the ride was closer to 3 hours than 2.5 hrs. I could only wear an earloop since it was what I had on hand and was easy to pull down to puke... The bus arrived at Jingguo station closer to after 7pm. I managed to haul my luggage just inside and then had to puke into the bag again.... 

The bus driver asked if I would be OK and I could only say yes and give a weak thumbs up. 😭 I saw him check the seat after as I got off. He closed the bus door and drove off shortly after checking. I ended up having to go to the toilet and sharted really watery poo. By the time I felt ok enough it was 7:45pm. Thankfully they had taxis just outside. I was feeling so weak by now, and I walked out a taxi driver asked if I wanted to get a ride. I nodded and they arranged for a taxi waiting to take me. I let them know that I was feeling stoamch ill and apologised, and they helped me with my luggage. The person who was coordinating (I guess they have a station coordinator) said that if I needed to go to a pharmacy while the shops were still open, I can ask the taxi driver too. So nice.

The taxi driver asked me if my motel where my motel was since there's 2 with the same name. I checked the address and said it's the one on this road. We arrived very shortly after and what's surprising is that the check in process is done like a drive through! The reception desk is like a freeway toll booth, but an actual office inside. The entrance to the elevator is also at the drive through side. The taxi driver parked and asked me if I wanted him to come get me tomorrow morning at 6:30am, (he can't do 7am), or ask the motel to arrange it, since the motel confirmed with me during check in. I was not in a state to decide, and breakfast is at 6:30am. I said I'll let the motel decide. Fare was $105.

I thanked the driver and struggled up into my room. It was freezing when I walked in, and managed to figure out the HVAC panel on the wall. It was so bad. I managed to wash out my backpack, and change my puke clothes (I got puke on my Golden Kamuy shirt that grandma had commented on TToTT). I managed to wash most of it out and hoped it would be dry enough to pack tomorrow. I was in no state for dinner. I took a shower and managed to get to sleep around 10:30pm. At least my stomach has settled mostly now. This was no fun at all. I had to worry if I would be well enough to fly tomorrow.

Taichung Day 11

Got up late at around 9:30am. Finished my half a bread and had some yoghurt to drink. Mmm. Then I decided to do he laundry as my PJs needed washing and it was best to head to SG on as much clean laundry as possible. Scrubbed 二叔's loo because it was a bit pee smelly yesterday. Did some research on how to get to the motel in Taoyuan tomorrow, and other stuff on the laptop.

Then it was about 12:30pm, time to get lunch. I decided to head out to buy vege bentou from 中興素食. Yummos. On the way back home I dropped by the pharmacy nearby to buy some alcohol, a 500ml bottle for $75 from Shao-lin Pharmacy, since it's so hard to buy it in NZ. I also got a spray head for $40. Then back home, and it was already about 1:30pm. Amazing how fast time goes. I enjoyed my bentou, it was so good.

Afterwards I caught up on 1 episode of Thunderbolt Fantasy (ep 5). I wanted to try watch it on offical channels as much as I can.

Then it was time to head out to Grandma's. I dropped by 新利賀專業藥局 to buy some more Picardin mosquito repellant $290 for Singapore, as friend Archer said I'll need it for the outdoor places like the zoo and gardens. Sound advice. I also picked up another small MIT pack of wipes (10 pack) $49, and another bottle of alcohol for $60... cheaper here. Off I got to a bus stop near a little park and a miao. 

The 25 bus was only 10 mins away but a guy has taken up the whole bench with his bag.... so I stood for 5 mins and then kinda sat on the edge of the bench. Bus came and I got on, and fell asleep for a bit... then got off at Taichung Park.

I walked the wrong way, and then crossed the road. And then turned the wrong way into the guozai, and turned out the wrong way LOL. I looked on maps and I was really close to a row of juanchun housing, so I went and had a look. Oooooh. People were out and about so I felt a bit awkward taking photos.

Then I wanted to walk down the alley properly of the juanchun house row that was next to grandma's house. I walked down and turned left, but there were people out in the front yard cutting trees up and whatnot, so it felt super awkward to take photos. It connected to Jingqu road. I turned back and the lady asked me which number house I was looking for. I said I am just looking at old juanchun houses. She said the houses are over there (guozai direction), and this is the north area? and the guozai area was teh east area (if I remember correctly). She said these houses are part of xxx (started with shui/water, did not catch it) and I just thanked her and walked away.

Alright, I arrived at the front door. 五叔 told me to call him and I did so he came down to get me. I asked if the door was broken? And he said that he can't open the door without me pressing the intercom, and thought I didn't know which one to press. I said just tell me which number, I know it's the left side intercom. He said since that, coming down to get me would be faster. Ah well, I guess you also came to stretch your legs!

I entered the house and made sure to greet grandma and grandpa. 五叔 put on an incense for me to offer to grandpa and ancestors, (they had already offered 3 incense), and then 1 incense for grandma (1 incense has been offered). I told grandma I am back to see her and have dinner, and that I will be leaving for Singapore tomorrow and then back to NZ. I will come back next year to see her when I have a chance. While I offered incense Hu'nio rubbed herself against my legs. I have been claimed. That is a first. 小智 had his headphones in and was playing War Thunder. I sat down for a bit and there was a baseball game on with Japan vs Taiwan for Asia league. I heard 五嬸's voice from somewhere but I didn't see her!?! And it wasn't coming from behind a closed door. Turns out she was lying on the bed in the same room as 小智, she was pretty hidden rofl, and I didn't even look that way. sdjhbfsjf She had an injection on her lef today so it's really swollen and sore. Hu'nio was on the bed with her, wanting to be patted. Service meeeeee. Lmao.

Dinner was Dominoes. They ordered a super big pizza with 4 combo flavour. Hawaiian was one. Beef jalapeno was another, ohhh yes please jalapeno. Another thick crust smaller pizza with seafood flavour mostly (2 combo). 五叔 also offered me 涼麵 but it had garlic so I decline politely. The order came with several packs of chilli flakes. I added some onto the seafood flavour one, it wasn't that spicy, just enough for a warm kick. Very delicious.

There was also some fried chicken and kumara balls. For drink it was the old taste red tea 古早味紅茶 from that shop they alwasy get. So very nice. 

I just sat and talked and watched Baseball. 五嬸 explained some of the baseball stuff as it was going on. I asked about the recycling since the pizza boxes had oil on the paper, and yes they can recycle that here (the bentou boxes). Then it lead to how there's a brand of shoes that makes jandals from sugarcane waste and oyster shells. Their shoes are so good apparently, that someone ran a 500km, or was it 5000km marathon over 48 days in them?! Amazing. Like no joke for real. 

Next time I will have a look and see if these jandals are viable for me, since I need support and a solid sole. We should support recycle material products!

At some point I watched 小智 play War Thunder for a bit. Man it's so hard to spot the tanks and stuff, def need practice lol. He had a teammate called Gandalf17. Haha. It was interesting to see. And Mai'ya came out for a week but when we were eating dinner, and then feel asleep on a dining chair near the wall, under the table. Hu'nio was on the cat tree and then moved next to 五嬸. At some point she also sat in the front of 奶奶's altar. 五叔 mentioned that sometimes the cats just sit in front of the altar and stare at it. I think that's when 奶奶 is around because cats can see things we can't, I reckon. 五叔 gave me some more pomelo to eat. This one was so sweet! I ate most of the container, I said I'll help him digest some of it, haha. Around 7:45pm ish 五叔 went downstairs to wait for the rubbish truck. 

More baseball! It was about 8:10pm and I should go back soon as the bus takes almost an hour. I waited for 五叔 to come back and he did shortly after, about 8:18pm. I stayed for a couple more min, checked the bus time (one at 8:38pm), and got ready to leave. I bid farewell to 奶奶 and 爺爺跟祖先 and told them I'll be back next year if the opportunity allows.

小智 came with and he asked for some allowance to shop around 一中 after. When we got to the bus stop there was a lady who asked us what bus we were taking and they were really talkative. It was a tiny bit awkward. Her bus 61 drove straight past with no intention of stopping, and wasn't even in the right lane. It only comes on the hour on weekends now which she complained about. Wow. Soon my bus came, and I got on and bid 小智 farewell. I waved to him through the window as he crossed the road. xD He waved back.

The driver was nice he would tell people to be careful of the closing/opening doors as we were on standing space now. And announced that a primary school stop is under construction so if anyone needs to get off it would be at the next stop.

Bus driver name

When I finally got to the stop near the uni (I should have gotten off at He'nan road), I thanked the bus driver but unsure if he heard as the doors were degassing. On the way back I popped into Watsons and bought more period pads (these ones were on special?! I only found out after I got home, they were $99 on clearance). Then walked through the uni because they closed off the walkway near the kumara balls stand... and popped into the 7-11 that was 四叔's old storefront and topped up $150 on my Yoyo card.

Then went home and 二叔 lined me 5 mins earlier saying he got home, and he was taking a shower (why are all the lights closed!!! So dark!) when I got home. 

After a shower I blog and get ready for bed now.

Taichung Day 10

 Had a whole day without rest and started in a hurry... 二叔 and Joy made plans to go to Shinsher Huahai 新社花海 while I was stills snoozing in the morning and completely forgot that I had told them I am going to 三舅媽's place in the morning. So :/ I had to eat only half of breakfast to leave room to fit in food at 三舅媽's stall. Left in a hurry and rode a bike to the stall. Thankfully, when I arrived it wasn't as busy.  I gave her her 蝦餅 and she was going to reimburse me so I said no, you just let me eat a meal. Someone had broken Honey's little meat mole on her head, and it had signs of bleeding before. I asked for 榨菜肉絲湯麵 and 三舅媽 also gave me some gluten. I sat in the table seating area for a change.

The 榨菜肉絲湯麵 was really good... 三舅媽 put in a bit too much spring onion though but it was still good. I couldn't finish the gluten so I bagged it up to take home - 三舅媽 stuffed some more for me. I want to find 三舅 who was at the back making more oiled shallots. I told him that 姨媽 received his greeting and she told him not to come if he's too busy. I told him that right now her daughter, in-law and grandkids are currently staying with her because in-law had a motobike accident and it was easier for them to go to work from 姨媽's, it seems. 三舅 asked if it was a serious one and I sai小智d, from what I could see he can still walk around and do chores, so it's probably mostly grazes. He said if you ride a moped you have to ride slowly. I said that some people don't look and just come zooming out of an intersection. And that his 榨菜 was very delicious. 三舅 showed me another bag he has to take back to chop, and that 切都來不及. I said it's because it tastes so good everyone wants it.

I asked where a small bag was since I couldn't finish the gluten so I wanted to bag it up to take home - he told me it's outside on the right side. 三舅媽 stuffed some more for me when I asked where it was. Then I petted Honey, and she wanted me to carry her, so I did. I held her for a while, and went to show 三舅, and he said Honey doesn't let anyone hold her. I said it's because she thinks I'm easy to push around, haha. Aww I'm special. I got a bit tired and then said to Honey I'm putting her back down cause I'm tired. I went back to her table and 三舅媽 said that she's happy to have someone hold her, haha.

I hung around for just a wee bit more and let 三舅媽 know that I'm being taken to 新社花海 today, so will leave very soon. I asked if she wanted me to come tomorrow, but the stall will be very busy. She said no don't come. So I said goodbye and went in to say bye to 三舅. I'll see you both next year. I passed the big sis who helps at the stall and said byebye, and made sure to say bye to the big bro too.

I went to the entrance of Dapeng Primary, and saw a centipede?? Millipede?? Just crawling where I sat down and was like "oohh errr" and made sure to stay out of its way. 二叔 wasn't here yet so I waited a bit. 

Once he came I got into the car and the plan had changed to us going to pick up 小智 who is now coming with us. This means we won't need to pick him up for dinner and can go straight there. I popped upstairs for a pee and told grandma that I'm just dropping by today and will come back for a meal tomorrow.

Once we arrived (we parked on the other end of where we entered last time), the theme was a space/celestial one. We headed for the foods first and had lunch. We shared various things, sausage, milkfish balls, fried mushrooms... lemon juice honey drink.... and then went to the other food area. I managed to find a stamp for Taichug Freshest. I got kumara balls with ume powder again. Freshly made. $50 for a bag. Then walked further down and once we were full we started looking at the main attraction area. They had two sculptures that you can go inside. Those were cool.

We just took some time taking photos and looking around. There was a cat who wore pet sunglasses for UV protection that was on a trolley and just sitting there. Lots of people were taking photos with them. Their name is Pan'hu, like Gian from Doraemon. Hahah. Cute. The sunglasses were for eye protection against glaumoca. So cute.

Then 二叔 had to go sit down for a bit. I spotted a row of potted plants of the type that looks like a person with its roots. They were are so funny. xD The info tent said the stamp is at the other tent.

We gathered back at where 二叔 was sitting and then headed down towards the other info tent where the stamp was. There were more walkways into the flower sea down this end. I made sure I got my nui photos, and my stamp. We separated a bit here. There was an area with a succulent diorama display and other themed exhibits. Once they arrived I said I am going down to the other vendor area to have a look. On my way I passed a land army promotion booth and they said that I can hold the model gun... I said no thanks I will just take a photo because I don't get to see this often. They also said I can take a photo of the sniper rifle. Wow! The person manning one of the stalls was a lady. So cool. The other two guys along the table smiled at me so I smiled back with my eyes (I was masked). 

They had mostly farmer's products, and an area with Kinmen specialty products? I didn't look too close. Last year they had a tent which introduced the conservation and protection of the Formosa bear, and in turn the area/environment of the bear and they travel quite a big distance. This year they had a smaller tent with some agricultural products from a Aboriginal tribe with conservation efforts intertwined. They had a book introducing this which seemed so interesting but I can't read the whole thing which would be a shame.

There's a vendor selling tea eggs flavoured with mushroom for $10 each and I bought one and one for 小智. This egg was super flavourful and yummy. He also bought a mango drink from the vendor next door for $80 (I happily paid) and he liked it, very fruity apparently

Joy ended up buying a special design flask from the small tent as a gift for a friend. We had a tiny sit down before needing to leave as it's almost 4:30pm now and the flower sea will close. Bugs were starting to come out too. 

Once we found where the car is, we headed on our way. As we came out onto the big road, there was a brilliant view from the top of the slope, with the sunset. I feel asleep on the way back until a truck honked and we were out of the mountains and onto the freeway.

We stopped at a cake shop since it was Joy's auntie's birthday today. Their birthday cakes had to be preordered so we asked for 6 individual slices to make 1 cake. This way it's combo flavour and you don't need to slice it. We added a star candle for $10. The total was $1035 and 二叔 only had two $1000 notes so I took out $35 in coin. Perfect. Soon we arrived at the restaurant, which had a big garden and lots of outdoor seating, including a koi pond.  Auntie and uncle arrived soon after we did. They had mostly set meals including hot pot. Joy and I ended up getting a 3 cup chicken and a milk kimchi hot pot to share.

The 3 cup chicken was nice, the caramelised onion was good. The broth for the hotpot was a little strong in garlic flavour. But wasn't bad. The food came out in a serving robot. A first for me!! Auntie ended up pressing "complete" before we took the food and the robot went back to the kitchen LOL. The waiter at the kitchen sent the robot back to our table. The robot would play music and call out "I'm coming!" or "I'm going!" and ask "if you're finished, let me know, I have other tables to serve!" in a cute voice. The screen has a cat face, haha. 

After dinner we had the cake and sang happy birthday to auntie. I was so full at this stage after the cake. I went for a walk around with 小智 and they had those swaying seats that are so fun and he and I sat in one. I tried to take a selfie but it was so dark LOL. The photo ended up looking real cryptid. He said that he stayed up late till 5am to finish a portion of his phD, and set his Pokesleep for 2:30am but had slept at 5am instead for the past 3 nights. Bro pls get a good night's sleep tonight, you need to refuel before another late nighter. 

Not long after it was time to go. It was about 8:30pm when we got back onto the car. We dropped 小智 off, and headed home. 

When we got home turns out 二叔 locked the deadbolt on the inner door and I don't have a key for that. I also really needed to pee. So I ended up going to 7-11 (after trying Family Mart first, but someone was waiting outside and they said that the person has been inside for a long time). I came back upstairs and Joy was video calling 二叔 to find the spare key. It took us some time... needed a key to open 8F and then find the 7F key. Wow what an ordeal lol. I took a shower first. Then blog. I am so tired and my left foot arch is sore. I don't want to go anywhere tomorrow.... ugh.

Rest now. almost 12am...

Taichung Day 9

 Managed to wake up with natural daylight today. Got up in time to get ready for my dental appointment. I had the sausage cheese bread from the Tainan bakery. Mmm.

But because I was so tired I didn't have a great appetite. I made sure to Flo spray and take a Blis on the way cycling there. When I arrived I was the only person minus staff. The two assistant ladies were busy prepping. Once they were almost done they rang Dr Huang to come over, he lives very close. I asked if they had an air purifier and they have one!!! A smaller unit though. But they have one. They mentioned since they have so much aerosel they do need one, and I added on how it also prevents viral infectious diseases. That makes me feel so much better.

Once Dr Huang arrived they got me to sit in the chair, and I noted their dental software runs on Java 6 (they have a screen in front of the chair). Lol why are all dental software so old. Then I got asked to go take an OPG which is upstairs. Whilst they were waiting for Dr to bring up the file onto the OPG computer, I had a quick chat with then.Their OPG machine announces in English when it starts operating, and plays some calming instrumental music, and then announces that it has  had alrconcluded operation (in English). I went back downstairs and he had a look at my OPG. He compared it with my one from 2012, I believe. Some of my front teeth roots seems to have gotten a bit straighter? And of course my wisdom teeth came out since then. I noted that my lower front tooth which isn't straight and has had the edge shaved off from my upper teeth, was like that then.

Just needed a clean, and no fillings. Got told me gum recession is also from me clenching my jaw too hard. And my right upper wisdom needs more attention to it when brushing. But good that I don't need fillings and have very little calculus. Dr Huang put on some Duraphat for me.

I got told to wait 30 mins and to spit out my saliva instead of swallowing it. When I was halfway through my clean (about 9:15am), two ladies came in. I think they are mum and daughter. They are masked in surgicals which made me feel better. When I was sitting and waiting, the older mum was the patient and I think she must have been traumatised when she was young/a kid, as she started crying judging by what Dr Huang was saying. Poor lady. I hope she's able to be a bit less nervous getting treatment now compared to when she was traumatised. 

Sadly, the rinse cup they gave me didn't have a cute picture on it. My time was up and I put my rinse cup full of saliva away in the sink. They told me to leave the rest there. I thanked them and said, see you next time. My treatment was only $1000, Dr said the Duraphat and OPG are free. I said are you sure? He said yes. So I didn't argue further. 

I cycled back home. There's nothing quite like Shuinan, feels like my old neighbourhood indeed. I do feel a little sad when I past the area where the old juanchun was.

I got home and 二叔 has already washed the whites, so I took them upstairs. The breeze is nice today.

After that I had a sit down and packed Lake's gift to send. 二叔 made some lunch, as we went to go eat. It was a mix of meat buns, roasted kumara, tea eggs, pork bone soup, and last night's leftovers. The kumara was very nice.

二叔 and cousin Joy left to go to Gogoshan, where they are a animal rescue mostly for dogs. I had a cup of tea and then mopped the floor. After that I was really tired so I laid down on the couch and snoozed for half an hour. I woke up but was still really tired so I just swiped SNS for 15 or so mins and decided better I go see 四叔 and grab my stuff. It was 2:45pm now. 

I popped into the postshop on my way there and there were 12 people waiting so I decided to come back later... and walked to 四叔's. I had some tea there and chatted with 四嬸, Zhili 叔叔, and 五叔. They asked me where I went and what did I do on my huandao. And the typhoons lol. I had 3 boxes of stuff. Like 1/3 of two of the boxes was just padding space, and I was right lol.

四叔 kept feeding me tea and I had some small sweets to go with it. 五叔 came down later and I asked what day is suitable for me to go home and see 奶奶 and have a meal. Sat it is. 

I ended up opening most of the parcels there minus the Chishang Farmer's Assoc ones and 四嬸 lent me a big bag to put it all in. It was about 4:30pm and I said I should go before the post shop closes. 四叔 he will being back the last box at night and I can go pick it up downstairs. After I left shortly, 二叔 Line'd me to tell me to stay there, he is coming. But I was already on my way lol. I called him since not read my reply, and let him know I was going to post shop. He offered to bring my last box home. 

I got to the post shop and it was 18 people waiting. LOL GG. I waited outside mostly and then got tired so went inside when it was about 7 numbers left till mine. My parcel ended up only being $208 (?!) using the cheapest tracking method, but it won't get there until after new year's. That's OK. 

Went home, dropped my stuff, and 二叔 had already taken the laundry back downstairs. I helped fold the laundry together and then after that 二叔 told me to take some stomach digestive aids, which I did. I rested and snoozed on the couch since my tummy wasn't feeling too good. Half an hour later I woke up and felt better and made some dumplings for dinner. 

After that, I played tetris with my luggage and then took a shower. Continued tetris after my shower, ad Joy came home. 

Had some dragonfruit, ba-lah, and purple grapes after 9pm, and took care to rinse and softly brush my teeth to get the rest of the fruit out. Mmm. Once suitcase is 20kgs and the other is 15kgs without my clothes in it. Joy asked 二叔 if he used the Clean & clear face wash with saylic acid in it. He said not yet nad Joy firmly reminded him to do so. I put in a comment to softly encourage 二叔 to give it a chance.

Just blog, rest, and I go see 三舅媽 tomorrow and bring her 蝦餅. We are going to an outdoor restaurant in Tanzi tomorrow (original plan was Taobanwoo, but that's indoors so I declined). Now I can go with the change of plans. 

Tainan Day 3 (and back to Taichung)

 This morning I woke up early?! And just ate a bread for breakfast. I wasn't feeling too good as fatigue. I also heard many fighter jets, like yesterday. By the time it was around 1-2pm, I had already heard more than 10 of them passing overhead. I also felt a tiny earthquake around 12:23pm while sitting on a park chair.

I finished writing my postcards and passed stool twice before checking out. The balcony is so nice. Wish I could stay another day in Tainan. I stripped the beds as well before I left, and struggled my luggage down only 1 flight of steps. Phew. 

I sat down for a bit and looked up bus and train times. I couldn't decide, and decided to go do lunch at the nearby noodle place first. It was a bit early, I didn't have much appetite but was hungry. I got an eel yaki-noodle. Sadly I had to leave most of the onions on the plate as I wasn't feeling too good. The eel was nice and tender. $130. Great flavour as always. Pity I'm not at my best. It was nice and breezy outside.

After lunch I went to the post office to buy another set of stamps and gave my postcards to the staff. Then I went to sit down in the nearby park for a bit and swiped on SNS for a bit. I sat in the cradle bench chair as they had another one down the other end of the park. It was very nice. I heard more fighter jets. I needed to pee so decided to go to the temple near Duiyuemen.

Once I was relieved I had a look at the old city gate again, and had a look inside the temple. It's a small one but old. Then I decided to follow the alleyway down, and came across another temple. The staff inside this temple was asleep at the info desk, so I took care not to wake them. They had a pond on the side, and a big turtle dived into the water just as I approached, so sadly I couldn't get a photo of the turtle... the fish swam pretty vigourously. 

I left (the gentleman was still asleep) and walked down the alley. There were cute mini painted pictures alog the alley, celebrating 400 years (and as part of some project?). The houses were cool to look at, many old ones. 

I also came across a restaurant that was based in a really really old house. They even themed the inside accordingly to the historic period. So cool. 

Back to the park and I had a sit down cause I was tired. Another fighter jet zoomed by. I saw it in the sky this time!

It was about 1:40pm, and I decided to sit until 2pm and grab my luggage. I also looked up train times and decided to take the train cause I can get a stamp at Taichung Station. I contacted the minsu, so they can let me in. I walked back to the minsu door and decided to walk to the end of the alley to see what's there. I came across an abandoned and dilpalated house... I went inside to have a quick look. Oooohhh. 

Then when I got to the end of the alley, a construction worker working on the 2F of the house on the left, asked me what I was doing. I said I'm explored alleys, and he said this is a dead end. I said I like looking at old houses. And he shouted something to his coworker and went back to work. I walked back to the minsu door. They opened the look remotely the same time as I tried touching the lock (without looking at my Line messages), and it was open. Cool lol. I got my stuff and left and thanked them for a good stay.

Once I was at the alley entrance on the road, I realised I forgot to shift my laptop into my backpack, so I had to do that there. And masked up in my zimi, and then called a taxi. Mr Wang was my driver and wasn't much of a chatter. $120 was my fare. I thanked him and went to the ticketing window, and bought the 2:40pm Tze-Chiang EMU3000 to Taichung. 

I let 二叔 know and he asked if I could take a local train to Tanzi station, I had a look and said yes. So that's what ended up happening. I got off at Taichung Station, and they had the most fanciest stamp ever. Apity the wooden seat/stand was covered by a clock and I couldn't read what's on it, as half of it was covered. Then I went back in via Yoyo card and took the local train to Tanzi, making sure I stamped the memorial stamp before going downstairs and meeting cousin Joy.

I haven't seen her in person for over a decade. It was peak traffic and there was roadworks so there was a bottleneck at a certain place. We spent over and hour in traffic and ended up going to dinner straight away (original plan was to drop off luggage and Joy can get changed from her riding gear). We went to Chun Shui Tang, and a branch that had outdoor seats. Phew. A few smokers about but there was a small breeze so the smoke dispersed pretty quickly. I had kungfu noodle and Joy ordered a couple of dishes to share for the table, while 二叔 went to park the car and get his phone.

The noodles were good, and the mantou was pretty unique (had condensed milk sauce). The bubble tea is the originaal, apparently (this store invented it). I had a warm one and it was served to me in a teapot, how cute. There were pearls in my cup, but I didn't realise that the pot also had pearls in it until I pretty much emptied the pot. RIP. I was so stuffed as 二叔 decided to get a big one (instead of small that we asked for) cause there was a special on. Man, that's how they get you....

And went back home after that. Took a shower, and hung the laundry out. I am so smashed. I have to get up early for a dental appointment tomorrow.

Tainan Day 2 (Chikan Tower part 2)

 Struggled to wake up today cause I got back so late again last night. Glad I went tot he cultural park though, despite feeling so smashed. Got constantly woken up by plane sounds in the early morning, and then throughout the day until about 3pm. 

I had the bread from the bakery, and then headed out. It's already 10:30am by the time I left, so I headed to Shinkon Mitsukoshi to the Nintendo store. Took a Ubike. Thankfully when I got there there was no line, so I could go in. There was a fair amount of people. They did not have the Zelda/Link tshirt that I saw on the website.... so ended up getting a Link BOTW plush and a Kirby face towel for a friend as a gift.

Then out I go, and headed to Chikan Tower. It was about 11:45am ish by the time I arrived, and the entry $70 ticket was a special 400th anniversary one! 海神廟 was open last year but 文昌閣 was closed for repair/rejuvenation. This year it's the other way around. So I had to complete the visit! The 蓬壺書院 Academny was also open, and you can see the blue doors. I didn't realise the front of the academy was street facing until I got home. Oops. In 文昌閣 there is a deity enshrined on the second floor. You pray for good academic results, and you can throw the 聖杯, if you get a yes you can get a special pencil (there is a name for it). There was a school group there as well. I ran into them again downstairs at the pillars. The stone horse was found in 1930's when a professor took his students after doing research/homework on where Koxinga's grave might have been, and when they dug they found the horse with teh broken foot. Then later they came back to find the other horse, which also had a broken leg, and that horse is enshrined in a 保安宮 or 天后宮. The prof and students also went back again to try and find the grave of Koxinga and/or son, but was unsuccessful. So they're unable to prove if the actual grave is where they found the horses.

There are meant to be 9 pillars, but when they were unloading the turtle-like creatures from the ship, one fell into the sea. So they made an imitation and that one is in Chiayi. After 100 years or so, a fisherman fished up the sunken turtle-creature. That turtle is now in a 保安宮 or 天后宮, venerated as a deity. If I didn't listen in onto the school group I wouldn't have known! I feel like I've seen that turtle somewhere...

I went to the gift shop and realised they sold the Your Blocks. So I bought it, and then postcards. Stamped my stamps, and then left. I asked for a stamp for re-entry, but didn't end up going back. I had lunch at the other restaurant next to the tower (that was closed last year). Their 擔仔麵 had good flavour, but the garlic taste was so strong it was a little bitter. Apparently there's a shop that sells 蝦餅 along this road, and I stopped at a drinks place and had a fruits drink that was sweet n sour (it had passionfruit in it). I sat while drinking it, and then continued down the street and didn't see the shop...

So next I decided to head to the ice cream shop and juice shop the shop lady at Xubi recommended. But before that let's go to the Confuscious temple in front of the Tower. The temple is actually really deep... you wouldn't have known. I spent quite some time here, some parts of the temple was also under repair. There was a temple for 月下老人, and you could ask for him to help you find a partner. I wasn't very good at following the instructions with stating my name, and the first time I threw the holy cup, I got a no. I asked again, for 月下老人 to help me meet a partner if I have the 緣份 to meet them this life, and the second time I got a yes. :') It would be nice to meet my partner. 

I left one my way, and then was stopped by another temple. This one is a 天后宮 for Mazu, and they had a a few stamps. Also the talisman stamps too. All the deities looked so proper and series, and felt like they were there. It was pretty deep too, but not as deep as the Confuscious one. 

I continued on my way and got stopped by another temple - this time it's a 關帝廟. Also ancient. I asked if they had a stamp after seeing a stamp pad, and the person at the info desk took it out from a drawer. I thanked them after stamping, stopped at the front to write the locations into my stamp book, and left. This temple also had a few rooms/temples.

I also came across another temple on the way.... that went in a wee bit from a road. I got 1/3 of the way in and decided not to since I will never make it to me destination at this rate RIP. I wasn't too far, a 15 min walk turned into like an hour. I got to the 蜷尾家 甘味処 ice cream shop first, and they had vanilla and tieguanyin tea. I asked if there's a toilet nearby, and they said there's one in the B1 floor of the shopping centre up ahead, so I said I'll go first and come back. Only squat toilets here.

I got back and got the tea flavour, and it was good. I almost contemplated getting the vanilla as well. $100 for one. They only have 2 flavours a day and you don't know which one. While I sat licking my ice cream, a couple with a small kid also bought an ice cream. They had a cow balloon that flew away and the parents were stuck unable to move at that moment, so I grabbed it for them. Then the daughter was trying to lick (but not fast enough), and it was dripping. I called out and said 小妹妹，要舔快一點不然都滴下來了。and the parents started talking to me, asking where I'm from....they also are from Taichung and after the ice cream they're heading back. I said I'm from NZ and the husband said he has a cousin also in NZ who married a kiwi, but they don't contact that often. He had a look in FB and saw that she lives in Auckland LOL. He asked if it snows there, I said it's summer right now and it only snows in the south island. That was pretty neat. They left soon after finishing their ice cream and I headed to the juice shop, just as it started getting busy in front of the shop.

Aat the juice shop 柳丁先生 I got med 冬瓜柳丁 (one of the popular ones) for $65. I asked them about the living treasure Mr 顏振發 who comes to buy their juice. They said his workshop nearby isn't there anymore since he had some sort of disagreement with the movie theatre, so he's moved his workshop to the Blue cultural park that I went to yesterday. I let them know it was a lady in that culture park that introduced me to this shop, and I think they knew who it was since they mentioned she also said she'll tell people about their juice shop. I thanked them and left. I walked around and sat down in front of a peculiar building with a special architecture and construction was being done around it. I drank and turns out it was Ximen Market, where all the fabric shops are. I had most of my drink and decided to go and have a look at the market first. 

I went in and they had a couple of fabric shops in the half that wasn't under rennovation. I walked past a shop that had a clearfile of their supplies, and they also had chalk pen. I walked in and asked if they had white, in the thin one, and turns out they never had white in the Japanese branded Dia ones. After much puzzled discussion, I ended up finding a haul photo from last year and turns out I had misremembered.... oops. Soz mate. I got some velcro from them instead cause I felt bad lol. I got 1碼 of each A and B side, and it cost $90 in total. They had the clover white pen refills without the cover, but it was $140 for a pack of 2. I opted not to buy it. 

I thanked them and left, and stopped at a fabric store on the way out. They (the gentleman boss) ended up giving me a card of theirs since I found a polyester fabric with stars woven into it that could work for Sophie, but it was $150/30cm. They said it's possible to mail it overseas and payment may through intl banking? I concluded if I come back tomorrow, it means I can't stop thinking about it haha. I thanked them and left.

I had a look at another shop with an older gentleman, but they didn't have what I was looking for. I thanked mr and left. 

It was about 6:15pm now. I was getting hungry but I needed to buy 蝦餅 for 三舅媽. It was eitehr taxi there or ubike. I ended up ubiking and it took about 30min+. Cycling along the river is so nice, it's so pretty. I made it like 7 mins before closing. I popped into the first shop and asked them which ones they recommend? And they pushed an original and lonster flavour. I asked to try a biscuit and they had samples. I can see why 三舅媽 wants it now. It's umami with a slight bitter aftertaste as with prawn. I asked if there was a toilet nearby, and the shop ledy let me borrow theirs. Thank god cause I was busting! I returned and said she saved me. The two packs of biscuits were $200. I thanked her and then left cause she needed to close shop. She came to the outside to close the roller doors and asked me if I was googling where to go next. I said I was responding to messages - which I was doing at the time! Thank you for your concern. I finished dwadling and went on my way. I cycled down Gubao street (where I ate outdoors last time after Anping Fort) and then ended up sitting at the end for a bit while I debated if I should go into the shop with better reviews for beef noodle, but was covered in vinyl and half full; or the other shop with outdoor seating but only 2 stars on google... 

I ended up deciding to cycle back and once I set off I realised the noodle place I had last night would be closed by now cause it's 7:30pm! DAMN! Guess I'll chance what's open nearby.... I passed Anpin Wharf, but they weren't playing music (they were when I passed earlier) anymore. Sad. It's as beautiful as ever, and the big whale looks great. I took a wrong turn and got distracted by some info signs, and then went back onto the right road. The river is stunning... at the later part the water level is angled at a way that it feels like you can almost touch the surface while you're cycling along. 

Once I was back at the really busy intersection that was still under construction, with the policemen directing traffic, I parked my bike, and walked back home. On my way I passed the bakery, and got more bread. Sad they ran out of the lemon flavoured one. Then I passed the noodle place and asked if they were already closing up shop? Yes, boss relied, sorry we close at 7:30pm! All good, thank you! I ended up walking on Minde Road (as per suggestion of bakery shop lady, as I asked when cashing up and she said most places are closed on this street). I found a place that did egg omelettes?? and was still open! It's a weird shop, lke breakfast shop for night workers. They open 6:30pm and close 12:30am.

I got an egg omelette $40. Their sweet chilli sauce is quite spicy. Then I asked for a brown sugar mantou with a roast meat + almond milk $85 total. I felt my bowels move and boy uh oh I needed to go. Just ask I decided to ask for takeaway it was ready and Mr boss had already packed it up as to go. Thank. I started to bring him the dish and he said there's a recycle station at the bucket there. Sweet, saves him coming out. I thanked and left.

Since it's just across from the Municipal Office, it wasn't far from home. As soon as I got back, dropped my stuff, took 1 bite I needed to gooooooo.

Man that's 3 times today.... I finished dinner (not bad, but the almond milk had a bit of an artificial almond taste to it, pity), and went to shower.

Just rest and pack up tomorrow. I will blog first, and probs write my postcards tomorrow.... RIP. Exhasuted.

Tainan Day 1

Had trouble waking up as was so tired from last night. Eventually I did get up after 10am and had the two 紅豆餅.The butter flavour was really nice, it's more moist than the red bean, but it might have been due to the cakes being overnight. Had a few slices of bah-la and that's it. Then I packed my stuff up and finished writing my postcards. Had another cup of tea, rested, and then it as around 12pm. I ate the rest of my leftover fried mushrooms. I then headed out to PX Mart, but Lin-jie said that there's a Family Mart with a Cathay Bank ATM. So I walked out and found a Family Mart, but they had a 台銀銀行 ATM. Hmmm ook I go to PX Mart instead. On the way back I saw the correct family Mart Lin-jie mentioned LOL, you can't see the sign from under the building itself, only from across the road. They had a Cathay Bank ATM and I got my money out.

I made it back and was ready to go. Being a good guest I vacuumed up my hair and stripped the sheets. Lin-jie dropped me off at Shin Zuoying station. This station is as confusing as ever. I started to get hungry now - typical. I got my ticket $86 and then bought a temaki sushi for $50. I went to my platform 2B, but forgot the platforms are all underground here.... so can't eat. Sigh.

The train came and it's a orange Tze-Chiang train. This one goes straight to Tainan so takes 30 mins. I got on and awkwardly there's no big luggage storage in the train, but it was empty enough that the seat next to me was empty. Phew. And it's only the next stop so no worry.

Once I got to Tainan I went to the main hall to get the station stamps. The station was under renovations.

Then I lined up to get a taxi. The driver who came up to me had a bit of an accent in his Mandarin, and he didn't know where the 中西區市政事務所 was... but we got there when I figured out how to read 臨安路 Lin-an Rd. He dropped me off at the side and fare was $120.

I walked up to the front door and let the minsu people know. A gentleman came to check me in this time. I'm in room 202 and he helped me lift the luggage up. Awww thank you. 

The TV was on in my room ?! and he went over the briefing and left. I thanked him. I settled in and unpacked a bit, ate my temaki (it had no rice but shredded cabbage instead, prawns, pineapple, lettuce and some dressing. Then I went to the post office as it's open until 5:30pm (it's 15 mins till closing now). Got my stamps, and put them on the postcards, and mailed them out. Then I went back to my room, and looked up where to eat. I'm sad because the little park across teh road is closed for rennovations, they have the fun swing chairs.

There's a nearby place that does 意麵 and is rated highly on google 4.5 stars. They had pork heart/liver, unagi and squid noodles. I ended up getting 花枝乾炒意麵 and the wait was 20+ mins (took 30 mins). Boss lady gave me $30 change instead of $70 opps, her brain must be so fried. All g, she gave me the right change. They were so busy. I went to buy some bread from the bakery I chanced across and was really nice last time. Mmmm. I came back and waited a bit more, and saw another regular add in the chilli flakes for his order. Soon my order was ready. I also added some chilli flakes. Thank you!

I got back to my room and dug right in. It's so good!!! WTF! Nice char flavour, with a acidic tone, and not too heavy. Great stuff. Will come back tomorrow if I can. And then later Dark H told me the unagi 意麵 is a famous delicacy. LOL. Guess that's tomorrow. xD

After I rested a bit I got ready to go out, and then felt really tired.... so I bummed around for 15 mins more and decided instead of Chikan tower, I'll go to the Nintendo Store instead.

I wanted to take the bus but it showed up like 10 mins early and drive straight past. Woop. I waited until 7:45pm just in case another one came, but not. Alright, looks like I'm uBike-ing all the way there. I can cycle along Hai'an Rd, and they have heaps of docks. Then it's only a short walk to Shinkon Mitsukoshi. 

There's not too many cars and the cycle/moped lane was pretty empty. Which is great. It's a great road to cycle along, so many art installations and special features. And then when I finally got to Shinkon Mitsukoshi, I got on the wrong floor even though I pressed 5F? No wonder I couldn't find it, I was on 3F. I got to the right F but I made a typo (or they updated the date) and the Nintendo store opens tomorrow... RIP... so I had a look and spied in to see what I could buy as a gift for a friend. Then I ran to uniqlo and had a look, but they had no culottes. Sad...

Then I decided to head to the Blue Cultural Park across the road, which closes in 30 mins. It seems like it used to be old Juanchun housing too. Very cool. There's heaps of little shops inside, and some of the buildings had a JP style to it. I went into a photo/costume rental store, but their lease ends at the end of the year (and tomorrow the park is closed), so no luck. I did get a card from her and her SNS so I can see what she's doing next time I am in Tainan and around. Then I walked around and spotted a little art shop called Xubi that was still open. Two English speaking tourists (couple?) were cashing up their products. I had a look around and the shop is full of artist creations, mostly illustrations! Some of them had an anime flavour. Turns out the artist is the shop owner! WOW!

I had a chat and she started introducing me to places I could go to - this year is Tainan's 400th birthday, and next year would be Old Tainan City's 300th birthday. Wooo!! There's an art gallery/musuem with an exhibit on that features BL LOL - she asked me if I read manga and if I read BL hahahhaha. And mentioned how it's strange that something like BL can now be in a national arts gallery as an exhibit, like a proper cultural thing. Amazing. Also introduced an ice cream store, a juice store that does natural orange juice and has been around since she is a kid. She said that the living treasure, the man that hand paints the big movie posters lives like 2 doors down and comes to buy the bulk juice to take home!!!!! Sometimes his house is open for visitors. So cooool~~~

I also suggested she could make a store stamp and then she said maybe she make the stamp on the wooden hammers that are carved by her dad. Neat idea!! You can test it out and see if it works. And then I suggested perhaps she could propose a stamp rally for the culture park and have some other shops participate by having their own stamps, and she was really taken with the idea (she said she could visualise it). The park can provide a card for a small fee, or visitors can bring their own book like me. Nice. It was a really nice chat and I bought some postcards ($50 ea, 3 of them) in case no other shops are open. I thanked her and wished her a good night.

It was 8:09pm now, and I decided to finish looking around. There was another shop in the next row that still had its lights on and the sign op saying they're open. And they look like they have indigenious products! I pressed the doorbell but it said it failed to link? I stared inside to see what they had, and then someone came down from 2F. They opened the door and I asked if they were still open - yep! Awesome. I came in and had a look. iSluhuang is the shop name. He was really nice and talked about his art - and the postcards he made. There was one with a male and female potrait illustration version of each tribe, and I was going to have trouble deciding what to pick. But there was another set on the other wall which had cross stitch patterns and his original designs with an indigenious flair. I saw one which was based off a famous painting of the wheatfield ladies, but replaced with his female family members picking up stones from the fields instead. He said he asked why when he was little, and they said it's to make the millet grow better (easier to till). The word for stone is "batu". So I picked that.

I turned around back to the wall with all the tribal potraits, and next to it there was paper craft frame potraits. One had their traditional stone house!! He said the pack explains about the house and how it's built. This is for me!!

Then back to the wall with the original designs, he recommended one called "Kaviaz", which is the name of a snake and it also means friend. He says his grandpa told him that, we should give a little and be considerate, so we can live in balance/harmony with the snake, just like how you should with your friends. I liked that so I picked that card too. And the last one is "balikuan" which means butterfly. The story with that is you leave the tribe/community as a caterpillar, but after enduring the outside world and accumulating experiences, you come back as a butterfly, signifying growth and maturity, and being a better you. Alright, this one too then!

I asked him about if he was familiar with weaving because I saw one in Yilan's cultural park. He said that should be Taiya tribe's weaving, and their weaving is very skilled. He said his tribe, Bu-something (didn't catch it....), is also very good at weaving, but he has just started to learn. he showed me a weaing machine on his work table, and showed me a little strap he made from it. I said, I also saw similar up there! They used a bow. He said the bow is a very traditional form of weaving, and men can do it too. Traditionally, each gender had their roles and couldn't touch the other's gender's stuff, like hunting tools are men only, and weaving is women only. But now, since the culture is at risk of being lost, they're not as strict with that now and encourage all to preserve the art. The postcards were $50 ea ($150 total) and the papercraft pack was $300. I only had $449 in change but he let me have it, and wrote a manual receipt. Aww thanks. I wished him a wonderful night and left. 

I took a few more photos and went back to the ubike station and rode home. After docking I almost got lost on the way hom walking, again lol. No sense of direction - usually walk the opposite way...

Got home, and very tired, and it's already 10pm. Shower, and then blog. It's 12am now. Chikan Tower is open 9:30am tomorrow and Nintendo Store 11am. Let's try.... lol.