It has been a fruitful trip in Taiwan. Sight-seeing, shopping and all that. Ok, so we weren’t really interested in going around visiting the usual tourist attractions because time was really tight on our side. Besides, the main priority on our agenda list is to shop and try out the local delights. At least we visited the Marine Museum which was way better than our Underwater World. As much as they have to learn from us, it’s the same vice versa.

Many told me that the Marine Museum was both a waste of time and money but I felt that since we’re already here, we might as well make full use of the opportunity to open our eyes to the world. It definitely would have been a pity to miss the chance. Moreover, it beats rotting away in camp. Pardon me but even with the widest array of entertainment devices and books, you’ll often find yourself staring into space waiting for time to tick by slowly.

Day 1. On our way to the hotel, we stopped by a flea market for those who are interested to shop for local food products for their friends and family. We also visited a place of worship, Fo Guang Shan, where we could have lunch and explore the place at the same time. By the time we hit the budget hotel we were staying in, it was already 1 in the afternoon. That left us with about 11 hours to shop before we had to report back. Initially, we were going places in a big group but then we realize that that wasn’t a very good idea as we all had different plans. So, we split up into smaller groups which really benefited everyone.

We made our way on foot to the shopping district where we visited 2 of the shopping malls, Mega Mall and SOGO. But if you really look at it, actually visiting one would have been sufficient as they sell relatively similar products. But it was really an eye-opener as you don’t get 13-storey malls here in Singapore. Other than that, they weren’t much different from what you’ll see in a departmental store. As night falls, we visited Xin Jue Jiang Shang Yuan which was Bugis Street reincarnated. You’ll find a lot of stalls and shops selling clothes, shoes, fashion accessories, figurines, etc. which are relatively affordable compared to what you’ll find in the shopping centres.

Then, towards the later part of the night, we dragged our tired and sore feet to Liuhe Ye Shi, a night market specializing in local food. Though a sudden downpour hamper our journey, it did not dampen our spirits and determination to get there. We ate to our hearts’ content before returning to the hotel to rest for the night. It was really an experience to have made the journey entirely on foot and we probably wouldn’t have uncovered some great deals along the way too.

Day 2. We set off early at 9 in the morning and had breakfast at one of the roadside shops before going down to Kaohsiung Train Station. But we weren’t there to take a train ride. We were there to comb the streets for cheap deals on the other side of the station. Although it was disappointing at first as most of the shops were selling ladies clothings, we soon stumbled upon a handful that dealt with guys fashion and we were very thankful for that as we bought train tickets just to cross over to the opposite side.

Then we hopped onto a cab which took us to Dream Mall, the 2nd largest shopping mall in Southeast Asia. And yes, it was really big. (I haven’t been to Vivocity yet so don’t ask me to make a comparison.) As expected, there wasn’t really much to see there. It’s just a huge shopping mall with more shops, that’s all. What really made our time worth there was the Ferris Wheel ride which cost NT$120 per person for a 7.5 minutes ride and it offered a bird’s-eye view of the city. It would have been a shame if you have gone there and not taken a ride.

As there was a time constraint, we had to take a cab ride back to the hotel early to pack our stuff and wash up before leaving for the airport. Actually, we stayed in Taiwan around 2 hours longer than expected as our flight was delayed and it was really a pity that we couldn’t have spend the time better rather than waiting in the airport lounge.

All in all, I really enjoyed the time spent in time especially R&R though I can’t say the same for the time while I was in camp. It was then that I really understood the true meaning of boredom. But otherwise, R&R was undoubtedly fun. Total damage for the trip: NT$9,689. The experience: Priceless. (P.S. Yes, I overspent and bust my budget as I only brought NT$8,500 along.)