After I returned from my holidays in Taiwan, I was busy with tackling my persistent cough and office work. The office work has piled up so much since I was away for almost 3 weeks!
This is one of the bad points for doing office hour instead of shift duty; the work follows me even if I am away from the office.
I guess it must be the cold and wet weather in Taiwan that caused me to cough badly despite seeing the doctor. The phelgm in my throat seems not being able to clear completely and constantly irritate my throat, causing me to cough.
In terms of office work, more briefings and presentations coming up. My role as a secretary is not to the mark. The seniors have complained that my work was lousy. I should not throw in the towel so fast but perhaps give myself more chances before I accept the outcome.
My training role is also not moving anywhere and the big boss is quite unhappy that there is no progress in this area. She does not understand or refuse to be aware that I am busy with other tasks.
No signs of promotions but signs of heavier workload waiting for me.
Ok, I should be thankful that I still have a decent job.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Xmas Celebration with A Supplier
Upon return from Taiwan was a flurry of festive activities.
Work has piled up so much that I did not know where and when to start since mood is not there and many staff were away.
A supplier held a celebration at Clark Quay. The buffet dinner was served at Hooter's. There were just too much meat and thus I did not really enjoy it. J was busy chatting with his colleagues and friends. It became a norm for people to travel during Dec. Some just returned from Japan, others from Turkey or Taiwan etc.
The kids enjoyed themselves as there was a magic show during the dinner.
I enjoyed the river cruise that followed. I was able to look at our city's skyline at night from Singapore's River.
Work has piled up so much that I did not know where and when to start since mood is not there and many staff were away.
A supplier held a celebration at Clark Quay. The buffet dinner was served at Hooter's. There were just too much meat and thus I did not really enjoy it. J was busy chatting with his colleagues and friends. It became a norm for people to travel during Dec. Some just returned from Japan, others from Turkey or Taiwan etc.
The kids enjoyed themselves as there was a magic show during the dinner.
I enjoyed the river cruise that followed. I was able to look at our city's skyline at night from Singapore's River.
Last Day in Taiwan
By the time we were about to return home, our luggages were filled with goodies. J ordered me to stop buying as our empty luggage was already filled to the brim. I wanted to buy more as there were just too many titbits to bring home for family members.
As our return flight would depart in the early morning, either we check out in predawn on the date of departure or check out the day before. We chose the latter as we could save some money. We dumped our luggages at D's room. When we returned from shopping, we simply asked the D's room key from the reception. No questions asked and we thought this was not safe at all.
Anyway, we waited for D's return before we left.
We took almost the last Da You bus to the airport. We reached the airport about 11.30pm. The airport was not that busy at this hour. There were some travellers like us who spent the night at the airport.
Slightly after midnight, the airport became quiet as there were not many flights departing or arriving. We found 2 sofas and slept. We managed to catch some sleep though not very comfortable as I have to squeeze with Isa on the same sofa. J took the one next to us.
At about 4am, I was awoken by the ring from 7 Eleven. More people arrived at the airport. We waited for a while and the staff manning the SIA counter arrived. After we have checked in our luggages, we went straight to the Silver Kris Lounge. We had a good breakfast there. The service was great and this makes me to consider travelling with SIA again.
My holidays in Taiwan have ended. I like the trip to Taroko Gorge and Yeliu GeoPark most. Maybe during my next trip, I will spend more time at these 2 places.
As our return flight would depart in the early morning, either we check out in predawn on the date of departure or check out the day before. We chose the latter as we could save some money. We dumped our luggages at D's room. When we returned from shopping, we simply asked the D's room key from the reception. No questions asked and we thought this was not safe at all.
Anyway, we waited for D's return before we left.
We took almost the last Da You bus to the airport. We reached the airport about 11.30pm. The airport was not that busy at this hour. There were some travellers like us who spent the night at the airport.
Slightly after midnight, the airport became quiet as there were not many flights departing or arriving. We found 2 sofas and slept. We managed to catch some sleep though not very comfortable as I have to squeeze with Isa on the same sofa. J took the one next to us.
At about 4am, I was awoken by the ring from 7 Eleven. More people arrived at the airport. We waited for a while and the staff manning the SIA counter arrived. After we have checked in our luggages, we went straight to the Silver Kris Lounge. We had a good breakfast there. The service was great and this makes me to consider travelling with SIA again.
My holidays in Taiwan have ended. I like the trip to Taroko Gorge and Yeliu GeoPark most. Maybe during my next trip, I will spend more time at these 2 places.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Day 7 in Taiwan
After a long & tiring day in Taroko Gorge, we could not take a break the next day as we wanted to take advantages of the fair weather conditions. D suggested going to Leo Foo Theme Park and Yeliu Geo Park but I told her that since the day was short, it was not likely to go two places on a single day. In the end, I went to Yeliu and she to the Theme Park.
We took the same bus from Taipei West Bus Terminal again at the same price NT96 to Yelie. Once we alighted from the same bus stop the other day when heavy rain occured, the scenary was totally different. There were lots of people on the road and it was so easy to find the road leading to this Park. Some people went there for fishing too.
After a short walk from the main road, we could smell the sea and found the signage of Yeliu Geo Park. The entrance fee was NT50 for an adult and half the price for a child. At the Information Centre, there was a voluntary guide offering a free guide around this Park. We gladly took up the offer. This guide is Ms Mu ("mother" in chinese). She explained us the various unique rocks in the Park. There was a glass shoe and an elephant left by a fairy, after she fought with a playful turtle.
There were many candle-lit rocks, marine potholes, mushroom heads etc. The most famous was the Queen's Head whose head would likely to drop in about 15-20 years' time due to wind and seawater erosion. Long, long time ago, Taiwan was under the sea. As the time continues, this island gradually floats up to the surface. The rocks started to form into unique shapes due to the wind and seawater. It was extremely windy at this location as it faced the Pacific Ocean. There were people fishing despite the chance of huge waves. We spent about an hour with this guide before parting.
We continued to explore this Park until we were too tired to walk. Luckily we bought some sushi before we went into the Park. We had cup noodles at the 7 Eleven outside this Park.
By the time, we returned to Taipei, it was nearly 5pm. Everywhere was such crowded since it was weekend. We had some hot drinks and a seafood burger at McDonald. Here Starbucks is more commonly found than McDonald. Youngsters occupying the seats to do their work is also commonly seen here too.
We were in D's room and they returned after 9pm. They managed to go 2 places which was really marvelous.
We took the same bus from Taipei West Bus Terminal again at the same price NT96 to Yelie. Once we alighted from the same bus stop the other day when heavy rain occured, the scenary was totally different. There were lots of people on the road and it was so easy to find the road leading to this Park. Some people went there for fishing too.
After a short walk from the main road, we could smell the sea and found the signage of Yeliu Geo Park. The entrance fee was NT50 for an adult and half the price for a child. At the Information Centre, there was a voluntary guide offering a free guide around this Park. We gladly took up the offer. This guide is Ms Mu ("mother" in chinese). She explained us the various unique rocks in the Park. There was a glass shoe and an elephant left by a fairy, after she fought with a playful turtle.
There were many candle-lit rocks, marine potholes, mushroom heads etc. The most famous was the Queen's Head whose head would likely to drop in about 15-20 years' time due to wind and seawater erosion. Long, long time ago, Taiwan was under the sea. As the time continues, this island gradually floats up to the surface. The rocks started to form into unique shapes due to the wind and seawater. It was extremely windy at this location as it faced the Pacific Ocean. There were people fishing despite the chance of huge waves. We spent about an hour with this guide before parting.
We continued to explore this Park until we were too tired to walk. Luckily we bought some sushi before we went into the Park. We had cup noodles at the 7 Eleven outside this Park.
By the time, we returned to Taipei, it was nearly 5pm. Everywhere was such crowded since it was weekend. We had some hot drinks and a seafood burger at McDonald. Here Starbucks is more commonly found than McDonald. Youngsters occupying the seats to do their work is also commonly seen here too.
We were in D's room and they returned after 9pm. They managed to go 2 places which was really marvelous.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Day 6 in Taiwan
Finally I saw clear sky with dried roads from the window of the room I stayed. This was a good sign to start the day.
We left the hotel at 6.45am without any breakfast since the breakfast time started at 7am. Our train would depart at 7.18am and the walking to Taiwan Main Station would take about 15 min. Along our way, we bought 2 bowls of Yong Dou Fu at Family Mart at 4 pieces at NT39. Upon reaching the Station, I rushed to its 7 Eleven to buy another 2 sets of bento at NT50 each. The train arrived and departed punctually.
Hualien is not that far from Taipei but the journey takes about 2.5hr. It certainly does not travel as fast as High Speed Rail as we boarded yesterday.
After a heavy breakfast on the train, we continued to take a short nap. Just before we arrived Hualien, we saw the sea - Pacific Ocean!
(The blue beautiful Pacific Ocean)
D booked the service of a taxi driver called Mr Li De Ming (each pax @ NT500). He was already at the station when we arrived. The temperature was quite low and we felt very cold. We gladly hopped into his taxi.
He brought us to Taroko Gorge National Park. Along the way, he gave us introduction of some tribes and the chinese living in Hualien.
Our first stop was Qi Xin Tan which is really a beautiful beach facing the Pacific Ocean. We saw the fierce waves splashing onto the coast and really felt the beauty of nature. The beautiful coast of Hualien left a great impression on me.
Then we went to Qing Shui Duan Ya which is a steep cliff overseeing the deep blue ocean water. The water is such blue due to the presence of some minerals in the water. It is quite an experience to see ocean water directly below us on the cliff.
(The Swallow Grotto; look at these gigantic rocks)
(Tunnel of Nine Turns)
We continued to Swallow Grotto, Shakadang Trail, Tunnel of Nine Turns, Ci Mu Bridge etc. His service was excellent as we had a good taste of a simple trail in Taroko Gorge. Our lunch was settled at a store which sold cup noodles.
Our dinner was done at Hualien city. We ate rice and steam buns. After that, we bought the famous tit-bits from Tzen Chi.
Mr Li promptly sent us back to Hualien Railway Station at 7pm to catch our 7.30pm train. I was so tired that I slept most of the time despite there were passengers standing behind me for about 2.5hours! We reached Taipei Main Station at 10pm.
I can't imagine standing throughout the train journey and these passengers have a valid tickets as there was a ticket master checking on our train tickets.
I was such relieved that the weather was such nice but cooling so that some walking could be done. We walked quite a lot today and the breeze was really cooling. We were such glad not to see any rain.
One of the places of interest He Huan Shan has snow reported and the roads were closed due to snowy and slippery conditions.n
We left the hotel at 6.45am without any breakfast since the breakfast time started at 7am. Our train would depart at 7.18am and the walking to Taiwan Main Station would take about 15 min. Along our way, we bought 2 bowls of Yong Dou Fu at Family Mart at 4 pieces at NT39. Upon reaching the Station, I rushed to its 7 Eleven to buy another 2 sets of bento at NT50 each. The train arrived and departed punctually.
Hualien is not that far from Taipei but the journey takes about 2.5hr. It certainly does not travel as fast as High Speed Rail as we boarded yesterday.
After a heavy breakfast on the train, we continued to take a short nap. Just before we arrived Hualien, we saw the sea - Pacific Ocean!
(The blue beautiful Pacific Ocean)D booked the service of a taxi driver called Mr Li De Ming (each pax @ NT500). He was already at the station when we arrived. The temperature was quite low and we felt very cold. We gladly hopped into his taxi.
He brought us to Taroko Gorge National Park. Along the way, he gave us introduction of some tribes and the chinese living in Hualien.
Our first stop was Qi Xin Tan which is really a beautiful beach facing the Pacific Ocean. We saw the fierce waves splashing onto the coast and really felt the beauty of nature. The beautiful coast of Hualien left a great impression on me.
Then we went to Qing Shui Duan Ya which is a steep cliff overseeing the deep blue ocean water. The water is such blue due to the presence of some minerals in the water. It is quite an experience to see ocean water directly below us on the cliff.
(The Swallow Grotto; look at these gigantic rocks)
(Tunnel of Nine Turns)We continued to Swallow Grotto, Shakadang Trail, Tunnel of Nine Turns, Ci Mu Bridge etc. His service was excellent as we had a good taste of a simple trail in Taroko Gorge. Our lunch was settled at a store which sold cup noodles.
Our dinner was done at Hualien city. We ate rice and steam buns. After that, we bought the famous tit-bits from Tzen Chi.
Mr Li promptly sent us back to Hualien Railway Station at 7pm to catch our 7.30pm train. I was so tired that I slept most of the time despite there were passengers standing behind me for about 2.5hours! We reached Taipei Main Station at 10pm.
I can't imagine standing throughout the train journey and these passengers have a valid tickets as there was a ticket master checking on our train tickets.
I was such relieved that the weather was such nice but cooling so that some walking could be done. We walked quite a lot today and the breeze was really cooling. We were such glad not to see any rain.
One of the places of interest He Huan Shan has snow reported and the roads were closed due to snowy and slippery conditions.n
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Day 5 in Taiwan
Looks like this is a wasted trip to Taiwan. We saw nothing much except its non-stop rain and strong winds. As planned, we walked to Taipei Main Station to take its High Speed Rail to Tainan. A return trip (reserved seat) costs NT2700 for an adult, which is about S$135. I wanted to buy a train bento but J said we could save that money since we had a heavy breakfast.
There was a waiting area for HSR passengers. When the train arrives, passengers will take the escalator down to the platform. Since Taipei Main Station is the terminal station, the train is already at its platform. We snapped some photos with the train before hopping into the train. The train left punctually. The average speed was about 300km/hr. The ride was smooth, comparable to Japan's shinkansen. The seats and toilets were new and clean.
HSR makes a brief stop at Banciao, Taoyuan, Hsinchiu, Taichung, Tainan and then Zuoyin. The ride from Taipei to Tainan is only 1hr 45min.
From Taichung onwards, the land becomes quite flat. By the time we reached Tainan, it was still raining. The HSR Tainan Station was quite a distance from the downtown. There is free shuttle bus service. In the same train, there were many Japanese students occupying a couple of cars. The ride was quite noisy as the students were chattering happily.
The free shuttle bus left before 11am. The bus driver Mr Wu was such an extremely friendly and helpful man. He advised us not to make a trip to Qigu Salt Mountain under such weather conditions. Instead, we could make a trip to An Ping Old Street to have a good meal and some shopping. This place is famous for fried pawn crackers. The shuttle bus brought us to Tainan City Hall. From there, we took a cab (NT120) to An Ping Gu Bao. We had our lunch at Zhou's Shrimp Rolls which later D mentioned that it was one of his intended destinations. We went to this restaurant because a staff at one of the 7 Eleven told us. In Taiwan, there are many 7 Eleven, Family Mart and OK Mart. Getting simple food such as a bento is never a problem at all.
The fried shrimp rolls were 2 pieces at NT50, slightly pricey but delicious. We had a good warm meal despite the cold weather. Today the temperature dropped below 10C. We were simply not prepared for such cold weather. Our hands were freezing and we were almost shivering.
We gathered we could not continue to stay outdoor for long and took a bus (NT18) to Tainan Railway Station. There is a big shopping mall, enough to kill our time there before we returned to HSR Tainan Station. This mall called Yuan Dong Department Store has many storeys. We had some hot drinks at its McDonald. We were just too uncomfortable being cold and moist. We took the shuttle bus (about 45min) back to HSR Tainan Station. We were glad that we could change our 2015hr to 1815hr tickets. We could return to Taipei at about 8pm. Before we bought the train, we went to the 7 Eleven and bought 3 different bentos. Here, the availability of bento is similar to Japan except that the food served is taiwanese style.
Everybody enjoyed their food on the return trip.
Our trip to Tainan is not a very fruitful one. We experienced its HSR but did not have a good walk around An Ping and not to mention, we did not manage to go to Salt Mountain as planned, though many said it was just a huge mountain of salt.
At Taipei, it was still raining lightly. We bought food from 7 Eleven again. This time, it was a bowl of 6 pieces of Yong Dou Fu. Each piece was selling at NT10 and we have seen people buying it as a bowl of hot Yong Dou Fu. On our way back to the hotel, we saw Family Mart was selling at 4 pieces at NT39!
There was a waiting area for HSR passengers. When the train arrives, passengers will take the escalator down to the platform. Since Taipei Main Station is the terminal station, the train is already at its platform. We snapped some photos with the train before hopping into the train. The train left punctually. The average speed was about 300km/hr. The ride was smooth, comparable to Japan's shinkansen. The seats and toilets were new and clean.
HSR makes a brief stop at Banciao, Taoyuan, Hsinchiu, Taichung, Tainan and then Zuoyin. The ride from Taipei to Tainan is only 1hr 45min.
From Taichung onwards, the land becomes quite flat. By the time we reached Tainan, it was still raining. The HSR Tainan Station was quite a distance from the downtown. There is free shuttle bus service. In the same train, there were many Japanese students occupying a couple of cars. The ride was quite noisy as the students were chattering happily.
The free shuttle bus left before 11am. The bus driver Mr Wu was such an extremely friendly and helpful man. He advised us not to make a trip to Qigu Salt Mountain under such weather conditions. Instead, we could make a trip to An Ping Old Street to have a good meal and some shopping. This place is famous for fried pawn crackers. The shuttle bus brought us to Tainan City Hall. From there, we took a cab (NT120) to An Ping Gu Bao. We had our lunch at Zhou's Shrimp Rolls which later D mentioned that it was one of his intended destinations. We went to this restaurant because a staff at one of the 7 Eleven told us. In Taiwan, there are many 7 Eleven, Family Mart and OK Mart. Getting simple food such as a bento is never a problem at all.
The fried shrimp rolls were 2 pieces at NT50, slightly pricey but delicious. We had a good warm meal despite the cold weather. Today the temperature dropped below 10C. We were simply not prepared for such cold weather. Our hands were freezing and we were almost shivering.
We gathered we could not continue to stay outdoor for long and took a bus (NT18) to Tainan Railway Station. There is a big shopping mall, enough to kill our time there before we returned to HSR Tainan Station. This mall called Yuan Dong Department Store has many storeys. We had some hot drinks at its McDonald. We were just too uncomfortable being cold and moist. We took the shuttle bus (about 45min) back to HSR Tainan Station. We were glad that we could change our 2015hr to 1815hr tickets. We could return to Taipei at about 8pm. Before we bought the train, we went to the 7 Eleven and bought 3 different bentos. Here, the availability of bento is similar to Japan except that the food served is taiwanese style.
Everybody enjoyed their food on the return trip.
Our trip to Tainan is not a very fruitful one. We experienced its HSR but did not have a good walk around An Ping and not to mention, we did not manage to go to Salt Mountain as planned, though many said it was just a huge mountain of salt.
At Taipei, it was still raining lightly. We bought food from 7 Eleven again. This time, it was a bowl of 6 pieces of Yong Dou Fu. Each piece was selling at NT10 and we have seen people buying it as a bowl of hot Yong Dou Fu. On our way back to the hotel, we saw Family Mart was selling at 4 pieces at NT39!
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