So we were of course a little stunned then as we have already planned our itinerary for高雄. So we can either take the regular slow train there, or we can change the location. We opted for the latter choice as we don’t want to spend 4-5 hours in a train and we really want to experience the speed of the new speed rail. So we decided to go to Taichung台中市instead. We don’t know anything about that place, but it just sounds ok. Haha…
So early in the morning we went to buy our tickets and boarded the 10am train. The interior was like an airplane, but much more spacious.
The group of people opposite us can even request to turn the row of seat around so that the group can seat face to face! How cool is that!?
The ride was fun! It started traveling at a usual MRT train speed, then it started to go faster and faster until we were traveling at over 300km/hr!!! But the most surprising part was how smooth and quiet it was. You can have a quiet conversation over a hot cup of coffee which watching the scenery fly pass you. Best thing is, we reached台中市 (taichong state) in 1 hour plus. I mean, that’s about the time I take to get to office every morning! Amazing!
We reluctantly alighted the train at台中 and remembered that we have no idea where to go from here.
So we looked around the modern airport-like station and searched the sign boards for suggestions. That’s where we saw this signboard advertising the National Museum of Natural Science. So we just followed the sign which leads us to a free shuttle bus below the station. The bus drives us to the city, which was very much different from Taipei City. There were farms, then there were lots and lots of 2nd hand car sellers and motor workshops. Guess the people here loves 2nd hand cars? It’s definitely not as hip and modern as Taipei city. But I like it that it’s different.
The bus drops us off at the stop for the museum but we don’t seem to know where exactly it was. So we looked at the map and started walking towards the direction that seems to be leading to the museum. As usual, we were distracted by a store selling braised pork rice(泸肉饭), not as good as the one in taipei city but its ok.
We set off in search for the museum again after lunch and ended up wandering around the neighbourhood streets of 台中. Parents picking up kids from school, small shops selling your everyday commodities. It’s nice to see this side of Taiwan, a nice break from the fast paced cities and the usual tourist attractions. Hey we were not lost. We were just…. trying to figure out which road to take, that’s all. Hahaha… We were… figuring out which road to take when we passed by SOGO. Yeah! Starbucks!!! So we hopped over for a shiok caffine fix before continuing again.
After walking for awhile we finally found the junction for the museum…… which was the junction that the bus dropped us about an hour ago.
-_-
Apparently, the stupid bus stop was at the back of the museum. So instead of just turing left and walking to the main entrance, we turned right and walked a giagantic loop facing the OTHER direction and ended up at the same spot. Oh well, that’s the fun part of travelling! Hahaha… The museum was… well, boring. They have a a lot of galleries so it did occupy our time pretty well.
I’m sure that台中 is not this boring so I’m just a little regretful that we didn’t have a chance to explore the more interesting parts. We were pretty bored by late afternoon so we took the high speed rail back to Taipei for dinner. We went to 饶河街夜市 (Raohe Street Night Market) and both Cobby and I agree that this night market is the best so far when it comes to the quality and variety of food.
We ate so much food that night! Stinky toufy (best), fried mushrooms, beef noodles, mutton rib soup, red bean pancake, luo han guo drink(super nice), chicken wings, so much more! So next time you go Taipei, 饶河街夜市 (Raohe Street Night Market) is a must-go destination! So that ends another day in Taipei. Not the perfect trip at another city, but what a great end to the day!
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