From Kaohsiung to Taipei

After having spent a full week in Taipei 5 years ago, Daddy decided that the family should venture south, before heading to Taichung and Taipei.

Upon reaching Taoyuan airport, the family took the bus to HSR station and head towards Kaohsiung immediately. This round, both Lleyton and Leanne did it without the stroller though Leanne was reliant on the Manduca carrier. It literally became a perpetual accessory on Mummy, she could almost fall asleep once her butt rests well in the carrier. That said, the family travelled light only with 1 suitcase and 1 65-litre Osprey backpack.

Highlight of Kaohsiung was the stay at the 85-storey Splendour Hotel with a magnificent view. The family got themselves an executive floor, so that the kids could help themselves to the cookies (and once a day apple for Leanne), while Daddy had various bottles of Spritzer and Mummy with cups of brewed coffee. Apart from that, they had a long walk to find the 爱河 harbour for the cruise along the river. To Mummy's surprise, the boat was solar powered using solar PV. The older ones using diesel were parked aside and no longer in use. The first night ended with 六合夜市 as a must-go place in the area.

Next stop was Sun-moon-lake 日月潭from Taichung station. The hotel was a boutique hotel with a nice lake view and breakfast. Again, the highlight was the ferry cruise ride to the other side of the island to try the local delicacies.

Next morning, the family proceeded to Taichung HSR to reach the Taipei Main station, where the kids had all the fun they were promised!

Upon arrival, they took the train to 西门町 where Leanne started her shopping spree. Daddy also found his 阿宗面线 which he commented that there was no oyster. For dinner, they headed to 士林夜市 to try the famous foods that were recommended in the guidebook. The night ended with a generous portion of 芒果冰.

The second day in Taipei was spent entirely at Baby Boss where the kids had their attempts at various occupations ranging from dairy farmers to astronauts. There, they earned baby bucks where they spent on stickers and jigsaw puzzle.

Finally, the next 2 days were spent venturing to the outskirts of 淡水老街 then back to the more tourist spots of 五分铺 and 饶河夜市 as well as the Hello Kitty cafe. The kids had their share of fun and the adults also indulged in delicious snacks and great shopping!