感受臺灣重生整個ORZ :)

驕傲的公主已回家　整裝再出發

2008-07-06T00:49:00.002+08:00

I'm back in Singapore! It's been a week since I'm back. :)

Back to my internship days too.. And.. I still miss Taiwan!

Miss my wonderful friends, the shopping experience, the food..

Will be reminiscing the unforgettable 134 days in Taiwan on the blog soon.. When I can find time!! :)

Earthquake

2008-06-02T23:26:00.003+08:00

Yes, I felt it!

Was awakened by an earthquake measuring 3.0 Richter scale in my sleep last night. Didn't realised it was earthquake until I heard Shuhui exclaimed at her desk, "Oh my god, did you feel that?! It's earthquake!"

And my reply was a plain "喔，我还以为是什么。" I laid back onto my bed again and didn't get back to sleep the next moment, cos the metal bed was still shaking forward and backward. I was at the top bunk, and the squeaks that came from the friction between the metal joints of the bed sounded scary. It was just like an invisible hand/ghost shaking my bed.

Mum asked me why didn't I get down of my bed and run to an empty area. Seriously, I didn't know what to do that moment; I just opened my eyes, felt the tremor and glared at the ceiling. Luckily it was just a 3.o Richter scale quake. Otherwise...

I ought to have a better sense of crisis. Have been living too peacefully in Singapore. :X

Day 89: 希望演唱会

2008-05-14T23:59:00.002+08:00

现在处于很亢奋的状态，很high啊～啦啦啦～

刚才突发奇想，请MX帮我SMS到Radio 1003，点歌给人在台北的我，还有两位麻吉—— YW和TY。哎呀，因为心急，竟然忘了CX。CX对不起！下次我会补回去的！

听到DJ Ken给我们的祝福，觉得：超.级.开.心。很妙，朋友和DJ的好心，还有科技让我得以把心意从台北传到新加坡～全新加坡和在网上收听的听众都听到耶！Ken，你昨天还说台湾听不到你的节目啰... 现在爽爆了吧～

是啦，我就是喜欢这样的cheap thrill。请容许我喔，因为我很容易就满足。(:

中午下课后和TY在学校的罗马广场坐坐。

旁边有同学在布置政大81年校庆的许愿墙，广场还有几个外国小朋友在和政大的大哥哥大姐姐玩球，边玩边兴奋地嘶吼。从前在老家的时候，总觉得楼下游乐场小孩的嘶吼声很吵，在这里听到，反而有点“在家”的感觉。

在树荫下写日记，看学生人来人往，还看到了我们都认为帅帅的学生大使经过，就这么悠闲地度过一个下午。

之后到校外的“汤钻”吃晚餐。

很喜欢这家店的牛奶鍋，很香醇。这是牛奶豚肉锅。饭无限量供应，吃的我这个“饭桶”很乐～ (:

带着满足的心情出席由新生命教会举办的“希望演唱会”。教会里头的才子才女还蛮多的哟，尤其是在音乐方面。

也写了“希望卡”，为这篇土地祈福。

这是F.I.R阿沁签下的团体—— Happy Circle。吉他手是怀恩和小王子，这两个人的名字我曾经在很多歌词本里头看过，喜欢他们的创作所以一直记得他们的名字。今天终于见到他们的庐山真面目，好开心！

牧师在说话。右边站着的是Happy Circle——　女主唱小坏、吉他手小王子和怀恩。如果此小王子是彼小王子，那他就是张韶涵《梦里花》、棒棒堂《七彩棒棒堂》和棒棒堂+黑涩会美眉《黑糖秀》（偶像剧《黑糖马奇朵》主题曲）的作曲人。旋律都很好听啊～

还有很好笑的舞台剧。那个“胖妞”还跳罗志祥《一支独秀》的舞蹈哟，你想有多搞笑。笑过很轻松～

上次提到《希望的种子》这首歌的MV的动画很漂亮，现有图为证。让我想起苏打绿《小情歌》MV的动画。

其他表演者。左三是前自然卷乐团的主唱——娃娃。喜欢她唱一首歌时的娃娃音～　最右边的Matt很会弹吉他哟。他专注的神情很迷人！:)　不过，他在台上还表现得蛮害羞的。

这就是歌手们美丽的结晶啦！很精致吧！觉得很有质感。还和歌手们拿了签名，也跟小王子、怀恩和娃娃小聊一下，叫他们加油～

也很欣赏唱片制作人陈熙（Oops，刚才google了一下，发现他曾是S.H.E Ella的绯闻男友）和来自马来西亚的陈威权的表演。

虽然我不是基督徒，但我很喜欢专辑里头的歌曲，充满了爱与希望，激励人心。F.I.R的歌曲就是这样的。:)

在我的观点里，音乐是不分宗教、国界的，它就像任何艺术作品，让接收的人开放诠释。身为佛教徒的我在这里接触到另一个宗教的时候，坦白说，我开始有些畏惧。但现在不会了，因为我觉得拥有信仰的其中一个重要特质，就是个人对神的信念与心态。我相信神的存在，对我来说，神是宽容的，祂可以是观音娘娘、耶稣、阿拉……最重要的是，有信仰的人，一定要博爱、要有一颗充满感恩、知足、宽容的心。这只是我的愚见啦，任何冒犯之处，敬请原谅啰。

所以，即使是与基督教有关的流行音乐，只要是有启发性的，我愿意以开放的心态接受和喜欢。:)

看完了演唱会，心灵被洗洁一番，到达一片静土。ZY和Carin学姐，还有其他信徒的热情招待，让我觉得很温暖。

很开心在这里对基督教有更好的认识，也很高兴看到一个信仰为人们带来的希望和快乐。

刚才和Mummy视讯，聊到四川地震……这个天灾震碎了受害者的家园和心灵，我要在这里为它们祷告，但愿他们能顺利重建家园、顺利地度过难关、坚强地活下去。

阿弥陀佛。:)

Nice Japanese treat

2008-05-07T22:54:00.008+08:00

托YW（和TY）的福，今天在学校附近吃了一顿幸福满足的日本餐。而且还是阔气的YW请客！他最近得奖，所以要好好庆祝一番！:) :) :)

一起走去那家店的时候，还被YW“逼”听他为媒介写作课做的一分钟广播报道。DJ不愧是DJ，听起来也还蛮专业的～只是我边走边拿着他的laptop，又戴着他像operator earphone的耳机，很多学生都对我投以奇怪的目光，哈哈！

春秀料理。里头还蛮有气氛的，服务员和厨师都穿上日本服饰，也播放邓丽君唱的日文歌曲。而且只有我们三个！YW说，因为是他包下整个餐厅的～没有啦，开玩笑的～

TY点了秋刀鱼定时。让我想起周杰伦的《七里香》：
“秋刀鱼的滋味猫和你都想了解……”

YW点了泡菜锅（好象是啦，反正就是一堆菜）。健康的啦～

我呢，点了蓝带炸猪定食。猪肉里包了紫菜、一种我不知到叫什么的菜、起司（cheese），还有看起来像腊肠的肉。
那个起司像pizza的起司喔！

炸猪肉真的很棒、很脆，配菜也不错，茶碗蒸里头还有蛤蜊，只是饭没那么好吃，不够软。

Tiga, Dua, Satu 合影～

好开心的一餐！谢谢Satu!

喔喔～最近在听薛凯琪的专辑，超喜欢她的《找到天使了》。觉得有一句话真的很贴切：快樂的關鍵不是去哪裡而是誰在身邊。

是真的。:)

耶，找到天使了～ :) :) :)

Another rainy day

2008-05-06T19:24:00.005+08:00

朋友说，台湾现在正逢梅雨季，所以常下雨。

今天又是雨天，下午听完“新闻传播业”的讲座，撑着伞走上山上课（传播学院就在半山腰）时，脑海中闪过小学时候妈妈接我放学的情景。那时的她，会在学校大门前面等，拿着雨衣和雨靴给我换，给我小小的雨伞，帮我拎背包……

每次看到她的身影，总会感到心安～

沿路踩着湿湿的娃娃鞋，雨水渗透进鞋子，突然很想穿上雨衣，换上雨鞋，走路回家，窝在温暖的被子里好好睡一觉。最近的生活很精彩，去了很多地方，心情既high又累…… 怎么时间都不够用呢～

传播学院外的风景。

我上下山时都会经过的路。

湿湿的鞋子。

Sparkling stars of my night

2008-05-06T01:10:00.008+08:00

Gentle reminder: This is a very personal entry; please skip it if you don't wish to waste your time reading, cos it's not about my traveling experiences. :)

***

My angels never fail to make me laugh in front of my laptop while chatting on MSN! :)

SM Sweets' surprise-log-on and her cheerful tones brightened up my night; can't wait to meet you and other darrrlings when I return! :)

Satu and Dua got me really crazy in our chat window; we practically used caps all the way to spread our excitement, though our conversational topic was almost entirely nonsensical. HAHAHA~

This is my first time laughing out loud (but tried hard to suppress my laughters and lower my volume so that I won't disturb my roomies) in front of the screen ever since I'm in Taipei! And this chat marks the birth of a very-not-serious principle of my life: Whatever Satu does, I (selectively) do. But other than the three of us, no one else will know what it means cos it's highly contextual~

At that moment I felt the three of us got drunk. Rubbish-talking can be contagious! Satu got so "drunk" that he added Daiki (our 吴尊-look-alike Japanese friend who's here on exchange too) into the conversation after I talked about him, and got him so confused that he left the conversation. Poor Daiki!

Dear Sista also got back from work and enlightened me with many interesting stories of her workplace. Seeing dear Mummy and Daddy gives me ultimate comfort. OHH OHH~ Feel so at home~ *Sings* Webcamming makes me feel homely! Just a screen away from home. :)

This is such a hilarious night that's very very worth blogging (for my own record).

Point is: THANK YOU ANGELS for being the sparkling stars of my night!! :)

Mayday!

2008-05-01T20:59:00.002+08:00

五月的天剛誕生的夏天～

Time flies and it's Mayday! Marks the start of my busy schedule for the next two months.

But then, summer is not quite here yet. Taipei's plagued with 鋒面，so the weather here is still quite cool.

While all Singaporeans (those working and studying) get a day off on Labour Day, students here have to attend school leh.

Happy Labour Day to all of you! :)

Got to get back to my assignment.

Over the past month

2008-04-30T11:34:00.003+08:00

I know, I haven't been a conscientious blogger. Apologies!! Cos have been busy with school work, house work (yeah, I abit dread of washing clothes and cup) and most importantly-- traveling and playing! :)

Over the past month, I've made many new friends, been to a quite a few places (inside and out of Taipei), enjoyed myself thoroughly at three Taiwan variety shows' recordings, listened to fruitful talks given by four professionals from the Taiwan's media industry, attended a few activities organised by the NCCU students and took my first ever mid-term exams in Taipei.

Will recall and share with you guys my wonderful experiences here soon. :)

Day 72: 春天宜兰一日游

2008-04-27T23:58:00.013+08:00

今天去宜兰！

参加了由政大学生大使团为外籍生举办的春天宜兰一日游，第一次和TY&YW到台北以外的地方..

Oh yeah, 宜兰是仔仔周渝民的家乡喔。

因为7时30分就要集合，所以起了个大早，和TY去学校附近的古早味早餐店买她最爱的早餐—— 蛋饼加豆浆。

早餐店在台北很普遍，我学校附近就有约10家。一般早餐店卖的是蛋饼、三明治、汉堡、馒头（原味、芋头、咖啡）等等，口味很多，有鸡肉、鲔鱼、花枝（cuttlefish）、猪肉、肉松……等等等。种类很多，料很丰富，多到不知吃什么好。

不过我很少到早餐店买早餐哟，因为上课前不常早起，也因为太常买，开销会很大哟～

今天的早餐店，人很多，店员的动作超级快，整个早餐店洋溢着很赶的氛围，让我惊讶之余，心跳加速。

终于吃到她常常说很赞的蛋饼了！点了鲔鱼（Tuna）蛋饼和豆浆红茶，一共NT37。味道真的不错，每一口都的料很扎实，有幸福的感觉！:)

外籍生们被分成九组，这就是我的组员啦，有澳洲、约旦、马来西亚人。:)

搭安排好的游览车去，车程大约一个半小时左右。很巧地，我搭的游览车是我昨天去新竹时搭的同一个游览车，司机大哥也是同样那位帅哥，好巧喔～而且，这个游览车有卡啦OK装备耶。所以，途中又有得唱歌～爽～

第一站是宜兰县的二结地区，我们首先去了这个地区民众的信仰中心—— 王公庙。

二结地区的指示牌。

王公庙附近的房子。

左起：我、TY、白雪（她是澳洲人喔，但她会日文，也会唱F.I.R的歌曲！）、YW。据说我们身的庙是被千人“拉着”移动过去的。

这座庙供奉着三王公—— 据传大王公擅长医术、二王公精通地理风水，三王公善于伏魔捉妖，所以每当相亲有疾病（特别是精神病）、建造房舍或居家不安宁，都会请王公坐镇（资料取自台湾民俗文化研究室）。三王公是当地的守护神，庙有200多年历史了。

我也在庙里上香：先拜天公、然后三王公、三王公众神像、土地公…… 还丢圣杯、求签。对于心中的疑问，似乎有了指引，但还有不明确之处。:X

下一站是陈阿土古厝。陈阿土生前是早期二结的地方绅士，他家中摆放的家具都很古老，走进去里头，仿佛穿越时光。

他家外有像似仙境的花园～

客厅……很old school哟～

年轻搞怪的我们，在这个充满怀旧风采的房子里，怎么不玩角色扮演呢？:P

“漂亮美丽优雅聪明的医生！我病入膏肓，快～救～救～我～～!!” “别急，别急，医生有妙方！”

“小姐帮你算算账喔～”
（柜台上的算盘让我想起公公裁缝店里的算盘……一模一样！）

你看看YW在干嘛～鞋子＝电话

妈咪，你看！我在车衣！是不是似模似样？有遗传到吧！:)（我妈是裁缝师哟～）

好精致的衣柜。

题外话：我在陈阿土古厝的天花板墙角上看见一个超大的蜘蛛！起先还以为是假的，没想打它是真的！我的天！

参观完古厝，前往玩纸工坊。

天气很好，途中看到在睡觉的狗狗。

因为狗狗在睡觉，所以：请勿停车！
开玩笑啦，不过，台湾人真的很爱狗。

宜兰是个绿意盎然的地方。风一吹，我身后的那堆草轻轻摇动，看起来软软的，好想趟下去！

在玩纸工坊开始亲手制作纸。Oh my god, 第一次有机会做一直以来都很熟悉的纸，无比开心！:)

这是从树木取得的纸浆。因为经过漂白，所以你看到的纸浆是白色的。

步骤很简单：用模把浸在水里的纸浆捞起，沥干，用布将水分完全吸收，就大功告成！当然，制作时要很小心，不然纸会破。

之后去盖印章。

有很多漂亮的传统印章供我们选择！

我选了这个～

YW提议用大大的信封遮住半边脸，don't ask me why, ask him, haha. :)

宜兰的7-11。白雪问我：“这个你也要拍！” 我说：“是啊。”我要收集不同地方的7-11的照片，纵使它们看起来没差。:)

去南方澳的途中，拍了几张照片。喜欢在异国坐车，边坐边欣赏经过的风景。

宜兰县的绿地真多呀～

我们到苏澳的南方澳吃午餐，用餐地点就是装潢很不错的豆腐岬17海鲜餐厅。

这次来台湾这么久，终于能到大餐馆和一大桌人一起吃饭～　开心！而且还碰到一对新人在那里举行婚宴。噢，这是我继阿文的婚礼后，第二次看到有情人成眷属。幸福，幸福！

饭前拍张照。可惜请到不是很会拍照的好心人帮忙拍照……
YW被挡住，TY和Danny没有看镜头！哈哈哈～

接下来是让人垂涎的佳肴～

冷盘

白斩鸡

吻仔鱼。很清甜！

豆腐，我的最爱。

虾子。

这种鱼骨头多，没有很好吃，哇哈～

Miso Soup 里竟有鱼…… 不过我喜欢这碗 Miso Soup!!

这是什么我忘了，只记得胶质好好吃！
（完蛋，我以前都不吃看起来肥肥怪怪的东西……现在却吃了）

花枝！这盘花枝丸超～级～好～吃！连美食家兼花枝丸爱好者TY都觉得好吃喔～
肉很Q，很有嚼劲，沾胡椒粉的味道更赞！

可爱的杯子。

这家餐馆的一些菜不错吃，但有一些就属于家常便饭，在如此装潢美观的环境吃，感觉有些突兀。而且，上菜的速度有些慢，急得SA找老板协调，因为要跟上先前计划好的时间表的进度。

用过饱满的午餐，我们到南方澳附近的一条街学做花生捲冰淇淋。我超爱吃花生，而且花生捲冰淇淋的花生有caramel，味道特别香，所以我磨了特别多的花生。

喜欢亲手做吃的，因为可以多加喜欢的食材～早前在九份和奋起湖看到店家卖，这次有机会亲手尝试，感觉很妙。

磨花生没有想象中的容易，要费多些力，还要一些技巧，才能磨出花生喔。:)

耶耶耶！DIY花生捲冰淇淋！

我们做花生捲冰淇淋的街。

我们也喝了很古早的单株汽水～单株是卡在瓶中的，如果要取出单株，就要把瓶子打破。

这就是南方澳啦～

南方澳是台湾沿海及近海洋渔船的重要基地，渔获量丰盛，是台湾三大渔业的重镇之一。这里的景色不算漂亮，但到此看海的人还真不少耶。

南方澳。

在南方澳跳跃。哈哈哈，有些unglam! :)

宜兰游的最后一站是宜兰县的冬山河亲水公园。我们先在冬山河农庄租了脚车，然后骑车到冬山河亲水公园。

冬山河农庄。

骑脚车等红灯时拍的。往左前进，就到公园了。

公园入口有个很漂亮的利泽简桥。

美丽，美丽！天气很好，草很青，空气也很新鲜～

骑脚车沿路看到的风景。

距离骑脚车的时间应该很久很久了，这次再次骑上脚车，起先觉得很不稳，摇摇晃晃地骑了一小段路。后来驾轻就熟，爱上了我的铁马。

在老家的时候，很爱窝在家里当宅女，不会有闲情逸致到外头骑脚车。很庆幸在异乡有机会骑脚车，而且沿路还有绿意盎然的风景和凉风习习的天气陪伴。如果不是事先贴心的安排，我想我此行也不会碰脚车吧。因为难得，所以珍惜，呵呵。

来个艺术照。很有emo feel，是不？:)

在蓝天下，我们想像着未来，想像着在梦想的国度里飞翔。

开心三人行。耶！:)

在上车离开宜兰前，在冬山河农庄旁边的小木屋拍了另一张艺术照。
哇哈，上瘾了～

这就是传说中装有卡啦OK配备的游览车啦～我们坐在最后一排，做什么都自由自在。所以……

不计形象（尤其是YW）玩疯了，全车笑声最大的，应该是我们这里了。哇哈哈哈哈！每次可看到这张照片就会笑～ XD

我们的“名牌”。

回到政大，大伙一起到校外新开的“玉口香”扁食店吃晚餐。时常喊饿的我，奇迹般地不饿，所以没点它的招牌馄炖，只点了鲁肉饭。

朋友的馄炖。

我的鲁肉饭。

用餐环境还不错喔～

耶，大合照，为超好玩的一天画下完美的句点。:)

发现潜藏的口味

2008-04-08T17:32:00.007+08:00

自从来到这里，对自己的味觉 / 口味有了更深一层的发现：

超爱面粉/淀粉类高的食物，如：面包、饭、粉圆；
涂上花生酱的饼干；
蒸鱼；
麦片。

我在新加坡的时候，都把这些食物当成理所当然，不知为何人在异乡，对这几样原本就很熟悉的食物有一种特殊的craving。也特爱吃零食了。

这些都是我在家乐福、学校的福利社和学校附近的熊威超市的战利品：

朋友在淡水帮我买的鱼酥。超好吃，可惜吃完了～

靠近小南门捷运站的家乐福。Everything in Chinese :)

还有蔬菜饼、铜锣烧和巧克力没有上镜呢。

刚才读《联合早报》时得知米、麦和咖啡涨价了，在1003也听到DJ黄文鸿说，有机构说我们已经身处在物价上涨的时代。

我的天啊，正当我发现自己爱吃米和麦类食物的时候，价格攀升。台北也一样，面包都好贵喔。

不过重点是，我也发现自己越来越不挑食了。小时候的我嘴巴很机灵，什么好吃 / 不好吃、“漏风”等的食物，我都是第一个提出意见。可能是一直受父母影响，不能挑食，所以坏习惯消失了，取而代之的是“什么都尝试、什么都OK”的味觉。

开始厌倦这样的味觉，因为台湾是美食天堂。我的嘴可以挑一点。

还好，在这里遇到一个很可爱的朋友，她懂什么是或不是极品，也推荐我一些学校附近不错吃的店家。得好好向她学习才是～

以前在家里，什么都好吃（因为是妈妈用心烹调的），现在人在外，每天的“厨师”都不同，味道也不同，吃也成了我一天的最大享受。

或许，5个月不见，之后见到的我，就是个大胖子～

无论如何，我对吃可以再讲究一点。:)

Day 51: New Life Church

2008-04-06T23:08:00.022+08:00

On the last day of my Spring Break, I went to New Life Church with TY! It's my first time visiting a church; have never done so back home, as far as I can remember.

Although I'm a Buddhist, I didn't hesitate much when TY asked me if I wanted to go for this church event, cos I wanted to experience how a church activity is like. Moreover, I heard that F.I.R's 阿沁 and 劉耕宏 will be performing at this church concert. Come to think of it, it was really an eye opener~ :)

On the bus with TY. Ready to set off! :)

The concert was held at a building in Taipei Fuhsing Private School, which is just opposite the famous bookstore—— 誠品敦化.

Basketball court.

Basketball court is the first place you see when you step into the school. Although I didn't tour around the school, but I have a feel that it's really huge.

At the other end of the basketball court, there's this cement stage. Hmm, I wonder if Taiwanese kids have assembly in the morning. Shall go find out from my friends.

Next up: The Concert!! :)

We went to the gallery at second level cos the first level was packed with many many people. We even have to share seats! But it's ok, since concerts are supposed to be crowded. 这样才有气氛!!

The concert was held in conjunction with the release of a new album by New Life Church, and the songs from the album are composed by the members of this church, under the theme of Hope.

The performers were really talented and professional! They dressed so much like artistes that F.I.R's vocalist 飞 was "buried" within them. I didn't notice it was her until told me.

F.I.R's 飞 (In red top)

刘耕宏

F.I.R 阿沁—— my favourite!

今天看到的阿沁，比较不像艺人，反而很像朋友。纵使他给媒体的印象一直都很友善，但他今天畅所欲言，在台上还和女友飞“打情骂俏”，让她害羞，真的很逗趣～

The songs they composed were full of love and hope, and this makes me suddenly realised why F.I.R's songs are usually encouraging. Those songs had previously helped me overcome a dark period in my life, and now I know their inspiration actually came from God.

音乐是很有感染力的，尤其是充满快乐、感恩、希望的歌曲。或许因为觉得中文歌比较亲切，所以特别有感觉，心情也变得更加轻盈～

觉得这个教会和娱乐圈有很紧密的联系——阿沁自弹自唱的《不凋零的花》，我曾经在HIT FM（台湾的流行电台）听何耀珊诠释过。是他唱到副歌的时候我才发现的。原来，流行音乐也能和宗教巧妙做结合喔! :)

The singers who sang in the album were also featured in an MV. The graphics were very nicely and professionally done, although some of the singers' expressions were a little unnatural. They were probably inexperienced but that's ok. :)

芝颖学姐 took us to tour around the church after the concert ended. Whoo~ It's my first time entering a church, so full of curiosity and excitement~

芝颖学姐 told me that there's a couple who'll be getting married in the church today, and upon seeing the wedding photo I was totally shocked-- the bridegroom was ex-Sixplus（六甲樂團）vocalist—— 阿文!! Omg, what a coincidence!!

Ex-Sixplus vocalist 阿文 and his wife.

The tour around the church marveled me—— it's very elegantly and nicely decorated. The whole place looked very cosy and peaceful, and such atmosphere can really influence a person to feel calm and secure.

Behind these people is a bookstore.

Besides Bibles and church-related books, cute little souvenirs and ornaments are sold in the bookstore too.

I'm attracted by the shiny disco ball on top of the cards stand. Elegant!

The Cafe.

Church members gathering and engaging in a sharing session.

Next, we attended 阿文's wedding at a multi-purpose venue where church sessions and special events are held (I think). There were talks by the priest and a senior couple, and performances by the church singers.

You see the LED above? LEDs are seen everywhere in Taipei—— in buses, schools etc—— they even have it in this hall! By the way I think this guy is quite cute. He can compose songs and sing well~ :) He's like a star singer within the church.

The priest giving a talk. 覺得他是充滿現代感的人, very fashionable. See the guy on the very right? He's Raymond, member of the boyband Tension.

As I was sitting at the side of the hall, my view was blocked by a pillar, haha. Luckily they've got this plasma TV that shows the live telecast. Sweet sweet! Showered with happiness. :)

芝颖、TY、Me. 芝颖 reminds me of S.H.E's Hebe. She's a 研究生 at NCCU's 新闻系.. 聪明啰～

这次参与教堂演唱会，真是大开眼界。我看见也感受到信徒们对他们信仰的虔诚，更是第一次在私下场合，一次过近距离看到这么多从事演艺工作，或曾经在荧幕上出现的人—— FIR团员阿沁与飞、刘耕宏与妻子、Tension团员Raymond、前自然卷主唱娃娃、前六甲乐团主唱阿文，还有《千里之外》MV的女主角。

Since New Life Church is near 东区, TY and I walked around the area. This PRADA's advertisement is REAL BIG!

We had a sumptuous 排骨饭 dinner at 君悅，which is most acclaimed for its signature pork ribs set meal. The food was good but was a bit expensive lor. 一分钱一分吧～

The 配菜 goes very well with the rice and adds flavour to the ribs.

The meat is tender, the skin is crispy.
Tastes superb with vinegar!

Day 49: 二次游淡水 & 周杰倫效應

2008-04-05T13:28:00.014+08:00

Unlike Singapore, we've got no one-week mid-term break within our semester here. Instead, there's a Spring Break that lasts for four days. From what I heard from my Taiwanese friend, Spring Break is similar to Qingming Festival, when people pay visits to the graves of their departed family members or relatives.

This Thursday marks the start of this year's Spring Break. Yesterday, TY, OF and I headed to 淡水. It's my second time there since I came here, and my conclusion is: There's simply too much to see and eat at 淡水! A few hours are definitely not enough for a tourist who wishes to know more about 淡水.

I switched to "tourist mode" yesterday, and decided to source for the famous snacks at 淡水. 要吃, 就吃最好的~

***

I. 美食 Gourmet

Snack number ONE: Smelly tofu. Amazingly, I've so gotten used to that smell that I don't think the tofu are smelly at all. The tofu from this stall is not very smelly; I've yet to try a really really smelly one. Will go to the famous 豆腐街-- 深坑 one day to hunt for the smelliest tofu!!

Me & OF & the different desserts we ordered.

Snack number TWO: Beancurd / Pudding. I ordered Pudding+Pearls. Don't think that the serving is small; I only remembered that I forgot to take a picture of it after I tucked in! Was too eager to savour this much raved dessert. :)

The pudding was exceptionally smooth and the pearls were really chewy, though I hope latter can be bigger so that they're nicer to chew on. The soup wasn't too sweet, just nice for people who don't have sweet tooth~

Snack number THREE: 花枝丸. These sotong balls are freshly made and taste excellent with chilli powder and pepper.

A teenager approached us while we were eating our sotong balls at a corner of a street. He showed us some magic tricks and I loved the his trick of taking out a poker card out of his mouth in front of us! Although these so-called "magic" are just illusions, but he was fast enough to deceive our eyes.

By the way, I thought silently that.. he looked like Jay Chou. ;)

Snack number FOUR: Tower ice-cream. We both had the strawberry cheese cum mango milk. Its taste wasn't as good as it sounds, but still, I love ice-creams so I thought it was OK.

Snack number FIVE: 阿給. As mentioned earlier, 淡水 is really famous for this snack. The name "阿給" comes from the Japanese pronunciation of oily tofu-- "abura-age". It is actually 冬粉 wrapped inside 豆乾, topped with 魚醬.

There are a lot of shops at 淡水老街 claiming to be the inventor of 阿給, but the actual shop where 阿給 originated is at 真理街. I'm glad we found the genuine 阿給! YAY!! :)

There were not enough seats inside the shop so we had to stand beside a family to wait for them to finish their food. Long queues were seen at both "eat-inside" and "take-away" areas set up for taking orders. The owner must be making big big money!!

Dinner @ 公館 (We left 淡水 by dinnertime): 雞錦丼+四川泡菜+茶碗蒸+紅茶. Can you believe it this is the first time I'm eating out at Yoshinoya, despite it being rather popular in Singapore. :X The chicken was really tender, and I love its gravy! The Chawan mushi was savory too, there's even a piece of chicken inside. 幸福~

***

II. 周杰倫效應 The Jay Chou Effect

If you watched Jay Chou's Secret, you would have known that the school featured inside the movie was Jay Chou's secondary school-- 淡江中學. It's become a famous tourist spot now. We saw many many tourists even though it was a school day! So I call this "The Jay Chou Effect". 大家都是衝著周杰倫而來～ :)

From 紅毛城 (Fort San Domingo, within walking distance from 淡水老街) we set off to 淡江中學!!

Along our way we passed by 真理大學 (Aletheia University). I was surprised to see buildings of European style within the campus. It doesn't look like a university at all; more like a park in one of the European countries. The classy architectural style made me feel really relaxed. How I wished I can attend a school like that. Makes me feel like a tourist every day. :)

Elegant!

This is what you see when you enter the university from its front gate.

That's the auditorium (I think)!

Omg there's even a fort here.

They really put effort in botanic art. This is outside the School of Management and Mathematics.

自拍 from the rooftop of the university.

And then, we reached my much anticipated 淡江中學 (Tam-Kang High School)!! :) :)

This is the very famous 八角塔 (Octagonal Tower). Do you find it familiar? It's the opening scene of the movie, when 晴依 (曾愷玄飾) introduced the school to 葉湘倫 (周杰倫飾) as they walked along the pathway I was standing on.

I remembered it was a long shot, and the director must have used the camera suspended at the end of a long long rod. So where was the camera placed? Probably in front of this building, which is facing the Octagonal Tower:

We went to the sides of the Tower and took more photos. This Tower houses the administration building and several classrooms.

We reacted the Classic Move in the corridor, where 路小雨(桂綸鎂飾) would tap on 葉湘倫's shoulder and when he turns back, she will point her index finger on his cheek. Cheap thrill~ :)

Yeah, going for lesson.

By the way, the uniform in the movie was not the school's actual uniform. Took a photo with these two friendly students to show you how their original uniform looks like. I love the knee-length socks and the black dolly pumps!

A peak of a classroom inside the Tower. Looks cosy!

Classrooms in another building. Really love the architectural design!!

This is the field where the rugby competition in the movie was held.

Oh, so rugby is a very well-recognised sport in the school.

I have a feeling that this bench was featured in the movie. But I may be wrong~

Don't know what this building is, but it looks elegant~

Really doesn't look like it's a place within a campus.

I appreciate the school's effort in planting all these nice flowers and plants around the school to add greenery and beautify the campus.

The signs that remind tourists not to enter classroom areas are seen at certain parts of the school. If I were a student there, I will feel proud being part of the big family, but meanwhile I will also hope to enjoy the serenity of the campus, without disturbances from visitors. Dilemma~

Road outside the school.

It was near evening when we walked back to 淡水老街. From there we headed to 魚人碼頭 (Fisherman's Wharf). See, 海與天連成一線!! :)

This is a really nice walkway along the sea. Imagine holding your lover's hand and strolling here-- must be very romantic! :)

We saw this pet pig outside a drinks shop. The owner keeps a pet squirrel as well. O.o

I been to 魚人碼頭 3 years ago but that was in the day. Oh, so this is how the 情人橋 (Lover's Bridge) looks like in the night. Really good spot for dating. :)

I'm on the bridge! Behind me is the stretch of restaurants, bakery and snacks shops that cater to the tourists. A highly commercialised / tourist-y place.. Won't really like it if not for the nice scenery.

***

III. 隨圖 Random

Saw this cute signboard along the 淡水老街.

Talking about dogs, there are many many vagrant dogs along the streets in Taipei, unlike Singapore where there are more vagrant cats than dogs. I am afraid of dogs before I came here, but now I'm quite immune to their presence. I heard it's a kind of psychological effect-- the more one is exposed to something that one is feared of, the more he (she) will become used to it.

Emo emo~

Cute little houses at the Fort San Domingo's entrance! :)

I see the contrast here: A run-down make-shift vegetable stall vs. a nicely decorated classy boutique.

Seldom see such huge Taiwanese artiste's advertisement posters in Singapore. But it's so prevalent here. :D

So glad to have re-visited 淡水 and explored the other part of it with a much much more beautiful mood. :)

Day 29: 十分、平溪、菁桐

2008-03-30T11:56:00.036+08:00

I'm back from 阿里山! But before I adorn my blog with the beautiful sceneries from 阿里山, I better finish my entry on 十分、平溪、菁桐 first. :)

***

Had a fulfilling Saturday (15.03.08) because I went out of the Taipei City again!

This time to 十分、平溪 and 菁桐. They are located along the train line (火车喔, 不是新加坡的MRT地铁).

Met 宏哲 and his friend from Singapore, Charlotte at the Taipei Train Station.

Me, Charlotte, 宏哲. :)

We hopped onto the train and headed towards our first stop: 十分.

Yay I passed by 暖暖!! 梁静茹 has a super nice song called 暖暖, and the MV was filmed at this station. Although we didn't stop there, but I am contented for being able to take a photo with the signboard. Thanks 宏哲 for his swift action!! :)

八堵, where we transferred to the train that took us to 十分.

Thank god the train was quite empty (I am afraid of crowded trains). I love the inner design of this train! The curve reminds me of a 亭子.

Here I am: 十分~

总觉得台湾地方的名字很妙，当地人也很懂得用文字把地方艺术化。就像“十分”—— 把这个词加在任何一个美好的词后面，有画龙点睛的作用。例如：十分幸福。:)

我喜欢铁轨，尤其是那种无止尽的。喜欢远方的未知数，对未知、神秘的一切，充满期待。

This is the 静安吊桥。We walked past this bridge to get to the 十分 waterfall. At 十分, everything you see has a touch of the authentic village feel. It's this feel that made me feel calm and peaceful.

See the man with the bike? He was there to distribute the Kuomintang pamphlets to the residents here. There was a speaker on his bike, and the voice from the speaker was campaigning for the blue camp.

I approached him and asked for a pamphlet; he happily gave one to me. Now I got the full collection of pamphlets from both parties-- I was given the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) pamphlets outside my school the other day.

The green and the blue camps.

We walked past a few bridges along our way towards the waterfall. The water beneath was clean and crystal clear! The air was fresh; we can actually enjoy refreshing moments at Bukit Timah Hill too, just that the view of the mountains, trees and rivers are more spectacular here.

I wanna fish there!

The holes in the rocks were caused by collision and erosion from the small stones that gushed down rapidly with the water when the water level rose. This natural sight reminds me of the river bed I saw at 貓空 (a ravine near my school)-- people call this 壶穴.

***
什么是壶穴 ?

壶穴是在河流出现的一种地理特征。

由于雨水令河水流量增加，带动上游的石块向下游流动，当石块遇上河床上的岩石凹处无法前进时，会被水流带动而打转，经历长时间后将障碍磨穿，形成一圆形孔洞，称为壶穴。

(Source from Wikipedia)
***

See how much I love the railway tracks!!

KMT's campaign vehicle was a man and a bike; DPP's was a van. I dunno what the difference means. :X

When we reached the waterfall, we discovered that they actually collect entrance fees from people who wish to view the waterfall. WTH~ Since when people have to pay to see the natural sceneries? We decided it was not worth it so we gave it a miss and headed to 十分老街.

I felt sad over the commercialisation of a natural sight. But of course they have a reason to charge-- maybe for the maintenance of the waterfall cos tourists might have been littering and damaging the area.

Behind us is the old lane.

Many shops along the old lane were closed on a carefree Saturday morning. Nevertheless, we still saw some cute shops.

杂货店. The boy boy resting on a chair reminds me of my childhood times when I played outside Grandpa's tailor shop. 那是我回不去的从前..

Veges stall! Ever since I came here I start to develop a liking for veges and fruits, cos comparatively they cost more here than in Singapore.

十分 and 平溪 are famous for 天灯（Sky Lanterns）, so many shop owners decorate their shops with 天灯s of different designs.

The door of this shop is in the shape of a sky lantern. 走味的咖啡 sounds unique~

After finishing our sightseeing tour at 十分, we took a train to get to 平溪, which was just one train stop away.

平溪老街. The old lanes are more or less similar-- they are mostly filled with eateries, occasionally with shops that sell souvenirs. I have a feeling that these places are becoming "tourist-y", which is a pity.

It was way past noon and we started to feel hungry. Came across an eatery to have our lunch.

鸡丝面+蛋=30NT. But there were no slices of chicken inside, so I reckoned “鸡丝面” must be the name of the noodles. The egg was delicious though. :)

Charlotte ordered this signature food from 平溪—— 谷早味面茶 with 油条. It tasted like sesame paste but was not as sweet. The taste was so unique and palatable that I couldn't describe. I like it very much!! :)

***
什么是面茶？它的主原料是面粉加上芝麻和糖炒香，用热水泡起来又香又甜。
***

We passed by another cafe-cum-souvenir shop that was very artistically decorated. The floor was a man-made railway track and the ceiling was full of pretty 天灯s.

“喂喂，幸福电话，请问我的幸福在哪里？”

“你的幸福在你爱的人和爱你的人那里。”

The noodles didn't fill our stomaches so we bought a 车轮饼 (7NT). I choose the one with corn butter flavour. The crust was very crispy and the taste of the butter slowly unfolded as it melted in my mouth. 这种感觉也叫幸福喔~ :)

这是平溪著名的圆柱式老邮筒，在原地伫立了上百年，历经战争和沧桑，现在还有用喔～听人家说，没和它合照就等于没来过平溪，如果哪天你也来平溪玩，记得找寻它的踪影！

对我来说，它是个坚定、屹立不倒的象征～

那天很幸运地碰到这位很友善的Tiger老伯伯在邮筒旁，他带领小童子军游平溪，而老邮筒就是小童子军们寻宝游戏的其中一站。

每到一站，就有得盖章，老伯伯也帮我盖一个邮筒的印章，以示我到此一游（虽然一洗手，墨汁就马上脱落了 :X）！

老伯伯听说我们是新加坡人，乐得告诉我们，年底会在新加坡参与一个童子军的交流活动。能和老伯伯在这里萍水相逢，也是短暂的缘分～预祝你们在新加坡玩得开心!!

Guess what's inside this 八仙洞?

Bwahhhaha~ It's actually a bomb shelter. There are a lot of small tunnels inside this shelter, and inside these tunnels were tables and chairs. Probably for the residents hiding inside to chit-chat and drink coffee while sheltering themselves from the dreadful air raids. Wow, 真是大开眼界～

Statues of deities were placed inside too.

Another historical monument—— 平安钟。

According to 廖伯伯（another teacher who brought the scouts here）, this bell was used by the residents to announce the arrival of the soldiers. Upon hearing the alarm, residents would go to the shelter and hide.

敲敲几下，祈求平安。:)

Then, I finally get to 放天灯!!

我在天灯的四面为自己和家人写上慢慢的祝福，然后放它到自由、辽阔的天空翱翔，把祝福送到在天上保佑着我们的快乐天使和幸福精灵，让祝福散播、实现。

Next stop: 菁桐。There was nothing much in 菁桐, only (another) old lane, haha. I heard that 杉菜（大S饰）sold ice desserts from one of the stalls here in the super famous idol drama 《流星花园》, but couldn't located the stall. Not fated to eat dessert from here, haha.

好多好多许愿筒.

Green :)

菁桐老街。这条街还蛮短的～

去看太子宾馆（据说是周渝民主演的偶像剧《贫穷贵公子》的拍摄场景之一）的途中看见这个漂亮又有格调的餐厅。

It was dinner time when we were about to leave. Went into this eatery to have 黑猪大肠蚵仔面线.

Yummy yummy! The 面线 was soft, the gravy was thick. See how big the 蚵仔 is!!

Whoo-hoo~ Only 40NT for a small bowl. :)

No wonder it was featured in TVBS 《食尚玩家》. 还好吃到这里著名的小吃，还算不虚此行（自我安慰）。

I bet the shop owner sees signatures as a type of artistic expression.

Last food of the day—— 臭豆腐. 宏哲 treated us to this not-smelly-at-all-smelly-tofu. It tastes more like fried 豆干. But still, the chilli was tasty. :)

On our way back to 木栅, I met a group of NCCU students also heading back to NCCU from their course outing at 菁桐. What a coincidence! Initially I thought I would have to take the metro from 木栅 station back to school, but was delighted to hear from them that we could actually transfer to another bus that could take us directly to the doorstep of our school.

And so, I said goodbye to Mr. and Miss Nice (宏哲 and Charlotte) in a hurry, took another bus with the group of students, and chatted with my new found friends along my way back.

开心又充实的一天!! :)

阿里山

2008-03-28T02:01:00.002+08:00

I've always wanted to blog, but can't seem to fork out the time to do it..

Anyways, just to update that I'm setting off to 阿里山 today!

(To see whether 阿里山的姑娘美如水，阿里山的少年壯如山。)

Yummy cereal and peanut butter

2008-03-26T08:39:00.005+08:00

I got up on the day before yesterday and made myself a cup of cereal milk for breakfast. Wow, it tasted really good and bightened up by day. :)

And I bought a can of peanut butter from a supermarket, spread it on the biscuits and went snack-ing away. I was delighted by the tremendous satisfaction I had. Yummy!

On our way home one day, TY had the urge to buy iced coffee. And she bought a cup nearby. I told her that I am envious of people who have the sudden urge to have a specific kind food, because the satisfaction gained from fufilling such desires are maximised.

So, I am happy to discover that cereal and peanut butter are my latent food desires. :)

And I enjoy shopping for groceries now!!! Call me "Auntie 嘍嘍" please~

Day 13: 金瓜石、九份、台北地下街

2008-03-06T23:05:00.056+08:00

写这篇文章的时候，我在听着陈绮贞的《九份的咖啡店》。

哇，超有feel的说。

不过，九份茶馆比较多。咖啡店倒是没看到。

我的“九份一游”，发生在2月28日——台湾的228和平纪念日。

一早到忠孝復興捷運站与美心学姐和她的侄女小布丁会合，然后搭一趟要NT90、车程差不多一小时左右的公车直接抵达靠近九份的金瓜石。

忠孝復興捷運站其中一个出口外面就是SOGO。

前往九份的路上。

九份，对我来说，是一个纯朴的村落，虽有水泥建的住宅区，但环境清幽，放眼望去，看见的是山脉、阶梯，还有黄色的道路。悠闲的，静静的。

第一站是金瓜石黄金博物园区。

金瓜石黄金博物园区地图。

金瓜石位于台北县瑞芳镇，金瓜石以前是一个人烟稀少的荒野（源自CTIN台湾旅游联盟网站）。

学生入门票NT70，一进里头，眼前是一排日式小屋。YQ用平常的语气说：“这个好象是《转角遇到爱》小猪跟大S住的屋子... 是不是69号，我就不是很清楚。”

什么?! 真的假的?! OH MY GOD I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!

你知道的了，I'm so hooked on to Taiwanese idol dramas. 从未想过会亲临拍摄场地。也太妙了吧。

问问馆内的阿姨，她证实，门牌“瑞芳镇金瓜石金光路69号”的小屋，正是在戏中被挂牌“吴兴街69号”的拍摄场景。

除了69号，还有其他三栋建筑风格类似的房子，四栋连在一起，人们称它们为“四连栋”。

***

什么是四连栋（取自在金瓜石遇見「轉角遇到愛」）？

四连栋于1930年代日本矿业株式会社兴建，提供当时日籍矿场技术人员及眷属居住。在当时，屋舍的住宅面积、样式等会因住户在公司内的职位高低而有所不同。

随着时代变迁与矿业发展的没落，四连栋宿舍也渐渐的没落、失修，经过重新规划整修后，2007年4月20日四连栋重新开放，正式更名为「生活美学体验坊」；除第一户作为行政功能不对外开放外，其余三户将规划成艺文活动空间、日治时期情境展示以及光复来台后住户使用情况回顾等展演空间。透过日式恬适空间与情境还原，让来访民众了解四连栋人文历史与建筑之美，并细细品味生活中各种的美学经验。

***

卧房。木马把我带回童年……

饭厅。

厨房。

还有防空洞喔。

小屋前的花园。

在园区里拍了不少风景照。

连绵山脉，一个城市的女孩。

铁路。

本来打算爬一个长长的楼梯到500米距离的神寺，可是阶梯太斜，途中大家都累了，决定返回。

我没有碰到那柱子……视觉效果啦～

呼～有些累了。

阶梯、阶梯、阶梯！

下山的时候，瞧，我看到了什么：

拍这张照片会不会很残忍啊？:|

之后从园区外搭公车到黄金瀑布。

漂亮可爱的小布丁 :) 她的天真烂漫，快乐了整个行程。

阴阳海，看到了吗？同样一片海，但因为矿物之间的化学作用，出现两种颜色。海与天连成一线……

没有流星雨。指爽而已。

下一站：九份。这条街真拥挤！

停下来吃了两道不错吃的小吃：综合丸汤和综合芋圆汤。超爱淀粉很高的食物～

综合丸汤：里头有福州鱼丸、花枝鱼丸和肉丸；NT35。

赖阿婆综合芋圆汤，很有名喔；NT35。

美心学姐请的臭豆腐。

走到公车站搭公车的路上。

谢谢美心学姐带我们到美丽的九份！ :)

随便走到了附近一个公车站，随缘搭上前往瑞芳车站的公车，也就顺着第一次搭了这次来台北的第一趟火车。

然后在台北车站下车。之前提过，台北车站、台北捷运和高铁都是相通的喔。

台北车站有台北地下街，那里商店很多，我们狂扫NT100、NT200的鞋子。

我的晚餐。不是菜贩喔，忘了叫什么。好像是“三”什么什么的，总之里头有鸡肉、猪肉、鸭肉。卤蛋和菜都不错吃～ NT85.

很充实的一天，不仅漫步在辽阔、壮观的自然风光、目睹了九份的繁忙景象，也在台北地下街度过了很“都市”（逛街）的一个傍晚。

P.S. 这篇写了好久，感觉一世纪。现在是凌晨2点03分！

Good luck for A Levels, Darrrlings

2008-03-06T17:37:00.005+08:00

Haven't been posting cos was busy dealing with some irritating matter recently.

Taiwanese call "irritating" 機車. And they call motorbikes 摩托車 instead.

Finished my assignment that's supposed to be handed in tonight. Decided to take a break before moving on to another course's assignment, and I made this for Darrrlings who will be receiving their results tomorrow.

Credits to Patagoniagifts and Photobucket for the graphics!

Wish them luck! :)

Day 15: 西門町, 桃園, 中壢

2008-03-02T13:33:00.031+08:00

Finally I have the time to update my blog again.

Haven't been in a good mood these two days cos I discovered that my money has gone missing.. I recorded my expenditures everyday but couldn't account for the missing few thousands NT.

Didn't expect such thing will happen. I just pray that a miracle would happen, that these money will be returned soon :'( After all, they are all hard-earned money..

So people, do pay full attention to your personal belongings. Don't end up like me, only regretting after I've experienced it. Heart pain!

Drenched my urge to enjoy. Bet this matter will bother me for quite some time. Sigh.

***

Sad and fateful incident aside, I went out with a Taiwanese friend 小偉 yesterday.

Having grown up in 內壢（between 桃園 and 中壢）, and mostly been to his workshop in Taipei for choreograph sessions, he had not much idea where in Taipei we could go to.

I haven't been to 西門町 since I arrived, so I suggested of going to there.

It was the first time I traveled on a bus on my own. Took 236 from my school to a place near Taipei train station, got lost for a while, and only reached the station after asking three passersby for directions.

Taipei train station is HUGE. It's metro (equivalent to Singapore's MRT), train and high-speed railway combined together.

Made him waited for around 20 minutes before I spotted his car. Guilty!

Hopped on it, and we headed to 西門町. He parked his car at a carpark that's near the "deserted" area of 西門町, and laughed at my immediate exclamation: "Huh, 西門町跟我在電視上看到的不一樣耶!"

The deserted area of 西門町

The 西門町 with crowds and a lot of advertisements boards: A contrast.

Witnessed the incident of police catching the illegal retailers selling foodstuff and merchandises there red-handed. The retailers just grabbed their luggages (they were smart enough to display the merchandises inside the luggage for the ease of closing it and running away quickly if the police came) and pushed their carts away from the street where the police was.

Even the Taiwanese were shocked.

小偉 took me to try the famous 阿宗麵線. What's special is that everyone stood near the shop to have their noodles. It was a weird scene, but too bad I forgot to take photos of it cos I was already holding on to the warm warm bowl of noodles.

Never mind, shall take photo of that when I re-visit the place.

According to him, 阿宗麵線 started out as a humble food stall on the street of 西門町. The business expanded and they shifted to a shophouse.

It really tasted good, especially with the chilli. The soup was very concentrated, and the noodles were soft.

Small serving: 40NT. Big serving: 55NT.

After that we went to 新宿 for dessert 愛玉 (a kind of transparent jelly). He said it's made of lemon. No wonder there's this sour taste. Nice! (Though I prefer it with 粉圓.)

By the way, 新宿 is a shopping centre that's similar to Far East Plaza, just that it's not as big and spacious.

He wanted to take me to the eatery nearby for nice 排骨飯, but I was full. I remembered where it was located. Will go there and try next time.

Then, we headed to 桃園's 海湖 and 竹圍漁港, and the more prosperous area of 中壢.

I finally get to see the beaming sun and the beautiful sky on the highway! By the way the highway we were on reminded me of PIE. Along the sides were forests.

Passed by the ERP-like gantry amid the highway..

..Passed by Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport.

Reached 桃園's 海湖, the sea where he and his friends usually go to during summer. But it was super windy and cold, with lots of litter. Cannot see the sandy beach cos the tides were high.

海湖.

Sunset near 海湖. This is the second sunset I've seen in Taiwan already; seldom see such a beautiful sight in Singapore.

Next stop was the 竹圍漁港 nearby. It's similar to the Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre, where a huge variety of seafood were sold. There were also a lot of street stalls selling roasted squids and 酒螺.

竹圍漁港.

竹圍漁港, near the sea. Super dark and windy, with sands blowing into my eyes. But this was the first time I see stars in Taiwan ever since I arrived!

Last stop was 中壢; 小偉 droved me around the more prosperous area where he usually went for arcade sessions during his school days.

中壢 street scenes. I couldn't take any clear photos on the car. SOGO is still very famous in Taiwan, while Singapore's chain has already been shut down a few years back.

Cos Taipei is far far away from 中壢, he took me to the train station. Bought the train ticket and headed back to Taipei Station on my own.

中壢 Train Station

On the platform, waiting for the train to arrive.

On the train.

The ticket.

I didn't take much photos, cos I thought it was quite weird snapping away in front of a local who's very familiar with the surrounding.

After reaching Taipei Station, I decided to be adventurous so I didn't take the metro, though it is less likely I'll get lost inside the metro station.

I followed the directions and was lucky enough to return to the exit that I went past in the afternoon. Nearly got lost on the way, but strangely, I wasn't afraid at all. Perhaps I was half-distracted by the missing money incident. It has ripped me off part of my emotions.

Outside Taipei Train Station.

Relying on my memory, I walked to the bus stop that I alighted in the afternoon, and upon asking a passerby I realised 236's route is a loop.

I boarded the bus; mission completed.

游車河 in Taiwan is nice.. Get to see the street scenes without having to walk.

Day 10: 板橋 (Ban Qiao)

2008-02-25T15:07:00.028+08:00

I just carried two heavy mattresses from the Communication School located half-way along the mountains, all the way to my hostel, which is at the foot of the mountains.

So, my hands are trembling now. Helpful Gwen went up with me to assist me in carrying another two blankets, and on our way back, she consoled ourselves that we'll have lower chances of getting flabby arms.. Haha, what a way to tone our arms ehh.

I requested for more mattresses cos I was practically sleeping on a wooden board. I think there's some problems with my spine, so sleeping on a hard surface was a torture for me.

Thought I could get used to it after sleeping on it for one week, but no, the pain down my spine and neck (and sometimes head) still continues. I reckoned I better put a stop to it before I return to Singapore in a wheelchair, haha (OK, maybe not that serious-- just that I'm an extremist~).

***

Yesterday was spent fruitfully at 板橋 (Ban Qiao). Shuhui wanted to have her book signed by Mayday Ashin so the four of us might as well go there and see how 板橋 looked like.

We alighted at 府中 MRT station and took a few minutes walk to 誠品. There was already a super long queue at level one. And guess what-- the start of the queue was at level eight! Shuhui joined the queue, while the rest of us went to shop at the stores nearby.

When it was about time, we followed the queue to find out where exactly the autograph venue was. We climbed a few storeys of the emergency stairways, gave up and took the escalator inside the building instead.

Perhaps we were lucky, we stood in front of a block the book shelves near the exit at the eighth floor. Ashin came in from the exit, that happened so fast that I didn't manage to take a snapshot of him in time.

But we experienced some cheap thrill by placing our cameras on top of the book shelves to take photos of him.

You know, taking photos during autograph sessions is an art-- so much so it requires skill. You need to press the shutter the moment the fans in front of the artistes move, otherwise the artiste will be blocked and what you captured are the backsides of his/her fans.

Since we got nothing better to do, we engaged in this cheap thrill activity for quite a long time while waiting for Shuhui's turn to arrive. So now, here're the photos:

Shuhui's book, autographed by Ashin. She told Ashin she is from Singapore and requested him to write her name, but he only managed to write a 慧 before his manager said that no penning of names is allowed -_-"

Kudos to Gwen for taking this clear clear photo of Ashin in action!

The wide angle.

The looong queue.

This was how we took photos of Ashin. How unglam. But that's cheap thrill~

Then we got bored and took photos with the books.

Many thanks to 家豪, 家豪's friend 泰權 and 泰權's friend 嘉徽. It's through this kind of indirect friends' referrals that we got to meet bubbly 嘉徽, who grew up in 板橋. We met up with her right after the autograph session; she was a huge fan of Ashin too.

嘉徽 took us to two food stalls that were very well-known at 板橋. I had 油飯 and 綜合湯圓.

The 油飯 tasted like glutinous rice / rice dumpling. NT25.

綜合湯圓 had peanuts, red bean, yam, glutinous rice balls, and other chewy bits. NT35. Yum yum!

嘉徽 kept saying that there's nothing much to see at 板橋, the more famous sightseeing place will be 林家花園 (Lins' Garden). According to her, this huge house once belonged to a very wealthy family in the past. There were man-made mountains etc to signify their status. And now it's become a tourist destination, for people who are interested to take a look at how a rich man's place was like in the past.

Entrance fee was NT50, we didn't really want to pay to go in, so we cheapo-ly took photos outside, haha.

See the broken glasses on top of the wall? That's to deter thieves from entering the house, unless they didn't mind being injured by the glasses.

嘉徽 told us the windows were made in the shape of an opened book (書卷) to add a touch of literature feel to the building.

Nice rows of lanterns outside the Lins' Garden.

A fire engine stopped outside there too, don't ask me why, haha.

Artistes make me high. That's Cherry Boom. I think they are the ambassadors for a blood donation drive. :)

We walked around, shopped around and I bought three clothes at NT300 and a pair of sneakers at NT100. I start to envy Taiwanese people. They can get real nice stuff at such good bargain! No wonder everyone gets to dress prettily. A pair of decent looking pumps costs as affordable as NT190-- that's half of the price in Singapore!

We were walking to another street to shop more when we saw another queue outside 玫瑰唱片(Rose Records). Then we realised it was 楊宗緯's autograph session out there. Wanted to go up and take a glimpse but was stopped by the sales assistants who were managing the crowd.

嘉徽 makes a really good tour guide cos she took us to places we might not chance upon if we were to walk around by ourselves. It's really different where there's a Taiwanese to show us the places around an area. 家豪, you're damn right this time. I couldn't help but to agree with you man. :)

It was time to go return to the hostel, and 嘉徽 sent us to the metro station. Thank you so much, babe, for letting me know more about 板橋!

P.S. 嘉徽's classmate is 星光四少's 周定緯, what a coincidence! We urged her to tell us some stories about him and she did. Wahhhahaha~

P.P.S. I also told her why 板橋 had a negative connotation that's associated with mentally-ill people in Singapore a few years back. She was quite surprised when she heard of that.

Day 3: 公館 + 淡水

2008-02-23T18:39:00.032+08:00

We planned to go to 陽明山 to see the flowers blossom today, but the weather wasn't good, so we called off the trip and decided to curl up in our hostel.

So, it's time for me to update this blog. :)

On the third day I arrived at Taipei, we went to 公館 and 淡水.

公館 is a shopping district, and Taiwan's best university, National Taiwan University (NTU, same as our NTU, haha), is located just nearby.

If I'm not wrong, 公館 is the shopping area nearest to NCCU. It's accessible by two bus services 236 and 530 from the bus stop outside NCCU.

I took this photo at the 公館 bus stop we alighted at:

Most of the signboards here are in traditional Chinese, except for some Western brands (like Addidas). By the way, girls, Kotex is translated into 靠得住. Interesting right :)

I see a lot of idol dramas/ movies' advertisements on buses: CJ7, 《原來我不帥》 and 《這裡發現愛》.

Saw this whole row of 扭蛋 machines outside a Sanrio shop (the one that sells a lot of Hello Kitty stuff).

***

It's 1.45am Wednesday now, and I'm going to continue this blog about 淡水. :)

張清芳's song "Men's Talk" mentioned about 淡水 (你說你有個朋友住在淡水河邊), but how exactly does 淡水 look like? Obviously, this place is really beside a sea. It's easily accessible by MRT. Take the metro to 淡水站, the last stop of the line.

Besides a park that has been set aside for people to stroll, watch the sea or engage in leisure pursuits, a huge portion of the area has been developed into streets bustling with commercial activities.

It was a cloudy day when we reached there.

There were many many game stalls along the streets, including shops that run businesses solely with 夾娃娃機 (toy-pickup machines).

Very old school game but the kid is having fun.

投籃機 are very popular too.

The huge bottles were very cute!!

The soft toys inside the 夾娃娃機. If you've paid NT100 but can't manage to pick the toy up successfully, the shopkeeper will open the machine and take one out for you, haha. Credits to Shuhui for taking photos of these cute lil' things!

The games were similar to those we see at our Pasar Malams, except that there were more variety. We came across this interesting one:

Snoopy's Nightmare! Players will have to shoot a certain number of the Snoopy figurines within a limited amount of bullets I think. Black humour, but creative :)

Cos 淡水 is also regarded as a tourist attraction, there were several shops that sell souvenirs. The girls decided to buy wooden postcards and send them back home, I followed suit, to give my family a surprise.

Postcard + Mailing Fee = NT110

As I penned down my thoughts, imagines Daddy, Mummy and Sista's astonished expressions when they received the card came floating in my mind.

I wasn't 100% confident that the postcard will really reach home, but I just tried, for the thrill and experience. Actually, I'm not the only one who's dubious about it:

Wahhaaha but my worry was unnecessary, cos they've received the postcard three to four days later! I guess I was the one who was surprised when Dad swung the postcard in front of him when we were webcamming. :)

In the same shop where I bought the postcard from, I saw these embarrassing-looking "toys": 咪咪球.

And it really feels like the genuine ones, haha! I bet people who buy these have weird indulgences. :S

Oh yeah, another characteristic of 淡水 is that there are many artists around, offering their drawing skills. Still life, caricatures.. just pop by and tell them you want a self-portrait.

Lastly, do try the famous snack here: 阿給. Google online if you want to find out how this snack got its name, cos I dunno either, haha.

Anyways, it's 豆乾 with 冬粉 inside, dipped in some sauce that gives it a sweet and salty taste. Yum yum! (Though our Taiwanese friend told us the stall that sells the best 阿給 is located further up.)

As the night fell we went to the other side of the metro station, where many shops were located too. Came across a bookstore and saw Ashin's poster for his new book.

Congrats to Singapore!

2008-02-22T01:00:00.002+08:00

I guessed most Singaporeans are aware that:

We've won the bid to host the world's first Youth Olympics Games in 2010! I feel super delighted and proud.

Singapore is my home, this is where I belong. I've never identified with this sentence so strongly until I'm away from home, haha.

Day One: On plane and arrival

2008-02-20T18:21:00.011+08:00

OK! Finally could settle down and chronicle my study trip in Taipei!

There's a start to everything so I'm writing from Day One, the very day I left Singapore: 15 February.

When I checked-in, I couldn't believe that I'm really leaving Singapore and my dearest family and heading to an unfamiliar yet familiar (cos I am sooo addicted to Taiwan's music, variety shows and idol dramas) place to lead an independent life.

Indeed, a life-changing experience. And it would be a lie if I say I won't miss home. Mummy's and daddy's girl leaving home for 5 months!! Wahhaha~

Shuhui and I took this photo on the Jetstar. No in-flight entertainment, nothing. I shared my MP3 with Shuhui, and set it to random mode. Surprisingly, many Mayday's songs were played (both of us are Mayday fans).

Take a look at this bottle for one minute. See any difference? It's "mineral water-prodigy" cos it costs $3 ok! Heart pain~ Ordered this on the plane cos didn't want to suffer from dehydration.

That's what I took when the plane was about to end. A little girl sitting behind me shouted, "Mummy, I saw the Carrefour!"

Aren't we lucky to be welcomed by a sunset at the Chiang Kai Shek airport? :)

National Chengchi University (NCCU) arranged for a chauffeur to pick us up from the airport. We went past a gantry, something like an ERP. I asked the chauffeur why is there a need to charge drivers for using this highway, whether the purpose was to reduce the traffic, he said he wasn't sure, but speculated that it was a way for the government to collect money from its people. Wahhaha~

We're under a tunnel!

We took the highway that led us from the airport to NCCU, which is at the other end. Drove past many buildings that look like hotels, and we were told by the chauffeur that more and more newly built housing estates are imitating the appearance of hotels. Looks high class but of cos it's only exclusive for the rich people. Interesting ehh!

First 5 days: Random thoughts

2008-02-20T01:48:00.004+08:00

Whooo~ This is the 5th day I'm in Taipei.

Haven't been updating my blog because everyday is packed with stuff-- there's simply so much to explore, and so many nitty-gritty stuff to be bothered with, for e.g, comparing prices of the basic necessities to get the best deals, shopping for groceries, buying EZ-link (they call it 悠遊卡 here) and photocopying cards, applying for SIM card, etc etc.

Sounds very simplistic, mundane but essential, and that's what I don't really like. But I'm sure I'll grow from it. After all, any experience(s) overseas will be unique and memorable (I hope).

Have been to a few places in these days, took the buses (公車) and train (捷運), and made some discoveries.

Pray that I have time to give more updates on those trips soon. Busy busy!

***

Starting to miss the clean and nice-smelling environment of my bedroom back home, the homemade dishes Mum prepares and the sun in Singapore.

The dorm room I'm staying in now has cockroaches okay. I've already killed two baby-growing-into-adult cockroaches (my roomie killed one). Yucks. If I were at home I would've asked my parents to kill those disgusting pests.

And Taipei is super duper COLD. It keeps raining too. I've once wore 6 clothes, partly cos those material weren't very thick ones. I'm seeing those nice thick jackets in the stores, but I have to keep telling myself not to buy cos I'm not going to use them back in Singapore.

What more is there for me to get as close to Singapore as possible? Besides webcamming with my family, the library in my communication school has Lianhe Zaobao! It's not timely, but at least I can "feel at home" when I flip the papers.

Next, it's the radio! I'm listening to Radio 1003 now, and that's when I realise this station broadcasts nice songs. Just like when I'm listening to my mp3. Feel so at home can!

Now I understand what it means by "The Grass Is Always Greener on the Other Side".

身在新加坡, 想著台北.
身在台北, 想著新加坡.

Haha! Geminis contradict themselves anyway. But of cos I'll try my best to make this stay here enjoyable. :)

Will post my photos soon!!

Nights! (I think I should sleep early, cos I've been sleeping after 1am or 2am practically EVERYDAY. Gosh, my beauty sleep!!)

Update

2008-01-22T10:28:00.000+08:00

Am checking out on which travel insurance I should get for myself while studying at Taipei.

My air ticket is done; will be leaving on 15 Feb with Shuhui on Jetstar. And I think my visa is available for collection too, will do it on Thursday.

Now left with packing luggage, buying insurance and course registration to deal with.

I've submitted course matching last week, but SCI has not replied me yet and the registration at NCCU starts next week. I am worried.

Feeling quite emo over this exchange at this moment, mostly due to the huge expenditures I'm going to incur...

... and quite a number of friends who request me to bring some stuff back from Taiwan for them. But I'm only limited to 20kg of luggage for my return trip. Will definitely exceed this baggage weight. Air freight= money again.

Shall continue with my scrimp-and-save life!

台灣, 37天後見

2008-01-09T02:16:00.000+08:00

Since it's my first entry, I shall type in traditional Chinese! :)

By the way, credits to Layming for giving me this inspiration to start a blog that chronicles my exchange experience in Taiwan!

***

喂喂~
(清喉嚨)
我是慧芬, 新加坡南大傳播係二年級生, 今年2月將成為一個學期的台北政治大學傳播係交換生.

為什麼去台灣?
因為總覺得自己前世是個台灣人. 我剛剛還和台灣的朋友MSN, 夠台灣了吧.

目前感覺如何?
期待, 因為第一次只身海外, 流浪半年; 第一次要獨立打理生活瑣碎事, 如: 洗衣、拖地、逛超市; 第一次.. 超多的說.
煩悶, 因為有很多手續要辦, 還要整理行李箱. 覺得很麻煩.

不過, 人生總是有得有失, 沒有捨, 怎麼會有得呢? :)

總之, 台灣, 37天後見囉~

感受臺灣 重生整個ORZ :)

驕傲的公主已回家 整裝再出發