Arrived at the airport at about 8 am and met Papa and Mummy. Was the first in the queue for our China Airlines flight to Taipei. Went to the staff canteen for our breakfast. See Papa's artistic arrangement. (Hint: eyes with eyebrows, mouth with tongue sticking out.)

Before booking our CI flight, we were actually considering budget airlines as well and after some calculation we felt that it was more worth it to get the CI flight at slightly more than $500 (with insurance, food, more comfortable seats and great in-flight entertainment). Mummy and Papa got their tickets a little later and had to pay a bit more though. =P

Went in early and had time to walk around the shops. Noticed a sign that shouted "Free 10 mins Neck and Shoulder massage" so we thought why not...

The flight was full with at least 3 group tours and many families on holiday. Thoroughly enjoyed the meal and the in-flight entertainment, and did not sleep much on the journey to Taipei. Managed to catch Up and another movie and played a few games of Sodoku. Was a little irritated by the constant announcements though...

And Oh, the flight has cameras to show the view in front of the plane as well as below the plane. That was an exciting part of the flight =)

Welcome to Taiwan!
After hearing, reading and watching so much about Taiwan, I am finally here! This was a free and easy trip, wanting to relax and enjoy ourselves. I was the one arranging the itinerary. Thanks to my friend, Sheryl, who contributed her March itinerary for reference. She brought her Mummy and another friend to Taipei earlier this year and thus the trip was a well-balanced one. Good for going with parents and the family. Amended her itinerary a little to cater for a stayover at Sun Moon Lake.  Click here for my itinerary.

Took the Kuokuang (国光) airport bus to Taipei Main Station (at NT$125 one way) and had to walk about 5-10 minutes to our hotel. Cityinn is a neat boutique hotel along Huaining St. Per night at NT$1690. I had earlier made a booking through the internet and had to pay a deposit for the first night.

We checked in quickly and then went to get the tickets to Hualien. Next, we went to get our Easy Card (悠游卡). The adult card costs NT$500 ($100 deposit and $20 admin charges if return within 3 months).

And we are off to Shilin Night market. Went to the shopping belt at first instead of the eating places. Realised only after a while. Asked for directions to where all the food stalls are and once we reached the place, we could immediately see the queue for the famous chicken cutlet. And how can we not try after travelling so far?

After more food and drinks, we headed back to the shopping area. It was our first day/ night and we did not really shop much. Headed back to Cityinn for our zzz. Got to get up early to catch the train to Hualien tomorrow.