reflections..

2008

has been a pretty amazing year. Several 'firsts' have been made; I've learnt a lot about life and what I want to do with it; even more about myself, what I want, and the realisation that (yes, this is pure hubris) I can do anything.

I've met truckloads of people, made shitloads of new friends, found them in the most unlikely of places (and forms). I've discovered that there are some you'll want to keep forever, and there are others who just aren't worth the time and effort.

I've learnt, more than ever, to not sweat the petty stuff, nor pet the sweaty stuff. That saying what you mean and meaning what you say can be some of the most important things you ever do - not just for yourself, but also for the people around you. That, now I'm actually earning some of it, money isn't really that big a deal - it can always be made back.

I've learnt that I can't be bought (!), nor can I be sold. I guess I've become more true to myself than I ever thought I would.

I've hurt, and I've been hurt, and I've done things I'm not proud of, but I've also done things I'm proud of.

This year has truly been a turning point, a keystone sort of year. There'll be nothing quite like it. Having said that though, 2007 is like a blank slate upon which to fill with various assorted novel deeds and misdeeds, and I can't wait for (more) life to happen.

Hope it's been as good for you as it's been for me, and may 2009 be even better. To all my friends and readers I wish you joy, love, peace, wisdom, growth, experience. I wish you happy sunshine days filled with mirth and laughter, and thunder-stormy days filled with lightning and awe. I hope you'll get to spend all the time you need with all the people you love; that you'll lose the job you hate, the people who are dragging you down, all the weight you need to get back into those trousers; that you'll get the job you want, the friends you need, the holiday you're longing for, the experience of a lifetime, and a kiss from someone who means more to you than you'll ever admit.

Here goes. Headlong. With trepidation and anticipation for 2009 to arrive. Whee!!

A very merry ONzLAH CHRISTMAS.

ONzLAH wishes all our friends and business partners a JOYOUS, FANTASTIC, WONDERFUL, PROSPEROUS, BULLISH Holiday Season!

Gift of Love 2008

On 21st Dec 2008, Sunday.

ONzLAH with the invitation by the volunteers of Kifas Assistance and Headstart Fund, PCF Teachers , PCF Committee and YP, took part in the Gift of Love 2008.

The event was held in Toa Payoh Central CC and Snow City with invited guest Mr Yeo Hiang Meng and Guest of Honour Dr Ng Eng Hen.

Taipei 101 and Eslite Bookstore.

The final night in Taiwan.

We lost some time waiting today for an appointment which was cancelled at the very last minute. But nonetheless, we were still at Eslite Bookshop at 6.30 p.m.

It's winter and darkness falls upon us from 5 p.m. onwards.

Eslite located on Dunhua South Road is the first 24 hour Bookstore in Taiwan.

Take an MRT to Taipei City Hall Station and take 10 Minutes walk towards Dunhua south Road.
As Eslite does not allow Photography within the store, we will only be featuring the Christmas Decorations just outside the building.




Located not far from Eslite is Taipei 101. You will not miss this TALL building as it is currently the Tallest building in Taiwan.

Taipei 101 features an Indoor Observatory on the 89th floor as well an Outdoor Observatory on the 91st floor. Both will offer a 360- degree view of Taipei City. The sbuilding also houses one of the most elevators in the world which will travel from 5th floor to the 89th floor in 37 seconds.

The Indoor Observatory is open twelve hours a day (10:00 am-10:00 pm) throughout the week as well as on special occasions; the Outdoor Observatory is open during the same hours as weather permits. Tickets may be purchased on site in the shopping mall (5th floor) or in advance through the Observatory's web site. (Tickets cost NT 400 (SGD 20) and allow access to the 88th through 91st floors via high-speed elevator

If you are not interested in observing the views of Taiwan. Taipei 101 also offers various Fashion brands like Dunhill and Gucci. There are also tons of restaurants in the building as well as a food court which offers international selection at the basement of the building.

Guys, Do note that if you are walking this mall with your love ones, Do prepare a good pair of walking shoes.

This concludes our Taiwan Travels.

Special thanks to the following:

Ms Conney Su of TS Hotel for helping with the Taipei Hotel Arrangement.

Taiwan Visitors Association, Singapore Office for their expert advises and securing the Hot Spring Vouchers on behalf.

Ms Shah and Ms Alice Cheng of Octopus Travels with booking of Galerie Hotel in Taichung.

Mr Jay Cafe

We have walked the wonderful Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall. It got us all hungry. ONz moved on to Mr J's Restaurant.

JAY CHOU's FANS! This is something to keep you guys and gals out there interested. Mr J's Restaurant. Opened by Taiwanese Popstar Jay Chou. This restaurant serves italian-french food as well as promotes Jay's latest songs.

There are two Mr J's Cafe in Taiwan.

1) Taipei Medical University located at 250 Wu Xing Street. (As the security counter for direction when you get to Taipei Medical University)

Take the MRT to Taipei City Hall MRT Station and transfer to a free shuttle to the Restaurant.

2) 308 Guangfu South Road

Take the MRT to Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall MRT Station and exit at Exit 2. Take a short walk to the Restaurant

After much discussions and struggles, the team decided that we should visit the more famous Taipei Medical University branch. Themed after the movie "Secrets" debut in 2007, this restaurant is decorated with props and posters from the movie.

Take pictures with the antique Piano from the movie or simply sit and enjoy the food. The choice is pretty much yours to take.

We leave this note with our orders from the menu.

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall

Dr Sun Yat Sen, the founding father of modern Taiwan. Born in 12 Nov 1866, Dr Sun Yat Sen was not only a simple Doctor who practises medicine, but was also a revolution leader during the Qing Dynasty.

Dr Sun founded Taiwan in 1912 where he became the first provisional president. He later co-found Kuomingtang (KMT) where he served as the first leader of the KMT.

Dr Sun died of liver cancer on 12th March 1925 at the age of 58 in Beijing.

Today, ONz Team visited Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall.

The Hall was built to promote Dr Sun's philosophies of universal love, an egalitarian society, and the "goal of life to help the others". Today the Hall also aims to integrate Dr Sun's beliefs with more attributes of contemporary Chinese culture

At the main hall entrance, one will come to meet the statue of Sun Yat-sen. Other exits will lead you to other parts of the hall, containing historical artifacts and a library.

There is also an hourly formal changing of the guards that is a common tourist attraction.

To get to Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, Take a MRT to Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall MRT Station and take a 5 minutes walk to the attraction. Admission is Free.

Shilin Night Market

The famous Shilin Night Market. Many might have known this place through the eating outlets at the basements of many Singapore shopping malls. NO! We are talking about the authentic SHILIN NIGHT MARKET.

As many who have visited Taiwan would have realised by now that if you are going anywhere by MRT. The MRT is usually named after the nearest attraction. It may not be the case for Shilin Night Market. Visitors to this night market should alight at Jiantan MRT Station instead of Shilin MRT Station.




There are two section to this night market. The Hawker Center part where one can find plentiful food and drinks unique to Taiwan and the night market shopping part which is also a tourist attraction.

Be sure to visit two places if you are visiting Shilin. Try out their Fried Oysters with eggs or their Mee Sua, a fine noodle dish.

A note to remember for many travellers. If you are visiting the place on Fridays or Weekends, you will be in for a squeeze. The place is usually packed during these period.

Danshui

Danshui is a seaside town located at northern Taipei. Danshui means Fresh Water in chinese is also a place for photographers, lovers and sunset lovers.

Take the MRT north to the end. You will find yourself ending up at Danshui MRT Station.

Take a stroll along Danshui Old Street or visit Fort Anthonio built by the Dutch after year 1638. the Fortress is now known as Fort San Domingo or Hong Mao Cheng A.K.A the Fortress of the Red-haired ones.

Today, the town is packed with activities as weekend is approaching. A little carnival march passed the team as the team take a short stroll in this old town.

Remember that no visit to Danshui is complete without visiting the Love Bridge located at Danshui Fisherman's Wharf.

To get to the Fisherman's Wharf, one may take a tourist ferry which is located by the beach of Danshui Old Town or take a shuttle bus which can be found at the bust interchange below Danshui MRT Station.

This is the part where everyone will appreciate a thick coat. 14 Degree Celsius with strong sea breeze. Tennas, Rachel and Simon are shivering in the breezy coldness.

Fisherman's Wharf is one of dating spots for many young couples in Taipei. A couple can enjoy the beautiful sun rise or sun set or simply take a relaxing evening break at one of the many cafes located along the Wharf.

Couples should take a hand in hand stroll across Love Bridge. Legend has it that a couple should walk the bridge hand in hand never to let go. If you are able to do that, you love will be everlasting.So grab your love one and start walking the bridge the next time you are at Love Bridge.

Xin Beitou and Hotspring

Taiwan is one of the earthquake prone countries as it lie on one of the earth's faultline.

Perhaps it is due to this, Taiwan is also home to many underground hotsprings and one of the two natural Cold springs in the world. (The other known cold spring is located in Europe).

Visiting the hot springs is also one of Taiwanese leisure activities.

This day, the ONz Team head out to Xin Beitou to have a taste of one of Taiwan's hotsprings.

Take a MRT to Xin Beitou and take a short stroll to the Hot Spring Muesum which is located in the park just opposite the MRT Station.



The muesum was constructed during the 50 years of Japanese occupation in taiwan. It registers many records of the origins of Hotsprings in Taiwan as well as pictures of activities that happened within the building in the past.

Admission to the building is free. The muesum is currently maintained and guided by a group of friendly retired volunteers.


Having visited the Hot Spring Muesum, It is time for a wonderful Hotspring.

ONzLAH chose Spring City Resort! Spring City Resort is located at No.18 You Ya Rd. Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C. Customer Service:(02)2897-5555.

http://www.springresort.com.tw/

If you are planning to visit Spring City Resort, Do remember to make arrangement for the resort to pick you up at the nearby MRT Station. (We have learnt it through the hard way)

Spring City Resorts offers Sulphur Springs. One can choose to take a dip in the outdoor public pools or one of the many private baths. Prices varies so do make sure to check with the counter before making a decision which private bath you wish to take.

ONz decided to try both the private bath and the public pool just for the experience of it. It is however an regret that no photography is allowed at the public pool area.

Notes for Travellers:

Hot Springs are fun and relaxing but it is not for everyone.

1) Pregnant women should consult the doctor before entering the hotspring be it private or public.

2) People with Skin problems e.g. leprosy , sensetive skin or other transmittable diseases e.g. Herpes, should avoid public hot springs.

3) It is your own preference to wear your birthday suit into the Private Bath.

4) It is courtesy to wear proper bathing suit and swimming caps into the Public Pool.

Huaxi Street Night Market

Perhaps this attraction has been slightly over rated by the media. Huaxi Street was once famous for it's exotic foodstuff. Fried cockraoches and grasshoppers, Rabbits or snakes stew. You can find them here on this street.

However with the success in Animal Conservation, this street has quieten down over the years and perhaps walking into history.

To get to Huaxi Street, Take a MRT to Long Shan Temple MRT Station. Take a 5 minutes stroll to get to Huaxi Street Night Market.

Notes to Travellers

*Be sure to avoid the side alleys in this area as the place is famous also for it's red light and triads activities.

KeeLung

Just about 30 minutes by train from Taipei Railway Main Station, Keelung is a major Seaport town located at the northeastern part of Taiwan.

Also named the Rainy Port, Keelung is known for its frequent rain and it's role as a seaport.

In spring and summer, Keelung offers visitors fishing trips as well as Dolphin and Whale watching tours. Seafood is also famous in this town.

ONz however did not come to Keelung for Seafood today. Rather, we are visiting Miaokou Night Market.

Miaokou Night Market is packed mainly with FOOD! Yes! I mean FOOD. Try out their street side food! It's worth your trip.

Jiufen

One night of rest, The ONz Team prepares themselves for a long journey out of Taipei City. The team headed for Jiufen, a mining town in the hills.

Taking the morning train from Taipei Railway Station to Ruei Fang is one of the experiences one should never miss in Taiwan. Travelling from Taipei Main Railway Station to Ruei Fang Railway Station should take about 30 minutes.

Upon arrival, take the shuttle bus service all the way to the top which will cost about 30 NT per pax. Taking a Cab will cost you about NT180.

Walking the busy narrow walkways of Jiufen is like one have travelled through time to the olden days of Taiwan. Shops selling food and other merchandise can be seen along the whole stretch of Jiufen street. Hear the hawkers shouting out their promotions and perhaps enjoy some local delicacies.

Try the Gong Wan (Mixed MeatBall Soup) which is one of the local delicacies. Or enjoy tea in a tea house. Many things one can do on this little hilltop town.

When rested enough, one can still stroll upwards along the town and discover the wonderful view of Jiufen. Go all the way to the top and get rewarded with the view of the coastline of Northern Taiwan.

Notes for Travellers:

There are many homestays available within the town itself costing as low as 1000NT per night. Do stay and enjoy a different view of Jiufen in the night.

Jiufen also offers a wonderful view of sunset and sunrise.