It’s raining in Taipei, but it has been a relaxing day to catch up on work and have a spa day at the W Hotel.
The Starlux flight arrived before dawn and the sun was only just starting to rise after I cleared passport control. Looking at my options to get to my hotel, the W Taipei, I noticed there was a nonstop bus (Citibus number 1960) going directly towards Taipei City Hall Bus Station, located adjacent to the hotel. It was about 1/8 the price of Uber (NTD 145 or about $4.69) and I figured I might be able to work onboard during the journey into the city, so I booked it.
Traffic was horrible in the rain…it took two hours to reach the hotel. When I arrived, my room was not ready…but I was offered access to the fitness center and wellness area, which I was all I was hoping for.
I spent the next hour working out in the hotel’s very nice gym (a wide range of TechnoGym equipment) and then the following hour cycling between the sauna, massage chair, hot tub, and steam room.
My room was ready at noon…nothing special, but nevertheless comfortable (I used an expiring cert and only two double beds were available).
I did some more work and then, despite the rain, decided to go out for a walk to look for coffee. Peter had recommended kaffe_24, which looks really nice, but it was a 3km walk and it was steadily raining, so I decided instead to explore the area around the hotel.
It’s a nice neighborhood and I found a place called Wilbeck that was very nice…a really kind barista and great coffee. I love that the barista was so pleased when I asked for my coffee “to stay” rather than taking it away in a paper cup.
Back at the hotel, it was time for another cycle through the sauna and steam room…
I’m sharing about my whirlwind trip through Asia.
I also discovered Taiwan 2 years ago. Great place, in my top 10 countries. If they are ever invaded, America should be willing to have nuclear war over this. Taiwan is more important than NATO countries Bulgaria or Albania. Taiwan is on the same level as the Netherlands or Canada being invaded.
I’m going to do a post on this. It is a very advanced, very excellent country, like Singapore and Hong Kong.
Whether you want to explore or chill out, Taipei is a very pleasant place for a 2-3 day layover. The MRT is easy to use, the food is good/inexpensive, and the people are nice. Just book one of many reasonably priced hotels near the Main MRT Station and call it a day. My son refers to Taiwan as “Budget Japan”.
So nice your husband and you are having such a relaxing journey. I love to hear about all of the relaxing great times that you guys are having in real time. It’s so refreshing to hear about this than the clown show going on here with the airports and airlines getting shut down by the government.
@Matthew now has a husband? 🙂 Oh boy!!!!
If you’re in Taipei I recommend a place called “Pawnshop” for friday night. The boys there will love you.
Disappointed you didn’t take my recommendation for coffee at the world’s first cat cafe…
I totally missed your comment. I’m sorry!
Don’t be catty!
I don’t know why America should be willing to go to war over it — after all, the US government has recognized Taiwan as being part of the People’s Republic of China since Nixon, and most Taiwanese don’t want to be an independent nation and consider Taiwan to be the same country as the mainland (even if they would prefer that their own government ran it) – but it is a true and undeniable fact that Taiwan is one of the most culturally, technically, and economically advanced places in the world and a magnificent society in most every possible way such that we should all be very happy to see the status quo preserved to every extent possible – and also to emulate and adopt Taiwanese economic policies in the United States, as far superior to our own.
“most Taiwanese don’t want to be an independent nation and consider Taiwan to be the same country as the mainland”
Source?
I enjoyed five days in Taiwan. Lots of good cheap food. Hiking in Taipei is nice. Can walk up and get a great view of Taipei 101. Cable car is fun too. Night markets are good too but can very touristy so choose wisely.
I caught a train out into the country and did some walks (and a lot of eating).
Looks like you found a great cup! Love the Home Alone button. Found lots of good coffee places in Taipei, and so many parts of the city have a really nice neighborhood feel. Looking forward to your further post. And I’m looking forward to my next visit.
The secret’s has been out on Taipei for a while, but it’s still fairly inexpensive, and it’s a fully developed city. Taiwanese are ESTA eligible. The real gems; however, are in the South. Beaches, canyons, hiking, and some diving that honestly can compete with Malaysia. That UA flight to Khaosiung should be your target if you want to take one of their new quirky Asia flights. Somewhere down the Taiwanese coast things suddenly become tropical.
I would avoid the W. People have died from overdoses in that hotel during sex parties. Do you really want to stay in a room that was packed with people having an orgy the night before?
As long as the sheets are changed!