Two months ago I have never thought I would take part in Dragon Boat race competition. One day my Taiwanese friend Yen-Yu sent me a message whether we (me and Ilman) want to join their Dragon Boat Team for upcoming festival. I thought it would be fun and new experience, so that I agreed. Later she apologized that I cannot be a member of their team, but I can create my own. I almost didn't know anything about this competition and create the team..? But Ilman didn't hesitate and asked several classmates about that. As a number of them increased I have created an event on Facebook.. That time I still thought it would be just fun and I didn't take it seriously. Agris, one of IMBA students from Latvia, sent me a message about trainings and organizing the team. he had previous experience with Dragon boat, so he took over the team's trainings.From the first moment he took trainings and participation in competition seriously and soon we started to be more and more organized with fixed schedule of ground practices. Our team was assigned in competition as IMBA Dragon Boat team and we started to work more with IMBA office.
Ground and Boat Practices
Our first ground training was on 4th of May (one month before the competition) at 7am on the field in front of Chemical engineering. I remembered how we parked our scooter quite far and then walking around. First we met Steve and then Agris waiting for the rest of team. I admit, it was so difficult to wake up so early, but the air was so fresh and I felt very well. We ran 3 laps and exercise.. I felt weak and almost without stamina, so sleepy, but somehow happy.. Following other land practices, more people assigned, but less came to trainings. .. Sometimes I felt so tired, but Ilman always kicked me in the right moment not to give up and now I'm so thankful to him.. Once I overslept and almost didn't go to the practice, but Ilman persuaded me to come at least for the rest of the training. I was "punished" by team for lateness and ran 1 more lap. I felt ashamed and uneasy, but it helps to finally "wake up". I decided to fight! Suddenly I became so passionate about Dragon Boat team and want to do something more for it!! That time Ruslan (IMBA student) created design for t-shirts and Ilman poster.. I've got some drinks for us from IMBA office.. We had together around 8 land practices and 5 boat practices.. I cannot describe the feelings I had when going for these trainings.. I felt we are becoming team and people are closer..
Every ground practice came different people, sometimes less, sometimes more.. I tried to motivate and ask some people to come even though it was early morning. After watching the video from last year, I became more serious about the practice. As I so, it's not that easy as it looks for audience. Even though the race takes just around 2 minutes, it's hard and requires stamina.. You cannot just give up because you feel tired and cannot go anymore..
We had 5 boat practices together, in Anping Canal, Tainan. Practice starts usually at 8.30am. Our first practice (19th of May) showed that we don't have stamina at all and we are not synchronized. I remember we spent quite a lot of time from the training just dealing with synchronization and quarrel about drum's tempo- tempo of paddling. After the first training in boat I felt so tired. When got home, I was sleeping for the rest of the day. Second practice took place 2 days later and we showed slight progress. However, we still had a lot to do at least to move a bit faster. Our 3rd boat practice (I'm paddling in the last seat) I specially like the part of stretching:
During our next practices, I could see Agris is disappointed. Perhaps because of members' attendance and our poorer performance. I felt desperate coz I had a felling we will not get even to semi-final and with random attendance by most strongest guys?? On the other hand I was so happy that we are so diverse and there are also girls, because it shows that everybody who really wants- can participate, even though he/she might not be naturally so strong. Of course I wanted to win as well, but I hoped that if we do our best, we don't need to regret anything. We had regular boat and land practices. Last week I noticed most of us became so tired.. Agris hurted himself so much, that he was not sure about going for competition, but finally he came. When I saw how some people sacrifice themselves, it motivates me even more..Some people like Raps or Steve were so passionate about that and I felt very good atmosphere. I remember Raps told me that she wants to win so much. I must admot I didn't believe it that time, but after she told this with such determinedly, I felt nothing is impossible. I received regular drink support from office and time till competition ran so fast. I felt so happy to go for trainigs - ground or boat and waking up became a habit. Ilman created awesome promotion video of Dragon boat team and boost team spirit and "promote" dragon boat in the class. It became very popular:
These practices and races made me closer to the people and helped to create something which was missing at school.
Our first race:
-> We WON!!
Taipei is the capital of Taiwan. One of two international entrances to Taiwan Island is..
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
All international flights to Taipei arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. The airport is situated apprx. 30 km from Taipei city. You can take non- express bus as the cheapest transportation in order to get to Taipei Main Station.
For student discount (transportation, accommodation, services)
Apply for Youth Travel Card in Tourist Service Center (6.30am – 11.30pm) situated on the right as you exit immigration in terminal 1 and in the middle of the arrivals area in terminal 2. You can get many discounts in accommodation, admissions and food.
You may change or withdraw money from ATMs and exchange counters – they are available on both terminals.
ISIC
Generally you will NOT get a student discount in Taiwan with ISIC card (However if you have Taiwanese University Student ID- take it with you).Taipei City - Transportation
Metro
The most convenient transportation in Taipei. Stations and trains are clearly identified in English, so even for those who cannot read Chinese, the MRT system is very accessible. You can purchase ticket from ticket vending machines (they accept coins and banknotes)
City Buses
Single route: 15/30 NT depends on distance – payment: by cash in bus, have exact amount.
Eating in Taipei
Din Tai Fung (No.194, Sec.2, Sinyi Rd., Taipei City)
This is an award-winning restaurant originating in Taiwan, specialising in xiaolongbao (small steamed buns, different from "Chinese dumplings").
Consumption with YTC and get a free siao/long/bao phone strap.
Gan-en Restaurant of Beaf and Mutton (No.44-1, Ningxia Rd., Datong Dist., Taipei City)
Discount with YTC: Free side dishes valued NT25 with spending over NT130
Long-der oyster thin noodles
No.1, Ln. 119, Jilin Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City, 02-25623227
Special price of NTD50 on large size of thin noodles.
Hundred-Year Wu Jia Dianbinsor
B1F, Taipei 101.
Consumption with YTC and get a free plate of fried tofu.
For more restaurants and accommodation have a look into youth travel discounts book or http://www.youthtravel.tw/.
I recommend Shilin night market and other night markets in Taipei City where you can find new, interesting, local-made food!
Sleeping/Taipei:
One of the cheapest one is probably Taipei Hero House (500NT/bed on weekdays)
No.20, Sec.1,Changsha St., Taipei City, phone: 02-2331-9722
Shopping
Doctor-Tea shop
No.119, Sec. 7, Jhongshan N. Rd.,Taipei City
Buy tea and get 10% discount with YTC.
TAIPEI CITY - SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
1. Longshan Temple
2. Taipei 101
3. Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
4. National Theatre and National Concert Hall
5. Grand Hotel Taipei
6. National Palace Museum
7. Shilin Night Market
8. Miramar Entertainment Park
9. Taipei Dragon Boat Festival
10. Beitou Hot Springs Park
11. Yangmingshan National Park
Transportation:
- Alishan Forest Railway from Chiayi -> Alishan (round trip: NT 759, 10:00, 13:25) – currently is not working
- Option 2.: Chiayi County Bus from Chiayi -> Alishan (round trip: NT 408, 6:10, 8:10, 10:10, 12:10, 14:10, way back-> 9:10, 11:10, 13:10, 15:10, 17:10; takes 3,1/2 hour, 71.4km)
- Option 3. Rent scooter in Chiayi -> jorney takes about 3 hours, but you can stop and enjoy beautiful mountain scenic area or hiking.
Entrance to Alishan Forest Recreation Area: Discount price NT$100 with YTC/Original price NT$200
Map of Alishan NSA: http://www.ali-nsa.net/english/02travel/01main.php
What to do:
- Sunrise viewing – only possible if you would stay in hotel/hostel in area
- Hiking – many options, easy to find trail, check the map above.
- Bird Watching , Tea plants
- Visit hot spots: Alishan Scared Tree, Shou Cheng Temple, Village God Temple, Alishan Museum, Chushan Sunrise Viewing Trail, etc.
Where to eat:
You may eat inside the Park, but it is expensive.Bring your own food or buy food in 7-eleven on your way. However you can see local restaurants on the way through Alishan scenic area.
Accomodation in Chiayi:
Chiayi City Labor Recreation Center
3F,. No.101, Mituo Rd., Chiayi City; 05-228-6127; NT$600 per bed on weekdays
External links:
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| Longshan Temple, Taipei |
The area around Longshan Temple, Wanhua, is one of the original districts of Taipei. And, while much of the traditional architecture has been lost, the area still maintains a traditional feel. It is here that the blind masseurs congregate to offer their skill. Likewise, this is the area where the Taiwanese come to learn who they should marry or what to name their children by consulting one of the many fortune tellers that set up shop along the roads and alleys around the temple.
Location: At 211 Guangzhou Road (near junction with Guilin Road), Taipei
Transportation: MRT: 'Longshan Temple' (Ban-Nan Line).
Open Hours: open daily from 5AM - 10PM.
Admission: Free
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| Taipei 101, Taipei |
Taipei 101 features an Indoor Observatory (89th floor) and an Outdoor Observatory (91st floor). Both offer 360-degree views and attract visitors from around the world.
Location: 89Floor, No.7, Hsin Yi Rd Sec.5, Taipei 110
Transportation: MRT : Taipei City Hall Station (Bannan Line), + bus at the No.2 exit.
Ticket Booth & Entrance are located at the 5th floor of the Taipei 101 Shopping Mall. Entry-> 5F, use elevator to 89F. Exit-> 88F, use elevator to 5F.
Open Hours: Daily from 9:00-22:00 (last entry 21.15)
Admission:
Adult: 400NTD
Concession: 370NTD
Group ticket: 350 NTD (20 people; reservation until 5pm one day in advance)
Discounted admission using Youth travel card: Enjoy tour group rate on admission.
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| Chiang Kai-shek Hall, me & my boyfriend Ilman |
The memorial consists of a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek, watched over by two motionless honor guards who are replaced every hour in a rifle twirling ceremony. Downstairs, there is a museum of Chiang's life, complete with his sedans and uniforms. Even if you are not into memorials, the gardens, with their Chinese style ponds, are definitely worth a visit. The grounds of the memorial are also a favorite place for locals to gather and practice martial arts, though you'll have to be there early if you want to see this.
Location: 21, ZHONGSHAN SOUTH ROAD, TAIPEI (100); (02)2343-1100
Link: http://www.cksmh.gov.tw/eng/index.php
Transportation: MRT: CKS Memorial Hall Station (Xindian line)
Open Hours: open daily from 9am - 6pm.
Admission: Free
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Located in the grounds of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial, it is an are excellent place to see performances of a Taiwanese play or a dance troupe. They also host many international events. Taiwan's National Symphony Orchestra performs at the National Concert Hall. The building's neo-classic Chinese architecture is especially stunning when flood-lit at night.
Location: 10048 Chung-Shan South Road
Link: http://www.ntch.edu.tw/
Transportation: MRT: CKS Memorial Hall Station (Xindian line)
Admission: Discounted admission using Youth travel card: NT50 price for regular guide service (advanced reservation required)
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| Grand Hotel Taipei |
The hotel's roof is currently the world's largest Chinese classical style roof. With its vermilion columns, the roof makes the hotel a visible showplace of Chinese architecture and culture. The hotel itself contains numerous objects d'art, wall panels, paintings, carvings, and significant restaurants. Dragon motifs are frequently intertwined throughout the various structures that make up the hotel, earning the hotel the name "The Dragon Palace". Beside dragons, lion and plum flower motifs also make a significant presence in the hotel.
It opened in May 1952, and expanded several times before becoming the landmark it is today. The swimming pool, tennis court, and membership lounge were constructed in 1953. The Golden Dragon Pavilion and Golden Dragon Restaurant opened in 1956 and the The Jade Phoenix Pavilion and Chi-Lin Pavilion opened in 1958 and 1963 respectively. The main Grand Hotel building was completed on the Double Tenth Day of 1973, making it an instant icon of Taipei. And this hotel is a part of scene in the Taiwanese film - Eat Drink Man Woman by the world famous Director - Ang Lee.
Location: No. 1, Section 4, ZhōngShān North Rd, Jhongshan District
Transportation: MRT->> Yuanshan st.
The world's best collection of Chinese historical artifacts and antiquities. The museum is near by Shilin night market. Look for the displays on the buses. Some are written in English. It's a must-see for first time visitors.
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| National Palace Museum, Taipei |
Address: 221 Chih-shan Rd., Sec. 2, Wai-shuang-hsi, Shi-lin District, Taipei
Transportation•Buses : 255,304,mini bus 18, mini bus 19, culture bus 101 get off at Museum plaza Stop
•MRT : Take Danshui Line and get off at Shilin Station and take the Red 30 to the Museum.
The nearest MRT station is Shilin with frequent buses from Shilin heading for the Palace Museum
Open Hours
•Sun - Thu 11:00-21:30
•Fri - Sat 11:00-22:00
Admission: Discounted admission using Youth travel card –>> NT80 + 10% discount on items purchased at the NPM gift shop
The largest and most famous one in Taipei. The night market is close to Jiantan Station on the Danshui Line (confusingly, Shilin Station is located farther away). Phone - +886 2 2349 1635 (Tourism Bureau) Open: 4pm – 1 or 2 am Transportation: MRT ->>Jiantan st. Admission: Free Some of the best known night market snacks are: OYSTER OMELET STINKY TOFU MANGO ICE PEARL MILK TEA etc. | ||
Miramar is big shopping mall in the Dazhi area in Zhongshan District of Taipei. On the roof of Miramar Entertainment Park is a 70-metre tall Ferris wheel second tallest in Taiwan after the 88-metre (289 ft) Sky Wheel at Janfusan Fancyworld.
Discount with YTC: Ferris Wheel Tickets purchased with YTC are NT$120 on weekdays,and NT$150 on weekends.
Transportation: MRT -> Jiannan Road Station
Address: No.20, Jingye 3rd Rd., Taipei City
Open: Most of shops open 24 hours.
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| Dragon Boat Festival |
The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. Chinese call this day as Duan-Wu 端午. Duan 端 means beginning. Wu 午 means Horse month in Chinese calendar. The Horse month usually begins on June 5th or June 6th in the Gregorian calendar. That means Dragon Boat Festival should be held in June, unless that year has Leap Month in the Chinese lunar calendar.
The highlight of Dragon Boat Festival is the Dragon Boat Race, where teams of rowers propel Dragon Boats to the beat of drums. This tradition is centuries-old, and has been taken up in countries around the world.
So, if you are around that time, don't miss this biggest or at least most important festival in Taiwan.
External links:
Oyster omelet (蚵仔煎)
Stinky tofu (臭豆腐; chòu dòufu) This is typical Taiwan night market "snack". I have also tried.. Well, it is not that bad.. Some people love it, but I think it's just so so..:)
Mango ice (芒果冰; mángguǒbīng)
Delicacy in hot weather. Try!!
This drink, also called Bubble Tea, a classic drink invented by a tea vendor in Taichung, Taiwan. Milk Tea has many variants, e.g. bubble black tea (泡沫紅茶) or bubble green tea (泡沫綠茶) and Pearl Milk Tea is just oone of its variants. If you stay in Taiwan for longer time, you can manage to try all variants of Milk Tea. Otherwise I can recommend you my favourite one from ComeBuy shop: "Passion fruit".
"Seafood dishes"
I love seafood whether it is on night market or in good restaurant. during my stay in Tainan I came across one fine restaurant in Anping area called "The Chen Family’s Fried Oyster Rolls" http://en062229661.tranews.com/ located on intersection of GuBao and AnPing street. It has nice environment and variety of food made of oysters.
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