Taiwan

Taiwan was fun. Lots of things to see, lots of food to eat and lots of things to buy. It's my first time going to Taiwan. I've heard a lot about Taiwan before. Followed a tour which brought us around the island in a week. It was rather hectic because the routine was to drive to the destination, and then stay the night, and then visit one or two places followed by another at least 5 hours of bus ride to the next destination. It was pretty much what we did every day. The local tour guide wasn't too impressive, rather loud and rude at times. Though I didn't quite enjoy the tour in general, the places we visited was okay. Don't think I'll mention much about the tour itself. The best highlight of my trip to Taiwan would be the last few days when we extended our stay in Taipei after the tour had ended.

13th Jan 09

Took the High Speed Rail from Taipei to Taichung. It only took us about 40 minutes to get to Taichung. The HSR can go up to speeds over 250km/h. The ride was okay, though I kind of felt sick because of the speed and the pressure against the body. We reached Taichung, but since we don't know anyone there, we didn't really know what to do there, we just ended up window shopping in Sogo for the day.

The High Speed Rail which has 12 carriages, with at least 50 seats in each.

14th Jan 09

Met up with my relatives during the day, and they brought us to many different places further up north of Taipei. In the evening, I took the MRT back to Taipei city on my own to meet up with my friends. Was glad that the places in Taiwan have English names, which I can sort of recognise, else I would be so lost on my own. Took the train during rush hour was fun, especially on my own. Got to Taipei city and met up with my highschool buddies. It was really nice to catch up with them, and they brought me to places that I never thought I would get the chance to go. It was the best night chilling out with friends in Taiwan. Thanks for all the food and funny moments. XD

The Modern Toilet.

15th Jan 09

Another highlight of the trip to Taiwan, the Taipei 101. I've seen pictures of it. We've learned about the passive tuned mass spring, but I never knew how it actually is. It costs about NTD370 (~NZD 20) for students to go up the tower. Good thing I still have my Auckland Uni student ID. It was definitely worth to go up the amazing structure. It only took about 37seconds to reach the 89th floor observatory level. The elevator went up to speeds of 1010m/min, which they claim to be the fastest vertical elevator. The observatory level was good because it enabled us to see the massive city of Taipei. We were also allowed to go outdoors of the tower because the weather was great. We had to climb up the stairs to the 91st floor of the tower (370m above ground). We went out and experienced the strong winds high above ground. There was this sharp piercing sound which we later found out that it was actually the sound of winds crossing paths in the air slicing each other. Definitely an amazing experience. The mass spring damper which most of us Mechanical should know is located inside the tower across five floors. We went to the 88th floor to view the 660tonne "ball". I felt dizzy when I was there, not too sure if my mind was playing tricks with me or if I'd actually felt the mass damper doing it's job.

Evening view of Taipei 101.

Our hands out in the air outside the Taipei 101 tower 370m above ground.

Me and the passive tuned mass spring.

Later in the day, my relatives brought us to this other shopping complex which has this huge ferris wheel. Took a ride on it to view the beautiful sunset.

Miramar Ferris Wheel (I think that is what it's called).

A long post which I didn't really bother to proof read. All in all, the trip was okay. Even though there were heaps to keep me occupied, but I have to admit, the thoughts didn't leave me. No matter how much I ignored it, it still came back to me.

Anyways, another two more weeks before I resume to the life back in Auckland. I am looking forward to the day when I will truly forgive and forget.

Have a good weekend.