As soon as 12mn struck that night, our door bell rang and Ruth insinuated me to open the door. She once again setup a surprise celebration. It wasn’t that fancy but I really appreciated the thought of checking in the hotel restaurant, sourcing out and collaborating with the hotel staff just to have wine and chocolates on that night. It was sweet.
I fell in love at Ximending as soon as we get off our taxi. We were rolling our luggage from the busy streets to the hotel, yet it didn’t matter at all. My eyes were already feasting at the shops surrounding the area. This neighbourhood is truly alive and I can’t wait to explore this side of the city.
Tucked in the middle of the bustling streets of Ximeding, is a seemingly secret passage to what we can call a hideout. Amba Taipei Ximending Hotel is situated in the middle of what we can say the ‘Harajuku of Taipei.’ Busy, Youthful, and glittering, just the right place to go if you really wanted to see Taiwan’s fashion, and subculture.
Starting November 01, 2017 up to July 31, 2018, Filipinos may enter Taiwan completely visa-free (and can stay up to 14 days). Though the visa-free entry is a 9-month trial (part of Taiwan’s goodwill and efforts of the ‘New Southbound Policy’), grabbing the opportunity of not having to a apply for a Visa would really be worth it. That is the reason why, when I was denied for my supposedly Korean trip (Read: Let’s fly to Taiwan instead), without hesitation we decided to book a flight to Taiwan. And bet you, it was one great decision we had.
Continue reading, will give you things you need to know, commuting guides, apps to download and even clothes to wear when you visit Taiwan for the very first time.