We enjoyed the last trip so much that we decided to visit Taiwan again with the same agency but on a different package.

 

This year, we signed up for the Yummy Taiwan package which promises the finest selection of renowned delicacies all over Taiwan.

 

We flew China Airlines (CI) this time round and the flight was in the wee hours of the morning.

 

As per last year, we checked in early to enjoy the luxury of the first class lounge (courtesy of Dynasty Travels) but to our disappointment, many of the food trays were empty probably due to the odd hours.

 

 

We touched down in Taiwan in the morning local time and set off on our tour. The weather was bad. It was raining and we ended up wet and uncomfortable on board the bus.

 

But as a consolation, the bus stopped after just a short ride and our guide went down and got us our first delicacy in the form of typical Taiwanese breakfast: soup dumplings (汤包), soya milk and some kind of egg rice roll stuffed with pork floss, peanut flour and fried cruller (油條).

 

 

It was still pouring when we reached our first stop - Yehliu Geopark so we decided not to disembark like several others in the group. It would have been a let-down if we hadn’t been there and had to brave the rain to tour the park.

 

Next was Chiufen Old Street. Armed with umbrellas, we walked through the lanes and settled down at various stalls for our food. By the way, unless otherwise stated, the food that we were served free-of-charge (already included in the package fees).

 

Fish soup (阿婆鱼羹) and fried shrimp balls.

 

The legendary Ah Po.

 

I especially liked the fish soup which was thick with a tinge of fish flavour (but not overly fishy). In the cold and wet weather, the hot broth was oh-so-comforting.

 

Taro Ginger Ale tofu pudding. Unique mix of beancurd, flour balls and an assortment of toppings in a strong ginger base.

 

 

We visited Martyr Shrine to watch change of guard parade. We caught the navy version this time round.

 

 

The change of guard parade is performed by the army, air force and navy. Both the army and air force guards are clad in green while the navy guards don white uniform in summer and black ones in winter. The drills are supposedly different for each of them.

 

We were told that these ceremonial guards are specially selected based on their so you may wanna take a photo of/ with them while you are there. Who knows one of them may become the superstar.

 

 

The venue for our last pig out session of the day: Shilin Night Market.

 

Oyster Omelette. I do not eat oysters but I really love the Taiwanese version of this dish because of its unique sauce which goes very well with the omelette.

 

Dumpling noodles. My third time eating it. Love the strong sesame oil taste.

 

 

Chicken Cutlet. Crispy and juicy. Eat with lotsa chilli powder. Super tasty. Super unhealthy.

 

 

We were lucky to visit the iconic night market one last time before it is moved to the new location the week after.