4. 老台南，老朋友

Chapter 4 - Old Tainan, Old friend

Tainan, one of the oldest cities in Taiwan, has become one of my favorites. It's no doubt the friendliest place so far, which I already felt it when I arrived.

It was about 3pm when I settled down and was ready to put my roaming feet to good use. I was informed of the sightseeing bus numbered 88 and 99 which would take me around the city! Not for free though, it's free for people living in Tainan though, how lovely that is! Singapore doesn't offer me to sit on the ducktour for free!

I paid the bus fare to take me to Anping Fort 安平古堡, one of the old remains since Dutch occupation. There was a guide in every sightseeing bus, and this uncle was really friendly. We spoke for a bit, he gave me really good advices about getting around. Then I realised I could have bought the 100NT day ticket in Tainan which would give me admission to 2 attractions and unlimited bus rides! Felt a little silly for not getting this when I boarded, but I got it since it was the only day I had, tomorrow I had to leave for Taichung.

The Anping Fort is not too huge and has walls made of beautiful red orange bricks, it is actually over 300 years old and is the oldest fort in Taiwan. Worth a read about its brief history with the link I've provided :) I also climbed up the tower where I could catch a pretty view of the city... After the fort visit, I paid a visit to a famous temple situated right behind, then was led to a whole street of food and shopping. It was packed as it was a Sunday... people were everywhere. I found myself a nice BBQ stick of stinky tofu and a "cow tongue" biscuit which they named it literally from its shape, not that it's from the cow of course!

The clumsy me accidentally kicked a stick which then poked a little hole on my feet... ouch! It was bleeding quite a bit that I thought it was time to end my walk and head back soon. The last bus timing was pretty near too, but it was a shame I didn't get to see more than the fort in Anping district. There are so much more, but I believe if I will return on my next Taiwan visit!

On the bus back, there was this lady guide, she was also telling us all the nice food in Tainan as the bus went by many places. I decided to ask her about getting to Flower garden night market 花園夜市 which is not accessible by walking. It is quite far and the bus would only take you to a place 10 minutes walk away. I asked if I could take a cab and suddenly she seemed hesitant and said she wasn't sure if it was safe to take a cab alone (being a girl). Carrie also called me earlier to check if I arrived safely and warned me that about lots of  "army boys" in Tainan. But I only saw a lot of OLD MEN!!! I brushed off the thought and decided to wait for a bus to the night market.

While waiting, I saw a bunch of chinese girls. I spoke to them and realised they too were heading to the night market. So we waited together. It was nearly 15 minutes and no bus arrived... but many cabs stopped by the girls and asked if they wanted to get in. ALL THE OLD UNCLES. For once, I suddenly didn't feel so right, and I wondered if I would be able to run when needed with my "injured" foot. So I turned back, decided to do something else instead. I walked back to the hotel, and on the way, indulged myself with a nice orange pamelo passion fruit tea and a takeaway of 5 delicious dumplings for supper... Lovely.

I decided to pay Chikan Tower a visit since it was open till 930pm, and it was situated near my hotel. Chikan Tower or Fort Provintia was built during Dutch occupation and served as an administration centre, during the Japanese occupation, it was turned into an army hospital. But since it has been restored and looks absolutely stunning at night. It was packed with aunties and uncles seated on the chairs near the entrance, listening to a pretty Chinese lady singing English songs. I thought that was a little weird but she sang really beautifully and even I was charmed.

Quoted from the blog link above, "Two ornate stone and wood towers sit amongst the grounds of lovely gardens that include a koi fish pond and several statues." Can you already imagine its beauty? Plus, it was brightly lit up at night. I took my time and walked around the towers, took pictures... and couldn't bear to leave the place really! Up on top of one of the the towers, there is a deity statue where students come to pray for success in their studies.

It was about 10pm I decided to head back for a shower and relaxed in front of the TV. I decided to nap a little with the TV on, so I could just watch the final World Cup match when it came on. Christ, the match lasted till 5am!!! Spain won! Adeline must be thrilled now I thought since she betted on them! :P I was glad I could laze and enjoyed the free breakfast till my check-out before taking a last look around Tainan. Tainan's temples are amazing but a little too overwhelming, I visited 2 or 3 and decided to end it by having another bubble tea (Oolong with milk foam on top). I also managed to DIY some amulets for my family :)

The hotel was kind enough to arrange me a scooter ride to the train station! They do offer free pick up if you arrange in advance, which I didn't realise when I arrived. When I got to the train station at 1215pm, I was told that the next train to my destination would be over an hour later. The uncle at the train station teased that he would normally charge for keeping bags but would look after mine for free. Cheeky. He told me where to get some local delicacies and said I must have them while I was there.

And I did :) I followed his advice, walked and shopped a little on the way. I also bought the recommended famous shrimp rolls 周氏虾捲 and 安平豆花 bean jelly (it comes with 2 accompanying add-ons, so I had green beans and mini pearls). They became my lunch onboard the 3 hours ride to Taichung! Thanks uncle, he really made my day and a perfect exit from Tainan. BS should have arrived at Taoyuan by then, we had arranged to meet in the hostel in Taichung, from there we would be going to Cingjing the day after.