Days Around Taipei
After our Thailand trip, we spent the next couple of days recovering from our food over indulgence. However Claudia and Chanel still had to pay a courtesy visit to the Oversea Chinese Association President and his staff for their continued support of the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America. Of course the day ended with another feast. At this point, I think karma decide to bite me in the you know where. I had a bout stomach flu symptom that night and into the next day. It was no fun, I literally lost about 3 lbs that I gain so far on this trip. Claudia even made a comment that she wished it was her so that she could lose the weight!! What was she thinking? Here I was, going through the agony of having to hug the toilet bowl many times a day and she wished she had it!
As a precaution, Jacky, Claudia’s nephew took me to clinic that evening. It was a Saturday evening and they were opened till 9pm. Still can’t wrap my head around this, in the US, it just seems like doctors have “bankers’ hours”. Since I am a non resident, I had to pay NTD $500 upfront, which I thought was for the co-payment only with the rest due after the diagnosis. Resident pays NTD $100. My physician on call was Dr. Chang, a young guy who graduated from UC Davis, diagnosed my ailment as a severe gastroenteritis. Sent me to the Pharmacy next door and as I exited the exam room, I asked what the damaged was ? Jacky said the $500 covers everything. By the time I arrived, my medication were ready to be picked up. Tried to pay for it and Jacky again mentioned the $500 covers everything! Now I get it. In case you are wondering, USD $1 = NTD $30. You do the the math! My copay for my doctor visit States side is between $25-$45 plus anything the insurance doesn’t cover! Medication is additional charge. You get my drift.
It’s a good thing there was a tropical storm off the Taiwanese coast that brought rain during these next few days and I spent the next day recovering. After a day cooped up indoor, I decide d to accompany Claudia to the Linkou city hall to update her residency records and during their lunch break we decided to weathered the light rain and ventured out to try some local ramen place. I have not fully recovered yet but couldn’t resist the dishes. After lunch Karma decided to pay me a visit again! No it is not toilet hugging.
As we were leaving the restaurant, I did not noticed that the sidewalk was a step down from the restaurant entrance and next thing I know, I was body sliding across the wet slippery sidewalk, hearing the screeching of my metal glass frame against the concrete floor. It happened so fast that i have not recollection of how it happen. Claudia sister told me later that I was screaming as I was sliding. By my estimate, I slid about 20ft across the sidewalk. After getting up and brushing myself I assured everyone I was fine, just my pride was hurt. Both my knees were “slightly” scratched and somewhere on my face were too since it was “slightly” bleeding or so I thought. There was a pharmacy closed by and they insisted that I go get my wound cleaned up. I resisted but eventually relented just not to worry them.
The pharmacy assistance were very helpful and recommended the medication to use. They looked at me concerned and I told them it was just a minor scratch. The young lady assistance even offered to dressed my wound as she noticed Claudia and her sister were not sure how to go about it even though it is not her responsibility! As she was cleaning up wound on my face, she commented that it might need to be stitched if the wound doesn’t closed up. Stitched! Yikes, only then did I realize the seriousness of my condition.
Thank you young lady, wished I had gotten her name.
The circled area on the frame is where metal meet concrete. According to the optometry technician, he said the force must be great for that to happen and the frame to get out of shape.
She is such a nice young lady with a great attitude. Her pharmacy location is in Linkou just down the street from the Lin Ko City Hall.
In case you are thinking, I have a back pack under that orange jacket that makes it look like I am hunching more than I did. When you are in pain, looking good on camera is the last thing that cross my mind 🙂
Karma aside, I was able to witness the joyful matrimony of three young couples tying the knots at the Linkou / New Taipei County Administrative Building. Just like your typical City Hall or County Seat where you can get your marriage license, record your property titles etc.
Not a knock on the professionals working at the many counties offices in the US, but I couldn’t help but be impressed by the staff at this location. They put you at ease and really give you a sense that they are there to assist you in anyway they can. Despite the long queue, they do not try to herd you out the door. They take their time to research your issue. In Claudia case, they have to dig up 30 years of records. I would say their motto should be “Service with a Smile and Patience”.
That’s a replica of a ancient chinese bed decorated for used on a wedding night on display at the Linkou / New Taipei County Administrative building. There is a sign that stated the bed is available for rental! I think it is just in jest.
Spent the rest of our remaining days running errands and doing some last minute shopping. There is is an Mitsu Outlet just 20 mins walk from Claudia’s sister place. It is real close to the Taoyuan-Taipei metro line and we would drop in for a visit after returning from Taipei. Claudia “struck gold” at this outlet when we found out that Issey Miyaki has a store there and according the Sales Staff, it is the only outlet store in Asia for Issey. We have never shop at any Issey Miyaki store, she just has one of ther signature handbag and perfumes. So she was excited to visit a physical store. She came home with a few outfit. I got myself a Jacket too.
Initially we were concern that staying in Linkou would be an inconvenience transportation wise. After spending our remaining days taking the Taoyuan-Taipei metro to Taipei, I was wrong. It is so convenient getting from Linkou to Taipei city and going around Taipei city itself, you don’t need a car. It cost around NT$50 to get from Linkou to Taipei (Sanchong station) and getting around Taipei average about NT$15, a cab cost about NT$80 – $180 if you don’t want to deal with the subway. I recommend taking the subway for the convenience and walking between subway lines and walking around the city is a great form of exercise. Spending almost a month eating at least 3 meals a day and not watching what I eat, I thought I would gain a few lbs, turned out maybe a lb. All those walking really helps. I think I walked more in such a short period than i have ever walked the past few years back home. Something to think about.
Even after more than a month away from home and starting to miss home, I was kind of sad to be leaving. Despite the mishaps that happen, I had a great time and already looking forward to the next time I can visit again whenever that maybe. Hopefully Taiwan remains a welcoming place for all visitors for a long time to come.
