Heading North from Yunlin -- February 14, 2016
HAL Volendam Asian Adventure -- Pre-cruise
I believe we finally overcame jet lag and had a restful night at the motel in Huwei. We all woke up pretty late and just made it in time for breakfast. It was another gorgeous morning with the bright sunshine, at least it was what it seemed.
The high school right outside of our balcony. It was a Sunday, so there was not much activities going on other than a few people doing their morning exercise.
Breakfast room at the motel
I'd say they had a decent variety of food to choose from. Nothing fancy.
My breakfast! I usually just need toasts and coffee anyway so this is quite a lot for me.
After we checked out of the motel we spent some time at SIL's house and enjoyed our time chatting with nephews and nieces. Then we were taken to lunch near their house. Actually right around the corner of the entrance of their alley.
The main street in town.
Lunch spot -- Best 8 Curry
self-check menu
OK, we had 80 minutes to finish lunch.
They are famous for their ramen so everybody else ordered ramen, except me.
I am a rice person, so I had their curry rice with pork chop.
Food was not bad at all.
After lunch we were ready for our train ride to Taoyuen. We would spend the night at the Novotel in the Taoyuen airport because we had an early flight out to Hong Kong the next morning.
Inside the new HSR station in Huwei.
A good place to shop for local products of Yunlin before boarding the train.
Bidding farewell to our dear family--our gracious hosts.
Here comes the train and it was quite busy since it was the last day of the New Year holidays.
Now, the weather took a harsh turn. It started to rain and with the sun gone, it was very cold.
By the time we arrived at Taoyuen HSR station, it was cold, wet, and very windy. We got in the long line for the airport shuttle and were dropped off at the Novotel before reaching the airport. We were met by the fine staff at the side of the shuttle who helped us with our luggage to the check-in counter. To our surprise, MOR's aunt and uncle were already waiting for us in the lobby.
We freshen up a little after getting into our room on the 7th floor before heading out to dinner.
Aunt and Uncle took us to a Japanese Buffet restaurant in Taoyuen which is located inside a huge shopping mall and we enjoyed a wonderful Japanese/Shabu Shabu dinner. We were so full after that great dinner that we had to walk around the six floors of the department store before going back to the hotel.
Such good food!
Steamed egg. Ooops! Forgot to take a picture with aunt and uncle!
Our room at the Novotel
The room was a little tight but worked fine for a short overnight.
Flight CX 469 to Hong Kong and Cathay Lounge, Taipei -- February 15, 2016
I remembered the last time we stayed at Novotel and how stuffed I was after the breakfast there so I decided to skip breakfast this time. I know I will be eating in the lounge again, and then we will be served a meal on the plane. MOR and ChC went down for breakfast while I finished packing our bags.
We could see planes taking off from our hotel window.
That's terminal one, I believe. The Aviation Museum in the foreground.
Snapped a few shots of the lobby as we were waiting for the hotel shuttle to the airport.
This would be the restaurant entrance where they were serving breakfast.
Main entrance of the hotel
lobby
It was a quick ride from the hotel to the airport. Check-in was a breeze at the Business Class counter. Then we were shocked by the incredible long line of people trying to get to the security check. I have never seen so many people at any airport! The security check is on the second floor but the line went all the way from one side of the building to the other side on the first floor. Was I glad we got there early! I'd say we were in line for close to 40 minutes before reaching the actual security check, then immigration seemed much faster.
Now we are on the 2nd floor, but the line was winding around and around.
After that long, long line it was just heavenly to be inside the Cathay lounge on the fourth floor.
I am pretty sure they had done some work in this lounge since we were here last. It looks much nicer and bigger, with lots of comfortable seats. I'd say it's even better than the Wing.
Especially when it's so empty and quiet.
We parked ourselves at the very end of the lounge with all the space we wanted.
They do not serve 'won-ton' noodle here but they made some delicious beef noodle at the noodle bar.
After about an hour resting in the lounge, we were ready to board our flight to Hong Kong.
Gate B5 in Terminal 1
Yes, the line for Business Class was long, but not chaotic.
I thought this painting on the wall was very pretty.
Inside the plane
I got a bulkhead seat again 16A, with a missing window. I couldn't change seats because it was a full flight. Good thing it was just a 1-hour flight.
(Starter) Smoked salmon roulade and creamy potato salad on the left.
(Dessert) Mocca mousse cake and pear compote on the right.
My main--Fried halibut, sweet corn sauce, broccoli and egg fried rice. The rice came out dry on the edges again which was a waste because no one would be able to eat those dried up rice. I tried to dig out the soft part as much as possible from the center of the bowl. The halibut was good though and the garlic bread, wonderful!
And, yes, I had another one of their Cathay Delight, yum!
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