The Best Omotenashi -Kagaya Ryokan- Experiece

For some reason, I got a chance to stay at Kagaya Ryokan. This ryokan has been chosen as the best ryokan past 35 years.

What is so special about it?

It's Omotenashi, which means  "A Heart of hospitality".

Yeah, this hotel is quite expensive for me when I think about the places I usually stay at. So, I don't deny I can really compare.

However, I tell you it was a good experience to visit there.

The staffs were kind and took good care of us.
The dinner/breakfast were good.
The show was fun.
The facility was great.
The small tour of the art objects was fun.

If you ever visit that area, I highly recommend you to stay at the hotel as long as your budget allows you to :)

Small Stories On The Last Day, No.2

Story 2
I found small hand mirrors at stores and wanted to buy a few for me and my sister. It seems that everywhere has similar price. At the store I went lastly, the price was a little high and the store clerk was eager to show me stuff once she found I was interested in those mirrors. I told her the cheapest price I saw in that area and she gave me a discount!! Hehe, I was happy about it. Probably it was because I was a customer in the morning. I heard there is a saying that first customer in the morning brings a good luck.

So I purchased the mirrors and left there for the airport. The journey was short, but I can say I was satisfied about it :)

By the way, there was another story I want to add in the end.
There was a Korean guy sitting next to me on the flight. When we started filling the form, he asked a flight attendant for a pen. Unfortunately, she didn't have one she can pass, so she told him to wait a minute. Since I had two, I handed him one of them. Then a conversation started naturally. He was a student who is becoming a doctor in the future. He speaks Korean, English and also some Japanese. He was coming to Japan for 10 days and in the middle of his journey, he was meeting up with friends both from Japan and Korea. He seems a little bit nervous because he was not sure how to get to his hotel in Asakusa. I told him we I'm going the same direction till Ueno station, so we could go together. He seemed glad when he heard it and it made me feel comfortable. Since I was helped by nice Korean people on my journey, I wanted to return the favor somehow. Honestly, I was a little bored waiting for him behind the immigration counter, but other than that, everything was alright. I helped him buying suica (IC card for transportation etc.), told him to charge some money first, then took Keisei line to Ueno together. On the way there, he told me he was relieved because of my help. Getting to Ueno station, I told him the direction and the sign he should follow. And when I was finally leaving, it happened. I don't deny it was a small thing, but left a kind of strong impression on my heart.

He stopped me.
He seemed that he wanted to tell me something and having a hard time to say it.
I was wondering what he was trying to tell me, but soon, it became clear.

「貴方の幸せを願います。」

That was what he said and it surprised me.
"I wish your happiness", which I didn't really expect to hear.
However, it definitely ended my trip with a positive feeling and I'll never forget about it. Probably I'll visit Korea again sometime soon in the future, when I finally become happy, who knows?

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Small Stories On The Last Day

Next day was the last day. In the morning, while preparing for leaving there, Momo cooked breakfast. Rice, eggs, tofu, seaweed, and kimch...It was a simple breakfast but meant a lot to me...I felt really really glad, and you know what, I loved the sauce we poured on rice!! Actually, I made something similar when I came back to Japan and had it XD Anyway, I say, it was a memorial stay. I enjoyed sharing time and space with my young cute host and I'm under the impression that probably it made my limit expanded. I experienced something that probably I didn't feel comfortable normally. So I say, I became even tougher!! LOL

When we finished breakfast, I finally left his place. I headed to 仁寺洞(Insadong), but when I got there, I found the street was quiet due to the morning time. Then I decided to check streets with traditional houses and 昌徳宮(Changdeokgung) which are both near by there. When I was done both of them and came back, the time was already good. The stores have opened, and a lot of people were passing there. So...*Shopping Time* :D

Since I didn't tell people I was coming to Korea, I didn't have to buy many souvenirs. However, of course I wanted to get some for my family and dear friends. 仁寺洞 was actually a perfect area for that. I found lovely small souvenirs and was happy about it. Let me tell you the two small stories I met there.

Story 1
I was looking at small bags that seem I can use as a silk wrapping cloth. It seemed that a lot of stores have the same ones, and the prices were actually the same everywhere. So, once I found it out, I purchased two of them at a store I was. The store clerk was a skinny guy. I paid him, and then he suddenly asked me if I want to take a picture! I was like "?!" but said "Sure..." and he started let me hold some masks or wear hats which were around there and took pictures with my camera!! I'm under the impression that in most places, they don't feel comfortable when people takes pictures using the items. It's very common to see such signs as "No picture please". However, the store clerk himself is taking pictures of me, WITH MY CAMERA USING THE ITEMS IN THE STORE. I found the situation very funny. He even concerned about how I look in the pictures; when he didn't like the picture he took, he moved the hat or mask and tried to make me look better!! And, when the picture time was done, he looked around. He noticed there was no one but me and asked me a question. "Are you alone?" I told him I was traveling by myself. Then he smiled and said "Beautiful girl!" showing his thumb. No wonder there was a hug just before leaving there!

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The Theme Song Of This Trip

After exploring 明洞 for a while, I started feeling go back home. I felt sorry for him because it seems like he wanted to hang out a little bit more, but anyway, I knew that I was tired. I told him I would just catch a train and go back to my Momo's. However, it was really really nice of him that he offered he would drive me there. But...there was a problem. I took a bus from 恵化 station when I went there. I didn't know the address nor the way to the bus station. Then, he told me to use his phone to call my friend. So, I called him, and they talked and he drove me to the university. It's a shame I'm not good at location so actually I asked Momo to come to pick me up to the place where we reached...I always get a help from kind people. I'm really thankful!

So, I got home with Momo safely. We talked about what we did that day. After a while, he suddenly started studying listening to the radio (It was an English class program, what a serious student he is!!) and when we finished, we went back to the conversation. You know, sometimes what you see, hear or smell, whatever, leaves you a strong impression and they will be connected tightly to each other so you will remember about the other when you meet one of them again. My theme music of the trip to Korea is definitely this song that Momo played that night...I just felt it was calm and the simple lyrics were just came into my heart. I think, the timing was just perfect.

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Yes, Yes, It Was Something...New

It didn't take so long until I get bored at the market. It was because of the stores it had...mostly, there were stores handling cloth, bed covers, traditional clothes, etc. You know what, I like traditional clothes, and actually I buy them when I go abroad. However, unfortunately, Korean chima jeogori didn't get my attention so much :( I told him that I was done there, and where we went next was a cafe...a place which was warmed up with a heater. Haha, we were absolutely beaten up by the damn cold weather which was probably around -15℃!

We had hot drink there...yes very hot drink. After a while, we went back to the car, and he asked me what was my next plan. I told him probably I would go to 明洞(Myeongdong) and around the area next day. Then, he told me we could make it today!! It was shocking for me because I was under the impression that I wouldn't be able to go anywhere else to that day. So I was glad and also felt a little bit sorry because I knew that he would have to drive all the way alone home. Anyway, when we got to 明洞, it was around 20:30. A little bit late to start exploring somewhere and probably having a dinner...however, I was not so hungry due to the street foods I had at the market in 水原. In 明洞, there were also lots of street food stalls, and I got to fed by him there AGAIN, lol. Basically, same as other street foods on Southeast Asian countries, they tasted familiar to me and I liked them. However, there was something I didn't like so much...which was the grossest among the food I ever had. Mmm, I say, it tasted not that bad as you through up. However, I do not it's yummy and I would never buy it for a pure reason for eating. So, as you realize, it's the thing in the picture, haha. "Beondegi", I believe some people won't even want to look at it because it looks creepy...and it also stinks. At least I was brave enough to try it, so I give myself a compliment! *Clap clap* ;)

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Spicy Street Food Warmed Up Our Body

As I mentioned before, we just walked walked and walked and went to the edge of the castle wall and came back to the car. While talking a walk, we talked about a lot of things; For example, where do Korean/Japanese people our generation go for a drink on weekends, where they hang out with friends, etc. We also shared our opinions about specific things...like relationship. Because of our age, the topic became a kind of serious. However, we had fun exchanging our thoughts. Probably there is something like "Tendency" or "Stereo type thing" in each country or area , but I'd rather feel such a thing is more personal, and you know, there must be varieties because even Japanese people have many types.　Walking under the setting sun talking about those topics, and when we finally went back to the car, we realized the temperature was even colder. We got into the car once. The next destination was a local market as I requested him while we were driving to the castle. He searched for a local market near by and we found out it was better to walk because it was close...so we got off the car again, lol.

So we walked under the freezing weather again, crossed streets, etc and finally got to the market. As soon as we got there, he asked if I wanted to try street foods. WHY NOT? :D There was a stall selling street foods and tables were available back inside. He told me to go there, so I went there and sat down and waited for him. Soon after, he came and he sat down in front of me. He told me he ordered some food and soon, the waiter brought a tray...and they looked really spicy because of the red colour!! But you know, I was brave enough to try them, LOL. Actually, I like spicy food so I wanted to try how they taste because I have heard Korean food is really spicy :P And you know, how it was? It was not as spicy as it looked like ;) It was really nice of him that he bought those foods and he really didn't have to...Anyway, I enjoyed them a lot. I say, "I like Korean street food"!!

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The Nice Scenery From The Top

The way looked a little complicated while driving to 水原華城. It was the first time for both of us visiting there. Jin was using a car navigation but a few roads were closed to traffic and it seemed like we were stuck driving around our destination (Ugh!!). However, we finally made it :) (By the way, it was something interesting for me to see the car navigation in Hangul, especially how they input letters, lol)

Firstly, we left our car in the parking of the museum and went in there. While I left for the restroom, he talked to a lady at the reception. When I was back, he told me what she recommended and we entered to the exhibition room. It was something I hadn't expected and things there were not so interesting for me (I'm sorry to say this. But I really appreciate his favor). What I wanted to do there was definitely walking along the castle wall and I was a little worried if it won't be too late.

Anyway, finishing the museum, we went outside and finally started walking around there. When we left the museum, a young girl at the counter gave us a map and explained the recommended way not to miss the important things. Of course, we followed the way ;P We saw 華城行宮 first and then walked along the castle wall. To reach there, we had to go upstairs and the way was LONG... I felt a bit sorry for him because he went to gym in the morning so his legs were already tired :S

On such a freezing day (Probably, the temperature was around -15℃ or so), feeling freezing air on cheeks, we kept going up the stairs. However, when we made it, we found it was worth because of the beautiful scenery there!! More over, good for me, I was not alone which means I got myself in pictures having such a beautiful background v(^-^)v Hehe, being a solo traveler who doesn't ask people to take pictures so often, I rarely have myself in pictures these days. So, such a small favor he did made me glad. (Actually, he offered me that he would take pictures for me many times.) Thank you my photographer, Jin!! :D

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Korean Shabushabu ~Curly Meat~

Finishing the castle, I took a metro. I was meeting up a friend, whose name is Jin, at a station to drive to 水原華城(Suwonhwaseong). Oh wait, I shouldn't forget mentioning about Dunkin' Donuts! You know, in Japan, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and mister donut are available but Dunkin' Donuts. I found the donuts chain anywhere in Seoul so I really wanted to try. Since I had some time, I stopped by the one beside the MRT station before taking a train. Yes it was just a donut...actually, two of them and a cup of coffee. But it made me happy enough v(^o^)v

When I got to the station he had appointed, I didn't find anyone looked like him so I made a call from public phone. By the way, I found Korean public phones useful because T-money (Korean IC card for transportation) is available which means I don't have to throw coins while talking, haha. Anyway, when I caught him on the phone, he told me he was a little late. However, it didn't take time since then and soon he appeared.

What we firstly did was having lunch. He took me to a Korean shabushabu place and there were only local people at the place (I like such a situation quite a bit while traveling abroad) XD The meat of Korean shabushabu on the plate was curly because it was frozen...lol. And it was good :P We talked about ourselves while eating. He was such a nice person who kept cooking and put meat into my bowl, especially when he got to know about my situation after asking a question. He said "Cheer up with meat" and gave even more. I wonder if he got to eat enough meat by himself due to it. After a while, we became full and we finally headed to the 水原華城 which was the main place I wanted to go that day :)

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Korean Futomaki

When I woke up, it was already around 7:30 and the time was a little bit later than I was supposed to wake up. I sneaked out from the blanket and went to wash my face. Since he offered me the warmest place in his room, I had a nice sleep. After washing face, I went back to the room and started preparing to go out. When I finished almost everything, Momo asked where I was going today, and if it was alright that he would join me in the evening since he got an interview from 14:00. I told him maybe it would be difficult because I was planning to go to 水原華城 with another friend after noon. Then, he told me to contact him in case I eat dinner without him and I promised. To be responsible about my stuff, I didn't want to leave my backpack. So, I carried all of my stuff with me but told him I was coming back unless anything would happen :) To tell the truth, I was wondering if I should come back since Momo had headache that morning...but anyway, I just decided to speak to him later and let things happen as they would happen.

I firstly headed to 景福宮(Gyeongbokgung). There were two castles I wanted to see in Seoul and the other one was 昌徳宮(Changdokkung). I was planning to go to 昌徳宮 first but changed the plan just after getting on the train. When I was walking in a station for transfer, I found something familiar in front of a store. They were selling what we call 太巻き(Futomaki) in Japanese!! Since I prefer having rice for breakfast more than bread (There were also some kind of stores selling doughnut or kind of pancakes), there was no reason for refrain from buying it. I was also curious how it tastes like. So I bought one and kept walking with my mouth full, lol. You wonder how it tasted? I say, there wasn't a big difference between Korean one and Japanese one...at least for me, haha.

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We Shared Enjoyable Time Together!

Having a dinner, we talked about a lot of things. I was curious about the frequency of cerebrating anniversaries and how they do it for Korean couples (Haha, it's such a stereo type thing), and I asked some questions related to it. Despite they were such personal things, he talked about his case and we shared some experiences. Then, I reached the answer that probably, Korean guys are more romantic compared to Japanese guys in general (Hey, Japanese guys, you gotta make more effort!!), LOL.

Anyway, after chatting, we both became full. On our way home, we stopped by a few supermarkets to buy some boozes. Why just not one was...he had some specific thing on his mind and didn't want to get anything alternative. So we searched for the one he wanted until we found it! When we finally finished shopping, we headed home. When we came back to his small room, he tried to treat me with his "Special" coffee...but the funny thing was, he had no idea how to make coffee. He didn't even have a kettle, lol. So I tried to pour hot water somehow from the pot. And the coffee, that we had as the result of those trying, was a kind of thin, was better than I expected, and more than anything else, he was very happy. So that was good :)

When we finished coffee, he started peeling an apple. It was shocking for me to know he still had some space in his stomach after eating lots of food (I was still so full and had just a piece of it.) and we enjoyed talking seeing pictures of his past trip in Europe. There were a lot of pictures, and he told me the stories about each picture. I liked the part that he cooked Korean foods for friends whenever he went anywhere. And they liked it a lot!! Personally I haven't done such things yet and it's on my list. One of the problem is, since I'm traveling with a small backpack and bring it in the airplane recently, I can't carry so many things with me. Mmm, maybe some day :D

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Momo's Small Wonderland

My Korean friend, Momo, is a cute boy who smiles nicely. He is a student, and his place locates right beside the university. I liked the scenery of the city I saw while walking, and we soon reached his place; Which I call Momo's small wonderland! He said he had everything he needed there, (And I started doubting it later, due to the things happened lol) and welcomed me in warmly. Sitting on the floor, I handed him my small gift I brought from Japan. It was a sweet and it is popular as a souvenir from Kyoto and I love it. Since it's available in the airport, I sometimes bring it for my friends abroad. He looked glad when he received it, and asked me if he could open it. I said sure, and soon, he took a bite.

Boy, he just looked like an innocent kid while tasting it, and it calmed down my heart which was rough due to the things that had happened in past few weeks. Observing him for a while, I realized I was very hungry!! It was already around 20:30 and I hadn't had dinner yet. No wonder. So, we headed for a Korean dinner :D

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After Feeling Uneasy...

I met the second trouble when I got to 恵化 station. As my friend told me, I went out from the exit 1. He told me to take a bus from there, which is going to Sungkyunkwan university. I asked a young guy where the bus stop is and which bus I should take. However, he didn't know about it. Soon after that, I found a bus stop by myself and walked there.

At the bus stop, there was a sign which shows destinations of the buses. However, it was only in Hangul so I had no idea which bus to take and the person I asked for a direction couldn't help me at all. So, I finally decided to make a call to him and luckily, public phones were just beside the bus stop. When the call was done, I had the information that I had to take one of the green mini buses whose number is 7 or 8 and had to go to the final destination :)

After a while, I found myself feeling uneasy because it looked like I got to the final destination of the bus but I was in a residential area. Being under the impression that I was going to an University, the environment looked completely different from what I expected. So, to make sure where I was, I spoke to the driver, confirmed it was the last destination, and asked him if the bus wasn't going to the university that my friend told me. I wanted to find a clue, but since the driver didn't speak English so much, it was a kind of tough. We even involved another bus driver, who came with next bus. But after a while, a young guy showed up and called my name! I bet you know how much I got relieved!

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There Is Always Someone Nice

Since I knew there is a reusable transportation card for buses and trains just as like in Japan, Taiwan or Singapore, I told the person in the information counter that I wanted to purchase one as soon as I got to the station. However, it was not available there. He told me it is available in Seven-Eleven...and there was no Seven-Elevens nearby. He showed me two options. First one is, going back to the airport building and purchase it. The other one is, getting on the train buying a regular card for single use, then purchase the reusable card somewhere in Seoul. I chose...the latter one. So I purchased a card for single use for 恵化 station and left for Seoul station. I had to transfer there to the line 4.

When I got to Seoul station, I got into a small accident. I went out from the gate (I didn't realize there is a way to transfer without passing the gate) and my card got invalid!! I felt myself so stupid. When that happened, there was no available information counter and I was confused. I purchased a reusable transportation at a convenience store I found at the station and tried to figure out what happened to my card asking the store clerk but it failed since she doesn't speak English so much. Kindly, a girl who was waiting for a check behind me followed me later and I got to figure out what I did wrong. Unfortunately, I couldn't get the small money back but she helped me with refunding the single use card. When she left, she smiled and said, "Have a nice trip!" :)

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Saying Hello To The Very Next Country

It was just a few weeks in advance when I decided to fly there. I noticed I got a few days off in a row in January unexpectedly when I received my work schedule in the end of December. Firstly, I thought of another specific place to visit due to my status at that time. However, since it didn't seem available, I finally chose that country. Korea is somewhere I had on my mind that I would visit at least once. Why it didn't happen before was because of the distance. It is a country that is not so far from Japan. It's something similar that people from Tokyo are not going to Tokyo tower often. It feels like we can go anytime.

Being a lazy last minute traveler these days, I didn't do almost anything until the date got close (again, lol). I finally started searching for places after a few days when February started. I went to the library, borrowed a few guidebooks, checked a few places that I shouldn't miss, and took copies of some pages including maps. Unexceptionally for recent trip, my journey started from the next morning I did overnight shift, and I rushed to the airport as soon as I got home and picked up my backpack.

It was my second time traveling alone in January. Last time was Singapore and Cambodia in 2010 and it eventually became a broken-hearted trip because my boyfriend left me after I organized everything for the solo trip. Ironically, it followed the same way this time. What differed it from the past one was I was a bit more optimistic about things which happened around me and I was already used to travel alone due to the experiences I went through after that trip.

Anyway, as soon as I passed the immigration counter, I followed the signs toward to the airport rail to go to 恵化 station to meet up a friend.

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Getting Home At 3 AM

When we finally met up our friend, we headed to the place where we were staying. On the way there, we talked about how we enjoy meeting people from/in abroad. He told us the story when he came to pick people up to the airport 4 times in a day...haha, I felt he really enjoys meeting people. He also told us we were the first people from Japan he "Met" in person.

Our host's house locates in one of the areas where a lot of new high-ended apartments are built, and the area is still expanding. It's hard to find a specific house in a residential area if you are not familiar there. No wonder our friend, Arvind, asked the guards around there sometime and we finally found the place. It was such an apartment that I haven't lived, and do not even expect I can live in the future, because it looked so nice. There were a few guards at the entrance of the whole condominium area, and we had to tell who we are there. It also looks like there is a guard at the first floor of each apartment and we had to tell who we are again there!! Since our host didn't tell them we were coming (It was the first time for him hosting someone, so I guess it couldn't be helped), we couldn't get in smoothly...and I was sure it took more time if we didn't have Arvind because the guard at the apartment didn't speak English at all!

Making sure that we were alright, Arvind left for home. We felt really sorry for him because we heard he lives almost the opposite side of Delhi and it takes 1.5 hours to get home from there. He drove all the way to take us there for a favor.

Gautam, our host, is a cool guy who designs bag and stuff as his occupation. He lives there alone with his lovely dog Maximus, and hiring a maid to take care of him. He was up till 3 AM despite he had to work that day, and welcomed us nicely. He told us about the necessaries, and even told us we can let his maid clean our laundries and cook breakfast for us. His apartment was really nice, and the furniture he has are very cool as well. Also, I personally really like the bags he designs. They are simple, and cool. I don't know how many times I'm saying "Cool" in this post, haha. Anyway, we really liked the room we stayed :) We felt like we were staying at somewhere like an expensive hotel, lol.

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I Wonder If They Know The Words "Time Is Money"

When we finally got to contact those people who must have been waiting for us, it was already pretty late. As soon as the immigration things were done, I asked an officer if there is a public phone. Actually, I tried calling them using my cell while waiting in the line, but for some reason, it didn't work. He told us they are around the exit 4 then we went out from the exit, but couldn't find them. So, we asked the two guards outside again.

One of them didn't speak English at all so he didn't understand what I said. So I spoke to the other one, and he told us they are inside of the building. Then, were about to come back inside...and were stopped by them.

Why? Because, they had to check our passport and tickets and it took sometime. You know how stupid I felt? And I guess you can also imagine how frustrated we were in the circumstances. I definitely got such an impression that Indian people (probably) don't have sense of feeling sorry for wasting someones time more than needed. Otherwise, they wouldn't have made us fill the form again for nothing nor checked the passports and tickets of innocent tourist girls who came out of the building just now carrying large backpacks and want to return to make a quick call (I'm sure I'll mention about this kind of things again in later posts!) I really wanted to kick their ass but of course didn't (couldn't) because I'm such a polite Japanese girl who doesn't want to cause problems, and actually, they were holding guns.

So, after a while, we finally went inside again and made a call to two people. One to the person who were hosting us that day, and next, the person who must have been at the airport to pick us up. I really felt sorry for those people for the late contact (But, what could we do? :S).

Thus, we finally (I want to say, it was really, finally) got to contact people and met up a friend who was waiting for us at the airport for a few hours!

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I Finally Came To This Country

Probably, it was the most adventurous trip I've experienced even I was not alone. We got into a trouble...actually, even caused a trouble (Of course not on purpose), had to change plans due to our thoughtless decision...etc. However, I can say that this trip was successful in the end and we were such lucky girls :) I personally do not believe in God, but if he exists, I wish he blesses the people who helped us during the journey and hope their happiness. I found out I'm still inexperienced as a human, and did something shameful which I could avoid if I stopped and thought about what I was doing...haha. I hope that there will be a "Next time" for a revenge and compensation.



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It was around 30 minutes past 0 AM when we arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. As soon as we got off from the airplane, we followed a lady who was holding our names to the counter for visa on arrival. There were two guys sitting behind the counter and we got to fulfill the form for our visa to be issued. While writing, some tourists came and they all were Japanese. However, it didn't seem it's a common thing to get the visa there. Guess, most people already got it while in Japan. Actually, getting a visa on arrival was troublesome because of the form. We were required to fulfill almost every single things on it such as arrival date, your home address, address in India, phone number, the room number (I wonder how many people already know it before getting to the hotel), if you have an acquaintance in India, his/her contact info, etc.

They charge 60 US dollars per person for the visa and I heard sometimes they require tips for the issue (I believe it must be an unofficial thing at such a official place and it'll go to their pocket :(). Fortunately, we were not asked for tips but more than one hour had been already passed when we finished all the procedures for immigration, and I believe we didn't need that much. The reason is, we were stuck inside of the airport because of a stupid (I'm sorry, I'm not making little of Indian people but please let me complain about it) officer at the immigration counter told us to fill an immigration form again even we told him we already handed it to the guy at the visa counter, and also had the part of the paper. And while we were filling another form there, a flight arrived at the airport and it made a long line up of passengers...Finally, we had to wait in the line, and when we finally reached another counter, the officer told we didn't have to fill the form again. SO STUPID. The stupid officer did nothing but made us waste our time. I was frustrated actually because we had someone waiting for us. So, it was the first thing that pissed us off in India. I do not believe this will happen in Japan, so we thought..."Probably, this is what happens in India".

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Bye Bye Taiwan

Yes, it was the last day...and I had to go back home. He was already up when I went to the living room after packing everything. He was about to leave for work. We went downstairs. Seeing him off, I wanted to show my appreciation, but didn't know how to do express because those things, that I received from him gave me an extraordinary impression and I didn't know they way to show my feelings. So I put all the gratitude to the words "Thank you for everything" and a hug.

So he left, and I went to the local market again. Most of the stores were closed because it was on a weekday, and I felt it was much more fun the day before when we hung out together. I got bored soon, and came back to the apartment to finally leave the place. Before going to the airport, I stopped by 中山 and went to a big supermarket. I wanted to get some local things as souvenir for friends. I bought many things and my extra bag was filled with stuff (Believe me, it was 10kg!!) Walking back to the station carrying a backpack and the bag, I felt a kind of funny because I remembered I do not need knights who bring me where I want to come and carry my stuff. I was a solo tourist as I usually am.

When I got to Taipei main station, I had "Last supper" at the food court. There were two Japanese and one Taiwanese sitting at the same table and my ears caught some Japanese words they spoke and it sounded like a business talk. I wasn't interested in it as you expect, so I concentrated on eating and talking to myself (In mind).

Well...how was my trip so far?
It was surprisingly amazing due to the unexpected circumstances I had by chance.
I vaguely felt probably I would miss Taiwan...probably not Taiwan but all the experiences I had there, just like as I miss my Singaporean friends.

I think I can't stop opening a box of chocolate because I want to know what it has inside. So that I can't stop traveling :) Next destination will be a country I really wanted to come since before. So...to be continued? :P

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Dishes And Heading Back To Taipei

On the way back to Keelung station, we stopped by a Taiwanese 居酒屋. I told him before I wanted to go there and they actually made my dream come true. We had beer (Of course the driver didn't :P), Taiwanese food and I enjoyed them a lot. The ordering system of Taiwanese restaurants is different from what we usually have in Japan. There are small peaces of papers (Actually, menu), you write how many of them you want beside the name of the food, and give it to the waiter. Since I had no idea what there are on the menu list...I let them order everything.

They ordered food more than I expected. We talked about a lot of things over those local dishes, and I felt very happy being there sharing time with them. What a lucky girl I was ;P When we became full, there were still some food remained on plates, and they told the waiter that they want to bring it back home. Soon, the food was brought in small plastic bags. I know it's surprising if you're Japanese because it has to be tappers if it's possible and basically, we can't do that. I heard it's very common in Taiwan though, so I told it's not in Japan. Why? Because, they can't be responsible about the food that become old when they bring back home.

Anyway, having a full stomach, we got to the station, and his friend drove back home. I really really appreciated his kindness he did for just a tourist like me. He didn't even know about me before, but did all the favor. Saying bye to him, we went to the bus stop and took a bus to Taipei. My body was exhausted, but didn't feel awkward nor troublesome after spending most of the day with someone specific, and it was a very rare thing for me. I actually liked the atmosphere, and was relaxed. You can tell it from my status on the bus; Dozing beside a guy that I can't really say "I know him well" in a strange place.

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Chiufen, The Place With Warm Lanterns

I say, I enjoyed the half day trip to Chiufen quite a bit. His friend came to pick us up to the station, and we approached to Chiufen from backside. The way we took was where mostly only the locals pass. We stopped by a restaurant, had a late lunch, and also stopped by a few more places to take pictures or for a museum. I saw almost no foreigner tourists in those places and it made me so excited. His kind friend explained me a lot of things about the places. It was an unfortunate thing that my English is not good enough to understand everything, but I think I got the entire thing roughly.

When we got to Chiufen, we had traditional sweets, and looked around the town. I found there my favorite thing...Almond powder! We call it 杏仁 and we usually find it used for sweets at Chinese restaurants or at supermarkets in Japan. However, I don't think we have such a tea. I had a cup of almond tea in Taipei city, and loved it. So, I think it was a destiny I found the store selling the powder in Chiufen, lol. When I bought one bag, and receiving the change, my friend told me that the store clerk gave me a discount...so I said 謝謝. Being with them, I didn't have any problem hanging out there. I even didn't have to worry getting late or about transportation. I was definitely in a relax mood which is unusual while traveling alone. It was lie being a little princess protected by two knights :P

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