Uncover Tainan's Secrets: Your 17-Day Taiwanese Adventure Awaits!
Uncovering Tainan's Secrets: My 17-Day Taiwanese Adventure (And The Hotel That Almost Broke Me… In A Good Way!) - A Totally Honest Review
Alright, folks, buckle up. This isn't your typical, sterile hotel review. This is the DISPATCH from the trenches of a 17-day Tainan adventure, fueled by stinky tofu, questionable street art, and the ever-present humidity. And at the heart of it all? This hotel. "Uncover Tainan's Secrets: Your 17-Day Taiwanese Adventure Awaits!" they promised. Did they deliver? Well… mostly. Let's dive in, shall we?
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First Impressions (and the First Annoyance): The Arrival
Getting through the airport was a BEAST. After a twelve-hour flight, all I wanted was a shower and a nap. Thank god for the airport transfer service offered by the hotel, which, thankfully, was punctual. However, the check-in/out [express] advertised? Lies! Well, not lies, but… more like a suggestion. Took longer than I’d have liked, mainly because the receptionist, bless her heart, was clearly still learning English. This meant a lot of frantic pointing and gesturing on my part. But hey, at least the elevator worked, because, and I’m going to harp on this, accessibility is KEY.
Accessibility: My Personal Hell, My Personal Heaven
Now, this is a big one for me. I’m… mobility challenged, let's say. So, a truly accessible hotel is a game changer. And I have to give it to them, they tried. The elevator was a godsend. The hallways were wide enough to maneuver a double-decker bus (almost). There were facilities for disabled guests, which, in practice, seemed to mean a slightly wider doorway in my room. But here's the rub: The wheelchair accessible aspect was… tricky. "Accessible" in Taiwan sometimes translates to "we tried," and while the ramp leading up to the entrance EXISTED (thank you, Jesus!), the actual pathways weren't always smooth sailing. Some cobblestone sections were like a rollercoaster for my poor tires! And the swimming pool? Forget it. No ramp or lift in sight. So, while the effort was appreciated, it wasn't perfect. This is a MAJOR area for improvement, people!
My Room: A Sanctuary… Mostly
Alright, my room was a mix of blissful sanctuary and minor frustrations. The good: the air conditioning worked like a CHAMP (essential in Tainan’s humidity), the bed was comfyyyy (and the presence of an extra long bed was a nice touch for us taller individuals), and the free Wi-Fi? Absolutely crucial. Yes, there was Wi-Fi [free] everywhere. You could walk into a closet and still pick it up! It also had its own dedicated Internet access – wireless and even Internet access – LAN for those who still like to plug in. Weirdos. I loved the high floor for the view (even if the view was mostly other buildings), and the blackout curtains were essential for combating jet lag.
Now, here's the "but": Despite the daily housekeeping, my room felt… dusty. Like, Taiwan-dust dusty. This, in combination with the carpeting, didn’t always feel the cleanest. I was especially skeptical about the room sanitization opt-out available. Did they really do it if I asked them not to? I’m not entirely convinced. Also, the desk situation was a bit cramped, and maneuvering my laptop and coffee was a delicate dance. Still, it was good to have dedicated laptop workspace and included a practical desk. The in-room safe box provided much-needed peace of mind for my passport and other valuables. Oh, and the complimentary tea was a lifesaver after a long day of exploring.
Sanity & Sanitize! Cleanliness & Safety: A Mixed Bag
Okay, let's get serious for a moment, especially after living through some… times. The hotel tried with the whole sanitation thing. There was hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were generally masked. The rooms sanitized between stays bit made me hopeful, but I couldn't verify it. They advertised Anti-viral cleaning products, which is good to know. There were also daily disinfection in common areas. The staff trained in safety protocol. And there was a first aid kit, thankfully, untouched during my stay.
However, the dining experience offered a different story. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items claim felt shaky when presented with a not-so-clean fork. Also, the room decoration was not fully compliant with the hygiene rules.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Cultural Collision (And My Belly's Best Friend)
The restaurants were… an adventure.
The Asian breakfast was… well, it was an experience. I'm a Western breakfast kind of gal, so the transition was a little rough. The breakfast [buffet] was decent, but the coffee was like dishwater. I quickly adapted and started the day with the breakfast takeaway service to go.
The A la carte in restaurant was a different story. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a welcome surprise with tasty dishes. Some dishes, like the spicy tofu, were just plain delicious. As a vegetarian, the vegetarian restaurant was my delight.
The Happy hour at the bar was a lifesaver. Cheap drinks and salty snacks after a long day of sightseeing? Sign me up! The Poolside bar was a nice touch, but again, not fully accessible. You could access the bar at the poolside, but not the pool itself.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax): Sauna, Steamrooms, &… Tainan!
Okay, let’s talk about the “relax” side of things. The hotel touted a spa/sauna. It had a sauna, a steamroom, and even a foot bath. (I’m a sucker for a good foot bath!). But again, accessibility issues plagued the experience. The massage was… okay. Nothing to write home about, but it got the knots out. The pool with view was gorgeous, let it be said, even if I couldn’t properly access it.
But let's be real: the real way to relax in Tainan is to wander the streets, get lost in the markets, and eat ALL the food. Don’t miss the Shrine or the Safety/security feature when you find it.
More Rants and Rambles: The Little Things
- Pets allowed? (Unavailable). Boo! I missed snuggling my dog!
- Smoking area: They had one. Good for smokers, bad for me.
- Room service [24-hour]: A lifesaver for those late-night cravings.
- Babysitting service: Good for the families, I guess.
The Verdict: A Messy, Beautiful, And Ultimately Worthwhile Adventure
So, would I recommend "Uncover Tainan's Secrets"? Absolutely. Despite the accessibility issues, the lack of perfect cleanliness, and the occasional language barrier, I had an incredible time. The staff were (mostly) friendly, the location was great, and the hotel truly provided a base for a wild and unforgettable adventure.
Here's my take-home message:
- Accessibility: Needs serious improvement.
- Cleanliness: Could be better.
- Food: Generally good, but the coffee needs a wake-up call.
- Overall Experience: Heartfelt and memorable!
Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars (Because, let's be honest, I'm always rating it a 3.5 out of 5 as that’s how I see the world!)
P.S. If you're going to Tainan, prepare to sweat. A LOT. And learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. "Thank you" will get you VERY far. Happy travels!
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17 Trips of Tainan: A Messy, Beautiful Disaster
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-polished travel blog. We're diving headfirst into the glorious chaos that is Tainan, Taiwan, with a schedule that's more "suggestion" than "strict itinerary." Consider this my panicked scribbles on a napkin, fueled by lukewarm coffee and the overwhelming feeling of "where do I even begin?"
Day 1: Landing Like a Clumsy Duck (and Loving It)
- Morning: Arrival & The Great Lost Luggage Incident (or, My Love Affair with the Transit System)
- Touchdown at Tainan Airport! (Okay, technically, it's not a huge international hub, so we landed in Kaohsiung first. And yes, I almost missed the connecting bus because I was too busy gawking at the fruit vendors.)
- The bus ride? A lesson in local culture. Think grandma gossiping, kids playing games on their phones, and me, squinting at the ridiculously cheap and efficient transit system, feeling utterly inadequate.
- The Luggage Saga: Yep, my suitcase decided to take a detour. Cue the panic, the broken Mandarin (mostly "行李？丢失？"), and the sheer existential dread of not having clean socks. Thankfully, the airline folks were super helpful, and I found a street vendor who sold me some questionable but undeniably cute socks. Disaster averted! (For now…)
- Afternoon:
- Settling into my Airbnb, which is a charming, slightly dusty, but otherwise perfect little room in a traditional shophouse. The air conditioning is a LIFESAVER.
- Attempting to navigate the maze of streets surrounding my place. Getting hopelessly lost. Loving it anyway.
- Food Adventure #1: Beef Soup and a Moment of Pure Bliss. Found a tiny stall serving the most incredible beef soup I've ever tasted. Seriously. Rich, savory broth, tender beef, a perfect sprinkle of green onions… I could have cried. And I might have, a little. Exhaustion and deliciousness combined.
- Evening:
- Wandering aimlessly (again) and stumbling upon the Shennong Street, a vibrant strip of shops, cafes, and art galleries. The neon lights, the smell of street food, the thrumming energy… it's captivating.
- Ended up befriending a street performer who was playing a traditional Taiwanese instrument (I have no idea what it was called, but it sounded magical). He taught me a few basic phrases in Mandarin and laughed when I butchered them. That's the spirit!
Day 2: Temples, Ghosts, and Spicy Noodles (aka, My Spicy Food Regret)
- Morning: The Grandness of Grand Temples.
- Visiting the grand temple: Confucius Temple: Seriously impressive. So much history, so much intricate detail, and enough peace to soothe my frazzled nerves.
- Visiting the God of Fortune Temple: Absolutely packed with locals burning incense and making offerings. A truly immersive experience.
- Afternoon:
- Food Adventure #2: The Spicy Noodle Challenge (and the Aftermath). I swear I thought I could handle it. Apparently, my spice tolerance is drastically different than my self-confidence. Those noodles were delicious, fiery, and left me sweating like a… well, like someone who just ate the spiciest noodles in Tainan. Tears, sniffles, and a desperate search for milk (which, of course, was nowhere to be found).
- Haunted House Adventures: Walking around the Chihkan Tower and fort Provintia areas, the city is steeped in historical importance and haunted tales.
- I really wanted to check out the Anping Tree House. So, I did.
- Evening:
- Trying, and failing, to find a vegetarian meal. The language barrier is real, folks.
- Collapsed into bed, utterly defeated but full of stories (and a lingering tingle from those noodles).
Day 3: Salt Fields, Sunsets, and Existential Musings (or, My Love for Abandoned Places)
- Morning:
- Cycling into the salt fields. Decided to rent a bike and explore the old salt fields. The vastness of the scenery, the quiet, the feeling of being completely alone in this vast landscape… It was incredibly grounding.
- Afternoon:
- Food Adventure #3: The Food of the Salt Fields: Trying fresh seafood. So fresh, it practically jumped onto my plate.
- Exploring abandoned houses: I stumbled upon a couple of old, decaying buildings near the salt fields. Something about the layers of history and the silent stories hidden within those walls… Chills.
- Evening:
- Sunset over the sea. There is something about the way the light hits the water in Taiwan… it's like it's been painted by a master.
- Reflecting on life, the universe, and the fact that I still don’t speak more than 10 words of Mandarin. This trip is full of surprises.
Day 4: Backstreet Bonanza
- Morning:
- Woke up late! I needed that rest.
- Food Adventure #4: Tainan's Snack Streets: Woke up with a serious hunger (and a lingering memory of those noodles). Headed to an area known for its street food. From oyster omelets to spring rolls (which are the BEST), I ate my way through the market.
- Went to the Museum of Literature
- Afternoon:
- Shopping for souvenirs: Browsing local craft markets.
- Got some calligraphy lessons.
- Evening:
- Getting massages: To relax my tense body after all that walking.
- Drinking the local tea: A total palate cleanser.
Day 5: The Deep Dive - All-In on Anping (and Why It Was SO Worth It)
- The Anping Obsession: Okay, so, remember that Anping Tree House I mentioned? I had a total moment there. Forget the rest of the schedule, because Anping completely consumed me. I'm talking multiple visits, serious photo sessions, and a deep, abiding love for that place.
- Morning (and every other hour): Anping District Glory.
- Anping Tree House: The roots of a banyan tree swallowing up an abandoned warehouse? Seriously, it's like something out of a Miyazaki film. I wandered around, got lost in the maze of roots, and just… felt. It was a weird, almost spiritual experience. (Yes, I sound dramatic, but it's true!)
- Anping Fort (Fort Zeelandia): Steeped in history, with stunning views. I learned more about the Dutch colonization of Taiwan than I ever thought I would. And I even kind of understood it! (Sort of).
- Anping Old Street: The shops with traditional souvenirs.
- Afternoon:
- More Anping (Because, Seriously, Why Not?)
- Eating all the Anping Snacks: I found a place selling Anping Bean Curd - silky, sweet, and the perfect thing on a hot day.
- Anping Fort: Just because I wanted to see it, again.
- Evening:
- Anping Sunset Hunt: Found a perfect spot overlooking the ocean, right as the sun was setting, reflecting on the trip.
- Anping Dinner: This is a local specialty, and it was absolutely delicious.
Day 6: The Grand Finale (or, the Day I Finally Admitted I Was Hooked)
- Morning:
- Back to the streets: one last try for a good breakfast.
- Shopping: Picking up one last souvenir.
- Afternoon:
- Packing: That suitcase, that was still on detour somewhere, well, it arrived.
- Farewell Feast: One last epic meal.
- Evening:
- Departure
- The Verdict: Tainan, you magnificent, chaotic, delicious mess. You've stolen my heart (and probably my digestive system). I'll be back.
Important Notes (Because I Forget Things):
- Language: Learn some basic Mandarin phrases. Seriously. Trust me. It'll make your life approximately 1000% easier.
- Food: Eat everything. Try everything. Even the things that look a little… questionable. You won't regret it (probably).
- Transportation: Public transport is your friend. Embrace it. Buses are cheap and efficient.
- Embrace the Mess: Things might get lost. You might get lost. You might eat something that sets your mouth on fire. That’s part of the fun.
- Relax: Take a deep breath. Enjoy the moment. Let go of the need for perfection. And most importantly… eat that beef soup!
This itinerary is subject to change based on my mood, my hunger pangs, and how lost I get on any given day
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Uncover Tainan's Secrets: My 17-Day Taiwanese Adventure (and I Survived!) - FAQ (Because You KNOW You Have Questions)
Okay, spill the tea. Why Tainan? Why 17 days? Did you, like, *plan* this or did you just stumble off a plane?
Food! You *said* food. What was the BEST thing you ate? (And don't you dare say "everything")
What about the language barrier? Did you just wander around, pointing and grunting?
Did you see *anything* besides food? (I'm judging you.)
What was the *hardest* part of the trip? (Besides maybe, you know, resisting all the food?)
Any travel tips for someone thinking of going? Hit me with your wisdom! (Even if it's questionable wisdom.)
Would you go back? Like, IMMEDIATELY?
Anything else you want to add? (besides more food recommendations, please...)
