It was our last day in Taipei. We woke up later than usual at 7.30am and went for breakfast at 8am. After breakfast, we went back to our rooms to check and also to pack our luggages and met everyone at the lobby at 8.55am. We boarded a different bus to our first destination for the day which was at the National Palace Museum. We went the Exhibition Area 1 (Main Building) to see antique porcelains, jades, antique plates and antique bowls. My favourite jade is the "Jadeite Cabbage" from the Ch’ing Dynasty (1644-1911). The "Jadeite Cabbage" is a piece of jadeite carved into the shape of a cabbage head, and at a closer look, we saw a locust and a katydid, which are traditional metaphors for having numerous children. It was believed that this piece was a dowry gift for Consort Chin to symbolise her purity and offer blessings for bearing many children.
It was then time for lunch. It was at a Mongolian restaurant where we had steamboat and teppanyaki for lunch. It was nice being able to select the type of meat and vegetables we like to eat.
Next, we visited a place where the ashes of Taiwan’s heroes were kept. We saw two soldiers guarding the entrance. We were amazed at how still the guards stood. They rarely moved their bodies and blinked their eyes. At 2pm, it was time for the guards to change shift. We witnessed the changing of guards. The guards marched smartly and performed some impressive stunts with their rifles.
The third and final place we went to was a wholesaler where we bought many snacks and Taiwan’s local delicacies. We bought plenty to bring them back to Singapore for our families and friends.
Finally, it was time to leave. After leaving the bus, we pushed some trolleys and put our luggages on the trolleys. Unfortunately, our tour guide told us that we were taken to the wrong Terminal! Singapore Airlines counter is Terminal 2 but we were at Terminal 1! Our teachers and tour guide helped to carry our luggages back into the bus. We were then brought to the right terminal and made our way in. We were feeling sad to leave so soon but all of us we were very happy that we would be able to see our families whom we missed dearly.
After checking in, our teachers brought us to do some last minute shopping at the duty-free shop in the terminal before making our way to the aeroplane.
On the flight back to Singapore, many of us were very excited as we were able to play games and view movies as well as cartoon programmes on the in-flight entertainment - Krisworld.
I am really glad that I was chosen for this trip. I had the opportunity to learn about Taiwan as well as make new friends whilst visiting Siding Elementary School. It was a fruitful and enjoyable trip. It was an unforgettable experience.
Valencia Yeap
(on behalf of all Taiwan-trippers)