taiwan free and easy : Taichung : random places for elderly

2nd day at Taichung.

We were up early but following any tours because we have to check out around 11am.

My parents are also more interested in local life

We went to a market near our place, 第二市場.

Too bad, We went too early and we just had breakfast in the hotel. There seems to be a lot of good food here.

For example, 林記古早味

Will suggest googling about 第二市場, lots of information but mainly in Chinese.

It is a good place to visit when is too early to go any night market and you want to have a good local taiwanese meal.

The place is quite clean even though is market. No worries.

阿明師老店太陽堂 website

One of the famous 太陽餅 shop, recommend by my shinshe taxi driver. 

Service there was good. No hard selling or pushy sales assistant. 

太陽餅 was not too sweet and yummy

They have 4 branches in Taichung, think they do delivery to Taipei too.

The pastries cant be kept for too long. So don't buy too much.

I walked to the shop at Minzu Road as it is only 5-10 minutes away from my hotel.

We took any bus to another market to suit my parents' interest. I will not really recommend this market as it is a bit messy. Especially if you are particular about hygience and worried about avian flu and etc. They sell fresh meat and etc.

yes, we went to a park again.

My parents' interest. The most important thing about planning the trip for my elderly parents is to go wherever that interest them.

Chungshan park (臺中公園 臺中公園)

This park is not very big. There are historical sites around. It is more than 100 years, and one of the main scenic spot of Taiwan.

Not really a young people activities but is quite a good place away from the crowd and there are some good sites for phot taking..http://travel.taichung.gov.tw/en-us/Attractions/Intro/882/Taichung-Park 

this park is quite near to Yizhong night market so we went for some early dinner before taking the HSR to the airport

http://mizztoee.blogspot.sg/2015/05/taiwan-free-and-easy-taichung-yizhong.html

Have to pay for the transfer from HSR to Taoyuan airport

The food at Yizhong was not enough. We went to 7-11 and bought prepacked food.  They heat it up for and give me a nice little bag.There is a counter with usb port so I can charge my hp while I enjoy my meal.. 

The airport is quite pretty on the inside too. Check in early and have a nice stroll.

http://mizztoee.blogspot.sg/2015/05/summary-and-itinerary-of-my-taiwan-trip.html

taiwan free and easy : Taichung Yizhong street 一中商圈

I read some online forums that Yizhong is slightly smaller, more interesting  than Fengjia night market and also less crowded and touristy

Yizhong, night markets opens quite early, around 4pm. The shops opens much earlier and  closes around 11pm to midnight.

Yizhong is definitely not as crowded as Fengjia. More space to walk around and the queue for food is slightly shorter. There is quite a lot of shops here, selling accessories and clothes. I bought a lot of stationeries.

Food wise, I think Fengjia has slightly more variety.

I don't have directions to here as I stroll here from my hotel. It is like 15-20mins walk but the directions were quite straightforward.

I went twice, once at night and once at the night afternoon.

Fengjia is definitely the one to visit. If you are staying more than a night, this is a good place to eat street food and shop.

http://mizztoee.blogspot.sg/2015/05/summary-and-itinerary-of-my-taiwan-trip.html

taiwan free and easy : Taichung Fengchia market

Some bear exhibit at Fengchia night market

Below are the various food we tried out at the night market.

What to eat is quite controversial because my family and I like different things. My personal favourite is the scallop and the big takoyaki.

Go there on empty stomach and be prepared to queue but usually is 5 to 10 mins.

There is actually two food streets and also a lot of shops to shop around. However, clothes are more suitable for the young people as it is near feng chia night market. 

http://mizztoee.blogspot.sg/2015/05/summary-and-itinerary-of-my-taiwan-trip.html

Taiwan free and easy : Taichung RedDot Hotel ( A very cool Hotel)

First impression: A very interesting and funky hotel, with a revolving door. 

The main lobby has a slide and exotic seats.

Yes, you can take the slide. Take a seat rest from the receptionist and slide down.

Adults and kids are allowed to enjoy this interesting slide.

Too bad, I have an injured ankle so I cant slide down :(

Check out the breakfast menu at the bottom of this page. Delicious and instagram worthy.

Bicycles can be rented for free.

So far so good :D

The room is not very big but is just nice for me.  The room is clean new and very prettily designed. Just like the colorful prints on the bad.

There is universal plug and usb port so no need for a travel adaptor. Everything is nice and pretty, even the coastor.

The toilet is also nicely designed. The toilet bowl is those Japanese style with controls. The toiletries is nicely packed in luggage style. Ample space on the counter for your toiletries and makeup. 

There is no bath tub. It will better if the toilet is slightly brighter,

The view from the room. Nothing much but is good for anyone who can't stand hotel rooms with no windows.

Red Dot hotel has a zhonghua night market and a cinema nearby. 

The night market sells a lot of food and only food. It is not really lively. A bit quiet but a lot of locals are eating there.

3 main courses to choose from. Everything is served so nicely.

 if you are not full enough, can just pick things from the buffet table to eat. There are porridge, cereals, fruits, salad and a lot more at the buffet tables.

The bad thing is it is not near to Fengchia night market which a lot of people will want to visit. The taxi ride will take around 20 mins. Taking a bus is free but waiting time can range from 30 mins to an hour. It is definitely more worth it to take a cab. Yizhong night market is around 15-20mins, it will a better idea to cycle there.
They also do not allow checking in early or checking out late
http://mizztoee.blogspot.sg/2015/05/summary-and-itinerary-of-my-taiwan-trip.html