Taipei and back in 61 hours (part 4)The flight over and the arrival.
Part 4-The flight over and the arrival–
I thought I had planned well, but I had not checked the weather.
There was a typhoon that had decided that it was going to strike a glancing blow at Taiwan. The Pilot came on and said he would have to change the route, adding an hour to an already long 14 hour flight. Total flight time-now 15 hours.
For that long of a flight, I had to continue go to the back of the plane and do deep knee bends just to remain limber. I was going to need all my strength and flexibility when I landed in Taipei.
I arrived in Taipei on Saturday, 7 p.m. local time. It was raining due to the tail end of the typhoon.
Taipei Airport Immigration and Customs
Taipei Airport-inside the lobby
I had already researched the bus system and was ready to go when I hit the ground. Within 15 minutes I was on the bus into Taipei. After a one hour bus ride the bus driver let me out a couple of blocks from the Taipei Hilton where I would be staying. I walked the last 3 blocks in the rain.
I quickly checked in and showed my plans to the concierge. He helped me out by writing instructions on a card in Chinese for each destination where I wanted to go. I could quickly hand them to any taxi driver and maximize use of my time. Taxi drivers in Taipei generally don’t speak English.
By this time it was 9 p.m. and the clock was ticking. I was losing precious time. I better hurry. I had to leave tomorrow!!
Steve Barrymore
Next-The race is on!
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Wow…. sounds like you had to really get in and out of Taipai. I hope in the little time you had there, you were able to do the things you wanted. Thanks for telling us about all your adventures.