Taiwan 14: Taoyuan --> International Airport (21/22. Jan. '18)

Alright! I made it to Taoyuan Station!
So, where's the Airport MRT . . . ?

Journey from Taoyuan Station to the Airport

You might be wondering why I wanted to go to Taoyuan Station instead of Taipei Main Station.

Taoyuan International Airport has an Airport MRT that runs between Taipei Main Station and other smaller stations past Taoyuan. Going all the way to Taipei isn't necessary. Besides, most people want to go to Taipei, so let me go to a city that's not in such high demand, but still connected to the airport.

There was one problem I wasn't aware of until I reached Taoyuan Station . . . Taoyuan has 2 train stations--and they weren't exactly within walking distance from each other.

I arrived at Taoyuan Station. The Airport MRT is connected to the High-Speed Rail (HSR) Taoyuan Station. I got a cab, and it took me there within 30 minutes. Now I know that was a bad idea.

Noodle bowl ride in a huge outlet mall.

Panorama of Taoyuan from the HSR Taoyuan Station on the Airport MRT. 

At Taoyuan International Airport

Yay, back at the airport! Let's explore a little.
Most of these were from Terminal 2.

Do they have the time in Hobart?

Yes, yes they do.

Check out the time anywhere in the world this second.

Most important information on the big screen. I like.

Eventually, I made my way over to Terminal 1, since my flight was going to leave from there. I happened to return to the same vegetarian restaurant I ordered from when I arrived, to eat my final meal in Taiwan (for this trip). Talk about coming back full circle.

Though I noticed most things were sold out. I wonder if they prepare enough for the day, every day. I think they closed at 22:00, and it was around 21:30 when I arrived, so there's that. Just thought that was interesting.

Went through security, got my passport stamped, navigating through and between Korean tour groups as I went. In the bathroom, I added layers in anticipation of the cold welcome I'd receive in Busan.

Can you smell this?

I had some extra time, so I called a few people. When boarding time was inching closer, I started walking towards my gate. I saw the next picture on my way to my gate.

I thought this was one of the coolest things I've ever seen.

Can't accuse the airport of being unaccommodating.

All the other passengers and I boarded the plane around 2:15 (AM) or so. One time zone, 2 hours, and countless attempts in sleeping/napping later, we arrived in Korea around 6:10 AM.

So this is when I go home, right? Wrong.

From the airport, I had to go straight to school!

Chill--I had to desk-warm (there were no classes). But I still needed to be in school.

I ended up being a little late to school. Fortunately, I had permission to arrive late.

The school's accountant was going to do everyone's taxes. She needed certain documents and certificates from our respective banks. Before I left, I was told to go (by the time I returned to Korea) to my local bank near my school, get that sorted, then bring said documents over to the accountant. Since we should be at school by 8:40 and the banks open at 9:00, that's why I was given permission to arrive late.

I tried to get all that sorted out when I was in Jeju but to no avail. I had to do it at the local branch.

That gave me 20 extra minutes for a warm breakfast that hit the spot. Fine by me!

Finally, I went to the local branch and got everything sorted out. I brought the documents to the accountant, she did her thing, and I was set. Then I went to my classroom to warm my desk until 16:40.

Considering I barely slept on the plane, I was amazed to not feel tired until 23:00, when I was already in bed.

What a trip. Can't wait to do it again!

This concludes my trip to Taiwan.