The Best Tea Shops in Taiwan

After living in this what so-called Formosa Island for 1.5 years, finally i dare myself to post something important (*will be called "survival guide in Taiwan" afterward), aside from my gloomy-curcol-misuh2 stories ;p.

For the first episode of Survival Guide in Taiwan, i'll share the most important stuff called...DRINKS. As we know that by mass, human cells consist of 65-90% water. It's OK not having something to eat, but it will be doomed without something to drink. That's why drinks/water considers IMPORTANT. Xixixi...OK2, let's skip the round and round explanations about drinks/water, whilst tea is what i meant.

Don't be surprised with Taiwanese addiction to tea. I think the same case works for Korean, Chinese and Japanese as well. Here, you'll find tea shops almost everywhere. Not all of the tea shops offer a great deal, though. That's why i'm betting my 1.5 year living experience to recommend the nice-great-deal tea at this following tea shops, hence you won't regret buying it ^^V.

1. Al Tea's; A New Tea Shop

This one is definitely THE BEST of all. The tea price is not really expensive (*starts from NT$15 (IDR 4500) for green tea (綠茶; lǜchá); NT$30 (IDR 9000) for milk green tea (奶綠茶; nǎilǜchá; nǎilǜ). I'll recommend pudding milk green tea (布丁奶綠; bùdīng nǎilǜ) which costs NT$40 (IDR 12000) or milk (black) tea with caramel (奶茶 與 焦糖; nǎichá yǔ jiāotáng) which costs NT$35 (IDR 10.500) or nata de coco milk green tea (椰果奶綠; yēguǒ nǎilǜ) for NT$40 (IDR 12000). Irresistible...*drooling*

2. 清心福全冷飯站 (qīngxīnfúquánlěngfànzhàn ; Ching Shin Fu Chuan Tea Station)

This tea shop is nice, actually. But the price is not worth it. Moreover, the taste and the place aren't as good as Al Tea's. For example, 500 ml's milk green tea in this shop costs NT$35-NT$40 while at Al Tea's costs NT$30 for 700 ml.  Hehehe..well, it's not much..but customer satisfaction is numero uno, right ;p? *especially for picky customer like me =))*

3. Julie

Julie is almost as great as Al Tea's. Very close. The shop's modern concept is good. The price is OK. But, it lacks of variety and its prix fixe is in Chinese. Hehehe...not so friendly for a foreigner.


4. 50 嵐 (50 lán)

50 嵐's tea is great, a little bit more expensive than Al Tea's, though. But, it's just not as addictive as Al Tea's tea. Xixixi...

5. 有間冰店 (yǒujiānbīngdiàn)

Hohohooo...有間冰店 is absolutely GREAT. I couldn't ask for more. Cheap, yet the teas there taste as great as Al Tea's teas. This tea shop is downhill my dormitory. I go there once in a while. Ssshhh..it's a secret ---> the fact is teas here aren't that cheap. About  the same with Al Tea's pricing. But that beautiful owner you can see on the picture keeps giving me (*me = us = Indonesian students) lower price. Hahahaa...awesome, eh?^^

6. Share Tea

 

Share tea claimed its store as a pioneer in founding pearl milk tea. But i doubt it. Since in some articles i've found noted that the very first pearl milk tea invention was on the late 80s, whereas Share Tea Shop mentioned that they were started their business on 1992. Xixixi..such a reckless failure ;p. Anyhow, i'm pretty much like the teas from this shop, outside of its a-little-bit-expensive price and too-milky flavor. The unique tea served here is taro milk tea (塔罗奶茶; tǎluó nǎichá) which costs NT$35-40. 

No worry, I still looking for another great deal tea shops. I'll remember to post it here whenever i find one^^.

新年快樂 !

It's too early to say "Happy Chinese New Year" though^^. But because the end of the semester has come and some of the int'l students are planning to come back to their country, Chinese New Year Party in my university has been scheduled earlier.

I remember last year when i missed the bus, thus making me failed to join Chinese New Year Party, meant i couldn't get 紅包 (hóngbāo; red envelope). Hehehe *kumat dah mata duitannya*.

Since i didn't join last year's party, i have nothing to compare to. Hmmm...all in all, it was just like the regular celebration, except for the "bowing and burning incense (香火; xiānɡhuǒ) to pay respects to the ancestors" session.

Well, being a president of ISA-NCYU means i have to get ready to be a celebrity ..anytime..anywhere *puke*. It just happened that I have to represent my friends to accept the red envelope from the rector. Oh oh...btw, after the red envelope-receiving ceremonial, i heard an unpleasant truth. The HUGE red envelope i received before, used to be filled with extra cash. "Last year, Mas Away got NT$1000, Mbak", said Eti. *TINGS* without hesitation, i peeped the red envelope. It was...EMPTY. *ROFL...sucks*

Besides that unpleasant truth, everything was just great. Picture tells a thousand words ;p. Check them out:

Oooh...empty 紅包...*sigh*

OK, line up, foods...we'll burst our stomachs if you're rushing *lol* :

In the end, unavoidable narcissism attacks occurred, as can be (clearly) seen below :

 

新年快樂 (xīn nián kuài lè; happy new year) ^o^!!!

Chinese Class Performance (3rd Sem)

Whew...finally...i've through this semester's Chinese class perfomance. Btw, it was the SHORTEST performance EVER =)) (*i was more than GLAD because i didn't have to be on the stage for quite long time *grin*). This time, i got a role as mother (*the fierce one ;p). Well, you'll be very fierce too if you had a son who's as mischievous as "my son".

Check out my performance here. For others' performance, check out my channel at Youtube here.

Parental Warmth

*sneezing* *blowing nose*

Two "activities" which have been my "routines" this past four days. Cold weather. Trapped in the heavy rain (+ strong wind). Lack of nutrients. Not enough sleep. I think those four are the main backgrounds of my unhealthy condition. Since i was a kid i always easily got sick. I look like "preman" outside, but the truth is i'm not that strong ;p *self-confession*

I always miss my mother-father's warmth when i'm "helpless" like this. Mama always comes to my room, checks my body temps, cooks something soupy for me (*cooks another things if i said the previous one is not delicious or taste bitter in my buds), makes sure that i take my medicine right on time...T-T T-T

Papa always comes to my room, asks for my condition, massages my head, lays down right next to me while telling some stories and whispers "I wish i could take your pain away, Nak"...T-T T-T

Mama...Papa...I wish you two were here...Bunga kangen sekali T-T *teary*

Shameless! (Behind the Story of Migrants Passport Issues)

It's been like a "decade" since i lost my precious passport. But after such a long way to finish the whole complicated-not-so-friendly passport pre-replacement procedures, finally i called KDEI to hear the "epilogue" of this case.

I called Mr. R, immigration officer in KDEI. It was a regular conversation, with Mr. R. But then it become no longer regular once the phone was changed over a woman. When i asked "How much money that i have to pay for replacing my lost passport, Mam?". She relaxingly replied "Around NT$2200, i don't do corruption...that's the real charge". *我不相信* "But i saw at the web, the original charge for my case is only NT$1000", i replied. She answered "Well, yes, but there is a fine for your negligent. Why did you lose your passport, though??". *sompr******

Astaghfirullahal'adziim..ishbir..ishbir..

It's been a REALLY BIG FUSS in Taiwan since the outburst of some articles published in one of Indonesian tabloid named Indosuara. The articles published by that mass media were pinpointed some extortion happened to be done by "john doe" at this place (*do i sound full of secrecy enough?). Of course, the victims were the migrants (*poor them). How in the world that they have to pay NT$2000 (IDR 600.000) whereas the factual charge is only NT$300 (IDR 90.000) for new passport applications ???? SHAMELESS. HEARTLESS.

Moreover, rumors surfaced vigorously about the officer of that place who tried to shut the migrants mouth up by giving back the migrants' extorted money. Including bold attempt to silence someone who published the related article in the reputable online media, as reported by the author himself, here. What a DRAMA ! *i feel like embarrassed to admit myself as Indonesian with such a "dirty" gov't officers around*

Youth Travel in Taiwan

See that picture ? I am very ENVIOUS. How much money did Taiwan Government expend for tourism advertisement purpose??? *i want to know to death*

When will Indonesia be able to provide this kinda service...whole nine yards. *took centuries i guess*

On ISA-NCYU's last meeting, i got this whole package of youth travel in Taiwan brochures and booklets. All is impressive, eye-catching and revealing.

Brochure no.1 titled "Let's be friends; Youth Travel in Taiwan" packed with the basic information about "getting to know Taiwan"; its festivals, its cultures, its foods, etc etc.   
Here is some worth note links :

1. Youth Travel in Taiwan

2. Tourist Night Markets

3. Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) Youth Hostel Association

4. e-Trans Service-Passenger Transportation Information Center

5. Taiwan Railway Administration

Here is some worth note hotlines :

1. Tourism Bureau Call Center/24-hour Travel Consultancy Hotline : +886800011765

2. Youth Travel Consultancy Tel : +886233225550

Brochure no. 2 titled "Let's be friends; TAIWAN; Youth Travel Card Special Discount Book" loaded with Taiwan's tourism spots for young travelers, completed with the address, phone number, admission tickets fee, transportation to get there and closest hostel/hotel to stay at. The awesome part of having YTC (Youth Travel Card --> no. 6) is every places we want to travel will be discounted 15-30 %. *whew...superb!*

Leaflet no. 3 titled "Youth Travel in Taiwan; Let's be friends" is filled with youth travel information services, like TR Pass + Taipei Pass and Budget Accommodation. I will type down some important information written in this leaflet :

TR Pass

For young international youths between the ages of 15-30, all you need is your passport and either an International Student Identity Card to purchase a TR Pass (Taiwan Rail Pass). You can buy 5-day (NT$599), 7-day (NT$799), and 10-day (NT$1098) passes which allow you to ride the Chukuang, Fuhsing, the Electric, or the Ordinary train an unlimited amount of times within the allotted time period.

See this link for further information : http://youthtravel.tw.

For Taipei Pass, the provided passes are : 1-day (NT$180), 2-day (NT$310), 3-day (NT$440) and 5-day (NT$700). Check this link for details : http://taipeitravel.net.

Leaflet no. 4 titled "Let's be friends" is merely remind the young travelers about the advantages of having YTC and buying TR Passes.

Brochure no. 5 titled "Let's be friends; the 12 reasons for the int'l youth travelers to visit Taiwan" is just like its title, selling some prominent points which are believed to be owned by this country. They are : English spoken, friendly people, geographical variety, various activities, excellent food, convenient transportation, inexpensive accommodation, learning Mandarin, cultural heritage, democratic and freedom, technologically advanced environment, and finally...diversity. *hmmm...sounds very "tempting"...advertisement-typical language ;p*

Leaflet no. 8 is....ALL CHINESE writing...*ROFL*. Just about the same with the previous brochures and leaflets^^.

Oh..and no. 7 is a postcard, btw. I should've asked more...i love postcard ;p.

Well, i hope that the information i've provided here is useful to anyone who loves traveling. All in all, let's TRAVEL all around Taiwan...*while your YTC is still valid...xixixi...^^V*

The Hilarious ISA-NCYU Meeting + "Fire in The Husk"

Last night was ISA-NCYU last meeting for this semester. Actually, everything was just great. I mean, knowing the fact that "fire in the husk" is flaming inside almost every-ISA-NCYU-member*, I was quite amazed that everyone can keep the "flame" buried.

Well, last night's meeting was quite special because someone came up and explain about the whole youth-travel-in-Taiwan things. The episode of youth-traveling-guide will be posted later :D. I'll reveal merely the meeting content here.

First, we talked about int'l students' shopping schedule. I was like "huh...is it necessary to do the shopping thingy all together???". But Robin said this is very important, thus our campus will provide a bus to help the students to load their stuff easily. When i heard from Ella about the reason why Robin insisted to put this monthly-activity in ISA-NCYU schedule, i was cracked up. "Once, Robin caught red-handed Ajeng brought all of her shopping stuff in her bicycle, Mbak", Ella said. Hahahaaaa...Robin thought that we have a hard time doing that. Actually for us (*incl. Ajeng), that kinda thing is nothing. It's usual to load your stuff in your bicycle basket, right? (*i even successfully load my stuff in my no-basket-bike ^^V). *ROFL*

Second, we discussed about next semester's trip. Hahahaaa...after "influencing" (*threatening? ;p) almost everyone, my dream place gets voted (*presiden yg licik =))). If everything goes well, we will go to Kinmen Island. When i asked "Robin, do we need to pay the whole trip fee by our self? (*stupid-trying-to-be-diplomatic question ;p)....she fastly replied "Of course". *lol*. "But our campus will give us subvention, right?", i was trying to confront her. "Yes, but you still have to pay, that's why i always remind you to save money", she answered. *iye2*. "Well, it's gonna be expensive, then", i said. "Sure. Because we need to get on the plane to reach Kinmen Island", she answered again. Then, somebody was raised hand and said "Maybe we should make our plan B, just in case". Then i blurted "OK then, the plan B is going to Chiayi Park and cycling together. No need money to do that. Such a perfect plan B, right ?". Then everyone was just laughing hard. Robin even said "I'm glad that we have such a smart president as Bunga". *LMAO*
Off-the-record : two of Vietnamese students are both car sick people. When they heard that we will go to Kinmen Island, one of them said "We're gonna die, for sure". *ROFL*

Smile happily, although flammable "fire in the husk" was all around ;p

*"fire in the husk" story
Seems like, day by day, Office of Int'l Affairs working performance is getting worse. The uncertain-time of scholarship is actually become the main topic. But the story behind the late-scholarship is definitely getting on everyone's nerves. In order to get the scholarship in NCYU, every students have to hand in their working-hours-sheet (WHS) to the officer. But can you imagine if the officer is careless; forgot where to put your precious WHS ??? Moreover, it happened repetitiously. Or, what if the officer forgot to transfer your scholarship money whereas the money is already on her hand ??? And shockingly, this ridiculous things she's done is always catch red-handed by us. *bloody angry*

This issue has already spread as fast as typhoon attack to every int'l students here. Some Thai students once told me about this. As much as Indonesian students who are my friends. I didn't hear any complaints from Vietnamese or other countries students. *they must be bloody rich, hence they don't really give a hell care to the scholarship money ;p*
Then, my things-to-do would be : "Discuss this problem with the officer and Robin". \m/

Intimidated

Have you ever felt intimidated by someone? Even with his/her "virtual" existence, you'll feel some kind of anxiety. That's exactly what i feel this past few months. *i guess someone called Panda already knew where this "curcol" will flowing ;p*

OK. Imagine you work with someone who is OUTSTANDING. Nobody would doubt his/her ability in tackling almost EVERYTHING. What would you possibly feel as that person's subordinate? Happy? Because he/she will take over everything and finish the whole thing flawlessly? *D.A.N.G* i don't think so. Contrary, you'll feel  BURDENED. INTIMIDATED. DEPRESSED (*unless you're extraordinarily happy-go-lucky person).

It's not about that person outshines you or better than you in your work field. Indeed, he/she is, without question. But it's about how on earth he/she doing this kind of mental-damaging action without even realize it ???!!! Well, let say that i've conducted a small-tiny-unimportant research about this matter. I'll say his/her unawareness is caused by this things :

1. He/she is also burdened by something (*responsibility-whatsoever) or someone, thus he/she will try his/her best to boost performances (individually) in order to chase away his/her own burden.

2. He/she is in the dark about his/her subordinate abilities, hence he/she will keep moving forward without looking back nor helping out the poor-subordinate.

3. He/she is setting the standard too high, aside from his/her subordinate capabilities (*almost the same with point no.2, but this one is more likely to be done consciously).

Alas, the what so-called intimidated feeling is emerged.

Up until now, i still feel it. Honestly, the feeling is getting worse. *deep sigh*

I just hope that i can get through everything immediately. Laa haula walaa quwwata illaa billaahil'aliyyil'adzhim....

Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag, Mutti

Every day since I was born, My mother cared for me.
Now that’s a lot of caring, As anyone can see.Please, Lord, protect my mother, And keep her safe from harm,
For she is a cherished person, With great wisdom, love and charmLord, it’s my mother’s birthday
So please, help her to see How much she means to us, Her loving family. (Karl Fuchs)
Mom, without you, there would be no me.
Your love, your attention, your guidance, have made me who I am.
Without you, I would be lost, wandering aimlessly, without direction or purpose.
You showed me the way to serve, to accomplish, to persevere.
Without you, there would be an empty space
I could never fill, no matter how I tried.
Instead, because of you, I have joy, contentment, satisfaction and peace.
Thank you, mom. I have always loved you and I always will.(Joanna Fuchs) 

[Source : http://www.homelifeweekly.com/birthday/mom-birthday-cards-printable/]

Happy Birthday, Mama. Wishing you a day as sunny as your smile, as warm as your heart, as a day as wonderful as you are. May Alloh will always bless our family. Be healthy...be happy...

Lotsa Love,

-Bunga-

*Post Scriptum : my mother has TWO BIRTHDAY(s). One is real and the other is fake. My brother and sisters often get confused with her dual-birthday ;p. Like before, i finally can call my brother and he just relaxingly replied "Mama's birthday is on July 7th, Ngek. How come you forgot her birthday???". Aigooo...he proudly said that. See? My mother's fake birthday is way more well-known than her real one. 

Oh, i almost forget to tell how on earth that she can get the fake birthday. The answer is when she tried to apply for her ID card, the officer was mistakenly read her "1" as "7". "1" refers to January and "7" refers to July. Therefore, on my mother's ID card, her birthday is written July 7th instead of January 7th. Xixixi...