Skipped the hotel breakfast on the second morning and went for some local taiwanese breakfast instead.
Went to Tamshui after. Temperatures rose to a fiery 28 degrees celcius on a winter afternoon! Off came the jackets. Locals said that this was the hottest winter ever!
Checked out a new and popular seafood place, Addiction Aquatic Development. It offers a range of live seafood, sashimi, sushi, cooked seafood and more, but was very crowded on the day I went.
For the countdown on New Year's eve, we decided to proceed to Rainbow Bridge park, which was very near the bustling RaoHe night market.
This site by the Keelung river offers a quite unobstructed view of Taipei 101 in the distance. It was a pretty popular place for locals to countdown as well, with various small fireworks ignited along the river banks throughout the night.
And the clock strikes 12! The fireworks display from Taipei 101 was amazing!
Back to Raohe night market for some supper in the first hour of 2017.
More eating on our last 2 days in Taipei. Tried a popular stall selling braised meat buns in Gongguan.
More Taiwanese cuisine at another eatery at Ximending area.
Brunch on the final day.
The trip back to Taoyuan airport was via a direct airport bus right from the bus stop beside the hotel. It was almost an hour's ride to the airport. SQ's check-in counters were at the far end of Terminal 2 and with the expected full flight, the economy queue was snaking.
Luckily there was barely a queue at the Business Class /*G counters.
A very busy afternoon, with again snaking queues to enter immigration and security. Luckily it moved fast.
Look at the check-in queues at other counters!
As it was early, we checked out some duty-free shopping. Also grabbed a tarmac shot.
Then it was lounging time. Having visited the Taipei Silver Kris Lounge twice, we decided to check out EVA Air's Lounges instead. Presented our SQ boarding passes at the lounge reception and were invited to visit either The Infinity or The Star. Having heard about the funky interior of The Infinity, we chose to visit it. Surprisingly, the lounge was not crowded at all.
The funky interior of The Infinity.
With an extensive buffet selection. Loved the Movenpick ice-cream offered!
Food selection. The best was the Movenpick ice-cream!
Also took a peek at The Star, which has a more traditional lounge design.
Next was a hop into the Silver Kris lounge to check out the food offerings. Even though the lounge looks dark and dated, the food offerings were actually quite good, though not as much variety as EVA lounge. However having filled my stomach at the EVA lounge, I only had a cake and a coffee.
Boarding was called in the lounge and we proceeded to the gate. Boarding was already in progress.
02 January 2017
Singapore Airlines
SQ 879
Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) - Singapore (SIN)
A330-300
9V-STZ
Business Class
Flight Time: 4H20M
Again, was welcomed aboard and proceeded to my seat at 14A. The usual "ritual" of welcome drink, hot towels, nespapers and magazines were offered. Interestingly, there were 2 choices of welcome cocktail drink, Mimosa or Royal Sparkle. I had the Royal Sparkle.
SQ is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.
Menu was similar to the previous flight, which you can refer to for the meal choices on this sector.
Business Class was rather full this evening. Pushed back right on schedule.
Safety video played.
Video of taxi and safety demo.
After a bit of queue, we departed Rwy05L into the dusk.
Video of the departure.
Into the sunset.
Cabin view. Socks, slippers and eyeshades were distributed as per routine.
Decided to watch a more entertaining movie, Storks.
Warm nuts and post-takeoff drinks were delivered. I had a peppermint tea. Similarly, satay was now not available during dinner service on this flight as well.
Dinner service started.
Meal tray with starter and breads were delivered.
Smoked pepper salmon and crabmeat salad.
Garlic bread and breadsticks.
Steamed cod fillet in superior soy sauce, with brown rice noodles and vegetables. The cod was fresh and tasty, but noodles were a tad too salty.
Vinegared pork ribs with vegetables and fried rice. Ribs were tender and would consider this dish a 'safe' choice, though not outstanding.
The inflight supervisor serving cheeses and fruits.
Haagen Daz rum and raisin ice cream and fruits.
Cheese selection.
Vanilla bourbon tea and pralines to end.
Cabin lights were then dimmed and I took a short nap for the rest of the flight.
Soon, we began our descend into Singapore, and the inflight supervisor came around with a specially decorated tray to offer sweets. Nice gesture!
Approaching Singapore.
Video of landing on Changi Rwy02L, slightly ahead of schedule.
Disembarking and last look at the cabin.
Thanks for viewing and your comments are much welcomed!
Thanks for sharing this report with us.
A very professionnal crew , a great catering and a good seat : everything it takes to make an excellent flight as often with Singapore Airlines;
Great 'food porn" bonus at the start !