Photos by MJ Klein, including FOOD PHOTOS!
We’ve been to Neiwan before, but this was Phoenix’s first trip there – in fact it was her first time on a train (sorry I’m so far behind in my blogging!)
This is the new Liujia station that resides next to the Hsinchu High-Speed Rail station and connects the THRS to the TRA.
Going up to the platform….
The THSR Hsinchu station, viewed from the Liujia station platform.
Liujia is a terminal station, and every train goes towards Hsinchu.
Phoenix takes it all in….
This is a rather confusing graphic that shows where you are in relation to the rest of the TRA line. Zhuzhong station connects the Luijia line (which is more like a spur) to the main line.
The first sighting of the train….
Phoenix loves Thomas the Tank Engine, and the whole Thomas universe. So, when this electric car came along, we told Phoenix it was Toby, because Toby is square shaped. She started to call the train “Toby” and I think that made it more fun for her.
Waiting for the train to leave….
“What’s down at that end?”
Even before the train started moving, Phoenix was having fun. But when it started pulling out of the station, she got really excited.
The Luijia train has a nice graphic display over the doors that show where the train is, as well as what car you are in.
We got off at Zhuzhong and waited for the train to Neiwan. Shown are 2 trains: 1824 and 1826. We took the 1824 at 15:10.
Phoenix on the platform, waiting for the train.
In the meantime, a few other trains passed through the station, and in this case, Phoenix called it “Toby.”
This is our train to Neiwan.
It’s very colorfully decorated.
Even on the inside.
Phoenix enjoyed looking out the window at the passing scenery.
This was all new to her.
Eventually she settled down for the ride.
Out of the window, we get our first glimpse of Neiwan.
This is Neiwan just outside the train station.
It’s always crowded on the weekends.
We begin walking down the main street. During the week, this place is like a ghost town.
Taiwan is known for delicious strawberries.
Phoenix really enjoyed checking out all the vendors.
We stopped at this “douhua” 豆花, (tofu pudding) place.
This is what Hui-chen got for her and Phoenix (I don’t eat douhua).
Phoenix loves douhua and often asks for it.
Back to the street, we see Hui-chen carrying Phoenix so she can see better.
Up ahead there is an alternate street to the left.
Lots of great stuff on offer.
Including some games.
I don’t know what this is called, but it is a type of dried fruit. You can see the boss lady is cutting one up for packaging.
It says “ice cream” in Chinese, so I suppose those things are cones?
Now this place really caught Phoenix’s interest. She loves rabbit dolls.
Here she is, checking them out.
This one was just too big!
But she really liked it.
Here you see that Phoenix has settled on a more reasonable sized bunny.
This shot says it all! She still has this bunny and she loves it. Phoenix has 3 rabbit dolls and this one is the largest. There is “bunny,” “little bunny,” and “tiny bunny.”
Holding on to her bunny we go down the street to the left of the main drag.
We bought some of these snacks. Really great!
More games.
See the green dumpling things in the steamer tray? We made some of those on one of our camping trips. They are a Hakka cultural cuisine.
Ahead is a movie theater.
We came to the end of the road, and to this covered section. We found a place to eat and proceeded to do just that!
Bamboo.
Chicken with green onion.
Pork with green onion.
As we left the restaurant, the gentleman on the left suggested that the boss lady strike a pose since the “foreigner” was taking a photo. Too late!
Neiwan also has lots of toys on offer.
By this time it was getting dark and the crowd was thinning out.
Did I tell you that Phoenix loves ice cream?
Taking the ice cream in hand, we head for the train station for the ride back home.
“How is the ice cream, Phoenix?”
“Excellent!”
We sat in a seat right up in front of the train, and got to look out a window facing forward.
Since Phoenix loves trains, this was especially interesting and exciting for her.
Taking the escalator to the platform to get our connection to Liujia.
Our final train of the evening. We went back to the THSR station where we were parked, and drove home. Phoenix fell asleep in the car. Another fine day of sightseeing in Taiwan!
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Kids, bunnies and trains make a great combination! Amber was also a big fan of Thomas when she was younger, and still has the train set.
Neiwan looks like the typical Taiwanese tourist trap. But as long as Phoenix enjoyed herself, that’s really all that matters.
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Jim, you are so right on all accounts. Neiwan is just what it looks like but we still like to go there. Phoenix doesn’t seem to like girlie dolls. wonder if that’s a phase or not. take care Jim.
As I looked at your pictures I kept worrying about Hui-chen and that big backpack. Hope it was not as heavy as it looked. Thank you for sharing your pictures. Phoenix looked like she had a good time.
Boston has had at least 7 feet of snow. So enjoy your beautiful weather there. We have not seen snow this year, which is perfectly okay with me.
Looking forward to more pictures.
hi Carolyn. no, the backpack isn’t that heavy (and yes i do sometimes carry it – when she lets me!). Phoenix had a great time checking things out and of course, the train ride. i heard about Boston’s snow from my biz partner. glad it’s not here! take care Carolyn.
Some nice photos. Phoenix is growing up fast. I remember going to Neiwan with Joanne. A nice reminder of life in Taiwan. It is more than 4 years since we left the island. Joanne returns every summer to visit her family. I’m hoping to return in the summer of 2016.
hi Neil! it would be great to have you back in Taiwan. be sure to let us know when you make it back. take care.
Very typical Taiwanese I think. Actually feeling a bit homesick for Taiwan, now.
hi Stefan, yes it’s almost too stereotypical Taiwanese, isn’t it? take care.