Taipei, Taiwan (13th-14th January 2009)

Flight No: CX450/CX505 (HKG-TPE-NRT-HKG)
Date: 13th - 14th Jan 2009
Flying Hours: 1 hour 35 mins
(GMT +0800)

Taipei has been the de facto and "provisional" capital of the Republic of China (ROC), commonly known as Taiwan, since 1949. It is situated on the Danshui River, almost at the northern tip of the country, about 25 km southwest of Keelung, which is its port on the Pacific Ocean. Another coastal city, Danshui, is about 20 km northwest at the river's mouth on the Taiwan Strait.
Taipei lies in the relatively narrow, bowl-shaped valley of the Danshui and two of its main tributaries, the Jilong (Keelung) and Xindian (Sindian) rivers. The generally low-lying terrain of the central areas on the western side of the municipality slopes upward to the south and east and especially to the north, where it reaches 1,120 metres at Cising Mountain (七星山). The climate is humid subtropical, with hot, muggy, rainy summers and cool, damp winters. It is also the political, economic, and cultural center of the country.
Taipei City, Taipei County, and Keelung City together form the Taipei metropolitan area but are administered under different local government bodies. Taipei City is a special municipality administered directly under the Executive Yuan, while Taipei County and Keelung City are administered as part of Taiwan Province. Taipei commonly refers to the whole metropolitan area, while Taipei City refers to the city proper. Taipei's city government is headed by a mayor who is elected by direct popular vote. A secretary-general assists the mayor.
Taipei is part of a major industrial area. Most of Taiwan's textile factories are here, and other products include electronics, electrical machinery and appliances, wires and cables, and refrigeration equipment. Shipbuilding, including yachts and other pleasure craft, is done in the port of Keelung east of the city. Railways and bus lines connect Taipei with all parts of the island. The city is served by the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport west of the city in Taoyuan. The freeway system is excellent.
Taipei was founded in the early 18th century and became an important center for overseas trade in the 19th century. The Japanese acquired Taiwan island in 1895 after the Sino-Japanese War and made Taipei the island's capital. The Republic of China took over the island in 1945 after Japan's defeat in World War II. Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek declared Taipei the provisional capital of the Republic of China in December 1949 after Kuomintang (KMT) was defeated by Communists during the Chinese Civil War. The KMT retreated to Taiwan and the jurisdiction of the Republic of China was limited to Taiwan while the Communist Party founded People's Republic of China on mainland China.

With my lovely section leader-Marjorie, the best I've ever met so far

A reunion of the Star Search 2007 contestants, although there're only 3 of us ... I am really glad to see Celia and Reeve again in Taipei this time after the competition, friends forever.

Reeve, my room-mate during the Star Search 2007 Competition in Singapore
He looks very handsome after removing his braces, look at his white and tidy teeth

Shooting is just a piece of cake ...Taiwan Milk Tea
Now that you believe Taiwanese Girl are hot and beautiful

We've to keep in touch always and friends for life
I wish both of you all the best in your entertainment career in Taiwan, you'll be famous one day

My favorite Breakfast ... yummy!!!Cathay Pacific Crew Hotel - China Landmark Hotel