OMG! Taiwan going off! The typhoon swell is here!!! So happy to surf again!

Stayed in the city of Taipei for 2 days because wanted to explore the little side streets.  This is where I’d start my day off with breakfast.  

Ham and cheese wrapped in a crispy outside and tender inside egg.  This cost $1.25 and it’s as fresh as it gets.  Piping hot!  

Then head to the park to eat breakfast.  Watching the elderly doing their morning exercises.  People are so healthy here!   It inspired me so much that I did my exercises here this morning.

I haven’t seen one tourist in the area where we’re staying.  It’s just surrounded by beautiful parks, local night markets, and beautiful temples.  This is deep Taiwan!

This market opens every morning at 6am and I’m the first one there.  Good street food served daily.

This was a pork booth.  OMG, the pigs feet looked so juicy!  Pigs feet at 6am.  Haha.

Unlike America, nothing goes to waste here.  They eat every single part of the pig.  

Even the nose.  You should try it!

Juicy dumplings made fresh everyday.  Served with mushroom soup and all this cost $3.  Last time I went to Chinatown in Hawaii, I paid $20 for the same thing!  

Then some beef noodle soup with seasoned cucumber on the side for $4.  Last time I went to Chinatown in Hawaii, I paid $21 for the same thing!  

Anyway, it’s time to head down South.  Going to rent a car and do a 6 hour drive straight towards the typhoon.  I’ve come here many times for the past 30 years but this is the first time I’m taking this long drive.  Something I’ve always wanted to do.  I have no idea how the waves or weather will be, but we shall soon find very out.

If you go on surf trips, the most important thing is getting your boards there.  Every airlines has different rules so before you book a flight, you better check.  We booked our Taiwan flight on Peach Airlines and the surfboard rules are very strict.  You can only put 2 surfboards in a bag and if you try to sneak 3 in a bag, they won’t check it in.  Also, the maximum length is 220cm or 7’2″.  They won’t accept it even though it is an inch longer.    

Surfers will do anything to get their boards on the flight.  Kimura-san’s bag was 7’3″ so I got out the tape, folded down the nose, and taped it up.  It barely passed and we were lucky.  By the way, the surfboard fee is only 6300 yen or $40.  

Once you check in, all the stress is gone.  Just board the flight, close your eyes, and wake up when you land at your destination.  

I’ve been to Taiwan many of times.  Getting to the city, I’ve taken the bus, train, and taxi before.  It’s very troublesome when traveling with so many surfboards.  So this time I tried something different.  I booked a private driver.  It was worth it!  

Everything made it safely.  Gonna spend a couple days in the city eating everything I see.  Then head to the coast for a week of surf, surf, and surf.

This is the Mercedes Benz that picked us up.  It only cost $10 more than a normal taxi so I’d have to say that this is the best way to get from the airport to your hotel.  Safe travels everyone!