Taiwan trip day 5 Part1 2Mar 2014 ( 新社- 薰衣草森林 Lavender Cottage )
Woke up late again! Wanted to wake up at 7am but in the end only managed to got up at Abt 9am. We had planned to start off early since there is gg to be a lot of travelling to be done.we decided to take a cab from our Minsu to Taichung train station. It costs us NT220. During e ride, e driver tried to subtly psycho us to book his cab for e whole day but he didn't mention e price n we didn't ask. Cause we think that e nearer we are at xinshe e cheaper the price of cab fare...There used to be an internal bus which travels within Shinshe area, however, it has ceased operation. So the only way now is to travel the area either by cab or by legs. Nevertheless, the map below will be a good guide to the attractions in Xinshe area
This is the uncle's name card
And the back of it shows the recommended route. If u want to make any changes to the route, do contact him directly...
Lavender
cottage 薰衣草森林:
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The beautiful mail boxes which is found just outside the house of 王伯伯 and 王妈妈 (the landlords) Sometimes you will be able to see 王伯伯 walking around in his small private garden. If u purchase any postcard within the park, u can actually mail it foc.
In the Park, not only can you find lavender but you can find other unique species which you do not get to see in Singapore.
The inverted flowers plant especially attracted us.
The above is supposed to be reindeers just in case you are not sure what is that.
We got e driver to let us alight at fengyuan bus station where we were supposed to switch to a bus to xinshe.
The bus (# 270) by Fengyuan Bus Company (豐原客運 Bus 270台中火車站--東勢（經大南）(NT$61/pax)
After alighting from the cab, we were approached by an uncle whom we thought was in charge of the bus to Xinshe but after talking for a while, we realised that he was another taxi uncle who was trying to get us to book his cab.
The bus (# 270) by Fengyuan Bus Company (豐原客運 Bus 270台中火車站--東勢（經大南）(NT$61/pax)
Fengyuan Bus Company Telephone Number: (04) 2523-4175
Taichung Station: 04-22877732
Please check: http://www.fybus.com.tw/bus8.htm for updated
timetable
After alighting from the cab, we were approached by an uncle whom we thought was in charge of the bus to Xinshe but after talking for a while, we realised that he was another taxi uncle who was trying to get us to book his cab.
Because he quoted us nt2200 which we thought were very cheap since the night b4, that other cab driver quoted us nt4000 n we read online that the rate should be about nt3000 on e average
We started off with the furthest spot- the lavender cottage. The cab uncle showed us the bus stop where we are to alight if we have proceeded to take public bus... I think the walk would have taken more than 1 hr. It was really a very long distance n moreover it is upslope. I'm gal that my legs were given a chance to rest that day :) they have been aching like mad for e past 2 days
On our way to our first destination
Lavender
cottage 薰衣草森林:
426台湾台中市新社區中興街20號
+886 4 2593
1066
http://www.lavendercottage.com.tw/
History of Lavender Cottage:
Lavender Cottage was formed on 9 Nov 2001 by Tiffany Lin and Grace Zhan.
Their theme was to create a place that is romantic for couples to enjoy and have their private moments without any disturbance.
For more background history of Lavender Cottage : Lavender History
Lavender Cottage was formed on 9 Nov 2001 by Tiffany Lin and Grace Zhan.
Their theme was to create a place that is romantic for couples to enjoy and have their private moments without any disturbance.
For more background history of Lavender Cottage : Lavender History
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We have got our tickets which costs NT200 per pax and all of which we can use it on the purchases within the park.We were also given 1 pencil each
Both Mr Cheong and I were attracted by this particular flower above as both of us spent some time taking photos of it. Im using my iphone 4 for this :)
Upon entering the park, we decided to visit the washroom. The washroom is kind of special as it is open-aired.
This small little drawer/mirror is found in the cubicle of the female washroom. I thought it is quite 贴心. But it may cause females to stay inside the cubicle for a longer period of time.
I actually dont feel that safe in the toilet cubicle. worried that there may be some peeping tom around. Haha. Going into the park, we had our first glimpse of the small pots of Lavender. I Kind of like this photo taken by Mr Cheong. Looks very natural and I think I look quite good in the unedited photo too.
When u pressed the button, lavender must will be sprayed onto you. I actually overheard another lady telling her guy friend who went to try that "a little is nice, but too much become smelly!" Lol which I totally agreed :)
Around the park, You can actually see teddy bears display. I actually wonder what happens when it rains, will the staff keep the teddy bears?
While waiting for Mr Cheong, I took a selfish with the Teddy Bear in a car.
The signages at the Lavender cottage is colourful and attractive. These would be able to guide you to the different sections in the park. Here is the link to the map of the Park if u need it
The beautiful mail boxes which is found just outside the house of 王伯伯 and 王妈妈 (the landlords) Sometimes you will be able to see 王伯伯 walking around in his small private garden. If u purchase any postcard within the park, u can actually mail it foc.
The inverted flowers plant especially attracted us.
香草House:
Once you
walked into the house, you see the signage – 香草迷宫
Along the way through the maze, you will see a number of these bird houses
Within the
same building, you can also see the dream house (master bedroom, kitchen), DIY
workshop and of course the 生活小铺all the related lavender stuff which
you could buy.
Finally, the Lavender farm. Though it was already 2 March but the Lavenders were still not blooming yet. It was kind of disappointing though it seemed like March was supposed to be the best time for Lavender viewing. I guess we were still too early.
A couple selfie with the lavender. (P.s. Can't wait to receive the monopod which I have just ordered online so that we can take better pictures together next time )
Besides allowing you to immerse in the tranquil nature , lavender cottage also let ur childhood dreams come true- by having a carousel in the middle of the park.
There is a path with lotsa steps. Though it is only a short 5 minute climb, you won't like to do it in the summer cause u will be sweating like mad... ( we won't be able to enjoy Taichung so much if not because of the cooling weather.,. ) we were already sweating when the temperature was less than 20 degree Celsius then....The climb is definitely worth it as you can hang your wishes at the Lavender Cottage wishing tree and pray for your dreams to come true!
After all the walking, we decided to redeem a lavender-flavored icecream. ( NT50) I was a little sceptical about its taste initially as I had previously ate the lavender-flavored icecream from Ice Edge ( Singapore) n it tasted sucky.
But the lavender-flavoured ice cream taste quite good. Unlike the one from Ice-Edge which had a weird and funny taste, the one from Lavender cottage is mild and fragrant.
After getting the Ice cream, we proceeded to the dining area.
We ordered a roasted chicken (NT550) to share.
The food served here were supposed to be organic but mr Cheong didn't like the chicken so much. He felt that the chicken was too hard for his liking. For me, I thought the taste of the orange and raspberry sauce was great ....
Due to the interesting, long and images loaded day, I have decided to spilt the day's blog into few parts So follow my next update!
My Taiwan 2014 travelogue
Minsu/Hotel reviews:
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