Two weeks away from work, thirteen days away from Singapore. The only confirmed activity going into this trip was the IOI concerts in Seoul — everything else was decided right before or during. Turned out booking day tours on Klook became a pattern I didn’t plan for.

Started the trip in Taipei, flew on my birthday.

May 24 — LCP Final

Went to watch the LCP BO5 between DCG and SHG. Underdog story: DCG did the unexpected and defeated SHG, with even the viewers rooting against them. A fitting start to a trip where most things weren’t planned.

May 25 — Yilan Tour

Of the four Klook tours I booked across both legs, this was the most cosy — and the best guide. The tour groups in Taiwan felt noticeably smaller and friendlier than what I’d experience later in Seoul. The main highlight was the animal farm; the rest of the itinerary was less exciting. But the group made the day: two older Taiwanese ladies and a religion teacher from Hong Kong. Tagged along with them for most of the tour and genuinely enjoyed the atmosphere and conversation.

May 26 — Solo in Xinyi + 給約嗎

Spent the day walking around Xinyi, getting lost a few times. Had Din Tai Fung. Ended up getting a massage before heading to 給約嗎’s show. Interesting seeing Ken and Kylie live after listening to them for so long — Kylie looks a lot younger in person. Didn’t socialise much during the show, which I probably should have.

May 27 — Beitou / Yangmingshan Tour

Wrong season for a hike like this — it was super hot. But the older crowd on the tour made it worthwhile. The group included an Indian couple (the mother is mixed), a Singapore couple (the HR lady was quite friendly), and an 18-year-old young lady travelling solo, which I found impressive.

May 28 — On to Seoul

Last morning in Taipei, then the flight. Overheard two Taiwanese ladies on the plane talking about flying to Korea for the IOI concert — should have tried to strike up a conversation. They clearly knew their way around ticketing.

A note on connectivity: the Taipei posts from the trip were added during this leg, and I managed to complete most of the Google UIUX Module 1-4 courses here too.