Wednesday, October 9, 2013

TRAVELOGUE 2013: FINDING FANTASY STORY, TAICHUNG


The most epic adventure i remember going on in Taiwan was trying to find Fantasy Story, a bunch of eclectic cafes that served up every delicious goodness possible. Why it was such an adventure was because prior to that, we (okay, me) left our international charger back in our hostel at Taipei and despite valiant efforts in trying to find one in Taichung, we ended up with none. 

So despite the whole "we have no mobile communication whatsoever", we still decided to explore Taichung the traditional way. By using a tourist map and asking for directions. 


It should have been easy. 

 I mean how big can one place be and if it's such a hot tourist destination, the locals would know it right? Apparently, i was wrong. We ended up walking the same routes more than twice and i had to use a kidney dialysis centre's toilet due to a sudden stomachache. It is the most awkward thing ever because there were no rooms or anything and all the patients were just looking at you, walking in and nonchalantly use their washroom to shit. WTF. 

We also kept getting mixed directions from locals who couldn't understand what "fantasy story" meant and despite our decent Chinese, didn't know what to call it. And so we walked up and down, left and right too many times till we were hot and bothered. 

Tim and i actually thought this was it. But no joy! 
It was just a standalone store:'(


Fattest chihuahua i've ever seen.

 Seriously, we were so close to just flagging a taxi and heading back to our hostel but we had to give it one more try. We gave a last attempt to ask for directions from a coffee shop lady near the street we thought we were at. Ding ding! She didn't know any "Fantasy Story" :(((

But she did know that there were a bunch of cafes just all the way back from where we were at. 

And we found it. 











After probably 10km of aimlessly walking up and down and 4 hours later, we found Fantasy Story with a tourist map and trusty comfortable shoes.
 And boy oh boy was the place so worth all that walking and time. 

In fact, we got so excited at finding and exploring the place that we totally forgot how much travelling it took for us to get there. Tim and i both agreed that the place was worth it with those gorgeous architecture and drool-worthy menu. And we eventually settled on Pumpkin House for dinner where the food was great, the view was great and the service was fantastic. 
Quite frankly, Pumpkin House deserves a post on it's own just because of it's decor and it will get it's own post.
But here's a little sneak peek just till it comes along.





 Couldn't have imagined the day with a more perfect ending.
Until we got back and realized that i had copied the wrong address for the place. 
Opps...
Nevertheless, it was a good adventure and a damn awesome memory.

Till then,
Melissa




5 comments:

  1. Hi, do you have the exact address for Fantasy Story? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. FantasyStory is still expanding now. So far, there are three locations:

      1. Lane 117, Sec. one, Meicun Road, West Dist., Taichung City, Taiwan
      2. Zhongxing 1st Lane., West Dist., Taichung City, Taiwan
      3. No. 129 and No. 136, Xiangshang N. Rd., West Dist., Taichung City 403, Taiwan

      they are in a community, not only a building or shops.


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  2. Dear Tim and Mei,

    In fact I think you did not find "FantasyStory" in Taichung.

    "Fantasystory is a name of a company, who is doing renovation to old houses in small lanes and streets and change them into small creative shops, showroom, cafe... in the community near Eslite book store.

    I think you might have the address "Lane 117, Sec. one, Meicun Rd. West Dist., Taichung, Taiwan" or "... ZhongXing St. West Dist. Taichung, Taiwan" for Fantasystory before you started the trip.

    I think the Chinese of "Fantasystory" is "范特喜" .

    Anyway, the photos show in your article is another very good street near the Art Musium, they are very famous and beautiful, and they developed much earlier than "Fantasystory" and more fun in cafe, food, buildings; FantasyStory is good at creative shops, young designers and buillding renovation.

    you can visit the website "www.fantasystory.com.tw", and welcome to visit Taichung again.

    Merry Christmas,

    Chunyen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Chunyen,

      I know this is probably a little too late but i just saw this and thanks so much for the advice. It sucks a little knowing that after 4 hours of walking, we still didn't find the place but i'm glad we managed to find these quaint little cafes that we enjoyed so much.

      Maybe one day when we head back to Taiwan, we can find the real fantasy story!

      Once again, thanks for your comment:)

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