After having enjoyed our stay at the Hyatt Regency Incheon we took the free shuttle bus to Seoul Incheon International Airport. We didn't have to wait long for check in. The check in staff was very friendly, but we were a little bit delayed, because there was information immigration had to be contacted, so our check in person went to call. It turned out as false alarm. Everything was fine. From then on check in went smoothly and was done within minutes. We were kindly asked to wait ten minutes until our check in luggage went through the security check. If our name wasn't called, we could proceed airside. There was no announcement, so we went ahead. There was a check of our passports and tickets before we could queue for the security check. I had to remove my shoes and received slippers to go through the metal detector. We exchanged shoes afterwards. We had arrived early enough to take full use of the shopping possibilities and ended up with an after shave balm and sun protection. We were tempted to buy a camera, but having already quite a lot of them, decided against it.
Before we knew it, it was already time to go to our gate and board. Boarding went by First Class, Business Class, holders of Cathay Pacific's Frequent Flyer Program Marco Polo Club and their partners of One World, passengers with children and people, who needed assistance and then economy class. Economy Class was called by seat number. Soon it was our turn. The interior of the cabin was held in green. Leg room was ample. My better half was asked to take a photograph of fellow passengers, a group of young, giggling ladies. They seemed to be happy with the outcome.
After the usual procedures we took off on time to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport.
The flight took around two hours. There was in-flight entertainment available. Drinks and a meal were served. Because it was quite early, it was breakfast. I had the Western option, a mushroom omelet; he had the Korean, beef and rice. The portions were generous, tasty and made full.
Immigration and customs documents were handed out before the start of the flight. It was completed quickly and painless.
There was also duty-free shopping available. There was of course information in front of the seat available as well as the interesting in-flight magazine.
The flight itself was eventless. When we arrived in Taipei it rained and it was dark, even though, it was only around midday.
De-embarkation was done quickly and efficient. While our Asian fellow passengers headed for the duty free shop, we went to immigration, where we were the only ones, so no waiting time. We were asked by the nice lady where we were staying and for how long. Our destination was the Sherwood Hotel. Without any problems we received a stamp that allowed us to stay for 90 days in Taiwan. After immigration we collected our luggage and went without hiccups through customs. There is an ATM in the arrivals hall and a taxi stand, where you can pay for your journey to Taipei. The company accepts credit cards and cash. The rate is fixed and depends what car type (Toyota Camry, Mercedes limousine or a van for larger groups) the customer is choosing. Our trip cost 1300 New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). That's ca. 30 Euros or 45 Dollars. We thought we would have a Toyota, but instead it was a Volkswagen mini van with dark windows. The journey took around 45 minutes to our hotel.
THE SHERWOOD TAIPEI coming next.
© 2011
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