It’s raining in Taipei, but it has been a relaxing day to catch up on work and have a spa day at the W Hotel.

The Starlux flight arrived before dawn and the sun was only just starting to rise after I cleared passport control. Looking at my options to get to my hotel, the W Taipei, I noticed there was a nonstop bus (Citibus number 1960) going directly towards Taipei City Hall Bus Station, located adjacent to the hotel. It was about 1/8 the price of Uber (NTD 145 or about $4.69) and I figured I might be able to work onboard during the journey into the city, so I booked it.

Traffic was horrible in the rain…it took two hours to reach the hotel. When I arrived, my room was not ready…but I was offered access to the fitness center and wellness area, which I was all I was hoping for.

I spent the next hour working out in the hotel’s very nice gym (a wide range of TechnoGym equipment) and then the following hour cycling between the sauna, massage chair, hot tub, and steam room.

My room was ready at noon…nothing special, but nevertheless comfortable (I used an expiring cert and only two double beds were available).

I did some more work and then, despite the rain, decided to go out for a walk to look for coffee. Peter had recommended kaffe_24, which looks really nice, but it was a 3km walk and it was steadily raining, so I decided instead to explore the area around the hotel.

It’s a nice neighborhood and I found a place called Wilbeck that was very nice…a really kind barista and great coffee. I love that the barista was so pleased when I asked for my coffee “to stay” rather than taking it away in a paper cup.

Back at the hotel, it was time for another cycle through the sauna and steam room…

I’m sharing about my whirlwind trip through Asia.