Weekly Photo Challenge: My 2012 in Pictures

My travelling in 2012 – Taiwan, Japan and Vietnam.

Taroko Gorge, Hualien, Taiwan

Seven Star Beach, Hualien, Taiwan

Forro B&B, Taichung, Taiwan

Long Shan Temple, Taipei, Taiwan

Universal Studios, Osaka, Japan

Kimii-dera Temple, Wakayama, Japan

Nara, Japan

Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto, Japan

Maruyama Park, Kyoto, Japan

Bamboo trail, Sagano, Japan

Kinkaku Temple, Kyoto, Japan

Mii-dera Temple, Shiga, Japan

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto, Japan

Himeiji Castle, Himeji, Japan

Nene Statue, Arima, Japan

Osaka Castle, Osaka, Japan

Yoshino, Japan

General Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Water Puppet Show, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Weekly Photo Challenge: Reflections

This week’s photo challenge is guest hosted by Jared Bramblett.

Kawaguchi, Japan, 2008

Brugge, Belgium, 2007

Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2007

Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, 2010

Kanazawa, Chubu, Japan, 2010

Taipei, Taiwan, 2012

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan, 2012

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan, 2012

Osaka, Kansai, Japan, 2012

Osaka, Kansai, Japan, 2012

Weekly Photo Challenge: Geometry

Octagon

Tsukiji Hongan-ji, Tokyo, Japan, 2008

Hexagon Snowflake

Snow Museum, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan, 2010

Pentagon star

Goryokaku Fortress, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan, 2010

Natural Patterns

Seven Star Lake, Hualien, Taiwan, 2012

Man-made Patterns

Kongobu-ji, Koyasan, Kansai, Japan, 2012

Weekly Photo Challenge: Happy

The happiest moment during my travels is to be able to capture the beautiful moments and sights with my camera. 🙂

Hualien, Taiwan, 2004

Kawaguchi, Japan, 2008

Wuxi, China, 2005

Brugge, Belgium, 2007

South Korea, 2009

Saraburi, Thailand, 2009

Chubu, Japan, 2011

Macau, 2011

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan, 2012

Travel Theme: Foliage

Weekly Travel Theme by Where’s My Backpack?

Interesting Leaf Shape

Hakone, Honshu, Japan, 2008

Creepers

Primo Posto, Saraburi, Thailand, 2009

Autumn

Ise, Chubu, Japan, 2010

Colourful

Aowanda, Taiwan, 2011

Palm

Hualien, Taiwan, 2011

Family

Bang-pa-in Palace, Saraburi, Thailand, 2009

Weekly Photo Challenge: Everyday Life

Morning Fish Market

Tsukiji Market, Tokyo, Japan, 2008

Roadside Porridge Stall

Senado Square, Macau, 2011

Night Market

Liu He Night Market, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 2011

A Themed Italian/French Restaurant by Taiwan’s No. 1 Idol (Taiwan 2011, Day 14)

Who is Taiwan’s No. 1 Idol? That would have to be Jay Chou (周杰伦). He’s also known as Mr J to his fans and the media. He’s a very talented singer cum song writer. He composes most of the songs in his albums and I like listening to his songs. He started acting a few years back. His acting skill is average, so, I still prefer to hear him sing.

There is one particular movie that I like, Secret (不能说的秘密). The story was written by Jay and he acted as the male lead too. Not only that, he directed the show. I like the movie because of the unexpected twist at the end of the movie. Anyway, I’ll not dwell further into the movie as that’s not what I want to blog about.

Jay Chou has opened a themed restaurant, Mr J Restaurant II (意法厨房II) after the movie. One can see large posters of the movie and props used, in the restaurant. The food is mainly Italian or French, not too bad but I won’t say fantastic. However, it’s a must-visit place for Jay’s fans!

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P.S: This is my last entry for my Taiwan trip 2011. I’ll start writing about my Japan trip after this.

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Address:

No. 250, Wúxìng Street, Sinyi District

Taipei City, Taiwan 110

DIY: Art Attack in Taichung (Taiwan 2011, Day 13)

We tried traditional almond paste and fried fritters in the famous shop <三時茶房>. Many travel guides and blogs have recommended this shop. The paste was thick and fragrant and the fritters were so fresh and crispy! The shop is tucked in a small lane from the main road, so you’ll need to open your eyes to look out for its green walls and red signage.

It was in this shop that we came across a free magazine called “Exploring Central Taiwan in a Beautiful Way: La Mere Terre”. The magazine introduces the art scene in Taichung and also recommends cafes to go for a laid back afternoon. The book also have a 1D and 2D itinerary to tour Taichung.

But what caught our eyes was an article on shops that offer D.I.Y classes. We were interested in a ceramic cups painting course offered by Royal Sun Young (翔旸瓷). So, we set off for the shop, but was told that we need to call beforehand to arrange for a session because it takes time for the painting to set on the cups. But being nice and helpful Taiwanese, they offered to let us try out decoupage instead and we were happy to do it since we were in an arty mood that day 😉

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Address:

三時茶房

台中市北區太平路107巷11號

翔旸瓷

台中市西區五權西二街146號

A “Pilgrimage” for Bubble Tea Lovers (Taiwan 2011, Day 12)

Taichung is the birthplace of Bubble Tea. For a Bubble Tea lover like me, going there is like going on a “pilgrimage”. Bubble Tea originates from Chun Shui Tang (春水堂) in Taichung. So, my first stop definitely had to be Chun Shui Tang. We tried the hot bubble tea, something that we don’t have in Singapore and ordered some snacks. It tasted as good as the cold drink but I think I’m still more used to cold bubble tea 🙂

We can also see familiar brands such as Gong Cha and Koi too!

          

B&B for Music Lovers (Taiwan 2011, Day 12)

The place that I stayed in Tai Chung was an incredible B&B for music lovers. The Forro B&B is located on the 2nd floor of its cafe – Forro Cafe. An interesting concept but it can get a bit noisy at night if you want to return to your room and retire early.

All the different rooms are decorated according to different themes. The one that I stayed in was a Rocker room. When I entered the room, I could recognise immediately that the furniture are from IKEA (I’m a big fan). The room was clean but a bit old and used.

The cafe on the 1st floor was interestingly decorated. My favourite corner was a Marilyn Monroe collage created by memo pads. I strongly recommend visitors to Tai Chung to visit the cafe even if you are not staying in the B&B. Not only is it nicely decorated, there are live performances by budding musicians on certain nights. So, do not miss out this great place if you are a music lover!

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Address:

10am-10pm

台中市西區精誠三街47號

04-23101661 (每週二店休)

forrocafe@gmail.com