Jules’ eyes almost popped out of his head when I told him we were going to 貓空 (Maokong) today, since it literally translates to ‘cat sky.’ Visions of cats suspended mid-air — images both enchanting and slightly disturbing — had Jules all in a tizzy. Philip was off earning our livelihood, so Jules and I […]
Jules
A Birthday Weekend in Taichung (台中): Part II
Although it would have been nice to sleep in on a Sunday morning, we set our alarm to make sure we would beat the crowds at the Miyahara Eye Clinic (宫原眼科). My friends, this is no ordinary eye clinic. In fact, this “eye clinic” houses 62 flavors of ice cream and some of the most […]
A Birthday Weekend in Taichung (台中): Part I
For my birthday this year, I knew it had to involve three things: my favorite guys, delicious food and a spectacular hike. Check, check and double check! It’s rare that Philip is around for my birthday due to his work schedule, so we felt very lucky this year. Our travel bags are usually half-packed these […]
Houtong Cat Village (猴硐貓村)
That’s right, another cat post! I am an animal person. Period. However, I do have a special spot in my heart for cats. So, when I found out from my godfather that there is an entire cat village in Taiwan, well, you know where we were all headed the next day. Houtong Cat Village in […]
Taiwan LGBT Pride Parade 2017 (台灣同志遊行)
Today’s 15th annual Taiwan LGBT Pride Parade, Asia’s largest pride parade, comes at a really pivotal moment in Taiwan’s history in the legalization of same-sex marriage. Taiwan has been progressive in Asia when it comes to gay rights. Openly gay and lesbian soldiers are allowed to serve in the military, and textbooks published by the Ministry […]
China, Part VI: Xi’an (西安)
The last Xi’an post, I promise. We were not quite ready to leave this city, which we found to be friendlier than Beijing, more relaxed and its food tastier. For our last day, we spent the first part of the day at a quiet, privately-owned museum, the Tangbo Art Museum (唐博), housing Chinese folk art […]
China, Part V: Xi’an (西安)
Oh, no, I’m not even close with being done with Xi’an. In fact, I just checked plane tickets back to this city a few days ago, since I’m still thinking about all the food I didn’t have a chance to try. Yes, it was that good, and yes, I know what’s important in life. Being […]
China, Part IV: Xi’an (西安)
生日快樂, 小牛! Happy birthday, Jules! These were the first things Jules heard when he woke up this morning as an eight year old. He had his favorite breakfast of a croissant, yogurt, fruit and juice before heading to the city of Xi’an two hours away by bullet train. Since it was his birthday, there were […]
China, Part III: Dengfeng (登封)
Although not seen on more conventional China tourism itineraries, the city of Dengfeng was one of our must do’s in China since it houses the birthplace of Shaolin kung fu — Shaolin Temple. If you’re familiar with ‘Kung Fu Panda’ and know how much Jules loves the trilogy and martial arts, then you’ll know why […]
China, Part II: Luoyang 洛阳
This morning we set out southwest for the city of Luoyang, known as one of the cradles of Chinese civilization due to its historical significance, having been the capital of China back in the day. Despite an early train departure, it wasn’t hard to wake up Jules since he was psyched for his very first […]