16 Years!!!!

16 years ago yesterday, January 9th,  I arrived in Taipei, Taiwan to make a go of a new life...  And what a life it has been...  Would not change any part of it. Okay maybe one or two - but truly, for the most part it has been filled with adventures & happiness...  Got to spend more time with my family in The Philippines....  Got to spend tine with Mom and Dad before their passing.., see my nephews and nieces grow into adulthood...  and have been Blessed to be a part of another family, The Wus!!! 

To You, Thanks for being my Best Friend, Biz Partner, and my Family all these years...  Through the Ups and Downs we have managed to stick it out...  Here's to more years of adventures, more countries to explore, and more of everything to come...

OKINAWA Revisited!

With next week just around the corner, am getting more and more excited to the upocoming week long OKINAWA trip with the whole Wu Clan....  it made me look back at photos from my first time there....  Can't believe 3 years have passed already!!!  

Am sure so much has changed....  and with us renting cars to get around, am pretty sure we will get to cover more land and see more of the outskirts....  just hope it will not be as rainy as the first time.

Pre CNY Dinner @ Home

Last nite we had the ladies (Juliana, Sue & Cecilia) over at the house for our Pre Chinese New Year Get Together dinner....   a bit early but with everyone's schedules as busy as it is, this was the only time we can do it or it will be after the Holidays - just like the late XMAS Together....  and needless to say, everyone will be going to their respective families' homes for the Chinese New Year break....  Us included, as we head down to Kaohsiung later this coming week....

It was a nice simple dinner... Soup, Salad, & Sausage Pizza - simple except for the fact that everything was home made... personal chef, David.... For the two of us, it was an all day affair - as we shopped, cleaned, prepared, and cooked before the gals arrived at 6PM.....

Then it was time to feast on the scrumptious food & fun chats...  and to end the feast are treats they brought over - Bread Papa's Cream Puffs and Strawberry flavours.....     it was a little after 10PM when the ladies decided to take off as the following day is Church Day, and Sue has to get up very early for it....

SWEET TREATS to end the night!

MORE PHOTOS HERE!

Fun Friday!

Yesterday was break for me from the work week....   got to go to the GYM....  got to do some work....  then had a tasty lunch with Sue - complete with Goodies and Fun Chat!

A bit later, had a nice FRESH BAKED BISCOTTI Surprise courtesy of Mr Wu.... 

plus a Matinee of "Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters" at the MIRAMAR Complex....

...then it was back to work...  and a trek to the Library with Juju in tow....

 

IPad2 Finally!!!

Yes!!! What a way to start the New Year.... Yesterday David bought himself an iPad2 - after months of coaxing by, not only myself but also his Lyn & Shaun.... We were correct all along... We knew he would love it instantly and enjoy having it.... Already he has downloaded sooooo many different applications... And he is not to be seen without it.... Before going to bed.. And as soon as he awaken... LOL....

Today, he Decided to get one for his sister, Liya.... And while at the shop, he also decided I need one, too... Who am I to argue... :). So VOILA! I have me an iPad2, Finally! And this being my first BLOG post using it....

Thanks Mr. Wu!!!

"Like Spain In Taipei"

Belated Birthday Celebrations for both Sue & David were spent having dinner at a restaurant none of us have ever been to before - GUSTO Spanish Restaurant - located very close to Juliana's home.... it was recommended by Sue, and was discovered by a colleague of hers.... What A Find!!! We unanimously love the ambiance, the portions and the tasty food, itself...

One after another, each dish was served to us at a leisurely manner... so we did not feel as if we were being rushed though it was a really happening Saturday nite... So we were able to taste & savour each and every dish that came.... and savory each of them were.... just the right amount of spices... pretty authentic except for the clam/beef dish that did not taste as if they belong together... but truly, from the salad starter right to the Paella Valenciana served at the very end - it was just TASTY, TASTY, TASTY....

What could have topped it off better would have been a really cool sweet dessert.... which alas, i felt they failed to deliver.... of course, the opinion is a bit biased as I have such a sweet tooth... but this opinion was shared by a couple of others, so it was not just me... a flan would have sufficed but instead we got some kind of pudding... quite bland... which is not a good compliment to all that flavours we just had... but as an extra bonus to the birthday celebrants, we were given sliced apples cooked in wine and sugar... this was tasty indeed... but still, was not enough to satisfy my sweet tooth...Overall, the nite was GREAT! ... fun and great company.... nice chats.... great food.... lovely place - that actually makes you feel you are somewhere in Spain - with Spanish music playing in the background; giant Spanish posters adorning the walls; and bits and pieces of things that reminded me of Spain... .... a place that I could recommend and would definitely go back to again.....

COMPLETE PHOTOS HERE

CROSS iHeart.

David just got back from his 10 day Europe Tour (his current OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD) of Czechoslovakia, Austria & Germany... brought back lots of GOODIES: chocolates, cookies, glasses, wine & cheeses, plus clothing from ZARA & H&M.... and even LOUIS VUITTON wallets (alas, not for us - these are bought as a FAVOR for a friend of his... hahahahahaha...)but the thing that I LOVE MOST - from all that he brought back - is the silver CROSS he got me from St. Michael's Basilica in Mondsee, Austria... quite simple really... just your ordinary black leather rope and the silver pendant of a silver cross... though I have seen this style before, I do not have any in my collection - yes, another long time OBSESSIONS of mine: Rosaries & Saints... along with a Pamphlet from the Basilica... loaded with photos of beautiful figurines/statues of Golden Gothic Saints - just right up my alley...

Truly a WELCOME ADDITION to my collection of Crosses from all over the world...

Above Photo: Some of My Rosary Collection

A Day @ Sue n Cecilia's

it took 10 years but finally, we were able to make it at Sue n Cecilia's home, sweet home once more for a whole day of fun - chatting, admiring their collections, hanging out, and a Japanese dinner to boot.... and what a fun day it was!!!

First, David and I took the MRT at the Domestic Airport, where I had a chance meeting with Harlem Yu, a Taiwanese star/personality.... of course I took a photo with him!!! so am off to a good start already.... then we rode the MRT to meet up with Juliana and head on to the city of Wanfang where Sue n Cecilia picked us up at the station and drove us to their Sweet Home - just a few minutes away....

Upon entering, one cannot help but be soooooo overwhelmed, my how their home has changed over the years.... so much more cozier... and the collections have grown... and to my DELIGHT, they were all sprinkled about the rooms.... of course, I went to ADMIRE the Vinyl toys first and foremost.... (Sue btw, has been great enough to help Juliana & I add more to our Bearbrick collections... she is our NET AUCTION CONNECTION!) Bearbricks, Oli Bears, Peko & Poko, and DOLLIES Galore!!! Then it was time to admire their purchases from all their travels.... ornate knick knacks from Czech, Italy, Germany, France, etc... all of them just as WONDERFUL as the next - and each one, has a story to boot - just as they should be... I also got to admire Sue's collection of TRADING CARDS - mostly ALIAS as we are both BIIIIG FANS of trhis show.... I never even knew they existed so seeing them in person was a SPECIAL TREAT!!! We got to see other collections - of the JEWELRY sort.... would have taken photos of them too but thought it was much more personal.... so will just keep them FRESH in my mind for now....

Then we all headed on down to the neighborhood Japanese Restaurant for some dinner.... just as cozy as the ones you go to in Tokyo - so for a couple of hours there, it felt like I was back in Japan... Then it was back at the girls' home for some tea and a bit more chatting fest.... it was already close to 10PM by the time we headed back to catch the MRT... and if it was not too late, I sure would have loved to have stayed even longer... Oh well, there is always a next time - and hopefully, it wont be another 10 years in between... hahahahahaha

COMPLETE PHOTOS HERE

Hurried Trip Part II - LAOAG

Part II of III parts, first part VIGAN, you can see here:

HURRIED TRIP PART I-VIGAN

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Just as the sun was shining in Vigan, we decided to escape the heat by journeying on to province of Laoag... Fist was an hour and a half's bus ride to the city of BATAC to view the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE PAOAY CHURCH.... just as beautiful, even more so, in person as I have seen it in photos.... the outside... the interior... there are signs of neglect here and there - which is a crying shame - still it was beautiful for the most part.....

Then it was another hour's jeepney ride to the city center, LAOAG CITY.... of course, the first thing we did was go for food.... BAGNET (not too good where we had it!) and the EMPANADA (made freshly for us!!!)... two of the most famous local delicacies.... then time to escape the afternoon sun and check in the hotel,... this was going to be our based camp for the nite as there is a DANCE FESTIVAL to see later in the afternoon...

After finding just the right place to camp for the nite, the first order of biz was to SHOWER.... savouring the COLD WATER to shake off the dust, heat of the sun, and the fatuousness of the long rides.... not totally refreshed we all ended up taking a nap but woke up just in time to revel in the Dance Exhibition/Contest - commemorating the region's wonders: farming, hunting, handicrafts, sights & sounds... One after another, we got to enjoy different ethnic dances - with all the performers giving it their all plus dressed in their traditional outfits/costumes... what a TREAT!!!

Then it was on to more treats, the gastronomical kinds.... tasted some more of the town's delicacies... plus the local McDonalds... then walk about the city some more before retiring for the evening.... getting rested as tomorrow is another looong bus ride to our next destination....
COMPLETE PHOTOS HERE

HURRIED TRIP Part I - Vigan

David came to Manila for a few days, while I was there - so we (along with my nephew Ace) decided to take a road trip up North... Vigan, LAOAG, & Baguio - places I have been wanting to go to for quite some time now.... with LIMITED TIME - we managed to hit all three places in just 2 days.... long bus rides & way too little time in each places , of course, but was worth every PAIN endured on those long bus rides....

Wed nite we caught a bus ride to VIGAN.... the bus was pleasant enough... DELUXE so air coned and nice size seats.... the road was not bad and hardly any traffic as it was overnite.... not during WORK or RUSH HRS....

Got to VIGAN at 5AM.... quaint little town with all the SPANISH INFLUENCED relics (restored old homes, beautiful cathedral, cobbled stones, horse drawn carriages, etc..) all concentrated in a little area.... the people were warm - all smiling and friendly.... at 5AM, many people were out and about exercising.... it helps a lot that the weather was just beautiful and the air, FRESH!!!

We only got to spend 5 hrs in the town... the bus ride (8 HRS!) was longer... but am sooo HAPPY I FINALLY got to see this town of VIGAN... and cannot wait to go back again to take in the place and its wonders at a much slower pace....

COMPLE PHOTOS CLICK HERE PLS

In Happy Spirits....

No Turkey dinner for me this past Thanksgiving but no matter, we still had a delicious Roasted Chicken dinner... even YUMMIER as am not even a Turkey kinda' guy....

No Friends or Family coming over - scheds just did not work out - but XMas is coming up so for sure I will get my fill... already slated - the Gals (Juliana, Sue & Cecilia) are coming over for an early XMas dinner on the 12th... then soon after I will be off to Manila to spend the Holidays with my family...

No BLACK SUNDAY shopping MADNESS for me as it is just NOT practiced here in Taiwan - still we managed to go about the last couple of days shopping!!! Been moving about "this and that" at home... recycling... figuring out what else is needed.... trying to get the house cleaned up and ready to WELCOME in the 2010....

Away with the GIANT TV we have had for over 10 years - taking up so much room - and IN with a new, and sleek FLAT SCREEN, finally!!! Even the OVEN got replaced so you can BET am looking forward to more goodies from master chef, marketchow....

So, that's how Thanksgiving was spent this year.... and am just fine with that!!! Okie dokie... Happy Sunday to you all.... we are off to another day of shopping for more household stuff and even some XMas Gifts.... (^_*)

The Quaint Town of Lugang

Earlier this month, en route to KAOHSIUNG, we decided to stop by and pay a visit to the township of Lugang we have heard so much about how lovely the old town part from may people but never ever got a chance to go.. so we made it a point to leave a bit earlier and stop by there for a few hours then on to Kaohsiung in the evening time...
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A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE TOWN:
Founded in the early eighteenth century, Lugang (鹿港) was once one of Taiwan’s busiest ports. Along with Tainan and Manka (Mengjia, today's Wanhua District of Taipei), Lugang was considered one of Taiwan's three largest cities, giving rise to the saying "The first is Tainan, second is Lugang, and third is Manka (Mengjia)."
Domestic and foreign tourists invade Lugang on weekends and holidays to relish its easy and friendly pace. On Lunar New Year, visitors from all over Taiwan walk through its winding alleys, pray at the 400-year old Longshan Temple (龍山寺), or stroll along Chungshan Road (中山路). Famous Lugang delicacies include flour milk with sesame balls (麵茶加麻恅).

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Albeit the actual Old Town is not so big, about 3 streets long, it was still truly worth the trip... such a nice quaint town... old & traditional shops, antique housings, delicacies and such friendly people.... very pretty & ornate temple.... delicacies to try, of course..... and we were even treated to some shaking by a QUAKE that HIT Taiwan while we were there....

SEE OUR FUN PHOTOS HERE

another reason to go to DREAM MALL...

COLDSTONE ICE CREAM PARLOR!!!

This Ice Cream shop has been popping up all over Taiwan... from little stands in various malls - to their own big parlors... always a line - especially in Taipei.... so we never get a chance to try it - again with the lines....

the morning we set out to check out what's new @ Kaohsiung's Dream Mall, it was the first thing that caught our eyes... and since it was still quite early, no lines yet... so it was a no brainer - we went in and had us some treats....

it was off putting at first as the girl did not want us to take photos... ah heck, if there's a will there's a way.... and took photos I did.... even of the actual process... bloggers like me do find our ways around these things you see.... hehehehe....

well, though the ice cream was good - it was really NO BIGGIE to us.... Jason thought the ice cream was too sweet, while DAVID and I felt, DQ, BIG TOM and of course, HAAGEN DAAZ are much better.... still, it was a nice early morning treat... and to actually be able to scratch off another item on my "to do" list.....MORE PHOTOS HERE - BUT DON'T TELL THE COLDSTONE POLICE... hehehehehehe....

come rain or come shine...

I was not going to let all this rian stop me from my routine run by the Dajia River Park - especially after all the mooncakes I have eaten over the MOON FESTIVAL holiday - i really need the run... hahahahahaha

so I decided to take an early morning break before helping Lyn & Shaun move into their new home... The Wu bois, David & Jason, went along for the run... what was to be a quiet, peaceful, wet run by the river - turned into one HILARIOUS, totally FUN TIME just goofing off with the bois.....
see, rainy days did not always have to dampen the mood... hehehehehe

More Fun Photos Here

COLD SPRINGS Dip just before Taiwan gets really cold...

Last Saturday afternoon, Lyn & Shaun found themselves with no work for a change - so they decided to drive to Yilan for some delicacy and even a did in one of the more famous SPRINGS.... Yilan is a POPULAR destination for both Hot & Cold Springs... since the weather is not too cold yet to dip in the Hot Springs , we decided to take in the COLD SPRINGS... it was a first for me to do COLD SPRINGS in Taiwan -- boy oh boy, did I ENJOY it!!!
An hour and a half outside Taipei, SU AO is really an industrial little city with not much else to offer but a succession of COLD SPRINGS to choose from.... So we decided to go to one that seems to be a more popular one and quite biiig really.... being that it was already early evening - there were only a handful of patrons that nite - just fine by us... The water was soooo fresh, sparkling and not too cold -- just perfect for that beautiful clear nite...

I cannot wait for next SUMMER when it gets HOT again and I can really ENJOY the coldness of the SPRINGS!

More Photos Here

Up the Tea Mountains of Nangang

It always amazes me how Taipei is surrounded by soooo much wonderful places and history.... you can go an hour outside the city, any direction and you are sure to end up somewhere nice and historical. Nangang County is one such place -- and only about 30 minutes outside Taipei City.

Nangang, literally "Southern Port", refers to it's location in the Keelung River. Now known, as the home to the Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall, this area used to be more well know for being Taiwan's Tea Farming/Producing Capital.
So last Friday, with the sun not shining too brightly, we decided to TREK up the mountains and go for a little run -- take in th scenery and fresh air. It was such an amazing experience as the view of the mountains, and of the city from the mountains were just breathtaking. Touring the old homes that have managed to survive through the years was an added bonus. We also got to visit the "Nangang Tea Processing Demonstration Center" where you can take in nice views of Keelung River and explore the recreational sites of the area, such as the old sweet osmanthus tree forest, tourist tea plantations, old coal mines, Guangming Temple, the Luku Incident Memorial Tablet at Xizhi, the old residence of the Yu Family, etc.

All of these just 30 minutes outside the hustle and bustle of Taipei City!!!

MORE PHOTOS HERE

A Day @ The National Center for Traditional Arts

The 1st of September, we were going to take David's two nephews, Todd & Jason, to this fun place but they had other plans... so instead the two of us went ahead anyway and checked out this place in Yilan and it's various In-House Museums...
Though the museum opened in January of 2002, the concept and planning actually started way back in 1995. The Council for Cultural Affairs has approved the building of National Center for traditional Arts and dedicated it to the investigation, collection, and sorting of various traditional arts and objects as well as acting as a conduit for the preservation and passing down of traditional handicrafts and skills.

Besides visiting the various in-house museums and shops after shops of traditional arts crafts of Taiwan, we also got to take in and enjoy a Chinese Play. Like they do in Disneyland, the play includes audience participation plus not only performed on stage but actually traveled throughout the whole Park.

The Complete TRIP PHOTOS Here

A Little Bit of WISDOM couldn't hurt....

Dateline: Sat. Aug 22nd - Temple Pilgrimage Part I
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Saturday afternoon, we decided to take in a bit of a Temple Pilgrimage - and decided to see a couple of temples closed in proximity with each other but offers such a contrast in architecture from one another.... the first one being, Confucius Temple.

Confucius Temple is designed much more subtle, highlighted by the sweeping roofs of the buildings. Inside and outside of the Temple& buildings are bamboo groves and sculpted garden, potted bonsai plants and miniature bridges. Though the Temple is rich in details, it holds back on ornamentation which is typical of all Confucius Temples all around Taiwan.

September 28th marks as the very wise Confucius' Birthday, which is also considered and celebrated as Teacher's Day all around the Island. It is celebrated annually at the Dacheng Hall, where the large tablet of Confucius is placed.

Many people come here to pray for PASSING GRADES in their tests... entrance exams to Colleges... and for the mere begging for WISDOM in everything.

CONFUCIUS TEMPLE PHOTOS HERE

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS!!!

Been traveling again the last couple of weeks... not much NET connection so am a bit late on this -- Still, I want to make sure I get to greet all you, AUGUST babies.

Happy Birthday To You All!!! May All Your Wishes Come True!!!

One Nite in Keelung

...is DEFINITELY not enough!!!! This is not my first time in KEELUNG really but somehow, this stopover trip, on the way home to Taipei from swimming in Longdong, made me see how there is sooo much to this PORT CITY!!!

It was our TRANSFER point from Taipei to Longdong and back.... during our first stop going, I was already AMAZED by seeing the STAR CRUISE LINES docked along the city port.... amidst all the different CARGO SHIPs.... it is AMAZING to see how much CARGO comes through here.... walking around, you also see sooo many WAIGUOREN (FOREIGNERS) like me.... as it is an International Port.Then coming back and stopping for some grubs in the Nite Market was just a HEAVENLY Experience!!! So many goodies to try.... prices are the same as they are in Taipei but the portions are bigger.... plus the people with the food stands are really friendly... not sour at all, though they have been doing this for many years already... The food selections is great - Taiwanese staples like Chou Dofu (stinky tofu), Mien Shen (noodles), Guotie (Pot stickers) abound... plus a few local delicacies... and just to my delight, many DESSERTS to choose from... of course I opted for a couple of servings of the Ice Cold Tahuie... can never get enough of that... CAN U SEE THE JOY IN MY SMILE HERE!!!
CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE PHOTOS PLS