RECAP: December to February

I have been M.I.A for the last 3 months from this blog so… let me reintroduce myself, my name Linh pronounced like Lynn — the “H’ in my name is silent, for those of you who are wondering. The reason why I stopped blogging for a while was because I started studying Mandarin at NTNU, National Taiwan Normal University, and I wanted to focus all of my attention to learning Chinese. Since school is over now, it’s time to get back on the grind. Continue reading “RECAP: December to February”

Taichung: National Museum of Natural Science

It’s our first day in Taichung and since my brother enjoys going to museums, we decided to visit the National Museum of Natural Science. Also, it was blazing hot out, so going to an air conditioned building to escape the heat was heaven. Unbeknownst to us, this museum’s target audience is local elementary and middle schoolers and not to foreigners. Everything was in Chinese with no English translations, therefore, it was difficult for me to expand my knowledge about the earth and how we evolved — ha.

The only enjoyable and cool aspect of this museum is the life-like T-Rex dinosaurs (in addition to the air conditioning of course).  I wanted to climb up to touch them, but there was staff sitting close by to monitor little hooligans like me — though, he was elderly so I don’t think he could’ve caught speedy ‘ol me.

If you’re still interested in going while in Taichung, I suggest going earlier in the day when they open, around 11 am, before the daily field trip rush from local schools.

 

Taichung: Hung’s Mansion Hotel Review

After spending two wonderful days at Sun Moon Lake, we left with a better knowledge of the regional tea as well as being well caffeinated from it. Still wired from the caffeine, we decided to stay in Taichung to explore the city for a couple days instead of catching the high speed rail back to Taipei. We booked the hotel literally 15 minutes before arriving to the Taichung, but thanks to Tripadvisor, our last minute booking took us to a wonderful hotel.  Continue reading “Taichung: Hung’s Mansion Hotel Review”

Sun Moon Lake : Tea Ceremony

What an amazing and unexpected surprise that I’m here at Chung Tea Company, an award-winning tea producer. I’m about to experience 2 hours worth of glorious tea tasting during my visit at Sun Moon Lake! Before coming to Taipei, I knew that I wanted to experience a tea tasting/ceremony somewhere in Taiwan– I just didn’t know where or how I would manage to do it, but I knew that I have to and I won’t leave Taiwan until I accomplished it. Well, the Universe heard my cry and granted me this great opportunity.   Continue reading “Sun Moon Lake : Tea Ceremony”

TaoRanTing Peking Duck Restaurant

One time, I asked an expat friend on where to get really good Peking Duck here in Taipei and he recommended a place, but informed me that I need a membership to eat there or know someone that does to take me. My reaction to this was, “What the heck, the duck’s lineage better be royalty!” That’s just too rich for my blood and my pockets don’t run that deep. Luckily, my good friend Yaoching asked around for me and found a delicious place that doesn’t require a membership. Continue reading “TaoRanTing Peking Duck Restaurant”

8% Ice 冰淇淋專門店 – Ice Cream

In general, I think Asians in Asia don’t really have a sweet tooth so in Taipei, you can expect desserts to be lighter, less sweet, and not as creamy. I do like that the desserts are not as sugary  — I don’t feel like I’m going to get diabetes after eating a slice of cake. However, the ice cream here is not up-to-par with the States because it’s more icy than creamy. Fortunately, I found a place that is a great compromise between the less sweet and the creamy! Continue reading “8% Ice 冰淇淋專門店 – Ice Cream”

Muteki Japanese Yakiniku 炭火燒肉 無敵 – Must Try!

As many of you may know, Asian countries have tons and tons of restaurants. There can be over 20 restaurants competing on a block of street and if they’re good, they’re able to live another day as many goes out of business and new ones pop up to replace it. Therefore, finding any good restaurant that’s still in operation is a hard find, unless you know locals that can help guide you. Also adding fuel to the fire, there’s no Yelp for Asia! Well luckily I found this place and, oh-my, this is BOMB!  Continue reading “Muteki Japanese Yakiniku 炭火燒肉 無敵 – Must Try!”