tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15006435751162713632024-03-06T01:22:27.473+08:00ink + adventureJamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.comBlogger483125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-27519931245114539092019-03-27T14:51:00.000+08:002019-03-28T14:30:37.116+08:00a weekend in Alishan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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living in the bustling city of Taipei, sometimes it's easy to forget that the majority of Taiwan's land mass is mostly uninhabited mountains and forests. but one of the best things about this island is that magical places like Alishan National Forest exist, only hours from the concrete and chaos.<br />
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last summer we took a long weekend there with our friends, their one-year-old daughter, and their dog. Husband and I took the train down to meet them in Hsinchu, and we road tripped from there to Chiayi, and on to Alishan.<br />
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<h3>
Fenchihu</h3>
since our friends needed a pet-friendly place to stay, we found a cozy b+b outside the town of Fenchihu. <i>actually</i>. we got lost trying to find it because google maps didn't want to recognize the name in English and we couldn't read the Chinese. we tried to check into the wrong place first. but thankfully the people of Taiwan are friendly and helpful, and several phone calls later we made it to the correct homestay.<br />
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a lot of visitors stay in the Fenchihu area because it's cheaper than the handful of hotels inside the park, and it's end of the line on the scenic railway from Chiayi. there is an "old street" with tons of cute shops and food stalls, a railway museum, famous bento box restaurant, and hiking trails through bamboo forests and nearby tea farms.<br />
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we explored a part of the Fenrui Historic Trail, which you can hike for several hours between small mountain towns. given that we had a dog and a baby in tow -- and dinner time was fast approaching -- we opted for a short stroll through the bamboo forests near town.<br />
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it was misty and moody and gorgeous. but best of all: quiet.<br />
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<h3>
Alishan National Scenic Area</h3>
the next day we ventured into the national park. there are endless trails to hike, but the best views are likely to be found at the summit of the Zhushan Sunrise Trail. this platform is the place where crowds of tourists flock to see the "sea of clouds" which [depending on the weather] floats between the mountain valleys at sunrise.<br />
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the weather for our visit was not looking to cooperate... and also waking up at 3am was not sounding appealing. but the forest is still full of sights to see during the day. within Alishan National Scenic Area there are giant trees, temples, waterfalls, lakes, and cultural activities to explore. you can also ride a branch of the historic rail -- an old logging line that runs the iconic red train seen on magnets and postcards everywhere in Taiwan.<br />
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near the main parking area and the Alishan Forest Rail station, there is a complex of shops and restaurants you can visit. plenty of local fare is available, as well as the ubiquitous 7-11. we fueled up on lunch here before taking one of the walking trails out through the forest. from here you can also hop a shuttle bus to some of the more remote areas of the park.<br />
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our second morning, we still didn't make it out to the official sea of clouds. but I did pop out of our homestay to catch a bit of sunrise over the mountains and tea fields.<br />
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we packed up the car, then we were off to the forests again. most of the official Alishan Park area can be seen in a full day, and there's plenty more trails to explore in the surrounding mountains and tea plantations. so we opted to drive past the National Scenic Area and explore the Tefuye Historic Trail.<br />
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<h3>
Tefuye Historic Trail</h3>
the Tefuye Historic Trail is an old railway that has been converted to footpath, running between the mountain villages of Zihjhong and Dabang. winding beneath shady trees in the forest, the trail is mostly flat and about 6km one way. as we had to drive back to Hsinchu that afternoon, we walked out for about an hour before returning.<br />
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the trail is more remote [not much public transit access] but if you have your own wheels and the time to spare I would highly suggest it. the forest was lovely, and parts of the trail even have the original rails still in place. it also doesn't hurt that the trailhead offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains.<br />
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<h3>
getting there</h3>
Alishan National Scenic Area is one of the most-recommended travel destinations in Taiwan, but also one of the more difficult to get to. you can easily reach Chiayi by the high speed rail, but once you are there, things can become complicated.<br />
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originally, tourists were able to ride the historic rail all the way from Chiayi to Alishan. now [thanks to typhoon damage] the section between Fenchihu and the National Forest is closed, and you will need to take a bus to go between. the train runs only once or twice a day. tickets can be booked online, but they sell out very fast.<br />
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the easier, if less charming, option would be to take one of the many buses from Chiayi and the HSR station. most visitors opt to spend at least one night in Alishan, so they can view the sunrise and sea of clouds. you could also hire a car, or drive your own. [FYI -- the drive is very winding and mountainous. be prepared if you are easily carsick like me!]<br />
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spending the weekend in the mountains with friends was just the refreshment we needed.<br />
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getting out to the more remote places like Alishan can be a challenge -- but it's <i>so</i> worth it to trade being jammed like a sardine on the MRT for a space where the only sound is the bamboo tress clacking together in the wind 🎋Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-65612444779003269332019-03-12T16:22:00.000+08:002019-03-12T16:22:44.784+08:00India and other stories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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after a week of cold and rainy and grey weather best suited to curling up on the couch under a blanket, I'm happy to report that the sun has finally made an appearance again in Taipei. I just got back from a long walk and it felt a-ma-zing to have sun on my skin. they say March weather is <i>in like a lion, out like a lamb</i> but I've always found it to be all over the place from day to day, rather than a smooth progression.<br />
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but I have been trying to get out more, even when the skies are grey. a friend of mine is in town and yesterday she suggested we <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.com/2015/09/elephant-mountain-xiangshan-taipei.html" target="_blank">hike Elephant Mountain</a> -- despite the weather I can't really complain about spending time together and being out in nature. and in a few days my mother-in-law is arriving for a three week visit. so it seems I need to charge up my camera batteries and get ready for some adventuring.<br />
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in other recent[ish] news... I went to India.<br />
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it was loud and beautiful and crowded and smoggy and colorful and uncomfortable and humbling and absolutely, utterly delicious. India was all of those things. India was <i>everything</i>, all at once.<br />
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a part of me feels like a "bad" travel blogger because I did not even take my camera with me [gasp!] but in truth, we didn't really go to see India -- we went to celebrate two amazing people marrying each other over New Year's. I got to stay in a palace and dance like a bollywood star and eat all the delicious things. I saw donkeys and horses in the street, a guy riding an elephant through a traffic circle, cows literally everywhere, camels and monkeys and even a wild mongoose.<br />
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it was actually pretty nice to just let our time in Udaipur be what it was. we spent most of our non-wedding activity days walking around the city. and eating. we took a complicated journey out to the Monsoon Palace for sunset, braved the crowds at the City Palace, and went shopping for traditional outfits... but mostly just ate.</div>
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I don't have a city guide or even a packing list to share -- or anything other than a handful of phone photos -- but I can tell you that India was both one of the most incredible and challenging places I've ever visited.<br />
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to be honest, I'm still a little bit in awe that I actually went to India. it's not a country I had on my bucketlist or ever really saw myself visiting. as someone who has issues dealing with too much dirt, or noise, or crowds... it got to be pretty overwhelming at times.<br />
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I would still say the trip was worth it. [it's tempting to say so for the food alone -- I'm seriously craving poha and papadams after writing this.] but we had a wonderful reason to visit and I'm glad we had the chance. there's a lot of India to see and we only experienced a slice.<br />
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but I think for us, for right now, it was just the right amount.<br />
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-37566915983118426612019-03-01T13:28:00.000+08:002019-03-01T13:28:06.752+08:00the magic of Mount Cook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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it's no secret I love mountains. climbing them, taking photos of them, even just looking at them. maybe it was growing up in the flat midwest, but every time I look up and see mountains my heart just lifts. strange as it may seem, mountains are kindof my happy place.<br />
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when I read Emma's prompt for this month's travel linkup -- a place that sparks joy -- my immediate thought was: New Zealand. I've been lucky enough to take two trips to this magical place. though many of the locations we've visited are dear to my heart, the time we spent at Mount Cook / Aoraki and it's surrounding area towers above the rest. [and not just because Mt Cook is the tallest peak in NZ!]<br />
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I think a big part of why I love Mount Cook is that our first visit there <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.com/2015/04/travel-stories-when-things-go-wrong.html" target="_blank">ended in disaster</a>. our plans to hike the Hooker Valley Track were foiled by a snowstorm [in summer.] we had to cancel our second night of camping there, and the first was virtually sleepless -- spent battling gale force winds to keep our tent stakes in and trying to repair a snapped pole. in fact, we never even made it into Aoraki National Park.<br />
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it's rare in life that you get a second chance. and visiting a place as remote as New Zealand? I'm insanely grateful. things don't always go according to plan when you're traveling [as I'm well aware] but our return to Mount Cook couldn't have been more perfect.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCFjZ2LrQT4ymmxPF9EqGdTGabekqkUmDFJkfW65vOdVBjgvfZgs73KC_1J-P4Q4OctMoZ9Rlxi3K39bQ-xdRyjw1of7QhRYBPop3UOZJAu00bgS6TJ_fBCqZlP3A3ihO1FSAfWzTEeg/s1600/mount-cook-new-zealand-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCFjZ2LrQT4ymmxPF9EqGdTGabekqkUmDFJkfW65vOdVBjgvfZgs73KC_1J-P4Q4OctMoZ9Rlxi3K39bQ-xdRyjw1of7QhRYBPop3UOZJAu00bgS6TJ_fBCqZlP3A3ihO1FSAfWzTEeg/s640/mount-cook-new-zealand-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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the weather? fantastic. the upgraded shower facilities? amazing. mornings with my coffee and a view of the man in Mount Cook? yes please. our camp cooking skills were pro by this point, and we had the routine of converting our camper from drive mode to sleep mode down to a science. we climbed up to view the Tasman Glacier, and stopped to frolic in fields of lupin, and finally <i>finally</i> got to hike the Hooker Valley Track.<br />
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and at the end of the day we would throw the van doors open, or sit outside on our "porch" to watch the sunset. the brush next to our campsite was home to a family of rabbits, who would hop around with their floppy ears and adorable twitchy tails. and there was quiet, and reading, and of course some delicious New Zealand wine.<br />
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Mount Cook is definitely a place that sparks joy for me -- even just the memory of it. I could go on and on about the fresh air and sunshine, the blues and the greens, and how amazing even our sandwiches that we packed for hiking tasted. [is it weird that I remember that?]<br />
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maybe it was having a second chance at Mount Cook that sprinkled our experience with magic. maybe I'm wearing the rose-tinted glasses of nostalgia [or maybe blue-tinted based on the photos.] or maybe, it's just an incredible place to visit, and our time there sparked a bonfire's worth of joy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiXHQ4_PE6FC7cVnXWu-sRfi005wlY8bPK1_JBwmQfTztcxenmNwMTezhFkZdNmHyxfAhN7GxpS3VRWyIpsSb-RkzgYN2iCrA8azmwdMfiQB4eNUdIusbu_PcaNL7QuKDtbQ9gmZTzh8/s1600/mount-cook-new-zealand-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiXHQ4_PE6FC7cVnXWu-sRfi005wlY8bPK1_JBwmQfTztcxenmNwMTezhFkZdNmHyxfAhN7GxpS3VRWyIpsSb-RkzgYN2iCrA8azmwdMfiQB4eNUdIusbu_PcaNL7QuKDtbQ9gmZTzh8/s1600/mount-cook-new-zealand-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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on a somewhat related note, I've recently come to realize that this blog is another thing in my life that sparks joy. the past few years have been incredibly challenging for me. in trying to focus on taking care of myself, this space was somewhat set aside. I'm not sure if I'll ever be ready to go into the details of all that. but I do know -- at least for me -- writing, and sharing my writing, is an important part of living a happy and healthy life.<br />
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plus, I kinda missed it. so I'm back to blogging again, and trying to find a way to make it feel right. it might get a little messy as I figure it out -- but <i>I'm</i> a little bit messy right now. and, well, that's ok. I'll take a little joy wherever I can find it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: right;">
joining <a href="http://www.silverspoonlondon.co.uk/">SilverSpoon London</a>, <a href="https://www.binnysfoodandtravel.com/">Binnys Food and Travel Diaries</a>, <a href="http://www.adventuresofalondonkiwi.com/">Adventures of a London Kiwi</a>,</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
and <a href="http://www.planeschampagne.com/">Maggie at Planes and Champagne</a> for the March Travel Linkup</div>
</span>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-28126975250539250032018-08-10T15:50:00.001+08:002018-08-10T15:50:41.398+08:00what I did on my summer vacation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUauxNqNrPKOAUi2iiXJK8sUFgQD7qA3ouaKddifMkELpBVahkYBOaj6DhG_Re6QFys7zwvRJHyVvv_PaeQLLs4bVae1wOp9zpBYm9pueT4f8gIT_HjJNen8RqUVQAgCv3IDyJJr6vb8/s1600/summer-vacation-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUauxNqNrPKOAUi2iiXJK8sUFgQD7qA3ouaKddifMkELpBVahkYBOaj6DhG_Re6QFys7zwvRJHyVvv_PaeQLLs4bVae1wOp9zpBYm9pueT4f8gIT_HjJNen8RqUVQAgCv3IDyJJr6vb8/s640/summer-vacation-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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almost every summer, it seems I take a [usually unintentional] break from blogging. being married to a teacher means that my life and my calendar revolve around the school year. we are lucky to have short breaks throughout the year, but summer is the time when we travel the most.<br />
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and when I'm in Tokyo -- I'd rather spend my time exploring adorable alleys and stunning shrines than sitting in front of a computer screen. when I am with my family and friends -- I want to soak up every conversation, every glass of wine, every trip to the beach or board game or whatever activity we have planned.<br />
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so the memories pile up over the months. and when I come home to Taiwan, I unpack them along with the instant photos and the new can opener, a gluten free pretzel stash and that little bit of Lake Michigan sand you can never get out of the bottom of your bag.<br />
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here's what I did on my summer vacation...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdgryiIGO5YJHudAPtySP7WOYUTbVFnXsL4EI2QUyYAD4zYQ3dqv8nxjrGCi_MrSZKPHGnguzjOoWjKicEJrDpXEhA0bVqZJa_SSVzKVbRNcKngw8xt6hqALscTWkSBhcELMQwGVDznY/s1600/summer-vacation-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdgryiIGO5YJHudAPtySP7WOYUTbVFnXsL4EI2QUyYAD4zYQ3dqv8nxjrGCi_MrSZKPHGnguzjOoWjKicEJrDpXEhA0bVqZJa_SSVzKVbRNcKngw8xt6hqALscTWkSBhcELMQwGVDznY/s1600/summer-vacation-4.jpg" /></a></div>
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I played host to my sister-in-law and twin nephews. they came to visit us in Taipei, and we had a great time showing them around. it's always nice to have family visit and give them a chance to see what our life is like here. the boys had never traveled internationally before and they were amazing in dealing with all the culture shock.<br />
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as a bonus to their visit, we all flew up to Tokyo for a week. we spent 3 days at Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea [amazing!] and the rest exploring the city. we had a few mishaps along the way -- but our guests were troopers. most of our time was spent wandering through the alleys of Asakusa, exploring the Senso-ji Temple and Imado Shrine [which was full of cats!] and of course we had to nerd out at the Pokémon Center.<br />
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when our visitors flew back to Chicago... I got on the flight with them. originally I had planned to stay in Taiwan for the summer. but my Dad concocted a plan to get me home, and I was able to [by a very roundabout route] meet up with my parents and surprise my sister and nephews when they arrived.<br />
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I spent a week with my family on the west coast of Michigan. we hiked at the state park, looked for petosky stones on the beach, shopped at farmers markets and went to local concerts. on 4th of July there is a huge parade in town. we watched from my Aunt's house and then stayed up late to see the fireworks over the lake. we even managed to squeeze in a trip over to my family's cabin to visit our extended family, and the lake where I spent my childhood.<br />
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then I drove with my parents back over to the east side of the state. we took a mini road trip up through the "thumb" of Michigan [because if you didn't realize, it's shaped like a hand] to scope out some lighthouses. in the few days before and after, I tried to squeeze in seeing some of my closest friends and eating some tacos. then I hopped the early morning Amtrak to Chicago.<br />
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I was able to stay a few days with my cousin, and her husband and newborn daughter. we spent a lot of time in cute coffee shops or wandering her adorable neighborhood, and met up with our other cousin who is also living in Chicago. I also got my fill of cousin/niece snuggles.<br />
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before I knew it, though, I was back on a flight to Taipei.<br />
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no offense to everyone else, but... my favorite thing about this summer was spending time with my nephews. I was able to see 4 out of 5 of them. being an Aunt is truly an awesome thing. and while my newest nephew [who was 5 weeks old when we met] probably won't remember my visit, I'm hoping the others will treasure our Pokemon discussions, jumping in the pool, photo-taking and game playing as much as I will.<br />
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since coming back to Taiwan, it's been a flurry of jetlag and reuniting with old freinds. hopefully, I'll be making some new ones too as this summer's batch of expats arrives. we are working on settling into a schedule as the school year starts back up, getting our routine of cooking and cleaning and gym time and working and fun all organized.<br />
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I <i>am</i> planning for that to include a lot more writing and blogging than was accomplished this summer -- as soon as I find a space to put all these photos I brought home 😉Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-67212515250940514682018-05-17T15:54:00.001+08:002018-05-17T15:54:08.114+08:00Olympic National Park, WA // Lake Crescent and Marymere Falls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX0u20XWrNE9g7_PfCWYppYS4HOrDm-nt5ECq213pOGwBl65AexnB0fkAnJbsoBONxMJoG6L5lNBFRUi0uALX59jDBGkfrr__ocZduIRpkKjxWpDryKOCh5loQWRp4bRQ7hpznsu11xE/s1600/Olympic-National-Park-Marymere-Falls-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX0u20XWrNE9g7_PfCWYppYS4HOrDm-nt5ECq213pOGwBl65AexnB0fkAnJbsoBONxMJoG6L5lNBFRUi0uALX59jDBGkfrr__ocZduIRpkKjxWpDryKOCh5loQWRp4bRQ7hpznsu11xE/s640/Olympic-National-Park-Marymere-Falls-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicn1xPTRhC7NOjI94L7XLTVLNyBIMMTmqRs-cdR_AwdB4-cDTgQEYJXMJTuTQzFtF4auGb30zTL9oQs93jf1_Xeu2HxdVHsqL0vtzPbI6TEY53eKImLY3FglWdykjzx6zN_N2eX75X3_E/s1600/Olympic-National-Park-Marymere-Falls.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="take a short hike through a magical mossy forest to visit the enchanting Marymere Falls, in the heart of the Olympic National Park, Washington" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicn1xPTRhC7NOjI94L7XLTVLNyBIMMTmqRs-cdR_AwdB4-cDTgQEYJXMJTuTQzFtF4auGb30zTL9oQs93jf1_Xeu2HxdVHsqL0vtzPbI6TEY53eKImLY3FglWdykjzx6zN_N2eX75X3_E/s1600/Olympic-National-Park-Marymere-Falls.png" title="take a short hike through a magical mossy forest to visit the enchanting Marymere Falls, in the heart of the Olympic National Park, Washington" /></a></div>
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Lake Crescent and the hike to Marymere Falls was my first introduction to Olympic National Park, one of several stops we made during our <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/10/travel-guide-pacific-northwest-road-trip-itinerary.html" target="_blank">Pacific Northwest road trip</a>.<br />
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Olympic National Park is <i>huge</i>. this is not a place you can explore in a day. in a month, or a year... maybe. the park covers the entire central area of the Olympic Peninsula, and creeps up Washington's western coast. we visited six different locations within the park on our trip, and still barely skirted the outside of it.<br />
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the Storm King ranger station was still closed for the season, so when we arrived at Lake Crescent we were greeted by the feathered welcome wagon instead. with lakefront views like this -- and after being cooped up in the car all day -- I didn't mind. we were traveling all the way from the San Juan Islands down to Forks that day, so a stop for fresh air and to stretch our legs was more than welcome.<br />
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it was already late afternoon when we stopped. but a short and mostly flat 2 mile round trip hike to spy Marymere Falls was too tempting to resist.<br />
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as the sun sank lower, the temperature dropped and I vowed to buy another layer because my teeth were chattering. [though right now the weather in Taipei is so hot and humid that I feel like a steamed dumpling and I'd gladly go back.]<br />
<br />
the hike was wet, and the trail was muddy. there was not a dry surface anywhere to be found. in the moments that the light rain stopped, the green leaves still dripped down on us from above. but... we didn't mind that much.<br />
<br />
because the silent forest was also full of magic. smiling skull-shaped rocks and twisted roots, moss and ferns and tree trunks bigger than my arms could reach around. and the air -- fresh and earthy and so, so clean. it felt like I was hiking into a fairytale, and I fell in love with the Pacific Northwest for the third time in as many days.<br />
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by the time we reached Marymere Falls, I had given up hope of keeping my lens dry. I was freezing cold and wet and muddy... but it was still just <i>magical</i>.<br />
<br />
it wasn't the most impressive waterfall that we visited that trip, but it was special because it was the first. with my hands so cold [and my camera perilously damp] I shoved my hands in my pockets and just <i>looked</i> on the way back. the light was slanting through the tall, proud trees in the the most gorgeous way. it lit up the tiny raindrops and the gleaming dark wood and electric green leaves. likely in a way my hopelessly smeared lens could never capture.<br />
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but the mental pictures are there, the memory of it. and I value that more.<br />
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I left with a smile on my face, and in my heart.</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-66934896415735868432018-05-11T14:12:00.000+08:002018-05-11T14:12:26.907+08:00thirty-three and six<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LyCHZxDPfysj86NiW1DnFYmZqJdbxtVYE9kiI8p9T5vfKlHIKXaw0oEHXTxoGpBbhts2jFbw3V52H7m03GSEc-RoEYdmFGSiOM4YSrSX5s0sJjuUG3kfvP-_CzXQJ8kIkYXnJiPT5eY/s1600/J-New-Zealand-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LyCHZxDPfysj86NiW1DnFYmZqJdbxtVYE9kiI8p9T5vfKlHIKXaw0oEHXTxoGpBbhts2jFbw3V52H7m03GSEc-RoEYdmFGSiOM4YSrSX5s0sJjuUG3kfvP-_CzXQJ8kIkYXnJiPT5eY/s640/J-New-Zealand-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
my thirty-third birthday was a few weeks ago, which means a few days after that, this blog turned six.<br />
<br />
sharing a birthday/blogiversary post is kindof a tradition around here, and though I've been slow to get back in the swing of regular posting, I couldn't let the occasion drift by unmarked.<br />
<br />
so here are six facts about this blog, and thirty-three randoms bits about me:<br />
<br />
1-- I came up with the name "ink and adventure" as we were driving back to Princeton from the job fair in Boston where Luke was first hired to teach in Taiwan. I actually launched with the name "hello, adventure" because I was nervous about the<i> ink</i> part implying I was a writer. [yeah, I know.] it lasted for maybe a month before I changed it to this title -- the one that just felt right in my heart.<br />
<br />
2-- there have been 493 posts published on this blog. [16 have been reverted back to drafts. anyone remember <i>the nail files</i>?] the hands down most popular post of all time: <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/01/packing-list-10-days-in-bali.html" target="_blank">10 days in Bali packing list</a>. it's definitely not the most minimal or useful packing post I've done, but Pinterest just loves this one.<br />
<br />
3-- ink and adventure has had too many design changes to count, but I'm proud to say that I've created them all myself. I'd like to think as I went through phases in life and grew as a person, my blog also changed to reflect that.<br />
<br />
4-- I shared the highest number of posts in 2014, but earned the most pageviews in 2016 [with a third of the posts.] 2017 wins for annoying marketing emails and unrelated guest post offers received. November 2012 was my most prolific month thanks to scoot crash recovery, with 16 posts published.<br />
<br />
5-- of all the thousands of photos that I've shared on this blog, there have maybe been 5 that I have not taken myself. [this doesn't count those from the random month of guest posts I did, or the hundreds of photos my poor husband has been subjected to taking <i>of </i>me -- several included here --but I still think that's pretty impressive.]<br />
<br />
6-- I have debated deleting this blog a hundred thousand times. I have thought for hours about changing the content I share [and, actually, have changed it.] I'm not sure where the future will lead us, but at the end of six years I am so happy to have all these memories to look back on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-sGYUO0_DC2sZayumafCIQR-IalF4e8CDp8SI_RZcMvpAy88MXh0MvdAnJjWJRqqVQ5Hkek-zfB6e8Ml2kBVtbYJEoBev4r4BuOGv7YdZ5xvScyYn0qyR_X6xCMbkxqS1d-FmrKi7GU/s1600/J-New-Zealand-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-sGYUO0_DC2sZayumafCIQR-IalF4e8CDp8SI_RZcMvpAy88MXh0MvdAnJjWJRqqVQ5Hkek-zfB6e8Ml2kBVtbYJEoBev4r4BuOGv7YdZ5xvScyYn0qyR_X6xCMbkxqS1d-FmrKi7GU/s640/J-New-Zealand-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
1-- this birthday post feels weird compared to <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/04/life-lesson-32-you-cant-pack-everything.html" target="_blank">last year's</a>. but as I'm writing this from Starbucks two weeks belated, I'm just going to roll with it.<br />
<br />
2-- I love lists. I love making them, and I love checking them off. sometimes I will add something I've already done to my to-do list, just so I can have the joy of crossing it out.<br />
<br />
3-- next month I get to go back to <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/05/travel-by-iphone-tokyo-disneyland.html" target="_blank">Tokyo Disney</a> and I am <i>so.freaking.excited</i>.<br />
<br />
4-- but aside from that, I will be spending this summer in Taiwan. for the first time. it's going to be really sticky and hot, but I'm also looking forward to exploring this island in a new way.<br />
<br />
5-- BUT. so long as our savings plan stays on track, we are hoping to take some really exciting adventures in the year ahead.<br />
<br />
6-- I write almost every day. it's usually just in my journal, but it's become such a habit that I hardly consider it writing anymore. [also, I get really cranky if I don't write.]<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_79Z1K4jfTeBIj95pAlvPeb-KhDSN1gGGtlWo2qm62RSzSs0HPNHAYLqSuE3quX8xCvPLMZprAdl3X3hrFIQVbJMjxZgL34jEbIlqywLp2cwD5sObfGBG2yyJWDIhbZMRwXIWhrFcBM/s1600/J-New-Zealand-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_79Z1K4jfTeBIj95pAlvPeb-KhDSN1gGGtlWo2qm62RSzSs0HPNHAYLqSuE3quX8xCvPLMZprAdl3X3hrFIQVbJMjxZgL34jEbIlqywLp2cwD5sObfGBG2yyJWDIhbZMRwXIWhrFcBM/s640/J-New-Zealand-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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7-- of the twenty countries that I've traveled to, New Zealand is my favorite. and probably always will be. I would move there in a heartbeat, even if it meant living in a campervan forever. [actually... that would be awesome.]<br />
<br />
8-- despite gardening skills running in my mom's side of the family, the only plants I can manage to keep alive are ceramic cacti.<br />
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9-- I still wear my hair in braided pigtails. those are cool again, right?<br />
<br />
10-- it [usually] takes me a long time to make a decision, but once I've weighed all my options, done the research and made my choice -- I go all in.<br />
<br />
11-- my mom mailed me a letterboard for my birthday and I'm kindof obsessed. also, half the messages I have put on it thus far have to do with wine.<br />
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12-- I've always been a writer. I can't remember a time when I wasn't making up stories, scribbling secrets in notebooks, or in search of the perfect writing implement.<br />
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13-- the book I'm currently writing has been a huge source of joy in my life. revising and editing aren't actually fun, but I've been known to squeal and jump up and down when I think of a new plot point. and sometimes leap out of bed in the middle of the night to run into my office and scribble down a thought before it escapes.<br />
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14-- related: the wall of my office is plastered in a mess post-it notes. half of them are in latin or french. the other half have been re-written after I deciphered my 4am in the dark handwriting<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGfgvLgoGgv5gsT-lApDMK7E3DPaY2FoRaSKYHCb2n-fSvBnIrfJmZ_pN6daIeI97Nt29Qke9lhra0U2gAYb6l9-1qgCeBVAdDO-843hjmvcnqJYTqf46dJKBkA8tqpBrFNnMeXFYLsw/s1600/J-New-Zealand-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGfgvLgoGgv5gsT-lApDMK7E3DPaY2FoRaSKYHCb2n-fSvBnIrfJmZ_pN6daIeI97Nt29Qke9lhra0U2gAYb6l9-1qgCeBVAdDO-843hjmvcnqJYTqf46dJKBkA8tqpBrFNnMeXFYLsw/s640/J-New-Zealand-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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15-- my biggest pet peeve about living in Asia is the difference in how personal space is perceived. basically: you get the amount of space that your body physically occupies, and not a millimeter more. and actually, sometimes less.<br />
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16-- IKEA has become my new Target. [since there is no Target in Taiwan.] the only thing that reigns me in is that I have to hand carry all of my purchases home.<br />
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17-- I still use an actual planner, because the glide of ink on paper makes me happy.<br />
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18-- I hate facebook, but it's a necessary evil as an expat. I go through phases of trying to use it in a way that's less distasteful. but mostly, I'd rather have actual conversations with people to be updated on their lives.<br />
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19-- I would almost always rather be wearing pajamas.<br />
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20-- and if I can't wear pajamas or workout clothes, then a dress.<br />
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21-- I'm a video game nerd. husband bought me a Nintendo DS for my birthday, and it is designed to look like Pikachu's face. and I love it.<br />
<br />
22-- as much as I'm enjoying Pokemon Ultra Sun, the Legend of Zelda series is still my all time favorite video game franchise. [BUT I am still dreaming of the day they release a game where Zelda is the main player.]<br />
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23-- even though I am gluten and lactose intolerant, pizza is still my favorite food.<br />
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24-- oddly enough, moving closer to the MRT has gotten me out to explore more of our own neighborhood instead of the rest of the [now easily accessible] city.<br />
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25-- washi tape is the solution to 80% of my problems.<br />
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26-- I'd rather stay in and split a bottle of wine with a friend or two, sitting on someone's couch than go out and have a fancy drink at a bar.<br />
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27-- turquoise is apparently my favorite color. I've been working on decorating our apartment and nearly everything I put up is some shade of blue or green or in between.<br />
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28-- instead of feeling guilty that I haven't blogged about so many of my adventures these past few years, I've decided that time has been a good way to winnow through and let me pick the best things to share. [sometimes us travel bloggers can be obsessed about posting every small thing we saw or did.]<br />
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29-- three really simple things that make me happy: kittens, sunshine, and wine.<br />
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30-- when I get food cravings, they are 80% for something salty and crunchy [potato chips] 15% for something green and leafy [no really, I crave salad] and only 5% for chocolate or sweets.<br />
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31-- I've started going to bed at 9pm and waking up at 6 or 7. I don't care if it makes me a grandma, I love it. I get so much more done with my day.<br />
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32-- the past two years have been the hardest of my life. I've struggled with both my physical and mental health, and had to fight every day to do anything beyond just taking care of myself. it was hell, and I would never want to relive it, but I know it's made me so much stronger.<br />
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33- I'm relying on that strength to help me make 33 a better year. I'm hoping that it brings fierce self-love, heaps of creative energy, peace of mind, and of course -- lots of adventure.<br />
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[and a few more happy but blurry moments like this, please.]</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-77565894543844913782018-04-19T15:35:00.000+08:002018-04-19T15:35:03.502+08:00Taipei // Confucius and Bao An Temples<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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my very first day as an expat in Taiwan, I fell head over heels for the colorfully scaled and curly whiskered dragons that top the temples here.<br />
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Taiwan has more temples per capita than any other country in the world. some are massive complexes attached to monestaries or built into mountainsides, and some are barely bigger than a phone booth. you'll find temples sandwiched between convenience stores and dumpling shops, hiding on hiking trails or down alleys only wide enough for a scooter. I've seen my fair share of temples, but with over 15,000 on the island... I've barely begun to scratch the surface.<br />
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a few weeks ago, though, I finally crossed two major temples off my list: Taipei's Confucius Temple, and the UNESCO award-winning Dalongdong Bao An Temple. while the history and details on both these temples would each merit their own blog post, I'm combining them here because A: they are practically neighbors in location and B: I'm not going to look up the guidebook facts to relay to you because I trust in your capacity to use google 😉<br />
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<h3>
Taipei Confucius Temple</h3>
ok, before I say anything about the temple can we take a moment to appreciate how adorable these Confucius figures are? Taiwan <i>loves</i> to make things cute and cartoonish, and even revered historical and religious figures cannot escape the cute-ification.<br />
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cartoon Confucius aside, the temple grounds are spacious and well maintained. they are also very tourist-friendly. at the entrance there is a visitor's center with guides and information available in English and about 12 other languages. they offer tours, video presentations, educational exhibits, and a special ceremony for viewing each year on Confucius' birthday. there's even a gift shop and café.<br />
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I was surprised to see how ornate this temple was [dragons!] compared to <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/10/kaohsiung-confucius-temple.html" target="_blank">the Confucius Temple in Kaohsiung</a>. it definitely was not the prettiest or most elaborate I've seen, but it was large and full of [English!] information regarding both Confucius and the temple.<br />
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just across the street, however...<br />
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<h3>
Dalongdong Bao An Temple</h3>
if you're into bright colors, intricate details, and dragons [duh!] then this is the temple for you. I don't like to play favorites but Bao An is definitely in my top 5. the restoration and upkeep they have done on all the tile work and painting is just stunning -- and quite literally award-winning. there were just so many details to take in. every time I looked at the same structure I would notice something new.<br />
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the layout felt spacious and unique, and thankfully was free from hordes of tourists that tend to clog up the more popular Longshan Temple. [sorry Longshan, a trip to the Confucius and Bao An Temples will be my new go-to for showing around visitors.]<br />
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I'm not sure if the hand painted lanterns are always there, or it they were left up from the recent festival. they were clearly student work from nearby schools. [and wow, some of those kids are talented!]<br />
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I also loved the abundance of plants arranged around the grounds. everything felt so serene -- definitely #goodvibesonly coming out of Bao An that day.<br />
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<h3>
how to get there</h3>
take the red line of the MRT to Yuanshan Station. exit 2 [at the north end of the station] will put you right on Kulun Street, which you can follow west to the temples. follow the brown tourism signs [in English] and you can be at either in 5-8 minutes... or just keep your eyes open for dragons.Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-14150445031388950122018-04-12T16:14:00.001+08:002018-04-12T16:14:38.586+08:00a life update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I try to make it a policy not to apologize for a lack of posting, but <i>woah</i>. I haven't consistently blogged since last October. there are several good <strike>excuses</strike> reasons that I've been absent from pretty much everything [<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamiethewalker/" target="_blank">except instagram</a>] but now that life has settled down a bit, I hope to get back to blogging.<br />
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in true Jamie fashion, I'm going to start with a list-style post. here's a bit of a life update to catch you up on the last six months.<br />
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<h3>
I wrote a book.</h3>
no really, I wrote a book! I completed NaNoWriMo -- that's writing 50,000 words of a novel during the month of Novmber -- and raised over $250 to help support education for girls around the world with the Malala Fund. and once November ended, I kept writing. it took me another 2 weeks to complete the first draft of my manuscript. but I did it.<br />
<br />
I took a break for a bit after I finished, went back to read it with fresh eyes, and... it's really good! however, furiously writing a book in just over a month did not allow for the depth of character development and sub-plotting that I want my story to have. so now I am working on revising and restructuring, and weaving in new [and really awesome] threads to my manuscript.<br />
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<h3>
I went to New Zealand. again.</h3>
just 48 hours after I completed my first draft, Husband and I boarded a plane for a two week trip through New Zealand. and it was amazing. we revisited some of our favorite places [like Queenstown and Lake Tekapo] explored new areas [hello, Wanaka] and got a second chance to experience places where we had bad weather last time [Mount Cook!] I even got to hang out with my brother! we had fantastic weather, and a lot of wine.<br />
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you probably saw me on instagram living that #campervanlife and gushing over mountain views. obviously I have a lot of new blogging material from our travels. [obviously I have a lot of blogging material stockpiled, period.]<br />
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<h3>
we moved to a new apartment.</h3>
maybe a week after our return from New Zealand, we found out our landlord would not renew our lease this summer because he wanted to sell our apartment. if we waited until June to move, it would be right in the middle of our hosting visitors... so we decided to just go for it. searching for apartments can be <i>a process</i>, and when you add in a language barrier? well. one realtor showed me an apartment that had a propane-tank powered camp stove on the balcony as the "kitchen." and someone else tried to convince me I could afford a place $1,000 USD/month over my requested budget.<br />
<br />
regardless, I went full-throttle into apartment hunting mode. it took me less than 3 weeks from the time I began searching until move-in day. we ended up finding an amazing place. the kitchen and bathrooms are brand new, the floors are a gorgeous Taiwan marble tile, and it's a 5 minute walk to the MRT station. but my favorite part? we have mountain views from our balcony!<br />
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[which I somehow don't have a photo of to share?!?!?]<br />
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<h3>
I've been exploring... everywhere.</h3>
somehow, even with all that going on, I still managed to get out and see some new parts of Taipei and Taiwan in general. I have been exploring both with new friends and old, by foot and by car, in the city and on the coast. some of the highlights include an overnight trip <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/12/spirited-away-jiufen-old-street-taiwan.html" target="_blank">to Jiufen</a>, finally making it to Dihua Street during Chinese New Year, and crossing Confucius and Bao An off my Taipei temple bucket list.<br />
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our new apartment is in a more central location, and so I've been walking everywhere around our neighborhood. I have easy access to the river trails and several parks, and have found so many adorable alleys to explore. Taiwan's spring season is short, but gorgeous while it lasts. I've been taking advantage of the weather before it goes into full-on melty mode.<br />
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<h3>
I read a TON of great books.</h3>
last summer I finally bought a Kindle [which is crazy if you know how much I read] and also figured out my hometown's online library system. so I've been reading even more voraciously than usual. my taste is pretty varied -- I love everything from memoir and biography to historical fiction and paranormal romance. but lately I've been on a dark YA fantasy kick. there were a few books that I wasn't into [and one series I abandoned reading] but these 5 books/series were my favorites from the past months:<br />
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<i>The Cruel Prince</i> by Holly Black<br />
<i>Queen of the Tearling </i>[3 book series] by Erika Johansen<br />
<i>Uprooted</i> by Naomi Novak<br />
<i>Six of Crows</i> and <i>Crooked Kingdom</i> by Leigh Bardugo<br />
<i>Three Dark Crowns</i> by Kendare Blake<br />
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other than that...<br />
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ok there was still a lot that happened [hello, new blog design!] but we covered most of the big items. now that I am settling back into a schedule -- and have finally found a coffee shop that opens before 11am -- I have high hopes for blogging more consistently.<br />
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and possibly figuring out how to end my posts more gracefully? or maybe not. whatever.<br />
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mostly, it just feels good to be typing in this space again.<br />
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xo</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-25022669998822964922017-12-06T15:39:00.000+08:002017-12-06T15:39:07.856+08:00Yangmingshan // hiking Mount Zhugao<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EaJfqLC5rKcgRPFKZEszuv-y1-58QWgMboq7Hcclnq8N4j0Ul-bkopCZRaQt66P727uygZ43eFc3fcvHt8ciAVVEcOSQQ7FJ78VthSHkwVTjNdu-G4Qa583JYCD-sstjfS14d42hNAw/s1600/mount-zhugao-hike-yangmingshan-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EaJfqLC5rKcgRPFKZEszuv-y1-58QWgMboq7Hcclnq8N4j0Ul-bkopCZRaQt66P727uygZ43eFc3fcvHt8ciAVVEcOSQQ7FJ78VthSHkwVTjNdu-G4Qa583JYCD-sstjfS14d42hNAw/s640/mount-zhugao-hike-yangmingshan-13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I spent the month of November writing my face off [along with reaching my 50,000 word goal and raising over $250 for the Malala Fund] and did not get nearly enough time outdoors. so today, we're taking a trip to the mountains.<br />
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Mount Zhugao is a short hike in Yangmingshan National Park, north of Taipei, that can be accessed from the "buffalo meadows" <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/03/exploring-yangmingshan-qingtiangang.html" target="_blank">Qingtiangang Grasslands</a> area. back in October, I met some of my Hsinchu friends on a sunny but windy day to make the climb.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_DLOUX3Odj59pIk7vcqkqQiwWyD8qnmD4lZtPnzBjNy5KFlu3mGVCFS_D7VF3lLZvQmMfV_xNa02JsOTYLGvBhz04IgiswP9UyWLbdG1vvZOLhiCfYG9-07_3oV9gY3arhvbm27qbs4/s1600/mount-zhugao-hike-yangmingshan-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_DLOUX3Odj59pIk7vcqkqQiwWyD8qnmD4lZtPnzBjNy5KFlu3mGVCFS_D7VF3lLZvQmMfV_xNa02JsOTYLGvBhz04IgiswP9UyWLbdG1vvZOLhiCfYG9-07_3oV9gY3arhvbm27qbs4/s1600/mount-zhugao-hike-yangmingshan-22.jpg" /></a></div>
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the trail to Mt Zhugao is a branch off the Qingtiangang circular trail. simply walk to the south across the flat meadow then up the stairs to reach it. or if you're up for a longer journey, you can walk around the circular trail to the north and east first.<br />
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side note: to get into Qingtiangang area on a weekend or holiday, you may have to wait up to an hour to get a parking spot. they still let the buses in though, so you could park elsewhere and hop the 108 or small 15, OR park at Lengshuikeng and hike over across the suspension bridge [though parking was a bit backed up there too.]<br />
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Mount Zhugao is far from the highest peak in Yangmingshan, but it offers some amazing 360 views of the park for a pretty easy climb. <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/09/qixing-cising-seven-star-mountain-taiwan.html" target="_blank">Mt Qixing</a> and its multiple peaks dominate the horizon, but <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/10/yangmingshan-hiking-mt-shamao.html" target="_blank">the shorter Shamao</a> is also visible, and on a clear enough day you can even spot Taipei 101.<br />
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we got into the parking lot about noon, and it took us around 45 minutes to get to the peak. however, we were slow to start and did a lot of stopping and standing. I think half an hour would be a more accurate time. combined with the circular trail, you could do the whole thing in an hour and a half easily.<br />
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I'd recommend a trip up Mount Zhugao if you need an escape from the crowds in the grasslands, or simply if you're craving some mountain views.<br />
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also: I'm totally starting the #mountainhairdontcare hashtag if it's not already a thing. I've never been the picture-perfectly-put-together kind of blogger. especially when hiking or battling mountaintop winds. but to me, memories are more important than the perception of perfection. so expect more crazy hair to come, especially with all the mountains in New Zealand...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">linking up with <a href="http://laurenonlocation.com/">Lauren on Location</a>, <a href="http://snowintromso.com/">Snow in Tromso</a>, <a href="http://www.thesunnysideofthis.com/">The Sunny Side of This</a> and <a href="https://whatawonderfulworld.co/">What a Wonderful World</a> for #wanderfulwednesday</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-80411882267729381982017-11-07T15:13:00.001+08:002017-11-07T15:13:30.101+08:00help me support the Malala Fund with #NaNoWriMo and #TheMightyPens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
hi friends! today's post will be a little different, as I'm dedicating most of my time this month to my manuscript instead of travel blogging. but the topic is important to me -- so I hope you'll read on.<br />
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[though if you'd rather, you can skip right to <a href="https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/1158262" target="_blank">my donations page</a>!]<br />
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<h3>
nanowrimo</h3>
I mentioned <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/10/lifes-adventures-lately.html" target="_blank">a few weeks ago</a> that I was planning to participate in NaNoWriMo [National Novel Writing Month] again this year to help me get back into the writing habit, and hopefully complete my first draft. a week into things -- I've already made it over 15,000 words! that puts me about 3,000 words ahead of schedule, and a target of just under 1,500 words per day to complete the goal of 50,000 this month.<br />
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part of the reason I've been ahead of pace for NaNoWriMo is that I'm reworking my existing storyline. just a few days before November, I decided to fundamentally change the rules of my universe. it definitely has made things challenging, but I believe the story will be better off for it.<br />
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<h3>
about my book</h3>
so what exactly is this story I'm writing? well. my main character is a female hematologist who finds herself accidentally turned into a vampire. despite her initial disbelief, scientific curiosity wins out and she begins to adapt. her reluctant mentor -- a British aristocrat from the early 1800's -- enlists her help in solving the rash of murders that have been plaguing Chicago. the vampire population has been dying out, and they can't afford to lose many more of their number.<br />
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things become more complicated as the government gets involved -- or at least the alarmingly increasing number of special law enforcement who are aware of the existence of vampires. everyone seems to be keeping secrets from each other. there's a little romance, and a lot of weird science. and also a cat named Charles.<br />
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<h3>
the mighty pens + malala fund</h3>
this Novemeber I've joined up with a group called <a href="http://themightypens.susandennard.com/" target="_blank">The Mighty Pens</a>. authors Susan and Kat have put together a writing group that will fundraise for the Malala Fund with every word. over the past week, we have already managed to collectively raise nearly $5,000!<br />
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if you aren't familiar with the Malala Fund: it was founded in 2013 by Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai to advocate for and support the rights of girls everywhere to receive an education. efforts are focused in areas where girls are commonly discouraged or even prevented by force from continuing their attendance in school. it is my personal belief that a better education for all, especially girls and young women, will lead to a better future for our world.<br />
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<h3>
how you can help</h3>
if you are willing and able, please consider contributing to the Malala Fund on <a href="https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/1158262" target="_blank">my donations page</a>. otherwise, spreading the word about the plight of girls' education and/or offering words of encouragement to your favorite NaNo author this month would also be appreciated. 😊<br />
<br />if you <i>can</i> support financially: feel free to <a href="https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/1158262" target="_blank">make a flat donation</a>, or to pledge a certain amount once I reach a specific word count goal. for example, pledging $25 if I reach 25,000 words. you could leave a pledge in the comments below, or email me at jamiethewalker at gmail.com. the more money we raise, the more girls we can help! [and as a bonus -- I could earn awesome prizes like critiques by agents and authors when I reach certain goals.]<div>
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<div>
thank you so much for your time and support, and your patience with this somewhat off-topic post. I'll share an update at the end of the month to let you all know how the writing [and the fundraising] end up. if you like, you can also track my progress on my <a href="https://nanowrimo.org/participants/jamiethewalker" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a> page.</div>
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<br /></div>
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xo,</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Jamie</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-64592672116034348202017-10-31T15:31:00.000+08:002017-10-31T15:37:31.417+08:00Travel Guide // Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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America's Pacific Northwest. those three words conjure up images of misty mountains and mossy forests full of waterfalls. or maybe lighthouses on rocky beaches, or ferry boats sailing through a pod of whales. tall pine trees and bright blue oceans, or cities full of hipsters drinking microbrews and coffee shops on every corner.<br />
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I'm here to tell you: <i>the Pacific Northwest has all that and more.</i><br />
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in April and May this year, I took a 17 day road trip through Washington State and Oregon with my parents and brother. our itinerary was scheduled around the fact my dad was running two marathons on our trip - one in Tacoma and one in Eugene - but you could easily adapt our route to fit your own needs.<br />
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<h3>
about our itinerary</h3>
we flew in and out of Seattle, renting a car for the entire trip. we stayed mostly in airbnb apartments and homes, with a few hotels where needed. we packed picnic lunches nearly every day, and tried to cook at our airbnb when possible [both for budgetary and allergy reasons.] the places we ate at that I would recommend are listed and linked below.<br />
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my dad gets the credit for doing most of the planning. I definitely made some activity suggestions, and my mom found us some great airbnbs [and my brother found us some great breweries.] but my dad put it all together. however: one thing to keep in mind about our trip is that when my dad plans, he tries to pack in as much as humanly possible. we did a LOT every day. writing up this itinerary has reminded me just how much!<br />
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while we spent some time in cities, the major draw for us was the nature. [or at least it was for me.] we are all in decent shape and did quite a bit of hiking, but as I write up each hike I'll be sure to list what I thought the difficulty level was for reference.<br />
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similar to what I did with our New Zealand itinerary, I'll come back to add links for relevant posts as they are published.<br />
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<h3>
day 0: arrive in seattle</h3>
I flew in direct from Taipei, while my parents arrived from Detroit. our flights both got in around 8pm so we did not accomplish much this night. we made a trip to Target for snacks and travel necessities, then crashed at a hotel near SeaTac airport.<br />
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<h3>
day 1: seattle to san juan island</h3>
we all woke up early [thanks jetlag] and got on the road after stopping for groceries. we drove up to Anacortes where we had a tasty lunch at <a href="http://gereadeli.com/" target="_blank">Gere-a-Deli</a> and boarded a car ferry for Friday Harbor. the weather was colder than I had anticipated, but clear and sunny. after we settled into our tiny airbnb apartment and had dinner, I chugged some coffee before heading out to <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/05/sunset-at-lime-kiln-point-san-juan.html" target="_blank">Lime Kiln Point</a> for sunset.<br />
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posts: <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/05/sunset-at-lime-kiln-point-san-juan.html" target="_blank">sunset at Lime Kiln Point</a><br />
lighthouse total: 1<br />
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<h3>
day 2: san juan island</h3>
we only had one full day to explore San Juan Island, so we battled jet lag to make the most of it. we started down at the American Camp - where we hiked to the oddly named Grandma's Cove. our next stop was the Cattle Point Light. the light itself was nothing much, but we ran into a researcher who was staring out into the water. he loaned me his binoculars and we were able to watch a pod of orca whales swim by!<br />
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once the whales disappeared from sight, we drove to San Juan County Park for a picnic lunch. our sandwiches fueled us all the way to the top of Young Hill at the English Camp. the views from the top were amazing, and I finally felt warm for the first time since leaving Taiwan, thanks to the exertion from the hike. our last stop of the day was Limestone Point. the wind out here was intense, and the weather was getting colder, so we didn't stay very long. our day ended with a much needed feast at <a href="http://www.vangopizza.net/" target="_blank">Van Go's Pizza</a> and an early bedtime.<br />
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lighthouse total: 2<br />
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<h3>
day 3: across the olympic peninsula</h3>
we took the early morning ferry back from Friday Harbor to Anacortes, and this time drove down Whidbey Island to board another ferry. along the way we made a few stops. the first was the instagram-famous Deception Pass, where my mom and I lost my dad for a terrifying 15 minutes. we found him eventually, and got back on the road to Fort Casey. we had enough time to visit the Admiralty Head Lighthouse before boarding our [extremely windy and choppy] ferry to Port Townsend. we made a quick stop at Point Wilson [and another lighthouse] before continuing on across the Olympic Peninsula.<br />
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at some point during the drive, we entered Olympic National Park. it's so huge that it's almost impossible not to. we decided to break up the drive by stopping at the Storm King Ranger Station on Lake Crescent. by that time I was dying to get out of the car and take some pictures of the scenery... and to stretch my legs. we took a short hike from there up to Marymere Falls - the first waterfall of the trip but definitely not the last - and then continued on to Forks.<br />
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lighthouse total: 4<br />
waterfall total: 1<br />
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<h3>
day 4: hoh rainforest + olympic beaches</h3>
from our airbnb in Forks [yes, the same Forks from Twilight] we drove out to the Hoh Rainforest in the Olympic National Park. we hiked both the Hall of Mosses and the Spruce Trail in the rain before heading out to the coast. at Ruby Beach, however, disaster struck. not only did my camera battery die 5 minutes after arriving, but I slipped on a driftwood tree and wound up with bruises from ankle to knee [not to mention salty slime on all my clothes.] this unfortunate incident required a detour back into Forks for a change of clothes and a charge of batteries.<br />
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clean and powered up, our next stop was Second Beach in LaPush. [yes, also from Twilight.] you have to hike out to the beach from a parking lot, but it is SO worth it. we were lucky enough to have the beach to ourselves. despite the bruises, I decided the only thing to do was get back on the driftwood - so I did. after, we also stopped by First Beach and Rialto Beach. both were nice, but Second Beach was certainly the best we saw that day.<br />
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<h3>
day 5: across the Olympic Peninsula, again</h3>
this day was one of our longest drives - all the way from Forks to Tacoma. but along the way we stopped at what might be my favorite hike from the whole trip: the Sol Duc Waterfall trail in Olympic National Park. the main falls were impressive, but I was in love with the long and babbling stream we found in the middle of the trail. that night my brother arrived, and we stayed at an airbnb in Tacoma. [since that's where the marathon was. most people would choose to be based out of Seattle, though I think Tacoma may be more affordable.]<br />
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lighthouse total: 4<br />
waterfall total: 3<br />
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<h3>
day 6: seattle</h3>
we started our morning with a visit to the Columbia Center viewing deck. it was half under construction, and the weather was not excellent. however, it was cool to see all the ferries going across the harbor and the mountains in the distance. next we made our way past the Space Needle and into the Chihuly Glass Garden. the colorful artwork was lovely for brightening up a dreary day, and made a contrast to our stop at the Freemont Troll. then it was time to visit a few breweries on my brother's list: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HolyMountainBrewing/" target="_blank">Holy Mountain</a> and <a href="http://www.urbanfamilybrewing.com/" target="_blank">Urban Family</a>. [for reference, my brother is really into sour beers right now and so most places we visited specialized in those.]<br />
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<h3>
day 6.5: tacoma</h3>
I'm not counting this as an itinerary day, since the morning was taken up with marathon happenings and in the afternoon we only visited the Tacoma Museum of Glass. it was interesting, but I wouldn't call it a "must see" item.<br />
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<h3>
day 7: seattle</h3>
our second day in Seattle kicked off with a visit to the infamous Pike Place Market. we didn't go into the Starbucks, but my family ate some amazing looking pastries from the Polish <a href="http://www.piroshkybakery.com/" target="_blank">Piroshky Piroshky Bakery</a>. we wandered through the stores while it rained, stopped by the gum wall, and grabbed a drink at <a href="https://rachelsgingerbeer.com/pages/pike-place-market" target="_blank">Rachel's Ginger Beer</a>. for lunch we drove up to <a href="http://www.brouwerscafe.com/" target="_blank">Brouwer's Cafe</a> [another great place for beers.] our afternoon activity was also quite delicious: a <a href="https://www.theochocolate.com/factory-tours/" target="_blank">tour at Theo Chocolate</a>! and yes, we got to eat a TON of chocolate.<br />
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posts: <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/10/pike-place-market-seattle.html" target="_blank">the colors of pike place market</a><br />
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<h3>
day 8: tacoma to cannon beach</h3>
the Pacific Northwest is known for being rainy, but this was the first day of our trip that the weather was bad enough to impact our plans. our first stop was Cape Disappointment State Park, still in Washington. our hike to North Head Lighthouse was just that - a disappointment. the structure was wrapped up in construction barriers and the trail was a muddy mess. further south in the park, we hiked past Dead Man's Cove and out to Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. had the weather been nice, it would have been stunning I think. but it was raining so hard I couldn't keep my camera lens dry, and eventually gave up on shooting photos. we made a brief stop at Fort Clatsop in the Lewis and Clark National Histrical Park, then gave up on the weather clearing and drove to our hotel in Cannon Beach.<br />
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lighthouse total: 6<br />
waterfall total: 3<br />
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<h3>
day 9: cannon beach to portland</h3>
we woke with hopes for better weather, and were greeted by a massive bank of fog. since we could not even see the ocean from the shore, let alone Haystack Rock, we skipped Ecola State Park and headed south along the coast. we took a brief detour for a hike to the small but tall Munson Creek Falls. the fog still persisted. stopping at the <a href="https://www.tillamook.com/cheese-factory/new-visitors-center-updates.html" target="_blank">Tillamook Factory</a> to drown our sorrows in cheese and ice cream helped - and it seemed the weather was starting to clear. we took a chance and drove out to Cape Meares. the fog rolled back just enough that we could see the coastline from the tiny Cape Meares Light. [at that point, something was better than nothing!] we ended the day with one of my favorite meals of the trip at <a href="http://greatnotionpdx.com/" target="_blank">Great Notion Brewing and Barrel House</a> in Portland.<br />
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lighthouse total: 7<br />
waterfall total: 4<br />
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<h3>
day 10: columbia river gorge</h3>
we lucked out with a clear and warm forecast, so decided this would be our day our in the Columbia River Gorge. our first stop was Crown Point Vista House. the views from here were incredible. it's definitely worth a stop, but don't stay too long because there is <i>so</i> much more to see! the next few hours we spent stopping at increasingly scenic waterfalls: Latourell Falls [tall and skinny] then Bridal Veil Falls [worth the short hike] and stopping for lunch at Wahkeena Falls [much-needed cooling mist.]<br />
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we then attempted to hike over to Multnomah Falls... but the trail we wanted to take was quite overgrown. we detoured up to Lemmon's Lookout instead. from there we could have taken a longer route [like, 3 hours hiking] but instead we went back down and took the trail by the road [past one tiny falls.] once we made it to the base of Multnomah, however, the hike to the top was steep and long. but when you are at Oregon's most famous waterfall, you make the climb.<br />
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on our way down a storm rolled in, so it was time to head back to Portland for dinner. we hit up <a href="http://reverendnatshardcider.com/" target="_blank">Reverend Nat's Cidery</a> for a well-earned drink or two, and indulged in slices at <a href="https://www.sizzlepie.com/" target="_blank">Sizzle Pie</a>. this was one of my favorite days of the trip, though I wish we could have seen more of the gorge. there was so much that we never made it to... if we had an extra day or two to spend I would have loved to explore more of the trails and make it up to Mt Hood.<br />
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lighthouse total: 7<br />
waterfall total: 9<br />
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<h3>
day 11: portland</h3>
we started our day in Portland with coffee and doughnuts. or rather, the infamous combination of <a href="https://www.stumptowncoffee.com/" target="_blank">Stumptown Coffee</a> and <a href="https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/" target="_blank">Voodoo Doughnuts</a>. the weather was iffy so we spent a few hours getting lost in <a href="http://www.powells.com/" target="_blank">Powell's Bookstore</a> before heading to <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g52024-d4210609-Reviews-Robo_Taco-Portland_Oregon.html" target="_blank">Robo Taco</a> for lunch, and <a href="http://www.cascadebrewingbarrelhouse.com/" target="_blank">Cascade Brewing Co</a> for drinks. our last stop of the day was the International Rose Test Garden.<br />
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<h3>
day 11.5: portland to eugene</h3>
I'm skipping this as an official itinerary day - since we spent our time driving to Eugene, arguing with the people at T mobile, and picking up dad's race packet for the marathon the next day.<br />
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<h3>
day 12: eugene to yachats</h3>
Mom and I made it down to Hayward Field just in time to watch Dad cross the finish line, then it was a race to get checked out of our hotel. we drove back out to the Oregon coast, stopping at Heceta Head to explore tide pools and hike to the lighthouse. [in my mind, I keep thinking of this place as Hecate - totally different.] the lighthouse was beautiful and the views of the coast were just stunning. we stopped at a lookout just south of the light, and discovered hundreds of sea lions barking on the beach below.<br />
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we made it to our arbnb cottage in Yachats in time for sunset. since we were staying right on the ocean, of course this meant going for a walk [and taking photos.]<br />
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lighthouse total: 8<br />
waterfall total: 9<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPOgsf4-xU9W0EsSRVK-dyZjCINiTQ6yns5PRSR_3YHhE7kA0laiUPrW6Je1Qj4k_0MtHs7gpmIoim64PqgJQZbCv3Q92tXVfmkbp0kDQyZybGm3Zo1YHXp3_ylNGAOE-eu01vk4Ph0w/s1600/yaquina-head-light-oregon-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPOgsf4-xU9W0EsSRVK-dyZjCINiTQ6yns5PRSR_3YHhE7kA0laiUPrW6Je1Qj4k_0MtHs7gpmIoim64PqgJQZbCv3Q92tXVfmkbp0kDQyZybGm3Zo1YHXp3_ylNGAOE-eu01vk4Ph0w/s640/yaquina-head-light-oregon-23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3>
day 13: the oregon coast</h3>
this day we saw some of the most stunning shoreline of our trip. we started off at Cape Perpetua - watching the waves gush over Thor's Well, hiking up to the outlook, and picnicking near Devil's Churn. the blues and greens on the coast were insane.<br />
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that afternoon we drove out to the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. and... it was certainly outstanding. we added one last lighthouse to our tally, walked tidepools and were smiled at by seals. for dinner the stopped at the Drift Inn in Yachats for some surprisingly good dinner and live music.<br />
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posts: <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/08/yaquina-head-light-and-natural-area.html" target="_blank">Yaquina Head Light + Natural Area</a><br />
lighthouse total: 9<br />
waterfall total: 9<br />
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<h3>
day 14: back to the airport</h3>
we drove from Yachats to Olympia [which took a looooong 5 hours.] we stayed in a hotel and departed from SeaTac the next day. in theory, you could take the shorter drive and fly out of Portland.<br />
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and there you have it! though we spent an actual total of 17 days, this itinerary would work for a two week trip [or you could also stretch it out longer.] if I had more time to add, I would spend an extra day each on San Juan Island, in Olympic National Park, and at Columbia Gorge.<br />
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going through our itinerary has reminded me just HOW MUCH I still have to share about this trip. expect to see some hiking trails, pacific beaches, and lots of waterfalls in the near future. if you have any questions about our trip or requests for posts you'd like to see first, let me know in the comments below.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">linking up with <a href="http://laurenonlocation.com/">Lauren on Location</a>, <a href="http://snowintromso.com/">Snow in Tromso</a>, <a href="http://www.thesunnysideofthis.com/">The Sunny Side of This</a> and <a href="https://whatawonderfulworld.co/">What a Wonderful World</a> for #wanderfulwednesday</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">and with <a href="http://www.adventuresofalondonkiwi.com/">Adventures of a London Kiwi</a>, <a href="http://www.silverspoonlondon.co.uk/">SilverSpoon London</a>, <a href="http://www.followyoursunshine.me/">Follow Your Sunshine</a> and <a href="http://eppie.me.uk/" target="_blank">Eppie</a> for the monthly travel link up on "journeys."</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZrChsyUuMoF51Xj86hLARKnYxandXZVnt0I_c6c3XEdZPXdcPBEk6hsrq3LtIpvWw5sW3aHxheHkEkat2w1qMYLsaTGBGV073McVwGbKsyaZHgna2WGLO0ePbJGSoaIf7ma1m2aSgBY/s1600/pacific-northwest-travel-itinerary.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="travel guide to the Pacific Northwest: a detailed two week itinerary for a road trip through one of the most stunning corners of America. explore misty forests, hike through gorges and past waterfalls, visit lighthouses and rocky beaches, watch whales on remote islands, and sip coffee and beers in the hip cities of Seattle and Portland." border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZrChsyUuMoF51Xj86hLARKnYxandXZVnt0I_c6c3XEdZPXdcPBEk6hsrq3LtIpvWw5sW3aHxheHkEkat2w1qMYLsaTGBGV073McVwGbKsyaZHgna2WGLO0ePbJGSoaIf7ma1m2aSgBY/s640/pacific-northwest-travel-itinerary.png" title="travel guide to the Pacific Northwest: a detailed two week itinerary for a road trip through one of the most stunning corners of America. explore misty forests, hike through gorges and past waterfalls, visit lighthouses and rocky beaches, watch whales on remote islands, and sip coffee and beers in the hip cities of Seattle and Portland." width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlKZosdGglITAY8KzeDyLLOwnwAElepEroGDWsUs__EaqQH5A2JKOm_aUnYzd6MXGU5siG0YV78wvcWHBgnyG6ize1NcriSRNpOnSEW75XaBtunbEch52ivAiOtrLqzX6GThdv9OrOy0/s1600/pacific-northwest-ROAD-TRIP.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="travel guide to the Pacific Northwest: a detailed two week itinerary for a road trip through one of the most stunning corners of America. explore misty forests, hike through gorges and past waterfalls, visit lighthouses and rocky beaches, watch whales on remote islands, and sip coffee and beers in the hip cities of Seattle and Portland." border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlKZosdGglITAY8KzeDyLLOwnwAElepEroGDWsUs__EaqQH5A2JKOm_aUnYzd6MXGU5siG0YV78wvcWHBgnyG6ize1NcriSRNpOnSEW75XaBtunbEch52ivAiOtrLqzX6GThdv9OrOy0/s1600/pacific-northwest-ROAD-TRIP.png" title="travel guide to the Pacific Northwest: a detailed two week itinerary for a road trip through one of the most stunning corners of America. explore misty forests, hike through gorges and past waterfalls, visit lighthouses and rocky beaches, watch whales on remote islands, and sip coffee and beers in the hip cities of Seattle and Portland." /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfeFx4caQv40VxbKekxUW0eas_5E6JaKOydHtjqKO471H8bmA-lYnO3BINp9EF4vZ7B3Df2gKGuvzLdMhmZBPcqq4YHA5IQO44c0MZrGY89d6uLYlH2juaV2IA4wMDdN7ItLkZUY3UDw/s1600/pacific-northwest-road-trip-itinerary.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a detailed itinerary for a two week road trip through America's Pacific Northwest -- complete with misty mountains and mossy forests full of waterfalls, lighthouses on rocky beaches, ferry boats sailing through whale pods, tall pine trees and bright blue oceans, and cities full of hipsters drinking microbrews and hand drip coffees." border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfeFx4caQv40VxbKekxUW0eas_5E6JaKOydHtjqKO471H8bmA-lYnO3BINp9EF4vZ7B3Df2gKGuvzLdMhmZBPcqq4YHA5IQO44c0MZrGY89d6uLYlH2juaV2IA4wMDdN7ItLkZUY3UDw/s1600/pacific-northwest-road-trip-itinerary.png" title="a detailed itinerary for a two week road trip through America's Pacific Northwest -- complete with misty mountains and mossy forests full of waterfalls, lighthouses on rocky beaches, ferry boats sailing through whale pods, tall pine trees and bright blue oceans, and cities full of hipsters drinking microbrews and hand drip coffees." /></a>><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5SBSYgKJxBKOydSBfAOekN3Cf4JSDyhB6UkPDL-YUKDQ7bktN8_pTr2gwrBwUvs3qZL_rtUZSQGdpx0IkMMeVJeTfIuwUaPa89RRKr_L-kHWNLChfcMUeZjRdNuUg0xmfF3MplNFKS0/s1600/pacific-northwest-travel-itinerary2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a detailed itinerary for a two week road trip through America's Pacific Northwest -- complete with misty mountains and mossy forests full of waterfalls, lighthouses on rocky beaches, ferry boats sailing through whale pods, tall pine trees and bright blue oceans, and cities full of hipsters drinking microbrews and hand drip coffees." border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5SBSYgKJxBKOydSBfAOekN3Cf4JSDyhB6UkPDL-YUKDQ7bktN8_pTr2gwrBwUvs3qZL_rtUZSQGdpx0IkMMeVJeTfIuwUaPa89RRKr_L-kHWNLChfcMUeZjRdNuUg0xmfF3MplNFKS0/s1600/pacific-northwest-travel-itinerary2.png" title="a detailed itinerary for a two week road trip through America's Pacific Northwest -- complete with misty mountains and mossy forests full of waterfalls, lighthouses on rocky beaches, ferry boats sailing through whale pods, tall pine trees and bright blue oceans, and cities full of hipsters drinking microbrews and hand drip coffees." /></a></div>
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-86705839958981032122017-10-25T15:58:00.002+08:002017-10-25T15:58:48.329+08:00life's adventures lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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hi, friends! it's been a loooong time since I've written you a little life update. with so much blog material from the past year's travels stockpiled, I sometimes miss out on the present happenings. [I haven't posted one of these updates since February!]<br />
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but -- here's a few things that have been going on around here lately<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9hCfeQnjf93kExPYXxQ4WFNFj5_EbiMlOEkq2cdupzQNyZC0VqTJuaQB1y1p72dEkNn-LzC3WJJp4LbapK8nZ6fhy312E2cH4tGE8uBrCyqOBL8mbyHxTbTg3vAK0hyphenhyphen00-VgQHBGfb8/s1600/travel-flats-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9hCfeQnjf93kExPYXxQ4WFNFj5_EbiMlOEkq2cdupzQNyZC0VqTJuaQB1y1p72dEkNn-LzC3WJJp4LbapK8nZ6fhy312E2cH4tGE8uBrCyqOBL8mbyHxTbTg3vAK0hyphenhyphen00-VgQHBGfb8/s1600/travel-flats-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<h3>
writing for a cause</h3>
many of you might recall that I've been writing a novel off and on for the past year. I kicked off my current project last November with a program called <a href="https://nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a>, which is an online collective that encourages people to write a 50,000 word novel in a month. well, I didn't quite make it that far. I have, however, gotten my word count over 30,000 these past few weeks. I had been planning to participate in NaNoWriMo again for some motivation to start writing more regularly [and to finish my first draft.]<br />
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enter: <a href="http://themightypens.susandennard.com/" target="_blank">The Mighty Pens</a>. authors Susan and Kat have put together a writing group that will fundraise for the Malala Fund with every word. when November 1st hits I will share a link to my fundraising page, and I hope you will consider a donation. not only will you get to motivate me to keep writing, but help fund education for girls who desperately need it.<br />
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<h3>
celebrating fall weather</h3>
the weather has finally, FINALLY changed. temperatures have been in the mid to high 70s this week and it has felt fantastic after all the heat and humidity of the past few months. the overpriced pumpkins are out in the grocery stores [I had to buy myself a tiny one, it's tradition] and half the locals are already in puffy jackets. I am even wearing jeans today. <i>jeans! </i>we are also prepping for Halloween by planning a Stranger Things marathon and of course: Hocus Pocus.<br />
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<h3>
adventures around Taiwan</h3>
I did a lot of hiking over the 10/10 weekend -- in no small part thanks to borrowing a friend's car. [we are very seriously considering purchasing a vehicle now, because being able to escape out into the mountains so quickly was amaaaazing.] in the past few months I have also taken a trip down to Hsinchu for a scoot adventure, biked across Taipei in search of giant lily pads, and revisited some of my favorite old temples and hikes with new friends. now that it's cooled off, I hope to be getting out even more.<br />
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<h3>
haunted by a cockroach</h3>
the other day, I spotted a cockroach in my living room. while it's true that roaches are just a part of life in climates like this, it has been a long time since I've seen one in my apartment. [I've had plenty of ants and my ceiling sprung another leak though.] the cockroach was squirming around on its back -- it should have been easy prey. but I hesitated. and instead ended up flipping him back over, and he dashed under my couch.<br />
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so now I'm living in fear that he will climb out to interrupt my Netflixing Star Trek Discovery, Mindhunter, or Outlander. Happy Halloween?<br />
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<h3>
so, I might be a witch</h3>
speaking of spooky things... the other day while skyping with my parents, my dad filled me in on some interesting ancestry facts. namely: that we have both a witch and a murderer in the family. I guess I should say <i>falsely accused</i> murderer. he was executed for killing his mother, who was then exhumed, twice, and it was determined he did not actually murder her. obviously, a little too late.<br />
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but I'm more excited about the ancestor who was tried as a witch. apparently she lived. so clearly, she must have been an <i>actual </i>witch and used her craft to survive her trial... and therefore I've got magic in my veins. [I haven't been this enthused about family history since my mom told me a great-aunt claimed we have gypsy blood.]<br />
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upcoming blog projects</h3>
I still need to complete my expat recap series, though year 5 has proven difficult to write. I am working on a blog redesign, but can't settle on a small tweak vs complete overhaul. [this also may be put on hold since November will be pretty focused on book writing.] I think there may be another reader survey coming, an update to my "visiting Taiwan" series, and of course continued posts from Turkey, Prague, and the Pacific Northwest.<br />
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also: I've just realized that publishing this will bring my number of posts this year to 31, which is how many I managed last year between several extended breaks away from my blog. so that's kindof exciting.<br />
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and since I've run out of both coffee and things to talk about... that's all for now. hope you all are enjoying October, wherever you are.<br />
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[if it's a place that has candy corn, please eat some for me, ok?]Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-1351702167945022202017-10-23T15:27:00.001+08:002017-10-23T15:27:45.825+08:00walking Hanoi + the Temple of Literature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_sVNFdMOPtePzBLxewrMnzkbcbXuyMDRrXY2u8jjI6CDA6vrKuOksvUa9HwScbMHNYonEXKQ-2_09uM368T9tCAUi_abmkIx6b5FBnpJ5uHg-Scs0BMx-swXieTrY1uhbk1N6iminb4/s1600/hanoi-vietnam-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="896" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_sVNFdMOPtePzBLxewrMnzkbcbXuyMDRrXY2u8jjI6CDA6vrKuOksvUa9HwScbMHNYonEXKQ-2_09uM368T9tCAUi_abmkIx6b5FBnpJ5uHg-Scs0BMx-swXieTrY1uhbk1N6iminb4/s640/hanoi-vietnam-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-IuBowwUkJA-ERDuJFRAKIe_bAF4yMUUF7bSIyQE6Sn70gI3yGDNcIKwkWpxHxLZRL_SQWhFGTuTkEWzZqySXViBBvtP0WppNAHd8bzTSowPZ9BeGNG6KwhtvZWSAGF4faR0RFxd3kU/s1600/temple-of-literature-hanoi-vietnam.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Walk the streets of Hanoi and step inside the peaceful green gardens of the Temple of Literature. Home of Vietnam's first university and a Confucian temple dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, this space is a welcome relief from the chaos of the surrounding city." border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-IuBowwUkJA-ERDuJFRAKIe_bAF4yMUUF7bSIyQE6Sn70gI3yGDNcIKwkWpxHxLZRL_SQWhFGTuTkEWzZqySXViBBvtP0WppNAHd8bzTSowPZ9BeGNG6KwhtvZWSAGF4faR0RFxd3kU/s1600/temple-of-literature-hanoi-vietnam.png" title="Walk the streets of Hanoi and step inside the peaceful green gardens of the Temple of Literature. Home of Vietnam's first university and a Confucian temple dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, this space is a welcome relief from the chaos of the surrounding city." /></a></div>
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Hanoi, Vietnam. to me -- it's the golden yellow buildings with green trim, bundles and bundles of electrical wires running overhead, a flood of scooters rushing by, and eating a steaming bowl of pho on the side of the street while sitting on a plastic stool so tiny that your knees are in your ears.</div>
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between all the <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/08/trekking-with-sapa-sisters-vietnam.html" target="_blank">trekking</a> and <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/09/cruising-kayaking-in-ha-long-bay.html" target="_blank">cruising</a> we did in Vietnam, we based ourselves in the city of Hanoi. we stayed in the gorgeous Old Quarter and spent several days wandering the streets and shops by ourselves. but on our last full day in Vietnam, we booked a walking tour of the city to be sure we saw everything Hanoi had to offer.</div>
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our guide let us pick and choose which sights on the itinerary we wanted to see. [which was great, rather than waste time being dragged to things that weren't of interest to us.] we started off at the Ho Chi Minh complex, walking past the mausoleum and presidential palace. in truth -- we didn't spend much time here. lines for the famous One Pillar Pagoda were <i>insane</i> so we just breezed past that as well.</div>
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at this point in our trip, we were all pretty exhausted. I would recommend taking a tour at the start of your time in Hanoi [which we had attempted to do but were foiled by the weather.] it wasn't much better on the day we did our tour -- it was alternating between blazing hot and torrential downpour, and we were all dripping sweat. but there was one place we very specifically wanted to see: the Temple of Literature.</div>
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the Temple of Literature is set in a sprawling green space, a welcome relief from the grimy concrete streets of Hanoi. it was familiar -- I've been to many Confucian temples in Taiwan -- but still foreign. sadly, the temple is not filled with books <i>a la</i> a mega "Beauty and the Beast" style library collection. but it is the site of Vietnam's first university, and many students and scholars still come here to pray.<br />
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our guide took us through the temple, explaining the history and significance of all the buildings and courtyards... and I'm sad to say I barely remember a thing about it. one of the problems with not blogging "in the moment" is that you tend to forget so many of the little details of what you see.</div>
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but what I do remember: the feeling of being in this place. it was peaceful, intellectual, and a lovely break from the chaos of the city.<br />
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I remember touching the belly and feet of the statue above, as thousands of visitors do. I remember our guide telling us about the four holy beasts in Vietnamese culture -- the dragon, the tortoise, the unicorn, and the phoenix [the last of which our guide was named after.] and I remember buying some kind of sweet rice cake snack from a lady selling them on the street outside the temple.</div>
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it's true that I could google the info on this temple for you -- give you the guidebook highlights. but maybe, the details aren't always so important.<br />
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eventually we left the Temple of Literature for the chaos of Hanoi outside it's walls. there was more rain, hordes of scooters, and even egg coffee at the famous <a href="http://www.giangcafehanoi.com/">Giang Cafe</a> in the Old Quarter. but my favorite memory of the tour was our peaceful wanderings through the gardens of the temple... even if I'm sketchy on the details.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">linking up with <a href="http://laurenonlocation.com/">Lauren on Location</a>, <a href="http://snowintromso.com/">Snow in Tromso</a>, <a href="http://www.thesunnysideofthis.com/">The Sunny Side of This</a> and <a href="https://whatawonderfulworld.co/">What a Wonderful World</a> for #wanderfulwednesday</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-41466649783781429212017-10-11T14:44:00.000+08:002017-10-11T14:44:17.889+08:00a weekend in Yangmingshan // hiking Mt Shamao<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXc9xY2xFpbz-LKdmTQun6iLGqQ8tY69K9GV9twfc1HrBywNECmQXLepnK0IqpbyfqFnu6MrEOt0N1OMhmATCzULfu58VXrzU07QA8O0FV1pWc0kO9eCjyqcofEzL8rWg90awChHLzp8/s1600/yangmingshan-shamao-hike-taipei.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mount Shamao, or Grandma's Mountain, is the most accesible hike in Yangmingshan National Park. The short climb is mostly shaded but the views from the peak are incredible." border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXc9xY2xFpbz-LKdmTQun6iLGqQ8tY69K9GV9twfc1HrBywNECmQXLepnK0IqpbyfqFnu6MrEOt0N1OMhmATCzULfu58VXrzU07QA8O0FV1pWc0kO9eCjyqcofEzL8rWg90awChHLzp8/s1600/yangmingshan-shamao-hike-taipei.png" title="Mount Shamao, or Grandma's Mountain, is the most accesible hike in Yangmingshan National Park. The short climb is mostly shaded but the views from the peak are incredible." /></a></div>
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I love public transit in Taipei. I really do. it's clean, and organized, and [for the most part] efficient. my only issue is that there is no convenient way to get from our neighborhood in Tianmu up to Yangmingshan National Park.<br />
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it seems ridiculous. I can literally see the park from my street. there is a little road that zips up the mountain behind our apartment and we can be at the park entrance in 20 minutes by car, to almost any of the trailheads in 30. but the trip takes nearly 2 hours by public transit. I love mountains, and I enjoy hiking, so occasionally I make my way up there despite the lengthy journey. but. I don't go as often as I would like.<br />
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so when some our friends offered us the use of their car for the long weekend? we of course said YES. and we of course drove up to Yangmingshan. in fact, we ended up spending most of our weekend there.<br />
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my dream hike for this weekend was [as pictured above] Mt. Datun: a multiple peak trail that I haven't yet explored. but as it is the second highest peak in Yangmingshan, it is often shrouded in clouds. on Saturday we drove up to the park intending to climb it. however, not only was the peak not visible due to cloud cover and rain -- but the road itself inside the park was barely visible. husband bravely drove us through the mist. but we had to accept that a hike was just not going to happen that day.<br />
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we stopped off for a consolatory coffee and went home for a Netflix marathon instead.<br />
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Sunday, there was rain. we went to the gym and then hung out with friends in the afternoon. one of them mentioned they had climbed "Grandma Mountain" that morning after a bike ride. after some laughter, I figured out that I know the peak as Mt Shamao. technically it is park of Yangmingshan National Park, but it is a smaller peak near the park's entrance, and one I have never climbed.<br />
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[the photo above was taken from Battleship Rock on a clear day. Mt. Shamao is the peak in the middle, between Mt. Qixing on the left and the Chinese Culture University on the right. farther in the back you can also spot Mt. Zhugao.]<br />
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on Monday, friends were coming up from Hsinchu to hike with us in the park. we planned to go to <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/03/exploring-yangmingshan-qingtiangang.html" target="_blank">Qingtiangang Grasslands </a>[also known as the Buffalo Meadows] for the short circular hike, and up the nearby Mt. Zhugao. luckily the weather held out. although I would have been ok with a little rain if it would have kept the crowds down. everyone else in Taipei seemed to have the same idea we did -- and we had to wait for 40 minutes in line just to get in the parking lot. as a result, we only had time to climb Mt. Zhugao before our friends had to get back home.<br />
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then there was Tuesday. the forecast was partly cloudy, and though we weren't sure what conditions would be, we packed lunches and headed back up towards the park. I had hopes for Mt. Datun [again] but could see the clouds over the peak before we make it to the entrance. so. we rerouted to the lower, cloud-free Mt. Shamao.<br />
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we parked on the street between the main Yangmingshan bus terminal and Qianshan Park. like many trails in Taiwan, Shamao is a series of uneven stone steps. sometimes the stones are loose, and they get slippery if there's been rain. I would suggest sturdy shoes, not sandals. [or you could just go barefoot like one guy we passed on the trail.]<br />
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Mt. Shamao is a relatively short hike. it took us 30 minutes to make it to the peak, with water breaks. after 20 minutes or so, you reach a flat stretch of trail. through the woods you will find [what I assume is] the Grandmother's tomb from which this mountain gets its nickname.<br />
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5 minutes of flat trail, another 5 minutes of stairs, and you reach the peak and the viewing platform. then it's time for water and selfies in the breeze.<br />
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the four photos above give you an idea of what the panoramic view from the platform is like. [and also the weather that was moving in from the east.]<br />
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1: to the right, we could see Mt. Zhugao [which we had climbed the day before] was shrouded in clouds. 2: ahead loomed <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/09/qixing-cising-seven-star-mountain-taiwan.html" target="_blank">Mt. Qixing</a> -- at least the bottom half of it. 3: down the slope was <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/03/zhuzihu-calla-lilies-yangmingshan.html" target="_blank">Zhuzihu</a>, and back up to the left was Mt. Datun. 4: and to the very far left I could see all the way out to the ocean and Tamsui.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJCiMdA-eAYcoRRrjMBdhTY6COud3qnXqCZD59EwtEuNPV6yiSRKq-H7KiSw4fYJ60nh1aDajzhW3av6x19R9el1rQ35-_Q5-qJ0tEYjoWpm0h9yg34umnk-Q6OJE6uXCo4EpMRepTlI/s1600/yangmingshan-shamao-hike-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJCiMdA-eAYcoRRrjMBdhTY6COud3qnXqCZD59EwtEuNPV6yiSRKq-H7KiSw4fYJ60nh1aDajzhW3av6x19R9el1rQ35-_Q5-qJ0tEYjoWpm0h9yg34umnk-Q6OJE6uXCo4EpMRepTlI/s640/yangmingshan-shamao-hike-17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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the whole view was incredible, but my eyes kept going back to Mt. Datun. the clouds were creeping over its peak, and I knew we would have been miserable up there if we had tried to climb it that day. [or so I kept telling myself to reinforce that we had made the right choice in detouring to Shamao.]<br />
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I swear, one day I'll get up there.<br />
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most of the Mt. Shamao trail is shaded, so coming out onto the platform is shockingly bright. and also really really windy. from here you can continue south over the mountain and down the other side [about an hour's descent] but since we parked by the north trailhead, we returned the way we came up. we spent quite a while on top of the platform soaking up the view [and letting the wind dry our sweat], so our round trip time was almost an hour and a half.<br />
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though we only had a 50% success rate for hiking over the weekend, it was still great to get out of the city and into the mountains. having experienced what it would be like to have a car [and how easy that makes it to get away] well... it's really tempting to buy one and imagine that every weekend can be spent climbing in Yangmingshan.<br />
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<h3>
getting to Mount Shamao trail</h3>
this is probably the most acessible hike in Yangmingshan National Park. the north trailhead is maybe a 5 minute walk from the Yangmingshan Bus Terminal stop where you can take the R5, 108, or 260. Yangmingshan stop [across from the Starbucks] is also close and services buses 230, S8, S9, and 1717. parking in the trail area isn't plentiful, but possible.<br />
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hiking from the north trailhead up and back could be done in an hour, and up and over about an hour and a half. however, I suggest adding an extra 15-20 minutes for enjoying the view at the peak.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">linking up with <a href="http://laurenonlocation.com/">Lauren on Location</a>, <a href="http://snowintromso.com/">Snow in Tromso</a>, <a href="http://www.thesunnysideofthis.com/">The Sunny Side of This</a> and <a href="https://whatawonderfulworld.co/">What a Wonderful World</a> for #wanderfulwednesday</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-40218608085490527882017-10-04T15:20:00.000+08:002017-10-04T15:20:18.036+08:00the colors of Pike Place Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OGmgImTqrvHFVI-BY3iQioC3iudBQ4jSV4_yfOSj1k9ydZ1O0WltvrYCpN1kaPTGp1yQjQpHSKTGJwpSoL0_e8lRBzpL6GILW8PieTJacjY-4njYrxIDZ0ivtMNzjZgL-dUoZoE4GxA/s1600/Pike-Place-Market-Gum-Wall-Seattle-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OGmgImTqrvHFVI-BY3iQioC3iudBQ4jSV4_yfOSj1k9ydZ1O0WltvrYCpN1kaPTGp1yQjQpHSKTGJwpSoL0_e8lRBzpL6GILW8PieTJacjY-4njYrxIDZ0ivtMNzjZgL-dUoZoE4GxA/s640/Pike-Place-Market-Gum-Wall-Seattle-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsXeHMMpC4HH6ROvUAlCDXdnm9dtIHvscw3a_9y8lTSx1En3_TT80i5njdIFoPKyfm6h5vDIW16xTjb2QuOfmxewYCD9t93rdBcUrtg0mZyBQKYHnB9rf7-sXbhvrf8C3MjCeF77pVD8/s1600/seattle-pike-place-market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pike Place Market is one of the most colorful places in Seattle. even when it's gray and rainy outside, the market is full of bright flowers, produce, seafood and neon signs." border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsXeHMMpC4HH6ROvUAlCDXdnm9dtIHvscw3a_9y8lTSx1En3_TT80i5njdIFoPKyfm6h5vDIW16xTjb2QuOfmxewYCD9t93rdBcUrtg0mZyBQKYHnB9rf7-sXbhvrf8C3MjCeF77pVD8/s1600/seattle-pike-place-market.jpg" title="Pike Place Market is one of the most colorful places in Seattle. even when it's gray and rainy outside, the market is full of bright flowers, produce, seafood and neon signs." /></a></div>
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it's pretty much a given that if you're visiting Seattle, you will go to Pike Place Market. and if you're a <i>blogger</i> who is visiting Seattle, that you will take hundreds of photos while at Pike Place Market.<br />
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it's hard to resist. the fish, the flowers, the neon, the vegetables... that ubiquitous sign. Pike Place Market is one of the most colorful places in Seattle, even when it's gray and rainy outside. maybe it was destiny that we ended up here on such a dull day. but then again, <i>destiny is something we invented because we can't stand the fact that everything that happens is accidental</i>.<br />
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do you see where I'm going here?<br />
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here's a weird little perk of travel that makes me happy: recognizing a place that I've been while watching a movie or TV.<br />
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Husband and I watched Sleepless in Seattle a few nights ago, and I haven't been able to get Pike Place Market out of my head ever since. they never specifically say where they are, and it's a really short scene sequence. but it almost feels like an inside joke. even though I visited 20 years after the movie was made [wow I'm getting old] I could still recognize the exact spots they were standing in the market.<div>
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we visited on a Monday morning, and while it was busy it wasn't packed. it seemed like a few shops were closed and a couple stalls were empty, but I don't think we missed out on much. there was a TON to see. I found the colors and the noises familiar, and even spotted a few of the fruits and vegetables I never thought to see outside of Asia.<br />
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I love shopping at my neighborhood market here in Taipei, and it's one of my favorite places to bring visitors. Pike Place definitely had a touristy feel, but I think the locals would shop there too [can my PNW friends corroborate this?]<br />
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there are plenty of guides out there on things you "must see" or "must eat" while at Pike Place Market. having only been to the market once, and not even setting foot inside the famous Starbucks [a blogger cardinal sin!] I don't feel qualified to write another one. I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed my <a href="https://rachelsgingerbeer.com/pages/pike-place-market" target="_blank">Rachel's Ginger Beer</a>, and my family got some amazing looking stuff from the Polish <a href="http://www.piroshkybakery.com/" target="_blank">Piroshky Piroshky Bakery</a>.<br />
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we did, however, make a detour to see the instagram-famous gum wall...<br />
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as a concept, I find the gum wall pretty disgusting. I have a bit of a germ phobia. the idea of hundreds of strangers sticking their chewed gum all over a public place? <i>ewww</i>. however, I have to admit that the colors are eye catching. it's actually kindof impressive just how much gum is decorating the alleyway. but... it's still gross.<br />
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it was interesting to see, but I enjoyed my time in the rest of the market more. I guess I just prefer fruits and vegetables [and even raw fish] to chewed up gum.<br />
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now if you'll excuse me, I think I have to go rewatch Sleepless in Seattle...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: right;">
linking up with <a href="http://laurenonlocation.com/">Lauren on Location</a>, <a href="http://snowintromso.com/">Snow in Tromso</a>, <a href="http://www.thesunnysideofthis.com/">The Sunny Side of This</a> and <a href="https://whatawonderfulworld.co/">What a Wonderful World</a> for #wanderfulwednesday</div>
</span></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-45948228552444179472017-09-27T14:32:00.000+08:002017-09-27T14:32:50.771+08:00my expat story: year 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
our fourth year as expats was a wild series of highs and lows. or maybe the better way to phrase it would be: <i>mountains and valleys</i>.<br />
<br />
I know that life anywhere, for anyone, has its ups and downs. that's something I've hit upon pretty hard in this series on expat life. but this year things seemed to swing wildly from incredible to awful and back again within a span of weeks, days, even hours.<br />
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<br />
when we <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/07/a-life-update-from-taipei.html" target="_blank">arrived in Taipei</a> after a summer in the US, Luke and I were exhausted but hopeful. our new apartment was a definite improvement in accomodations: big updated kitchen and baths, lots of light and space. but when we got in [around 11pm local time after 20 hours of travel] we realized the apartment had not been cleaned for our arrival. we spent 2 hours scrubbing to the point where we could shower and put the mattress on the floor -- having not yet bought a bedframe or any other furniture.<br />
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it took a few days to get ahold of the landlord, but eventually someone showed up to clean. we made about a dozen trips to IKEA and furnished our apartment. we were getting settled in nicely -- despite the <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/08/another-expat-post-about-culture-shock.html" target="_blank">accelerated culture shock and the fact that moving sucks</a> -- and that's when a typhoon rolled in and we discovered that our bedroom ceiling leaked. [2 years, several typhoons and many "fixes" later: it <i>still </i>leaks. but that's another story.]<br />
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<br />
leaving Hsinchu, I realized that I never got to a lot of things I wanted to explore in the area. so I vowed to get out and actually <i>see</i> Taipei. and I did a damn good job of it. I started small, meeting the <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/08/travel-taipei-zhishan-huiji-temple.html" target="_blank">neighborhood dragons</a> and learning the bus routes. I crafted a bucket list of <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/08/101-things-to-do-in-taipei-taiwan.html" target="_blank">101 things to do in Taipei</a> [which was a bit unrealistic and is in desperate need of updating] but I made some decent headway.<br />
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I took myself out on adventures every week. usually alone, but sometimes with my newly minted non-teacher friends. I went through a phase where every week, I climbed a new mountain. these ranged from the <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/09/elephant-mountain-xiangshan-taipei.html" target="_blank">epic views of Elephant Mountain</a>, to the short hike up to <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/09/hiking-taipei-battleship-rock.html" target="_blank">Battleship Rock</a> [practically in my new backyard.] I even met up with Hsinchu friends to ride a complicated series of buses up to Yangmingshan and hike Taipei's highest peak [with the most beautiful name]: <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/09/qixing-cising-seven-star-mountain-taiwan.html" target="_blank">Mount Qixing, the Seven Star Mountain</a>.<br />
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we also took time to head back down to Hsinchu and cross off some of those adventures we never made it to. not only did we get to see our friends, but explore cold springs and the villages of <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/10/emei-taiwan-temples-beipu-cold-spring.html" target="_blank">Emei and Beipu</a>, hike around Lion's Head, and take a very misty and rainy scoot up to WuZhi Shan -- where <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/02/wuzhishan-five-finger-mountain.html" target="_blank">dragons live under a rainbow</a>.<br />
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while all of this was happening, symptoms of my food sensitivities and intolerances became increasingly worse. I became very strict at keeping gluten and dairy out of my diet... and it didn't help much. I was suffering from headaches almost daily, and an assortment of digestive issues that continued to worsen despite my vigilance. I didn't understand why. but. I refused to let it keep me from going out and doing things.<br />
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in October, Husband went to Cambodia on a school trip and so I took a <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/01/beaching-in-kenting-taiwan.html" target="_blank">girls weekend in Kenting</a>. we beached, we ate, we drank, we beached some more... and it was lovely. in November, his oldest sister came to visit. we made a trek down to <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/11/touring-taroko-biking-to-baiyang.html" target="_blank">Taroko Gorge</a>, and explored Taipei from the crowds at <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/11/snapshots-from-shilin-night-market.html" target="_blank">Shilin night market</a> to pandas at the zoo, cats in cafes to the <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/11/taipei-guandu-temple.html" target="_blank">dragons at Guandu</a>. in December, I kept crossing things off my Taipei bucket list. I lost myself in <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/12/huashan-creative-park-taipeis-brick.html" target="_blank">a brick paradise</a>, and finally finally FINALLY made it to Juifen to be spirited away by <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/12/spirited-away-jiufen-old-street-taiwan.html" target="_blank">red lanterns and tea houses</a>.<br />
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with all my travels around Taiwan, and with 3 full years of living here under my belt, I decided it was time to take a big step: writing a series of travel guide posts about visiting Taiwan. it was a massive undertaking. but I really enjoyed it. and according to comments, emails, and pageviews -- the information has been useful for so many people. the series is 2 years old now and could probably do with an update though. if any of you have questions about Taiwan you'd like answered, let me know in the comments and that promised 5th Q+A post may finally materialize!<br />
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in the meantime: <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/10/visiting-taiwan-guide-on-what-to-pack.html" target="_blank">what to pack</a> // <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/10/visiting-taiwan-guide-on-how-to-travel.html" target="_blank">how to travel</a> // <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/11/visiting-taiwan-where-to-go-what-to-see.html" target="_blank">where to go</a> // <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/11/visiting-taiwan-guide-on-what-to-expect.html" target="_blank">what to expect</a><br />
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<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/01/singapore-travel-marina-bay-sands.html" target="_blank">that Christmas, we went to Singapore</a>. it was the first time since moving to Taiwan that Luke did not have to work on Christmas. so we splurged and stayed 2 nights at the Marina Bay Sands, ate brisket and fancy italian, and otherwise never left the pool. we also spent a few nights in <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/02/singapore-exploring-little-india.html" target="_blank">Little India</a> [eating all.the.things.] we skipped a lot of the tourist "must-dos" and just wandered through the neighborhoods of <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/03/singapore-arab-street-haji-lane.html" target="_blank">Arab Street and Haji Lane</a>, Orchard Road and <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/03/singapore-houses-of-emerald-hill.html" target="_blank">Emerald Hill</a>.<br />
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it was an amazing holiday. but by January, my food issues were too intense to ignore. a friend of mine recommended a doctor, and I went to get bloodwork for food allergy testing. <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/02/honest-conversation-food-allergies.html" target="_blank">I really struggled with the results.</a> I had to cut out several items that were staples in my diet [nuts and eggs] and things I loved [pineapple and avocado.] I had to rethink how I was shopping and eating. I started keeping a food journal and tracking my symptoms. over the next few months that led me to also cut out soy and olive as they were causing issues as well. I couldn't eat out... pretty much anywhere. the next few months I spent most of my time just figuring out how to feed myself.<br />
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in April, <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/04/when-your-parents-visit-taiwan.html" target="_blank">my parents came to visit Taiwan</a>. it was amazing to have them here and get to show them my city. our adventures didn't take us as far as we'd hoped [thanks to construction, clouds, and my food issues] but we still managed to see a lot and have a wonderful time. after they left, I took a girl's trip to Sun Moon Lake. it was a huge challenge to feed myself, but somehow I survived. [mostly on wine and potato chips.]<br />
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over the year I did a lot of thinking about my blog. <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/09/this-blogging-thing.html" target="_blank">why I wrote</a>, what I was writing, <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/10/typhoons-business-of-blogging-and.html" target="_blank">whether or not I was successful</a> -- whatever that meant -- and why some posts flopped while others burned through pinterest like wildfire. with the struggle that eating had become, and in preparation for all our travels that summer, I decided that I needed to <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/05/a-gift-to-myself.html" target="_blank">press pause on my blog</a> for a while.<br />
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I still haven't caught back up. mostly because I've done so much traveling since then.<br />
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<br />
that summer we traveled through Turkey for two weeks, then spent a <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/04/walking-prague.html" target="_blank">week in Prague</a> with a few days <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/11/travel-vienna-austria.html" target="_blank">in Vienna</a>. there were <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/09/istanbul-suleymaniye-mosque.html" target="_blank">mosques</a> and museums, <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/09/sunset-over-goreme-cappadocia.html" target="_blank">sunsets</a> and sunrises, castles and caves, <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/10/kutna-hora-sedlec-ossuary-bone-chapel.html" target="_blank">bones</a> and <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/03/cappadocia-turkey-balloon-sunrise.html" target="_blank">balloons</a>, <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/01/the-cats-of-istanbul.html" target="_blank">kittens</a>, wine, and even a terrorist attack. [some very serious ups, and very serious downs.] after a week or so back in Taiwan, I flew to Vietnam for a <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/10/travel-guide-10-days-in-vietnam.html" target="_blank">10 day girls trip</a> of eating, <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/08/trekking-with-sapa-sisters-vietnam.html" target="_blank">trekking</a>, and <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/09/cruising-kayaking-in-ha-long-bay.html" target="_blank">cruising</a>. I'm trying not to get too wordy in my recap here, because this post is already quite lengthy and I've already written a whole post on <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/08/this-summers-journey.html" target="_blank">the journey through that summer</a>.<br />
<br />
at some point between all those travels, I came to the simultaneously crushing and freeing realization that it was time to shelve my memoir manuscript. and almost immediately following -- I had a new idea. it was almost like I had to let go of my old project before new inspiration and motivation could strike. sure it was late at night and fueled by cold meds and too many hours binge watching netflix. but I knew it was an idea worth pursuing. and so I began brainstorming my new novel.<br />
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<br />
year 4 was literally all over the place, and all over the planet.<br />
<br />
this recap was hard for me to write. because SO MUCH happened, and so much of it has yet to be blogged. but also because of the physical and emotional struggles that I went through that year. [by those rules, year 5 will be harder to write... but I've made it this far with the series and I'm too stubborn to quit.] reading back now, I realize I glossed over a lot of the lows. you'll just have to take my word for it when I say:<i> it was the best of times, it was the worst of times</i>...<br />
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<br />
<h3>
year 4 milestones</h3>
navigating the Taipei bus system<br />
making new friends<br />
youbiking<br />
hitchhiking in Kenting<br />
solo mountain adventures<br />
read the entire <i>Wheel of Time</i> series<br />
trained for and ran a 10k<br />
began journaling daily<br />
mailed an international package at the post office<br />
hosted my parents in Taiwan<br />
visited a mosque<br />
spotted hundreds of cats in Istanbul<br />
flew in a hot air balloon<br />
slept in a cave<br />
cooked pho and spring rolls from scratch<br />
completed a 2 day trek<br />
ate on a streetside plastic stool<br />
did <i>not</i> go to America for summer<br />
<br />
<h3>
6 countries traveled</h3>
Taiwan<br />
Singapore<br />
Turkey<br />
Czech Republic<br />
Austria<br />
Vietnam<br />
<br />
<h3>
a few favorite posts</h3>
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/08/another-expat-post-about-culture-shock.html" target="_blank">another expat post about culture shock</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/09/this-blogging-thing.html" target="_blank">this blogging thing</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/09/elephant-mountain-xiangshan-taipei.html" target="_blank">Elephant Mountain</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/10/ten-things-i-never-told-you.html" target="_blank">ten things I never told you</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/12/huashan-creative-park-taipeis-brick.html" target="_blank">Huashan Creative Park</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/10/typhoons-business-of-blogging-and.html" target="_blank">the business of blogging + the definition of success</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/12/spirited-away-jiufen-old-street-taiwan.html" target="_blank">spirited away in Juifen</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/04/when-your-parents-visit-taiwan.html" target="_blank">when your parents visit Taiwan</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/05/a-gift-to-myself.html" target="_blank">a gift to myself</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/08/trekking-with-sapa-sisters-vietnam.html" target="_blank">trekking with Sapa Sisters</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/11/travel-vienna-austria.html" target="_blank">a perfectly serendipitous visit to Vienna</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/09/sunset-over-goreme-cappadocia.html" target="_blank">sunset over Göreme</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/03/cappadocia-turkey-balloon-sunrise.html" target="_blank">balloon-filled sunrise skies</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/04/walking-prague.html" target="_blank">walking Prague</a><br />
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<br />
for more of my expat story: <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/07/my-expat-story-year-1.html" target="_blank">year 1</a> // <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/08/my-expat-story-year-2.html" target="_blank">year 2</a> // <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/08/my-expat-story-year-3.html" target="_blank">year 3</a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-12296478119295924882017-09-19T15:33:00.000+08:002017-09-19T15:33:35.827+08:00cruising + kayaking in Ha Long Bay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ioixNitqdaXxXUxFpzEamT1MqEDyF1bPU9cTdSa1nrj0a4Vxf65bCkXo2QNrqIyIUqHDJhl2dKBjYdqzBZTKDUZZUDBQ8y-W07kbrbMReiwvXkhmWxQwIJZ0IoLCMhkXkb10U3fH784/s1600/Ha-Long-Bay-cruise-kayak-VIETNAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="exploring Vietnam's stunning Ha Long Bay by water: cruising and kayaking" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ioixNitqdaXxXUxFpzEamT1MqEDyF1bPU9cTdSa1nrj0a4Vxf65bCkXo2QNrqIyIUqHDJhl2dKBjYdqzBZTKDUZZUDBQ8y-W07kbrbMReiwvXkhmWxQwIJZ0IoLCMhkXkb10U3fH784/s1600/Ha-Long-Bay-cruise-kayak-VIETNAM.png" title="exploring Vietnam's stunning Ha Long Bay by water: cruising and kayaking" /></a></div>
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Ha Long Bay is one of those places you have to see to believe. limestone giants draped with green vegetation rise out of blue seas, so plentiful they look like layers of mountains on the horizon. junk boats and fishing skiffs and kayak tours float along together by day, while a flock of squid boats appears from nowhere to light up the night.<br />
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last summer, I spent 3 days and 2 nights cruising Ha Long Bay while traveling through Vietnam. to be honest -- I feel the need to preface this post with a disclaimer. <i>I am not a cruise person.</i> I like being in control of my itinerary, my activities, and my menu when I travel. having a list of pre-arranged and not exactly optional excursions rubbed me a bit wrong. but. booking a cruise is the most efficient way to see Ha Long [unless, I suppose, you've got the cash to charter your own boat. I don't.]<br />
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that's not to knock our cruise -- everyone at the <a href="http://www.indochina-junk.com/">Indochina Junk </a>office and aboard <a href="http://www.indochina-junk.com/dragon-legend-cruise/">the Dragon Legend</a> were helpful and attentive. our "junk boat" was not in any way junky, and the staff was extremely patient when dealing with my numerous food allergies. I'm just... not a cruise person. however, I chose to ham it up and do all the activities and ended up enjoying myself well enough.<br />
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[ for more details about my trip, check out my <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/10/travel-guide-10-days-in-vietnam.html" target="_blank">Vietnam travel guide + 10 day itinerary</a> ]<br />
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this was my first time on a cruise. it was all-inclusive [except for the alcohol] and everything was planned out ahead of time. all we had to do was float along and enjoy the ride. after <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/08/trekking-with-sapa-sisters-vietnam.html" target="_blank">our trek through Sapa</a> -- well, that sounded like a nice relaxing few days [no matter my cruise prejudice.] I pictured lounging on the sun deck, reading my book in peace, with some kind of tropical concoction to keep me cool.<br />
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the weather had other ideas. the sky was grey and hazy. it was sweltering hot, without even an ocean breeze to bring relief. in part, that's why I have so few photos from our cruise. and what I do have is a mash of shots from my camera, my phone, and my friend's waterproof camera. because [despite the heat and the occasional tropical downpour] we still went on two kayak excursions, a hike to a cave, a tour of a floating village, and a beach barbecue.<br />
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<br />
I know these photos make our kayak tours look pretty incredible. and they were -- even the part where we went through a dark sea cave with so little headspace we had to do the limbo in our kayak.<br />
<br />
but what you don't see are the currents of trash our guide had to navigate us around. the water in Ha Long Bay... was filthy. in part, because a huge storm had blown by a few days before our cruise and caused debris from elsewhere to drift in. [also causing the windless and sweltering weather.] but some of the garbage in the water was just the pollution that has accumulated over time.<br />
<br />
it was heartbreaking to see a blight like that in such a beautiful place, and to know humanity's part in the destruction.<br />
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<br />
the waters around the floating village that we toured were a little cleaner. each boat was armed with a net to scoop of bits of trash as we sailed along. but the difference was more than nets -- our guide explained that the cruise company was supporting eco-friendly tourism by bringing us there. the money that paid for our tour would go to help these fishing villages build more sustainable homes [floating on plastic barrels rather than styrofoam blocks.] our cruise ship would collect the garbage from the village and bring it to the mainland to be disposed of, rather than letting it drift out to sea.<br />
<br />
it may not be much in the grand scheme of things -- only a drop in the ocean of the earth's problems -- but it made me feel better to know that in a small way, we were helping.<br />
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<br />
Ha Long Bay was beautiful. perhaps I should just leave it at that.<br />
<br />
but the weather, the pollution, and the fact that I got wretchedly ill after our cruise have definitely given me mixed emotions about my experience there. so I'm having trouble finding the right words to end this post.<br />
<br />
I always try to be honest about my travels. there are too many people out there who shine up their words and sell you the pinterest-perfect "ultimate" experience. [and at times I'm sure I've been guilty of that as well.] but there's never any guarantee that your encounter with a place will be the match of anyone else's. I think that each of us connect to a destination in our own way. and while Ha Long Bay was a beautiful place, it just wasn't <i>my</i> place.<br />
<br />
but maybe... it might be yours.<br />
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-36251927901603525172017-09-06T16:16:00.001+08:002017-09-06T16:16:46.065+08:00Istanbul // the Süleymaniye Mosque<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PDIm2_pPhp0i2HIaxDyFdlZnJ1uSIgfKKBW6fe0ywMila6x5qtsEai6iOHjbf5F5XD5K4Tssh7A-snd0Wp35UWq9pfckh9tdswfV-GWpFVkuzf-UFJBeJkQGQwEf0WixATbwQII01Kc/s1600/Suleymaniye-Mosque-Istanbul-Turkey.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="step inside the Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey: a stunning masterpiece of the influential architect Sinan, overlooking the city's hills and blue waters of the Bosphorus." border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PDIm2_pPhp0i2HIaxDyFdlZnJ1uSIgfKKBW6fe0ywMila6x5qtsEai6iOHjbf5F5XD5K4Tssh7A-snd0Wp35UWq9pfckh9tdswfV-GWpFVkuzf-UFJBeJkQGQwEf0WixATbwQII01Kc/s1600/Suleymaniye-Mosque-Istanbul-Turkey.png" title="step inside the Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey: a stunning masterpiece of the influential architect Sinan, overlooking the city's hills and blue waters of the Bosphorus." /></a></div>
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one of the best parts of travel is experiencing something new. something out of your comfort zone, something unexpected, foreign and strange. as adults it can be hard to catch that sense of wonder that seems to abound as children. travel is a way we can reclaim that wonder.<br />
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my trip to Turkey last summer was the first time I had ever visited a mosque. it was the first time I ever heard the call to prayer [aside from in movies.] and the experience of standing on the terrace outside the Süleymaniye Mosque while the call rang out across the Golden Horn, echoing on the Bosphorous... well, that gave me goosebumps. it was <i>a moment</i>.<br />
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<br />
the Süleymaniye Mosque was possibly the most beautiful thing we saw in Istanbul.<br />
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[I wrote you a fantastic and heartfelt post about it. and then somehow between finishing my draft and the final proofread before publishing... my post deleted itself. except for that one sentence above. what you're reading now is my best recollection, hastily retyped.]<br />
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the Süleymaniye Mosque was possibly the most beautiful thing we saw in Istanbul. it's a bold statement to make about a city full of wonders. but something about the the Süleymaniye just got me. the symmetry of everything, the light pouring through arched windows, the lofty domes and shining marble, the fact I was standing inside a 500 year old masterpiece -- it was incredible.<br />
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the mosque was commissioned by Süleyman I, also known as the Süleyman the Magnificent. I'd have to say that the monument lives up to the adjective.<br />
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in addition to gorgeous tilework, calligraphy, and painstaking detail -- you will notice the lack of tourists. we encountered a handful, but nothing like the swarms elsewhere. though my visit to the <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/09/istanbul-hagia-sofia-and-blue-mosque.html" target="_blank">Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque</a> was special [and still something I recommend to any visitors to Istanbul] it was the the Süleymaniye that stole my heart.<br />
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fun fact: in ye olden days, they used to hang ostrich eggs from the chandeliers to keep away spiders. you can see one [or a modern replica] in the above photo. I have no idea if it was actually effective. but, I kindof love that they still keep up the tradition.<br />
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also... how amazing are those huge chandeliers?<br />
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the Süleymaniye Mosque is the most famous work of an extremely important Ottoman architect, Mimar Sinan. he was one of the world's most influential designers -- and bear in mind that he was a contemporary of both Michelangelo and DiVinci. I mean, his apprentices designed the Taj Mahal. <i>kindof a big deal.</i><br />
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but what really gets me is that as incredible as the Süleymaniye is, there is an even <i>more</i> stunning mosque out there that Sinan considered his ultimate masterpiece. [the Selimiye Mosque, in Edirne]<br />
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Sinan was buried in a tomb near the Süleymaniye, in a garden to the north of the terrace. the Sultan Süleyman and his wife are also entombed there. I suggest taking an extra few minutes to explore the garden, and enjoy the views of the city from the terrace.<br />
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<h3>
visiting the mosque</h3>
the Süleymaniye is located near the Grand Bazaar, and would make an excellent addition to a visit there. while there is usually appropriate clothing to rent or borrow, you might consider dressing for the occasion. all visitors will need to remove their shoes and have shoulders and knees covered to enter the mosque, while women also are required to cover their heads. we wore slip-on shoes or sandals and brought light scarves to wrap around our heads and shoulders to make things easy.<br />
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I would suggest timing your visit to arrive in between prayer times. this will help you avoid both the crowds, and disturbing those at prayer. when at the mosque, please be quiet and respectful, as you would in any place of worship.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">linking up with <a href="http://laurenonlocation.com/">Lauren on Location</a>, <a href="http://snowintromso.com/">Snow in Tromso</a>, <a href="http://www.thesunnysideofthis.com/">The Sunny Side of This</a> and <a href="https://whatawonderfulworld.co/">What a Wonderful World</a> for #wanderfulwednesday</span></div>
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</span>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-51599945917558779702017-08-30T16:49:00.000+08:002017-08-30T16:49:22.137+08:0010 reasons I'm excited to revisit New Zealand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know a lot of travelers like to check off countries and destinations like a to-do list. I've met expats who have goals of visiting 100 countries -- or even <i>every</i> country. [and that's totally fine, if that's what your'e into.] but I'm the kind of person who believes an amazing destination is worth revisiting.<br />
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with that in mind, I'm SUPER excited to tell you that this year I get to revisit what is probably my favorite destination to date: <b>New Zealand!</b> Husband and I will be going back for two weeks over his holiday break this December. to be honest, we have been plotting this trip for a long time. we knew we wanted to go back to NZ from the moment we arrived there.<br />
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rather than try to <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/03/3-week-travel-itinerary-new-zealand-north-south.html" target="_blank">take in two islands</a> [like last time] we are going to focus our travels in the areas between Queenstown and Tekapo. this will allow us to return to some of our favorite places on the south island, but still explore new locations we didn't have time for on the last trip. our itinerary isn't quite rock-solid yet, but in my enthusiasm I've assembled a list of 10 reasons why I'm <i>so so so</i> excited to go back to New Zealand...<br />
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<h3>
1// the campervan experience</h3>
on our last trip to New Zealand, we initially had planned to caravan around the south island in campers. that plan got scrapped in favor of renting a car and some tents [and filling in the gaps with apartment and hotel stays.] thanks to gale force winds and torrential rain, our camping experience was memorable... but less than ideal. this time around we won't have to worry about snapped poles or lack of sleep because it sounds like there's a firehose pointed at our tent.<br />
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I'm looking forward to just driving into a campground and being set. no grappling with tarps or trying to squish sleeping bags back into their cases. no tying ropes to trees and using logs and rocks to "stake" down the tent. and no lugging baggage in and out of apartments or up and down stairs. plus, driving around in a camper van just feels like one of those things you <i>have</i> to do while in New Zealand.<br />
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<h3>
2// hiking deeper</h3>
we aren't going to do any of the major overnight tramps or mountaineering, but my list of hikes keeps growing and growing. this time we are making fewer stops and will have more time to spend in each location. so that means we have the chance to go out and see more of each place. we hope to cross off a few hikes we missed last time, go over at least one we've already done and enjoyed, and of course explore new mountains for fantastic views.<br />
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<h3>
3// the wine. duh.</h3>
I won't claim to be an expert on wine [or really even that picky] but any time I am faced with a choice, I go right for the New Zealand sauvignon blanc. specifically, from the Marlborough region. in 2015 we visited a place called <a href="https://www.thewinery.co.nz/#about" target="_blank">The Winery</a> in Queenstown which has over 80 NZ wines available at the push of a button. [no really, you literally swipe a card and push a button to dispense the amount of wine you'd like to try.] I wouldn't be opposed to visiting an actual vineyard. but, let's be real. I'll be happy just to sip vino from a coffee mug at our campsite picnic table.<br />
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<h3>
4// exploring Mount Cook</h3>
the biggest disappointment of our last NZ trip was missing out on Mount Cook. we got to see it -- from the car and from <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/01/mount-cook-camping-new-zealand.html" target="_blank">our "perfect" campsite</a> -- but only from a distance. we never even made it into Aoraki National Park. after a sleepless night and frantically breaking camp at 5am to avoid getting caught in a sleet storm, we were <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/04/travel-stories-when-things-go-wrong.html" target="_blank">forced to change plans</a> and leave for Queenstown early.<br />
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I think I made Husband pinky promise that if we ever went back to New Zealand, we would go back and actually see Mount Cook. so we are. hopefully the weather will cooperate this time around and we can hike the Hooker Valley Track, and maybe even make it out to see the glaciers.<br />
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<h3>
5// vacation for two</h3>
this trip will be the first vacation that Husband and I have taken together, alone, since our Christmas 2015 trip to Singapore. two years! I suppose we can count the 3 days we spent in <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/06/san-antonio-snapshots.html" target="_blank">San Antonio</a> this summer... but other than that, all our travels have been with friends and family. not to say I don't love them or we didn't enjoy our time together -- but I'm looking forward to having some time away that's just the two of us.<br />
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<h3>
6// the greenest greens and bluest blues</h3>
the natural colors in New Zealand are the most vibrant I've ever seen. on our last visit, it became a running joke that anytime I would step outside I couldn't help myself but comment on how blue the sky was. or how blue the water was. I kept taking my polarized sunglasses off and on to be sure my eyes weren't being fooled. all the shades of nature in New Zealand are hyper saturated -- the green of the leaves and the yellow of the grasses and even the black volcanic rocks.<br />
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<h3>
7// sweatshirts, not sweaty shirts</h3>
it's been over 90F [feeling like over 100F] every day since I returned to Taiwan. summers here can be brutally hot and humid. summer in New Zealand, however, is pleasantly sunny and in the low 70s. on our last visit it was even colder -- one day it snowed! I know Taiwan will be cooler by the time we leave [and likely grey and rainy] but I'm still looking forward to sweatshirt weather. and even fleece-and-hat weather.<br />
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<h3>
8// a return to Lake T</h3>
when we pulled into our <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/04/stormy-sunset-lake-tekapo-new-zealand.html" target="_blank">campground at Lake Tekapo</a> in the pouring rain, I don't think any of us realized how hard we would fall in love with this place. our rental car had been broken into that morning [and then we dealt with wildfire detours on the drive from Christchurch] so the time we planned to spend here was cut too short. but "Lake T" was the New Zealand we had dreamed of and more.<br />
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we managed to squeeze in a hike up to the <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/08/lake-tekapo-hiking-mount-john-nz.html" target="_blank">summit of Mount John</a> in the half day we had to spend in the area. and oh the views! those few hours ended up being some of our favorites spent in New Zealand. so obviously, we plan to return. and this time we will spend more than one measly night on the shores of Tekapo.<br />
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<h3>
9// mountain views</h3>
I love mountains. if you've read this blog for any amount of time -- you know that I love mountains. the best way I can explain it is: they just call to my heart. and what is New Zealand full of? mountains. [ok, and sheep.] I can't wait to wake up and stare at mountains with my morning coffee. to watch the sunset light their peaks orange and red. to climb them and feel like I'm on top of the world...<br />
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we can start taking bets now how many times Husband will call me Fräulein Maria.<br />
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<h3>
10// did I mention the wine?</h3>
I did. but it's worth mentioning twice.<br />
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really, I could list dozens more reasons I'm excited to head back to New Zealand. friendly people, tasty food, incredible plant life, lack of language barrier... you get the idea.<br />
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<b><i>would you ever return to a place you had already visited? even one as remote as New Zealand?</i></b> for me, it wasn't even a question of whether it was worth the trip again. I can't wait to revisit Queenstown and Lake Tekapo, finally make it to Mount Cook, and see what Wanaka, Makarora, Glenorchy and Mount Aspiring have to offer. [if you've ever been, please let me know your recommendations for hikes, holiday parks, and eats!]<br />
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I know there are plenty other amazing places on this planet to explore. but New Zealand stole my heart in a way that I'll probably <i>always</i> want to go back.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">linking up with <a href="http://www.followyoursunshine.me/">Follow Your Sunshine</a>, <a href="http://www.silverspoonlondon.co.uk/">SilverSpoon London</a>, <a href="http://www.adventuresofalondonkiwi.com/">Adventures of a London Kiwi</a> and <a href="https://erinoutandabout.blogspot.ca/">Erin Out and About</a> for the monthly travel link up, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">and with <a href="http://laurenonlocation.com/">Lauren on Location</a>, <a href="http://snowintromso.com/">Snow in Tromso</a>, <a href="http://www.thesunnysideofthis.com/">The Sunny Side of This</a> and <a href="https://whatawonderfulworld.co/">What a Wonderful World</a> for #wanderfulwednesday</span></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-78489191853050993602017-08-23T15:45:00.000+08:002017-08-23T15:45:09.481+08:00my expat story: year 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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if <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/07/my-expat-story-year-1.html" target="_blank">our first year in Taiwan</a> was all about adjusting, and <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/08/my-expat-story-year-2.html" target="_blank">the second year</a> was about growing -- then our third year in Taiwan was all for <i>exploring</i>.<br />
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[photo above from a somehow-never-blogged visit to Taroko Gorge, October 2014]<br />
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my arrival in Taiwan for our third year began with having to plan what is commonly referred to as a "<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/09/so-im-taking-visa-vacation.html" target="_blank">visa vacation</a>." due to my early summer departure, certain persons not knowing the visa regulations, and weird global politics about recognizing Taiwan as an independent country... I had to take a <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/10/hong-kong-thoughts-on-traveling-solo.html" target="_blank">solo trip to Hong Kong</a> to apply for a new residence card.<br />
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my first experience with solo international travel was pretty mixed [mostly because of some creepy dude who forced me to take a photo with him then stalked me around town for an hour.] that being said -- I managed to navigate myself around Hong Kong, eat some tasty tacos, visit a <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/11/hong-kong-chi-lin-nunnery.html" target="_blank">monastery garden</a>, and watch the <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/10/hong-kong-victoria-peak.html" target="_blank">sun set from Victoria Peak</a>. oh, and get my new visa.<br />
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<i>"one of the greatest dangers of expat life is that even living in a foreign place can become familiar over time. some days, even living in Taiwan, I have to force myself to look at things as an adventure."</i><br />
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back in Taiwan again, we were gearing up to start the search for a new school and a new country to call home. and so, I was determined to get in as much Taiwan as I could before we left. one of my friends and I established what we fondly called "scoot adventures" where we would hop on our scooters and drive off to see our city. usually, I wanted to go dragon hunting. one of the most magical afternoons we spent all alone inside a temple on the outskirts of Hsinchu. these are still <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/09/temple-dragons-hsinchu-taiwan.html" target="_blank">the best dragon photos</a> I've shot in all my 5 years in Taiwan.<br />
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that fall was when I really first started treating Taiwan like a travel destination. it seems silly now, but I hadn't really thought of our "home" in that way. but once it clicked in my brain I did my best to take advantage. in October, we had visitors. that meant exploring new places [like the <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/10/kaohsiung-confucius-temple.html" target="_blank">temples</a> and <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/11/kaohsiung-dragon-and-tiger-pagodas.html" target="_blank">pagodas</a> in Kaohsiung] and returning to old favorites [hiking through Taroko Gorge again.]<br />
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by this point, we had officially put in notice that we were leaving our school in Hsinchu. we loved our community there, but it just wasn't what we needed long-term. Luke and I had started a search for new destinations. they ranged from Chile to Bulgaria to the UAE, and my feelings on these places were just as varied. I was anxious about adjusting to a new country, but also looking forward to [hopefully] a place a bit more western and easier for me to feed myself and communicate.<br />
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<br />
all of these plans were disrupted when we were contacted by a school in Taipei. emails led to interviews led to offers, and before I knew it we had signed a contract. we were relieved to have our future settled, and to know our transition would be relatively painless. I admit a small part of me was disappointed that we wouldn't be exploring someplace new [or leaving Asia.] but the largest reaction <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/11/big-news-and-future-of-ink-adventure.html" target="_blank">was excitement</a>.<br />
<br />
Christmas was uneventful [especially with Husband teaching] but we had some major plans brewing for Chinese New Year break. first, we visited our friend's grandmother in Taipei who cooked us a <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/01/a-taiwanese-feast.html" target="_blank">traditional Taiwanese feast</a>. it was amazing, and delicious, and I felt honored to be able to experience something so special. also: <i>dragon whiskers</i>. but after our feast... we were off to NEW ZEALAND!<br />
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<br />
I cannot write about New Zealand without resorting to hyperbole. it. was. incredible. we spent 3 weeks driving around the country and soaking in the fresh air and sunshine. our road trip <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/04/travel-stories-when-things-go-wrong.html" target="_blank">was not perfect</a> -- we had car troubles and got stranded in a gondola, the weather messed with our tent poles and our itinerary. but it was still the most magical place and I spent our trip with a face full of smiles, a hand full of cameras, and a heart full of wonder. <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/search/label/Lake%20Tekapo" target="_blank">Lake Tekapo</a>. <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/03/coromandel-cathedral-cove-new-zealand.html" target="_blank">Cathedral Cove</a>. <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/search/label/Queenstown" target="_blank">Queenstown</a>. <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/search/label/Milford%20Sound" target="_blank">Milford Sound</a>. <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/09/catlins-nz-nugget-point-lighthouse.html" target="_blank">Nugget Point</a>. honestly I have limit myself or else I'd write a whole post just on this trip. so for reference: our travel itinerary links to <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/03/3-week-travel-itinerary-new-zealand-north-south.html" target="_blank">every post on New Zealand</a> I have published on this blog. [and there are QUITE a few.]<br />
<br />
returning to the muggy and smoggy and non-food-allergy-friendly world of Taiwan was, in a word, <i>rough</i>. but I did my best to make the most of the life we had left in Hsinchu. I visited some of my favorite dragons. I started running. we bought a bread maker so I could have gluten and dairy free bread. some days I <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/01/the-art-of-getting-lost.html" target="_blank">intentionally got lost</a>. I cleaned out my wardrobe [and a lot of our random junk] in preparation for our move to Taipei. I stressed out about visa renewal and whether I could make it back to Michigan for my cousin's wedding... but it worked out. apartment hunting was a bit of a mess as well, but we finally found a place.<br />
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<br />
through all this, I was still blogging fairly consistently. my memoir manuscript <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/04/writing-into-past.html" target="_blank">was struggling</a> -- and would continue to do so -- but the blog was thriving. that's probably why I focused so much more energy on it. in addition to all the Hong Kong, Taiwan, and New Zealand, there was my <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/04/how-old-is-old.html" target="_blank">annual birthday post</a> [this time on turning 30] and a recap of the <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/12/best-search-terms-of-2014.html" target="_blank">best and weirdest search terms</a> that led to my blog that year. I published a bit about <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/11/behind-blog-my-writing-process.html" target="_blank">my writing process</a>, about trying to <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/10/a-little-blogging-heart.html" target="_blank">blog with heart</a>, and put together my first [and so far, only] <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/12/2014-reader-survey-results.html" target="_blank">reader survey</a>.<br />
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aaand going back to read the results post is actually making me want to assemble a new survey...<br />
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<br />
in June, I said my bittersweet farewells to Hsinchu. we boxed up our apartment and sent it to live in the spare bedroom of our future apartment in Taipei, to be unpacked on our return in July. 48 hours later I flew back to the states.<br />
<br />
at the end of year 3, I spent some time looking back on <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/06/expat-confessions-3-years-abroad.html" target="_blank">the lessons expat life had taught me</a> thus far. it all reinforced that some days are <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/05/a-mountainous-farewell.html" target="_blank">mountainous and momentous</a>, and some days are a <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/03/expat-confessions-some-days-you-will.html" target="_blank">major struggle</a>. and occasionally, the only difference between the two is your attitude.<br />
<br />
<i>"travel will change you, but only if you let it. keep an open mind and an open heart. anything can be an adventure if you choose to see it that way."</i><div>
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<br />
<h3>
year 3 milestones</h3>
first [international] solo travel<br />
drove on the left side of the road<br />
bought a fitbit and started stepping<br />
turned 30 years old<br />
taught a blogging class for kids<br />
went inside a hobbit hole<br />
the dingy/VSCO photo edit phase<br />
camped in Middle Earth<br />
played tourist in Taipei<br />
found my way to the mountains<br />
actually touched a dragon<br />
<br />
<h3>
4 countries traveled</h3>
Taiwan<br />
Hong Kong<br />
New Zealand<br />
America<br />
<br />
<h3>
a few favorite posts</h3>
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/10/hong-kong-thoughts-on-traveling-solo.html" target="_blank">Hong Kong // thoughts on traveling solo</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/10/blood-moon-lunar-eclipse.html" target="_blank">blood moon lunar eclipse</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/11/behind-blog-my-writing-process.html" target="_blank">behind the blog: my writing process</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/01/the-art-of-getting-lost.html" target="_blank">the art of getting lost</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/10/kaohsiung-confucius-temple.html" target="_blank">Kaohsiung // Confucius Temple</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/03/expat-confessions-some-days-you-will.html" target="_blank">some days you will struggle</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/05/a-mountainous-farewell.html" target="_blank">a mountainous farewell</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/06/expat-confessions-3-years-abroad.html" target="_blank">expat confessions: 3 years abroad</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2015/03/3-week-travel-itinerary-new-zealand-north-south.html" target="_blank">everything from New Zealand</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: right;">
linking up with <a href="http://laurenonlocation.com/">Lauren on Location</a>, <a href="http://snowintromso.com/">Snow in Tromso</a>, <a href="http://www.thesunnysideofthis.com/">The Sunny Side of This</a> and <a href="https://whatawonderfulworld.co/">What a Wonderful World</a> for #wanderfulwednesday</div>
</span></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-82787908210857826402017-08-16T15:43:00.005+08:002017-08-16T15:43:33.543+08:00Yaquina Head Light and Natural Area // Oregon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPO8kaELshUvbOYaErdZsmq8IhNuq1Zd8MC7gBbGgUtk9eER1f1xuMlf7P4wcQJt7uB2WlCmtpgvVUoPJv-JqT-UqX0cNaHodVo4-gcMurvc4RYRq4iQ6o-O4dm9nzNoxauXzxe_5EuqA/s1600/yaquina-head-light-oregon-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Yaquina Head Light on the Oregon coast is not just a beautiful place to take in ocean views, but a great location for spotting wildlife. Both whales and seals can be found here, depending on the season." border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPO8kaELshUvbOYaErdZsmq8IhNuq1Zd8MC7gBbGgUtk9eER1f1xuMlf7P4wcQJt7uB2WlCmtpgvVUoPJv-JqT-UqX0cNaHodVo4-gcMurvc4RYRq4iQ6o-O4dm9nzNoxauXzxe_5EuqA/s1600/yaquina-head-light-oregon-24.jpg" title="Yaquina Head Light on the Oregon coast is not just a beautiful place to take in ocean views, but a great location for spotting wildlife. Both whales and seals can be found here, depending on the season." /></a></div>
<br />
the August weather in Taipei has been even more of a sweat box than usual. at least that's the excuse I'm giving for not getting out to do much of anything since I've been back in Taiwan. I could also give the excuse that I'm sitting on thousands of photos from my travels over the past year - Turkey, Czech Republic, Vietnam, and of course my road trip through the Pacific Northwest. of all those options... I think I'd prefer the cool weather of the Oregon coast in May.<br />
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and so, we end up at the Yaquina Head Light and Outstanding Natural Area. [and yes, that is literally the name of the park.]<br />
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I mentioned before that I visited <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2017/07/little-sable-point-light-michigan.html" target="_blank">a lot of lighthouses</a> this summer. [you'll probably be sick of them by the time I'm done sharing my travels. or if you're into charming towers and ocean views... maybe not.] of all 12 that I saw -- Yaquina Head had the most amount of things to see, in addition to the actual light.<br />
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the point of land where the lighthouse stands is situated in an ideal location for whale watching, if you're there in the right season. you can also hike a trail to the top a a nearby hill for views up and down the Oregon Coast. we sadly missed out on the whales, and had already done a major hike that morning. but -- nearby the light is also a fantastic vantage for spotting some other sea creatures: seals!<br />
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these seals were sunning themselves in a cove just to the south of the light. the nearest one had just woken from a nap and started to splash around and wave for our cameras. they were so cute! I had a hard time dragging myself away, but we still had more of the park to explore before it got too late.<br />
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the tide pool area is sometimes closed off due to baby seal pups [I would probably die from the cuteness] but we were just a bit early in the season. we were free to wander the rocky beach and peer at anemones in the pools. there were plenty more adult seals out on the far rocks, but we couldn't get very close.<br />
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if you do venture to the tide pools, please be careful where you strep. one: you don't want to squish any of the sea life. two: the beach is made up of golfball and baseball-sized rocks and is extremely difficult to walk on.<br />
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the park also has another cove for spotting seals [we saw one but he swam away too fast] and a freshly renovated interpretive center with restrooms and exhibits. while the lighthouse itself was not my favorite that we saw, the park overall was impressive. there is enough to see on Yaquina Head that you could spend a whole day visiting.<br />
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I have to admit that I laughed when I first read this was named "Outstanding Natural Area" but having visited and seen so much wildlife and such gorgeous views... it's hard to argue otherwise.<br />
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<h3>
visiting the park</h3>
a $7 vehicle entry fee will admit you for 3 days to the Yaquina Head area. since the park is run by the Beaurau of Land Management [and not the State or National Parks systems] any annual passes for other parks will not work. if you want to tour the lighthouse, <a href="https://www.blm.gov/learn/interpretive-centers/yaquina" target="_blank">check the park's website</a> for times and information. you can also find more information on the tide pools, seals, and whale migrations.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">linking up with <a href="http://laurenonlocation.com/">Lauren on Location</a>, <a href="http://snowintromso.com/">Snow in Tromso</a>, <a href="http://www.thesunnysideofthis.com/">The Sunny Side of This</a> and <a href="https://whatawonderfulworld.co/">What a Wonderful World</a> for #wanderfulwednesday</span></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-67628441856499550712017-08-09T14:45:00.000+08:002017-08-09T14:45:00.121+08:00my expat story: year 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
though technically my second year as an expat began while I was still in the US for summer, I finally <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/10/from-land-of-dragons-dumplings.html" target="_blank">made it back to Taiwan</a> in October. by the end of my time in America I was starting to really miss Taiwan. my summer had been fantastic but I was happy to soak in all the dumplings and dragons again.<br />
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that fall, we had to make a decision about whether or not to renew our contract. it was a serious struggle for us. at the end of our first year in Taiwan, I didn't think we would stay beyond our 2 year contract. I liked Taiwan. but it was still challenging to adjust, especially coming back after a summer and fall spent in Michigan with friends, family, and easily accessible food for all my allergy needs.<br />
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the international teaching scene is strange. hiring begins so far in advance that you have to make up your mind in November about what you want to do the following August. we decided to sign on for one more year with our school in Hsinchu, with the intent to start searching for another international destination. and then we tried to make the best of the time we had left -- and succeeded immensely.<br />
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<br />
I decided to be brave and <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/10/decide-that-you-want-it.html" target="_blank">announce that I was writing a book</a>. and though that project [a travel memoir about moving to Taiwan] has been shelved for now, I worked diligently on my manuscript for months and ended up with a pretty solid first draft. I'm working on a fiction novel now, but those early days of deciding to write and <i>just going for it</i> are still very dear to me. the energy I had was amazing.<br />
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the fall was pretty much a blur of writing. Thanksgiving passed with what would become an annual potluck dinner, and for Christmas we ordered a turkey and made a feast of side dishes. 2013 really ended on a high note for me. I had a year's worth of memories to look back on thanks to completing a <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/01/52-weeks-instax-photo-display-wall.html" target="_blank">52 weeks photo project</a>, and I even went so far as to make a list of <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/12/how-i-was-awesome-in-2013.html" target="_blank">reasons I was awesome</a> that year.<br />
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at the start of 2014 I was totally crushing on both the blog and book front, in between substitute teaching and tutoring some teachers in English conversation. looking back -- I have no idea how I was getting so much done at once. but when Chinese New Year hit my productivity was derailed. I can't really regret it though, since I made some incredible travel memories instead.<br />
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we spent 10 days in Bali, which was a bit of a mixed bag. [I blame Pinterest for giving me unrealistic expectations.] we drank <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/02/bali-luwak-coffee-tasting.html" target="_blank">mongoose poop coffee</a> and braved a jungle full of <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/02/monkey-forest-ubud-bali.html" target="_blank">evil monkeys</a> in order to feast upon mexican food nearly every day. we took an incredibly <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/02/ubud-balinese-cooking-class.html" target="_blank">delicious cooking class</a>, and were disappointed by the <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/03/bali-tanah-lot-managing-expectations.html" target="_blank">touristy Tanah Lot</a>. we only went to the beach once, but spent plenty of time at our lovely hotel's pool.<br />
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if nothing else, the <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/01/packing-list-10-days-in-bali.html" target="_blank">packing list post</a> I wrote for that trip is still <i>crazy</i> pinterest popular.<br />
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<br />
my friend Kelsey came to visit Taiwan and we had a girls getaway to Taroko Gorge. hotel robes, rooftop hot tub soaks, hiking through one of the most beautiful places on earth... it was a dream. we also traipsed all over Taipei and just generally had a damn good time. it was lovely to see a familiar face, but even more to find our travel styles were so compatible and our friendship still easy as it used to be.<br />
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I decided that for my 29th birthday I wanted to go to <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/05/travel-by-iphone-tokyo-disneyland.html" target="_blank">Tokyo Disney</a>, so we did. and it was so. much. fun. Husband and I spend a long weekend stuffing our faces with curry popcorn, hunting for hidden Mickeys, and smiling until our faces hurt. we went in to actual Tokyo too... and randomly stumbled into <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/12/tokyo-asakusa-sanja-matsuri-festival.html" target="_blank">a famous street festival</a>. but mostly it was all about the <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/09/tips-for-visiting-tokyo-disneyland.html" target="_blank">Disney magic</a>.<br />
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my brother came to visit after his college graduation. we <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/12/visiting-wulai-waterfall-hot-springs.html" target="_blank">chased waterfalls</a> [well, and I fell into a river] and scooted to all my favorite <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/06/hsinchu-guquifeng-putian-temple.html" target="_blank">weird spots in Hsinchu</a>. we saw tigers swimming at the zoo [because Taiwan is ultra roasty in June] and visited a <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/09/taipei-stray-cats-cafe.html" target="_blank">cat cafe</a> for the first time.<br />
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and then that summer, Husband and I flew back to America and criss-crossed the country for a series of weddings and family visits. Detroit, Mackinaw, San Diego, Austin. it was both amazing, and exhausting. and at the end of it I was <i>so</i> <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/08/im-ready-to-go-back-to-taiwan.html" target="_blank">ready to go back to Taiwan</a>.<br />
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<br />
after the novelty of the first year abroad wore off, I was left just trying to build a life. some days I crushed it. I went full throttle into both my manuscript and pushing my blog into the travel/expat community. we had some amazing travels, and fantastic times with visiting friends and family. it was a year of extreme personal growth. and for the most part: <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/05/create-life-you-love.html" target="_blank">I was in love with my life.</a><br />
<br />
but some days sucked. they were hard. I was homesick and lonely and confused about what I wanted to do with my life and I cried. in fact, there were <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/02/some-days-i-hate-taiwan.html" target="_blank">some days that I hated Taiwan</a>. but my struggles helped me to grow and become more open and honest in my writing:<br />
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<i>"there are days in Taiwan where I feel helpless, even hopeless. those are the days I visit six different grocery stores in hopes of finding an onion that is neither moldy nor mushy... and I fail. the days where I feel so homesick I start looking at real estate in Michigan, the days I would kill to have a real oven or a dryer or - please! - a dishwasher, the days that I want to pull my hair out because between the humidity and my helmet what's the point of having hair anyway?<br /><br />and then there are the days [like today] where despite all that you find a way to make it work.<br /><br />it's true that more often here than before I have days that seem incredible, grand, and wondrous. but in between the highs and the lows there's mostly just... <b>life</b>."</i><br />
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<h3>
year 2 milestones</h3>
started writing my memoir<br />
took a Balinese cooking class<br />
caved and bought smartphones<br />
created a blog sponsorship program<br />
completed a 52 weeks project<br />
Starbucks followed me on twitter<br />
did not freak out about turning 29<br />
washi tape everything<br />
navigated the Taipei bus system<br />
survived the monkey forest<br />
learned css to design my blog<br />
many scoot adventures<br />
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<h3>
4 countries traveled</h3>
Taiwan<br />
Indonesia<br />
Japan<br />
America<br />
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<h3>
a few favorite posts</h3>
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/10/decide-that-you-want-it.html" target="_blank">decide that you want it</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/12/how-i-was-awesome-in-2013.html" target="_blank">how I was awesome in 2013</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/05/twenty-nine-birthday-reflections.html" target="_blank">29 // birthday reflections</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/02/some-days-i-hate-taiwan.html" target="_blank">some days I hate Taiwan</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/11/a-letter-to-my-pre-expat-self.html" target="_blank">a letter to my pre-expat self</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/05/create-life-you-love.html" target="_blank">create a life you love</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/08/23-fun-facts-travel-stories.html" target="_blank">23 fun facts + travel stories</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/06/dont-be-afraid-of-your-own-splash.html" target="_blank">don't be afraid of your own splash</a><br />
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-55618028512634588222017-08-07T15:41:00.001+08:002017-08-07T15:41:46.525+08:00of patterns and puzzles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
coming back to Taiwan every year is an adjustment, and this summer it feels more so than most. we've only been back a few days and I'm still in the thick of trying to create a new routine. I desperately want this year to be better than the last. blogging, writing, gym time, yoga, healthy eating, socializing... all these pieces I'm trying to put together. but the weight of this past year is almost crushing. on top of [or more likely made worse by] my food and health issues, I've been struggling with depression and anxiety. that may not be a pretty thing to share, but it's honest.<br />
<br />
several people have suggested to me that I should write about my food issues on this blog. I reacted quite negatively to that suggestion because I don't want this blog to be about my struggles with food, any more than I want my life to be about my struggles with food. <i>this is not the thing I want to define me. </i>but it is a part of my journey. and though I don't think I will write about it often, just locking away that part of my story and trying to ignore it doesn't feel right either.<br />
<br />
almost exactly a year ago, I had just returned from Vietnam and was on the cusp of falling victim to a C. Diff infection that would rule the next 9 months of my life. it took 3 months and 4 doctors to figure out what was wrong. I was very sick. I became a social hermit. I lost a lot of weight. [which -- many people felt the need to comment on how great I looked, without understanding, and it just felt like a backhanded compliment.] I fought to get better. it took another 3 months to heal myself to a point where I could go to the gym and start rebuilding my strength. and 3 months after that before my system returned to a semblance of normalcy. [which for me includes an absurd number of food allergies and intolerances, but at least I could eat more than rice and plain chicken.]<br />
<br />
then I spent a month this summer visiting doctors back in the states, trying to sort out all my digestive issues. the short story is: my C. Diff is gone, my system is generally in good health, but my food allergies and intolerances are still unexplained.<br />
<br />
the longer version involves allergy testing for 28 food items and 12 insect venoms. blood tests and biopsies for Celiac's. breath testing for lactose, sucrose, and glucose malabsorption. a full endoscopy and colonoscopy. and the low-fodmap diet on top of my usual no gluten/soy/egg/nut/shellfish diet on top of some truly ridiculous restrictions recommended by the gastroenterologist.<br />
<br />
I am grateful that my insides proved to be healthy. I am relieved that I do not have Celiac's or Crohn's or some other seriously damaging condition. but I am beyond frustrated that there was no clear answer as to why certain foods make me feel unwell. I am angry there is no explanation for why these issues began, or why they worsened exponentially 2 years ago. and I'm almost disappointed that with all the testing and diet changes this summer, I have yet to discover any new foods that cause significant issues.<br />
<br />
now I'm back in Taiwan. without any real answers. trying to adjust and figure out what I can eat. it feels like my life has been on hold since I got sick last summer. after everything I've been through this past year, it is -- demoralizing -- to think that I'm in the same place. that I have nothing to show for my troubles, other than an increased list of restricted foods.<br />
<br />
it is tempting to let that statement stand. it would be all to easy to accept a reality where I was a victim of a terrible year [I was] and to believe that year was a complete waste of my life [it wasn't.] just because it didn't go as planned, I didn't achieve all that I hoped and wanted, does not make the time meaningless.<br />
<br />
I've studied enough about writing to know that in the best stories, the heroine gets the crap kicked out of her. over and over, worse and worse. things get dark and ugly to the point where even the reader doubts she will reach her goal. but just when the heroine seems to be finished -- you realize that <i>this is not the end. </i>there's more to the story. and then, of course, she rises up from the ashes, solves the big mystery, and crushes her enemies in a blaze of power and redemptive glory. [at least in the books I like to read, anyway.]<br />
<br />
I'm not there yet. but with all the struggles of the past year, physical and mental, I have to hope that things will get better. and I'm doing what I can to control my fate and <i>make</i> things better. I'm pushing through my jet lag, organizing my closets and unpacking. trying new foods and finding workable recipes. making time for both the gym and catching up with friends. things are still in process -- but I have the pieces I need to assemble a life that keeps me happy and healthy.<br />
<br />
this is not the end. there's more to my story. and someday soon, I know I'll figure the puzzle out.<br />
<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-71433849170000756782017-07-27T16:00:00.000+08:002017-07-27T16:00:16.026+08:00my expat story: year 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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// yehliu geopark, taiwan</div>
<br />
this July 27th marks the 5th anniversary of our Taiwan expat adventure. [yeah, I can't believe it either.] in honor of this, I am going to be sharing a short series of posts reviewing each of those five years abroad. it's crazy to see how much we have done and how much we have changed over these years.<br />
<br />
these posts will be full of my favorite photos, memories, and lots of links if you're inclined to explore.<br />
<br />
technically, our journey to Taiwan began in Feburary of 2012 - when husband was hired by our first school in Hsinchu. I began this blog in May, but the date of our arrival in Taiwan was July 27th. you can read <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2012/07/time-travel.html" target="_blank">my first post from Taiwan</a> to check out some phone photos of our weird little apartment [before I decked the walls out in <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/03/for-your-monday-entertainment.html" target="_blank">chevron patterns</a>, chalkboard paint, and washi tape.]<br />
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// hualien and hsinchu, taiwan</div>
<br />
our first few months in Taiwan were spent half in honeymoon wonder, and half in culture shock. I became obsessed with the dragon-topped temples and delicious little xiao long bao immediately. we made friends with both new and veteran expats. we visited <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2012/08/taroko-gorge.html" target="_blank">Taroko Gorge</a> and fell in love with Taiwan's natural beauty [nevermind that we <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2016/10/that-time-we-accidentally-stayed-in.html" target="_blank">accidentally ended up in a love motel</a>.] each day was a challenge - <i>what can I eat, how can I communicate, what if I get lost </i>- but I did my best to <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2012/09/on-bravery.html" target="_blank">be brave.</a><br />
<br />
we bought a scooter. and then we had an accident in which I fell off the scooter and busted up my knee pretty bad. I was embarrassed and afraid to share how hurt I was and how depressed I became after not really being able to walk for 6 weeks. so I've never written the details of it on the blog, though I think it started to show in my writing.<br />
<br />
we took a Chinese class, which didn't really teach us much. I was [and still am] able to get around easily with mostly just smiles and nods. I figured out a grocery routine and which stores to buy what things at, and what had to be ordered online. we survived our first holidays abroad - <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2012/11/thanksgiving-taiwan-style.html" target="_blank">Thanksgiving</a> and <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2012/12/merri-xmis-expatirate-holiday-story.html" target="_blank">Christmas</a> - by starting new traditions and not letting homesickness overwhelm. by the end of the year I started to accept that while I had learned a lot, I still had a ways to go:<br />
<br />
"<i>I had a lot of expectations about where 2012 would take me. Taiwan... was definitely not on that list. from the moment we arrived here, it has been a learning experience. eyes opened. fears faced. stereotypes smashed. more than I had imagined, and sometimes less. it hasn't all been pleasant or comfortable, and at times was downright terrifying. but that's life. progress. growth.</i>"<br />
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// thailand, philippines, hong kong</div>
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2013 kicked off with our Chinese New Year break - and some eye opening travel experiences. learning to travel light [or lighter] and carrying a backpack, allowing myself to unwind and let go of planning every. last. second. was a challenge. but I made improvement with every trip. we spent a lovely 10 days falling in love with <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/04/railay-last-sunset.html" target="_blank">Thailand's gorgeous beaches</a> and <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/02/bangkok-wat-arun.html" target="_blank">sparkling temples</a>, a week sunning on the <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/05/boracay-this-is-our-last-goodbye.html" target="_blank">stunning island of Boracay</a>, and a long weekend <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/03/48-hours-in-hong-kong.html" target="_blank">adventuring in Hong Kong</a>.</div>
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it was during that spring I joined a blogging challenge, and really started to connect with other people online. I realized that travel and expat blogs were <i>a thing </i>and it gave me a bit more focus to my writing. [anyone remember when I used to post nail art tutorials?] I started writing more and more, from blog posts to keeping a journal. and I started thinking about writing a book.</div>
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I struggled for a while with the whole transition from being the primary breadwinner to "<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/05/intentional-unemployment.html" target="_blank">intentionally unemployed</a>." I cycled through several schemes, conversational tutoring, and casual substitute teaching but still struggled to figure out what it was I actually wanted to <i>do</i> with my life. [spoiler: I still haven't officially figured that out.] despite all that, I had a lot of fun testing out the possibilities.</div>
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// thailand, michigan, chicago</div>
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summer brought both trials and triumphs. my grandfather passed away, and I wasn't there because I was in Taiwan. our bedroom ceiling started leaking the same day our hard-fought <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/06/a-tale-of-two-mattresses.html" target="_blank">new mattress was delivered</a>. we survived <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/07/typhoon-soulik.html" target="_blank">our first typhoon</a>. my mother-in-law came to visit and we got out to explore a bit more of Taiwan, and then we flew to meet a good friend for a second trip to Thailand. [full of beaches and <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/12/ayutthaya-wat-maha-that-buddha-in-tree.html" target="_blank">ruins</a> and <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/09/cats-of-thailand-part-3.html" target="_blank">kittens</a> and <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/10/bangkok-wat-pho.html" target="_blank">temples</a>, oh my!]</div>
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and then, we went back to America. let me tell you - <a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/08/reverse-culture-shock.html" target="_blank">reverse culture shock</a> is a real thing. but being able to see our friends and family again, and gorge ourselves on baby spinach, bacon, and avocado was amazing. Luke flew back to Taiwan after a few weeks, and I actually stayed in the US until October [to meet new babies and attend weddings and such.]<br />
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I went through some rough patches, but I did the best I could. I think the biggest lesson I learned in year one was this: some days expat life is full of excitement and adventure, and other days its crying in the grocery store because you can't find tortilla chips and all you want is comfort food nachos.<br />
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<h3>
year 1 milestones</h3>
riding a scooter<br />
not having a dishwasher<br />
surviving accidental shellfish<br />
mastering chopsticks<br />
shopping at local markets<br />
killing a cockroach<br />
giving directions to a cab driver<br />
traveling with a backpack<br />
not wearing mascara on vacation<br />
using a squat toilet<br />
a million other things<br />
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5 countries traveled</h3>
Taiwan<br />
Thailand<br />
Phillipines<br />
Hong Kong<br />
Thailand [again]<br />
America<br />
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a few favorite posts</h3>
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2012/10/our-city.html" target="_blank">our city</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/05/boracay-ten-words-or-less.html" target="_blank">Boracay: ten words or less</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/05/intentional-unemployment.html" target="_blank">intentional unemployment</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/03/48-hours-in-hong-kong.html" target="_blank">48 hours in Hong Kong</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/06/a-tale-of-two-mattresses.html" target="_blank">a tale of two mattresses</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/07/taipei-beautiful.html" target="_blank">Taipei, the beautiful</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/07/michigan-sunrise.html" target="_blank">Michigan sunrise</a><br />
<a href="http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2013/07/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-life.html" target="_blank">10 things about life in Taiwan</a><br />
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500643575116271363.post-1943275601375124842017-07-24T05:27:00.000+08:002017-07-24T05:27:12.651+08:00Little Sable Point Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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it's no secret that I have a thing for lighthouses. so a few weeks ago when Husband and I biked the Hart to Montague trail in west Michigan - we had to take a detour to Silver Lake to visit Little Sable Point Light. [especially given that we had already seen the other 3 major lights in the region: White River, Big Sable Point, and Ludington North Breakwater.]<br />
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side note: over the course of this summer, I have visited 12 lighthouses in 3 states. no joke.<br />
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<br />
the draw of lighthouses for me is multifaceted: something historical, situated on the water, and with [usually] stunning views. even though we had already biked 23 miles that morning, I convinced Luke to climb the tower with me. Little Sable Point is 107 feet tall. but... my legs were already going to be sore the next day. so why not?<br />
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<br />
the views were totally worth the climb. I could wax poetic about third order Fresnel lenses and exposed brick. but mostly... I'm in it for the views.<br />
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as my time in Michigan winds down, this day stands out as one of my favorites from the summer. the trees, the sand dunes, and the blues of Lake Michigan - even the burn in my legs from climbing those stairs. I know I'm biased about my home state, but to me, this coastline is one of the most beautiful places on earth.<br />
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<h3>
visiting the light</h3>
Little Sable Point Light is inside a Michigan State Park so you will need a recreation passport [$11] to enter. to climb the lighthouse is a $5 charge, which goes to restoration and upkeep.Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08216777008834808521noreply@blogger.com0