Groove with the Young and Trendy at Ximending

The hip and trendy at Ximending

Are you young (or at least young at heart), fashionable, trendy, and hippy? If you answer ‘Yes’ to all the mentioned descriptions, you got what it takes to be seen at Taipei most popular, trendy upbeat shopping haven! If Tokyo has its Ginza, New York City has its Broadway St, then Ximending is definitely the ‘it’ place for Taipei. This hot spot is choke-ful of shops selling everything a youngster could ask for. Be it fashion, fast food, tattoo, piercing, sunglasses, sneakers, snacks, CDs, magazines, movies, theatre shows……you can basically find everything here that fits the ‘cool’ bill for a hippy, hormone-raging youth. Well, I know I mentioned Ximending is a shopping haven, but for a light traveler like me, I’ve managed to learn to curb the shopping maniac side of me when I go see the world. All because it just look so-not-cool to walk out of the airport/bus station/ train station carrying loads of bags, looking tired and haggard just handling the load, even before any sightseeing starts. So yeah… no shop-until-I-drop indulgences on traveling trips for me. (Unless it’s specifically a shopping trip!)

What is youth culture without grafitti?

So what do I do at a place like Ximending with no intention to shop? Worry-not. The sights itself is enough to steal my soul away. Ximending dates back to the Japanese era when it rules Taipei. It has developed and grown with time, filling up the need for fashion and entertainment for the people. Trendy and upbeat as it is, Ximending has an underlying solid tone that tells you that though it serves the young and feeds the youth culture; it has no doubt successfully hidden itself as a true old grandpa place, ever so faithfully dishing out candies to passing youth.

My favourite cheapest travel itinerary: people-watch

With storefronts covered in kitschy neon lights, naked wire, artsy graffiti, and jumble of colours, it makes a perfect study for the ‘art of raking up a new look’ for an old historical place. If you look carefully into the street alleys, away from the crowd, you’d find the edgier side of Taiwan’s youth culture where they truly work and shop. It’s a discovery of the true Ximending, on how life can be, in an alleyway right in the heart of Taipei city, building an understanding for a culture, dissecting the similarities or differentiation of lifestyles, away from what you see at home.

Be wowed and entertained by street stunts & performances!

Besides the alleyways, the crowds make a great opportunity to do people-watching. At the pedestrian streets of Ximending, you’d see youth parading around at their best. Though it may be somewhat different to what I’d normally wear when I was their age, but hey! Don’t discriminate, being a youth is all about being different.

Thank God they're doing this on the street during day light time! (Street shows)

I often get amused with the most bizarre way of dressing up that a person can get away with. What can look totally dynamic and stylish on one person can just totally make another look so ‘off’. I used to drab myself in safe boring colours and shapeless big Ts, until my very own dad got fed up with me and insist upon the role of my personal fashion advisor. I couldn’t help but smile watching teens in their choice of style, and I wonder what their parents think.

Get lucky to run into celebrities' CD albums launches

Walking along the streets at Ximending is definitely a must if you want to feel of the vibe of youth culture in Taipei. With random street performances, music CDs launches from hip atiste, small concerts, this is certainly not a place to have the chance to feel bored with. Ximending is there for what it serves in the first place: to entertain. Find great travel deals to Taipei at PYOtravel.com Photos credit to Flickr contributors.

Another Kind of Excitement in Wuling Farmstay

Whenever I hear the name, Taiwan, what I have in mind would be Taipei 101 Tower, Shilin Night Market, Jolin Tsai and Jay Chou. Haha! It’s such an auto-reflex that my instinct connects these items to the letters combination of T-A-I-W-A-N.

In my previous blog about Taiwan, I’ve talked about Taipei and its marvelous attractions. This time around, I would love to share about Wuling Farmstay. Hmmm… Things that appear in my mind when I hear the phrase, “Wuling Farmstay” are green forest, fresh fruits and wooden house. True enough, do expect a lot of greeneries!

Wuling is well-known for its mountainy and hilly landscape. Its cool weather and geographical landscape make it the best place for farming. Wuling is located relatively not far from Taipei city. However, it's got a completely different environment from the busy city of Taipei.

Wuling Farmstay gives you the opportunity to experience staying overnight in the natural environment, being surrounded by grass, flowers and trees. Fresh greeneries such as vegetables and fruits can be found easily here. Actually, if you’re lucky enough, during the fruits season, you can merely pick a ripening fresh fruit like plum, peach and apple from the trees and taste them. It’s the most effective way to shorten the time to market of those fruits!

Besides that, you might also stand a chance to witness wild life, roaming around the forest and trees. Animals like deers, mandarin ducks, butterflies and various species of birds welcome you to Wuling Farm. Colourful flowers such as roses, calla lilies, plum blossoms and pansies, bloom everywhere naturally. I suppose it is like watching your own private channel of National Geography, right in front of you. Isn’t that great?!

I’m sure most would be wondering what kind of rooms to stay in such a natural place? Well, they have hotels there just like any other hotels you can find in town or city area. Basic necessities are well-equipped there and if you want a different experience, try to set up a tent at their camping site, which I think is also another interesting activity to do with your friends and family. Do not worry. There are tents and other camping equipments ready for rental there. Hmmm… I’m thinking of a picnic or campfire at night.

I think a farmstay in Wuling would give you another kind of excitement. I’m pretty sure that you’d enjoy staying there, being surrounded by nature and fresh clean air. For me, I would love to keep myself away from the city buzz once awhile in Wuling.

Photos credit : Prince Roy

Love is in the Air of Taipei...

Calling all newly weds! Cracking your head thinking where to go for honeymoon? Well, I may suggest T-A-I-P-E-I! I know there’s a special package by PYO Travel.com designated for lovey dovey newly wed couples.
Now, you must be thinking what can you do in Taiwan for honeymoon? Easy, think HOTSPRING! But don’t only think one, but NINE!!! Yes, there are 9 different hotspring baths with different functions and effects for your health. It’s all in Beitou, the hot spot (real hot!) of hotsprings. I am sure your partner would love to try out all the different hotsprings here with you. You may even book the private hotspring room for privacy. Isn't that a memorable way to start your life after marriage?
What else should two love birds do in Taipei? Imagine yourself, sitting in a huge Ferris Wheel, embracing your beloved partner, enjoying the scenic view of Taipei’s skyline. It is something like the Eyes on Malaysia EXCEPT this one is attached to the roof top of a shopping mall! Sounds interesting? Yes, I know. It’s the Miramar Entertainment Park Ferris Wheel. So, besides the Ferris Wheel, it's also a shopping haven to shop 'til you drop!

When you’re in Taipei, you would never want to miss Taipei 101, the previous tallest building in the world. Admire its structure and may I suggest a mini game for you both? Try to find as many ‘fengshui’ features around or on the building. I am sure you can easily spot abundant of them! Another thing I like about this building is its whole building structure. It was constructed according to the concept of a bamboo plant. It’s a way to avoid the building from collapsed during earthquake and typhoon. Very creative and innovative!

Shilin Night Market equals to non-stop shopping and eating! The long stretch of food and goods stalls starts their busy day around 4.00pm until late midnight daily. I don’t know what the reason is, but the fresh fruits here just taste super sweet! There are also limitless choices of local delicacies and snacks for us to savour.

Don’t hesitate any longer. Bring your other half here and launch your love journey and spread your love in the air of TAIPEI...!

Live to Eat while You’re at Taipei

I think it’s an Asian/ Malaysian thing. We have this gastronomical appetite to eat all the time. Eating to us is more than just a need to survive, more than a desire to live, more than a duty to our living body to put something into our mouth, making sure our body has the energy it needs to function. We take great pleasure knowing that we not only eat to live, but we live to eat. So what is better than to live to eat while you’re at Taipei?

In Taipei, night markets are a frequent occurrence at various streets in different parts of the city on different days of the week. . It is a street market that comes alive around five in the evening and peaks as night envelops the earth in darkness. But fear not, colourful neon lights and humble yellow tungsten bulbs will one-by-one blink into life, bringing light to showcase a myriad of food fares that will sent anyone salivating.

the many stalls at Shilin

Shilin Night Market at Taipei city is by far the most popular night spot for locals as well as tourist to sample the famous Taiwanese street cuisine, commonly known as ‘small eats’ (小吃). The servings come in little portions like the Spanish tapas so that people can try as much different food as possible without filling up the stomach too quickly.

A cheerful, happy, noisy crowd

You see hoards of people surrounding various stalls selling their signature dish, excitement clearly written on their face as they talk animatedly with their friends or family around them while waiting patiently for the moment to bite into heaven. The thing that is most delightful to eating at night markets is you get to try the various taste of different paradise, as created by the hawkers. (Tip: the more people waiting at a particular stall, the more you should wait in line and try it too! It’s most probably good.)

I will happily confess to you that I’m a food junkie, totally absolutely addicted to eating. The ecstasy of tasting divine flavours of the world is enough to bring forth an orgasmic pleasure. More wonderfully added to this experience is that I can see so many others sharing this passionate bliss with me. Lets dig in with me now and see what you can find at this infamous Shilin Night Market.

Good old traditional Pepper Pie

This sesame coated pie is to die-for. According to the locals, this pie originated from Foochow, China. It has made its way to Taipei and pepper was added to create its current identity. Baked in a traditional wooden charcoal burning oven, it takes just slightly more than 10 minutes for this pie to turn golden yellow and smelling good. It is definitely one of the phenomenal eats to try while you’re at Shilin.

Taste the Juiciness of these Xiao Long Pao

I know this dish may be known as ‘Shang Hai’ Xiao Long Pao, but the ones at Shilin have its individual taste. There’s a way proper way to try these ‘little paos’. First, bite a little hole at the top of the Xiao Long Pao, then you breathe in the delicious smelling steam from the ‘juice’ inside as it cools down, next you put the whole Xiao Long Pao into your mouth and feel the juice flow as you bite into the juicy meat inside.

Foot long Sausages, anyone?

The Westerners have their hot dogs, the Chinese have their jumbo sausages. Fat and juicy and up to a foot long, these sausages is simply mouth-watering. There are a number of flavours for you to choose from too from different stalls. Because it is so long, it’s a good idea to buy one from each flavour and share it with your travel partners.

Errr... who wants to try?

Ok, I have to admit that this does not look too appetizing; I can also guarantee you that it doesn’t smell like your normal tantalizing food aroma. This is all because it’s the notorious Taiwanese ‘Ma Po’ Smelly Tofu! I think it takes guts for a lot of people to try this. For me, I’ll just pinch my nose shut, and shove it into my mouth. I believe the taste gets better if I give it another few more tries. (Beware, it’s spicy! But you can also choose the not-so-spicy version)

There are so many more unique fares that can be found at Shilin Night Market that one night there is simply not enough to try it all. I so wish I can eat non-stop from 5pm up to 2am. I’ll feel so bloated, but I know I’ll be satisfied. No complains here, I’ll come back!

Do share with me what other food you find good there and let me know ya!

** Check out the hotels which are located near Shilin at PYOTravel.com

Taipei's Secret Hideaway: YangMingShan National Park

Sometimes, as exciting as it is living in the hustle and bustle of a metropolitan city, life can slowly turn grey along with living in a glass and concrete jungle, no matter how glamorous it can be. I believe to live a healthy balance life, we need to strike a balance between being a sophisticated person and having the ability to care and enjoy Mother Nature. With that said, spending my time venturing into any and every gardens, parks, and national parks in all parts of the world is a sure thing in my 'must-visit' list.

I love to smell the sweet scent of flower blooms, the scent of freshly cut grass, the oxygen filled fresh air that photosynthesis of the plants provide… it is all these freshness in Mother Earth that brings alive every pores in my body to a heighten level, feeling alive and energized again.

In Taipei City, the capital of Taiwan, the proud citizens get to boast about YangMingShan, their very own national park right at its door step. It is really quite an extravagance to have an unspoiled well-preserved all-natural national park just 30 minutes away by car from downtown Taipei. I was told that if I’m not driving, there are buses leaving for this infamous hideaway from the city every 10 minutes. How convenient!

fumaroles

Being a collection of majestic peaks in Taipei, YangMingShan National Park is densely dotted with numerous hot springs, fumaroles and craters, and other geothermal phenomena from the underground volcanic activity. It has tall silver grass which covers the top of the mountains, forests of invincibly strong bamboo, and endless fields of flowers during spring and summer. For avid hikers, you’d be spoilt with an infinite list of trails to hike your heart out over there.

With so many things to do, I want to share you on the best things to do now at Yangmingshan National Park from June to August when summer reigns.

1. Take in the majestic panorama view of Taipei.

Sunsets have always enthralled me. It is a wondrous moment. It is even more magical as you watch the last few streaks of sunlight slowly bid you farewell for the night while the twinkling lights of Taipei city take over the night shift. It will be a moment of breathless silence as the beauty of it all sweeps you off your feet.

2. Have a revitalizing dip at the ‘Milk Lake’.

I’d like to do this early in the morning before the Earth warms up. Closing my eyes as I soak in this therapeutic and natural mineral enriched marshy lake warmed by sulfurous fumes vented in the bed underneath, the mist that hung around slowly dissipates and I’ll get to open my eyes to a clear blue sky.

3. Hike one of the many trails.

Take a hike up to Mt. Cising, the highest summit in Taipei itself. ‘Cising’ translate to ‘Seven Stars.’ I believe it makes the hike up the breezy wind-swept meadow a spirit renewing journey just as if you’re walking on stars. The views along the path will sure inspire you to want to stay there a good longer time.

4. Get a touch of history at YangMing Villa.

After the hike, visit this double-storey traditional Chinese building which dates back to 1895. Besides having a feel of what life is like back in the 80’s, you can also go back into time through the life of Taiwan’s former president Chiang Kai-Shek as seen in the photos and personal belongs which he had left behind.


Check out what's up for grabs for your trip to Taipei, remember to go visit YangMingShan National Park!