SOME OF OUR MOST LOVED PHOTOS

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  In Dec 2023, we headed to Ubud to close the year with another amazing memory.  In 2023 we found ourselves traveling almost once a month, sometimes two times for Chris' work or a marathon.  With each journey, we grew as a couple and learned more about the important meaning of life.  We are seeking health and wellness as our main goal in life- because without that, nothing can happen.  Our journey is still rolling along and we are excited to share what 2024 has in stored for us.  Thank you for joining us on this journey!

This was the most beautiful amazing stops with our tour guide.  It was amazing to see these terraces all made by man.  How they created a way to harvest rice and use the beauty of nature to give them the ability to keep wetland wet and dry land where needed.  They use old fashion ways still to til the land.  The labor that we saw makes us humbly grateful for what we have in America.  Technology makes it easier- but the old fashion way is actually a lot more rewarding- to see what you sow, you reap in harvest.  After walking over 3 miles we ended up at a cute cafe way high up the hills and the view was breathtaking.  Being close to nature while you exercise is the best way to rejuvenate your soul.  Stay close to nature and let it benefit your senses so you can live a long healthy life.

In December 2023 we wanted to bring our journey to a close with a trip to Bali.  It was an amazing experience.  The people and atmosphere there is like no other place.  You will feel so relaxed as you walk through the streets and smell inscents burning honoring the gods and spirits.  The food is so delicious and we stayed in Ubud at Elements.  They really know how to spoil their guests.  The whole time we were there, no rain and on the last day we decided to have a couples message at the resort.  The rain came and it was amazing to here the rain drops while we were relaxing.  We visited the rice terrace, two temples and the monkey forest.  The monkey forest was neat, it's not to big and the most important tip is to not look the monkey in the eye :-) hold on to your belongings cause they will grab them if you are not watching.

Situated just a short ferry ride from the city, you will find an exotic zoo with many animals that you wont see anywhere else.  We learned that the koalas sleep for 20 hours a day, and kangaroos can only be found in Australia.  We saw all kinds of interesting reptiles, land animals and birds. The zoo is nicely mapped and beautifully lush. 

Initially, this desert was not a tourist spot. Just like Blue Lake, this desert is a former bauxite mine that slowly turned into a stretch of desert that is so beautiful. The Quartz sand creates the crystal blue water.
 
Here, you can relax and take unique photos that are Instagramable. You can feel the atmosphere of the Middle East without having to visit the country directly.

1000 unique individual statues! Buddhist temple on the island of Bintan, Indonesia.  Each statue is unique and has a different meaning.  Peaceful place and beautiful with many opportunities to take photos of buddha and worship.

ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC PLACES TO VISIT IN KOREA.  THIS PICTURESQUE ATTRACTION FEATURING A VILLAGE OF COLORFUL HOUSES, PAINTED MURALS, SHOPS AND CAFES.  THIS WAS TAKEN AT THE ROOFTOP COFFEE SHOP, A MUST VISIT.  FROM HERE YOU CAN SEE THE SHIPYARD AND THE CHERRY BLOSSOM TREES.

Went on a solo adventure to Gardens By the Bay and checked out Floral Fantasy.  It was so beautiful and magical.  There are many spots for photos, which I took advantage of and the beauty of the so many different species of plants and flowers had me mezmerized.  The sound of the water falls will give you a relaxing feeling, sit and be still is all you will want to do.  It isn't very big, but it is worth stopping by when you are at Gardens By The Bay. Experience a magical escape at Floral Fantasy among suspended bouquets and creative floral arrangements.

The Fountain of Wealth is recognized since 1998 by the Guinness Book Of World Records as the largest fountain in the world. It is located in the hub of one of Singapore’s largest shopping malls, the Suntec City. The fountain is made of silicon bronze, and consists of a circular ring with a circumference of 66 meters supported by four legs. It occupies an area of 1,683 square meters, with a height of 13.8m. The base of the fountain is located underground, on the level of the main basement restaurant area of Suntec City. The circular ring top of the fountain is visible at ground level.  It is said if you circle this fountain clock wise three times and make a wish, it will come true.  The Fountain of Wealth, and in fact Suntec City as a whole, was constructed in accordance to feng shui principles. Surrounding it are five office blocks representing the fingers and thumb of a left hand emerging from the ground, and the Fountain of Wealth symbolizes the ring in the palm of the hand, guaranteeing the retention of wealth. In Chinese culture, water symbolizes wealth and life and the inward movement of water signifies the preservation of wealth for Suntec City. During certain periods of the day, the main fountain is turned off, so visitors are able to walk around a mini fountain at the center of the fountain’s base for good luck. At night, the fountain is the setting for laser performances, as well as “live” song and laser message dedications.  Have you visited this amazing iconic fountain?

The Malayan Flying Fox is the largest member of Pteropus. Head is red or russet, turns deep orange during breeding season. Males have stiffer fur and neck tufts. Females are slightly smaller.  This one here came charging at me while I was videoing, but come to find out, they are BIG but harmless.  Flying from one branch to another with hanging fruit, the Malayan flying fox is a sight to see in Fragile Forest ... don't miss this exhibit!

Cultural Heritage Park in Taichung City, central Taiwan, is a beautifully restored liquor factory showcasing art, history and design in blissful surroundings.

​

​A century ago it was a Japanese distillery but today the 5.6-hectare factory complex is one of Taiwan’s most dynamic cultural centers, offering a melange of art, educational, entertainment and historical attractions within a relaxing landscape.
 

THE FIRST PLACE WE STOPPED AT WAS THIS POPULAR BOOTH SELLING BINDAE-TTEOK,  WHICH ARE KOREAN MUNG BEAN PANCAKES YOU DIP IN A SOY SAUCE MIXTURE.  IT WAS SO YUMMY.  THIS MARKET IN SEOUL IS THE LARGEST, OLDEST MARKET IN THE CITY.  WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND STOPPING BY THIS MARKET WHICH ALSO FEATURES SEVERAL BOOTHS THAT HAVE BEEN ON NETFLIX. YOU CAN ALSO MAKE THIS PANCAKE AT HOME WITH FLOUR.  MAKE A BATTER THE CONSISTENCY OF PANCAKE MIX, ADD AN EGG, SEASONING, YOUR FAVORITE VEGETABLES AND FRY IN A PAN WITH A LITTLE OIL.  I AM ATTACHING AN EASY RECIPE FROM PINTEREST IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TRYING. 

​

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/26317979062910453/

KOREA IS FAMOUS FOR THIS SPICY SIDE DISH THAT COMES IN VARIETY OF WAYS, MADE WITH MANY DIFFERENT VEGETABLES. WHEN YOU GO TO THE LOCAL MARKET YOU WILL FIND THIS SPREAD.  IT IS AMAZING TO SEE HOW THEY DISPLAY FOR LOCALS TO BUY AND ENJOY. 

• Baechu kimchi: Cabbage Kimchi

• Kkakdugi: Diced Radish Kimchi

• Nabak kimchi: Water Kimchi

• Yeolmu kimchi: Young Summer Radish Kimchi

• Oi sobagi: Cucumber Kimchi

GWANGALLI BEACH  IS NOT AS BUSY AS SOME OF THE OTHER BEACHES IN BUSAN, THE SAND IS CLEANER AND YOU CAN ALSO FIND SOME PRETTY SEASHELLS.   IT IS A NICE AREA TO WALK, SO WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES.  YOU CAN ALSO VIEW THE WHITE GWANGAN BRIDGE THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO THE CITY.  IF YOU STAY TIL DARK, YOU CAN ENJOY THE COLORFUL LIGHTS AND FIREWORKS DISPLAY CAN BE SEEN. WE WALKED AROUND AND DINED AT TWO DIFFERENT BEACH FRONT RESTAURANTS.  WE OPTED FOR WESTERN FOOD, BUT THE BEST SEAFOOD IN THE AREA IS IN BUSAN.  AFTER DINNER, AS THE SUN WAS SETTING, WE WALKED ACROSS THE STREET WHERE WE GOT TO EXPERIENCE MAGIC ON THE BEACH.  WOW... IT WAS A FREE SHOW BY A LOCAL MENTALIST AND HE DID SOME MAGIC  WITH US, WHICH WE COULDN'T BELIEVE.  WE LOVED THIS AREA AND PLAN TO VISIT WHEN WE HAVE MORE TIME .... NEXT TIME WE WILL TRY THE SEAFOOD.

IN 1938 THIS BRIDGE STOOD 50 METERS TALL AND 200 METERS LONG, MAKING IT THE HIGHEST IRON BRIDGE IN TAIWAN. IT WAS KNOWN AS YUTENGPING BRIDGE, BECAUSE OF THE "FISH POISON CLIMBER" "YUTENG SHRUBS" WHICH THE LOCALS GREW TO DERIVE DEMONIC CARP AWAY THAT  THEY BELIEVED LIVED IN A LAKE NEAR BY. IN  1935, THE 7.1 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE, WHICH WAS THE DEADLIEST IN TAIWANESE HISTORY, LEAVES THE REMAINS OF LONGTENG BRIDGE PIERS.  TODAY, IT IS A SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL REMINDER OF THE POWER OF MOTHER NATURE.

THIS LARGE AND COLORFUL CONFUCIUS TEMPLE WAS BUILT TO IMITATE A SONG DYNASTY SQUARE-SHAPED PALACE.  EVERY YEAR ON SEPTEMBER 28, THE BIRTHDAY OF CONFUCIUS IS CELEBRATED. IT OPENED TO THE PUBLIC IN AUG OF 2021, AND TODAY MANY VISITORS VISIT FOR PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES AND WORSHIPING.

WOW!  FIRST TIME TRYING THIS EGG IN BREAD WHICH IS CALLED 'GYERANPPANG'. [GYERAN- MEANS EGG PPANG-MEANS BREAD] AT OUR FIRST STREET MARKET ADVENTURE.  SO MANY THINGS TO CHOOSE FROM, BUT WE WENT FOR THINGS WE HAD NEVER TRIED.  THIS DID NOT DISAPPOINT - SO MICHIESA (VERY GOOD) MAKE SURE YOU TRY THIS !

OUR FIRST MARKET WAS THIS OLDEST AND LARGEST IN SEOUL. OPENED IN 1964, THIS MARKET IS THE LARGEST TRADITIONAL MARKET IN KOREA WITH SHOPS SELLING VARIOUS GOODS.  YOU WILL NOT GO HUNGRY HERE.  THERE ARE SO MANY CHOICES AND PLACES TO STOP FOR A TASTING, AND WE CHOOSE A FEW JUST BY THE EAGERNESS OF THE OWNERS.  AS WE SAT, MORE PEOPLE DID ALSO, SO IT WAS NICE TO HELP.  THIS ONE BOOTH OFFERED PUCHINGEA (KOREAN PANCAKE) AND FRIED PEPPERS.  IT ALSO OFFERED SOJU AND MAKEGEOLLI.  WE HAD NEVER TRIED THE WHITE RICE WINE MAKEGEOLLI, SO THAT IS WHAT WE HAD.  THESE ARE THE TRADITIONAL BOWLS YOU DRINK THEM OUT OF.  IT IS A LITTLE SWEET AND NOTHING LIKE MILK.  COLD AND REFRESHING AND WE REALLY ENJOYED IT.

WHAT A VIEW!  WE DECIDED TO HIKE TO THE TOWER FROM OUR HOTEL WHICH WAS ACROSS THE STREET FROM SEOUL TRAIN STATION.  IT WAS A GOOD 30 MIN WALK  AND SO INTERESTING THE THINGS WE SAW ON THE WAY.   MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY FOR THIS HIKE.  IT IS VERY STEEP AT TIMES, BUT WE GOT OUR STEPS IN.  IT IS ALSO CALLED 'N SEOUL TOWER'.    WE LOVED THIS BREATHTAKING LANDMARK WITH GORGEOUS CITY VIEWS AND SCENIC SIGHTS.  UNWIND AT THE SERENE AREAS SURROUNDING THE ICONIC RADIO WAVE TOWER AND ENJOY NATURE AT ITS FINEST.  THEY EVEN HAVE A STARBUCKS AT THE TOP OF THE HILL- REWARD YOURSELF WITH A NICE DRINK!

IT WAS NEVER ENDING SEEING FOOD SO COLORFUL AND DELICIOUS, YOU JUST DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO GET.  I DID GET MANY PHOTOS BECAUSE IT WAS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME ADVENTURE - I WENT TO KOREA IN 2016, AFTER LEAVING IN 1975, WITH MY MOM, DAD AND SISTERS.  IT WAS A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE WITH MY FAMILY TO GO BACK TO OUR BIRTH COUNTRY TOGETHER. THERE WERE SO MANY PLACES WE DIDN'T GET TO SEE.  THIS MARKET WAS ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF MY TRIP WITH MY HUSBAND IN MARCH 2023, WHERE I ALSO CELEBRATED MY 51ST BIRTHDAY.  SO AMAZING, WONDERFUL FOOD, ADVENTURES AND COMPANY!

MIYAHARA IS A POPULAR DESSERT SHOP AND RESTAURANT IN TIACHUNG'S CENTRAL DISTRICT.  THEY ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR ARTISANAL SWEETS AND DESSERTS, SUCH AS ICE CREAM (AMAZING) CAKES, AND COOKIES (WE BOUGHT THE LEMON COOKIES) MADE USING ONLY THE FINEST INGREDIENTS.  MIYAHARA IS LOCATED IN A REFURBISHED, CENTURY-OLD, RED-BRICK BUILDING, WHICH USED TO BE AN EYE CLINIC, HENCE ITS CHINESE NAME.  WE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE A CO-WORKER TAKE US HERE TO DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF THE BUILDING AND WOW, THE LINE WAS LONG TO GET THIS ICE CREAM, BUT IT WAS WORTH IT.  THE NEXT TIME WE PLAN TO VISIT AND EAT AT THE RESTAURANT "MOON PAVILION" WWW.MOONSALON.COM.TW/  WWW.MIYAHARA.COM.TW/

WOW, WELL WORTH THE HIKE.  IT WAS PRETTY ROCKY BUT IT WAS ALSO LAYED OUT WELL WITH STEPS AND WALKING PATHS.  THERE ARE SOME AREAS WHERE IT IS JUST DIRT, BUT MOSTLY ROCK.  WE GOT ALMOST TO THE TOP- DECIDED ON THE POINT BEFORE THE TIPY TOP, AND THE VIEWS WERE AMAZING.  I ALSO FOUND A FEW HEART ROCKS ON THE WAY!  TRY THIS HIKE WHEN YOU ARE IN SEOUL.  

THIS TRADITIONAL TEAHOUSE IN TAICHUNG IS POPULAR FOR THEIR TEAS.  ALL THE TEAS THEY HAVE THERE ARE HIGH QUALITY BLACK TEAS GROWN IN THE MOUNTAIN AREAS OF TAIWAN.  I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE A NEW FRIEND INTRODUCE ME TO THIS BEAUTIFUL RUSTIC TEAHOUSE WHERE I GOT TO SIT WATCHING KOI FISH AND TURTLES, SIT ON THE FLOOR WHILE WATCHING THE TEA CEREMONY

SUCH A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE HAVING AUTHENIC KOREAN TEA.  THE CEREMONY  OF THE WAY IT IS SERVED TO BEING SIPPED, WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THIS VISIT.  WE ORDERED  TWO DIFFERENT FLAVORS OF TUUK (KOREAN DOUGH). WE LOVED THE ATMOSPHERE AND DECORATIONS.  OPTED TO SIT AT THE TABLE INSTEAD OF THE FLOOR.

OWAKUDANI TRANSLATES TO "THE GREAT BOILING VALLEY" IT'S  KNOWN TO LOCALS AS "JIGOKUDANI" (THE VALLEY OF HELL) AND IS FAMOUS FOR ITS BLACK EGGS, WHICH ARE BOILED IN THE SULFUROUS WATERS  TO GIVE IT ITS COLOR.  IT SAID TO ADD 7 YEARS TO YOUR LIFE IF YOU EAT ONE AND WE BOTH HAD TWO :-). THEY ARE GOOD, NO DIFFERENT TASTE THATN WHITE BOILED EGGS.  YOU CAN ALSO CATCH THE ROPEWAY FROM THERE AND ALSO SEE MOUNT FUJI IN A DISTANCE.  IT'S ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS WHILE YOU ARE IN HAKONE.

WE LOVED THIS TOUR.  IT WAS A NICE RIDE TO THE TOP TO BE THE CLOSEST TO MT. FUJI WHILE WE WERE THERE.  FROM OUR HOTEL ALSO YOU COULD SEE A CLEAR VIEW OF MT FUJI, BUT THIS WAS NICE ALSO.  THERE IS A PLACE TO EAT, GRAB SOME ICE CREAM AND SOUVENIERS AT THE TOP.

YOSEGI ZAIKU IS THE NAME FOR THE TRADITIONAL JAPANESE WOODCRAFT TECHNIQUE THAT MAKES INTRICATE AND COMPLICATED GEOMETRICAL DESIGNS USING THE WOOD FROM AN ECLECTIC ASSORTMENT  OF TREES FOUND IN THE HAKONE MOUNTAINS.  YOSEGI ZAIKU HAS A HISTORY OF RUNNING BACK MORE THAN 200 YEARS AND CAN FIND ITS ROOTS IN THE LAST EDO PERIOD WHEN MANY ARTISTIC FORMS WERE BEING SUPPORTED AND GAINING POPULARITY.  I ENJOYED VERY MUCH SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY HERE FOR GIFTS AND KNOWING THE QUALITY AND DESIGN WOULD BE APPRECIATED BY ANYONE THAT COULD OWN A PIECE OF THIS WORK.