Taiwan: YehLiu Geopark

In the past, there was only water.  Today, we have the YehLiu Geopark in Taipei.

This geopark surfaced after the water went down.  This was formed due to geological forces that moved the Datum Mountain out of the sea.  Rock formations appeared and people saw different shapes in them.  This is now being preserved by the GuanyinshanNational Scenic Area Administration, and was already turned into a tourist spot.

When we went there it was raining hard and the wind was breezing strongly.  But it didn't stop us from walking past the ground full of soil.  Who would let the bad weather stop them from seeing these wonderful formations.  The most famous rock formation there is the Queen's Head.

Queen's Head

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Palawan: The Subterranean Underground River

The Subterranean Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Palawan is now best-known as a finalist for the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition. Because of its placement as a finalist in the competition, the Subterranean Underground River has been gaining an increase in popularity and visitors. After a visit to this World Heritage Site,  I can proudly say that its placement as a finalist is well-deserved.

 

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Café 1771: A Touch of Whimsy

A few years back Chateau 1771 in El Pueblo Ortigas closed shop. News of this left me bewildered and saddened at the same time as my family has celebrated a number of special occassions at Chateau and we've always been satisfied with the food they served. 

Little did I know that a younger, less stuffy reincarnation of Chateau was in the works and that is Café 1771. Café has a different look and a somewhat different menu (some of our favorites from Chateau are still available), but the experience was less like meeting someone for the first time and more like seeing a close balikbayan friend who has lived abroad for some time and has finally come home.

   

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Tagaytay: Mr. Moo's Fresh Milk and Kesong Puti

Driving from Batangas to Tagaytay, we would often pass by Mr Moo's large bright pink and black sign selling fresh milk and kesong puti (white cheese). It was only after aunt's recommendation that we finally decided to stop and give it a try. After a sip of Mr. Moo's fresh milk, I was mighty glad that we got out of the car.

 

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LTC Pick for January: Trip to Japan - check!

One item crossed from my bucket list. One of my dream destination and it was worth all the preparation and money.

Japan is a combination of something new and familiar. The people were nice and helpful (even if we usually had to resort to sign languages) and the weather was a bit friendly. It only rained a few times during our stay and the weather had allowed us to enjoy out trips before drenching us during late afternoons.

First stop: Osaka - commercial and industrial center of Japan.

The Cebu Pacific half fare promo was the catalyst for our trip. It was a big saving for us and gave me an excuse to justify to myself the cost of our trip. Our flight landed on Kansai airport, about an hour away from Osaka's cicty center. There's a tourist friendly Kansai Pass that was budget friendly for our 3 days stay at Osaka. We checked in at Chisun Hotel near the Shin-Osaka subway station.

Some of the popular tourist spots in Osaka are the Osaka Castle, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Tempozan Market, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

On to Kyoto, famous cultural center that was once the capital of Japan.

Although entrance to castle grounds is free, there's a fee to enter the castle

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