< Visited in Jul 2019 >
Lynda Lim 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣(80)
< Visited in Jul 2019 >
Lynda Lim 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣(82)
< Visited in Jul 2019 >
Lynda Lim 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣(38)
< Visited in Jul 2019 >Mention Wufeng 雾峰 and what likely comes to mind is the illustrious Lin clan (雾峰林家), one of the five renowned families in Taiwan (and unrelated to Taipei Banchiao's Lin Family 板桥林家, also one of the five). A suburban district in southern Taichung, about 30 minutes drive from the city central, what used to be a primarily agricultural town now makes a good day trip destination, easily navigated by bus and on foot. Originally known as Ah Zhao Wu (阿罩雾, Ataabu) for the aboriginal tribe inhabiting the district, the later-adopted name Wufeng 雾峰 appeared as early as the Qing dynasty, and formalizing in 1920. Reference to its old name can still be spotted on some street signs and drain covers. Lynda Lim 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣(72)
< Visited in Mar 2019 & Nov 2018 >Taiwanese breakfast needs no introduction, its popularity resulting in the local taste progressively being brought to other shores, even if not as impactful as pearl milk tea and chicken cutlet. For me, nothing beats eating the real deal in Taiwan, and do only the famous brands packed with tourists count as the real deal? Honestly, no. There are way too many gems that residents (in half jest) rather people from out of the city or country not know. Sihai (Four Seas) Soybean King 四海豆浆大王 is one such breakfast place for me. Lynda Lim 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣(370)
< Visited in Jul 2019 >Synonymous with Taichung's Wufeng District is undisputedly the prestigious Lin Family - 雾峰林家 (not to be confused with Taipei's Banchiao Lin Family 板桥林家). Hence, no visit to Wufeng will be complete without setting foot in their former residence - Wufeng Lin Family Garden 雾峰林家宮保第园区. (Note: the official website does not convey an English name, and there are several versions online.) As the clan grew, the now-historical landmark expanded into two sections, the Upper Mansions 上厝 and Lower Mansions 下厝. Unfortunately, most of the carefully preserved grounds were destroyed in 2009 September 21's earthquake (commonly referred to as the 921 Earthquake, believed to be the second most severe quake in Taiwan's history). What has been painstakingly reconstructed for public appreciation is still very much a must-do on your Wufeng itinerary. Lynda Lim 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣(66)
< Visited in Jul 2019 >Guangfu Village 光复新村, a highly anticipated destination in my Wufeng day trip for my love of old "military towns", is accessible by bus to Keng Kou Li 坑口里 (a mere 6 stops from Wufeng Market 雾峰市场, where I had a hearty breakfast). In the heat of 1950s' political tension with the mainland, the KMT government relocated some provincial offices to central Taiwan. Guangfu Village 光復新村 became one such housing site for public servants and their families. As recent as 2009, there were still some households residing here, until its officially becoming a cultural site in 2012. The Guangfu Village 光復新村we see now is a base for young entrepreneurs, home to cultural workshops, retail and F&B. Lynda Lim 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣(192)
< Visited in Jul 2019 >I hardly consider myself a sports enthusiast or fitness fanatic. The only time I get any exercise done is probably on vacation, by merit of the amount of walking I am happy to do. I try to include hiking trails in my itinerary where possible, and Taiwan provides an abundance of mountains and national parks, even within the cities. Lynda Lim 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣(1,120)
Taiwan introduced a no-kill policy at state-run shelters in Feb 2017, amid much doubt that it could take off operationally. This remains a real challenge, especially in the remote areas, but shelters are putting in good effort. It is demanding and costly to expect all shelters to comply instantly with the new ruling BUT, just like how Taiwan legalised same gender marriage, I can only say they have my respect for their initiative, way faster than what many supposed civilised countries are doing. I am an animal lover with my own furkids. I can't quite remember how I got to know Lang Lang (literally Wandering Strays) Don't Cry 浪浪别哭 - though likely from researching for pet cafes. What evolved since that accidental find is the discovery of a really purposeful establishment, founded by a couple who wanted to be halfway-house fosterers for cats and dogs, but felt that keeping these animals at home could barely give them the needed exposure among adopters. Marrying their love for old houses, the idea of a cafe, and a platform for dogs and cats looking for furever homes, Lang Lang Don't Cry 浪浪别哭 was conceived. (In September 2017, they established a second cafe in Taichung, as part of their grand plan and from crowdsourcing funds; and in Feb 2020, testing operations in their third outlet in Tainan.)Lynda Lim 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣(3,155)
< Visited in Jul 2019 >Having been in business since the 1990s, Shi Dong Market 士东市场 after a revamp is now positioned as a five-star traditional market. The award-winning market caught my eye online with its stylish stalls, even making its way to IG posts. With about 250 units over 2 floors, you can find everything that you expect of a traditional market, and more. If there is any flaw (for me), it's probably its not being within short walking distance from MRT stations - which obviously doesn't dent its crowd. Lynda Lim 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣(227)