Travelogue - Auschwitz

The past we inherit, the present we create. 

One of the cities I visited whilst on exchange was Krakow. My friends really wanted to go to Auschwitz to see how it was like. Prior to going on exchange, I had zero interest in history. But after actually seeing the places you read about in books, and see in movies, it strikes you just how poignant history is. These places not only serve as reminders, so that those horrible episodes will not be forgotten. But they also teach. They teach the present generation to be thankful for what we have. When you're staring at a room full of shoes that used to belong to someone else from the past, someone who had their life ripped away from them, it strikes you deep inside. 

I found myself reading more about history after that, learning about the second world war, the cold war and recounts of those who by sheer strength and courage, survived. 

And this, is my journey to Auschwitz. 

Travelogue - Taiwan, The Last Few Days

Our last few days in Taipei were spent doing last minute shopping and checking out more night markets. This time we headed to Wu Pen Fu Night Market. The food there was needless to say, amazing! I especially love the grilled oysters! I would have eaten loads of it if I wasn't already so full. So. Damn. Delicious. 

Other delights at Wu Pen Fu include Braised Pork Rice, Pork Ribs noodle soup and more! Although this night market is smaller than others, the food is ridiculously good! Even though you're full, you tell yourself that you have to eat more because you don't want to miss out on any potential sumptuous dish. 

The last day in Taipei was spent shopping around, and hunting down more of our favourite food. We left the country happy, full of delicious food, and a resolution to go on a detox diet once we got back home. Taiwan was amazing, and I cannot wait to go back to explore other areas, and of course, try more food! 

And this, marks the end of my 2013 Taiwan trip. 

Chasing Life.

I'm starting to find it more and more challenging to be on track with updates. I'm two and a half months into my job, and the workload is starting to increase. More often than not, I find myself exhausted after a day of work, and having to come home to prepare for classes the next day.

Nonetheless, I enjoy work so much. Interacting with kids, and seeing their precious smiles can make your day. There's just something so heartwarming about a child you've taught before giving you a warm smile when they walk past you, or waving happily to you as though they haven't seen you in ages.

I'm going to do my best to be better at time management and dedicate some time weekly to sharing travel stories. Here's to better time management skills, easing (still!) into my busy work life, making time for friends, and hopefully, traveling more!

Till then.

Travelogue - Taiwan, Day 11 (Taichung)

On the second day in Taichung, we set out to explore the Tung Hai University and the city centre. The highlight was the Luce Memorial Chapel - which was unique because of its architecture. The journey to the university didn't take long, and we got to enjoy some sights along the way. Traveling in Taichung is really easy, because the buses provide the stop names in both English and Chinese. We had a data plan which also came in useful at times. 

Travelogue - Taiwan, Day 10, A little bit of Feng Jia

Woke up to a beautiful day! The sky was blue, the breeze just right. We didn't have much to do in the morning so we sat around the hotel's courtyard, taking in the sunshine, and enjoying a good read. This was our designated traveling day. 

Travelogue - Taiwan, Day 9 (CingJing Farm)

After a night at Sun Moon Lake, we headed further up the mountains to CingJing farmlands. The nice cool weather was a welcomed relief from the hot humidity of Kaohsiung. We took a taxi up to save time! The drive up was scenic, and enjoyable, although I did fall asleep - I'm like that in cars. Once we stepped out of the taxi, it was like stepping into a fairytale. We were surrounded by greenery and clouds. To add to the magic of it all, there were adorable sheep all around, grazing as though they had naught a care in the world.  

Travelogue - Taiwan, Day 8 (Sun Moon Lake)

One of the highlights of my Taiwan trip was our visit to Sun Moon Lake. I had done some research, and been wowed by the lovely pictures online. As a scenery lover, I could not wait to soak in the beauty of this lake. To my dismay, it was raining the day we went to Sun Moon Lake. The lake was shrouded in fog, and the weather, wet and cold.