Reasons Why I Revisit Taiwan for Third Times

Hello blog readers! I just came back from my recent trip to Taiwan!

Instagram @dtdianateo 

Before I embarked my journey to Taiwan, my dad asked me, "How many times already you've been Taiwan?". I know I went not once but twice before but I love to return Taiwan again for more. Frankly speaking, comparing to almost all South East Asia countries I've been with East Asia countries, I prefer the latter one. Countries like Japan, South Korea and Taiwan especially, never failed to amaze me eventhough I went more than once. 

Customised 9D8N Taiwan Itinerary by yours truly

Forget about the language barrier, here are few of the reasons why I love Taiwan so much that I went back for third times:

1) Colourful & Unique Themed Accommodation

The experiences of staying in minsu and motel are completely different and unique comparing staying in a conventional hotel. I love the way how majority of these accommodation in Taiwan are decorated in varierty and colourful themes and decor to light up the atmosphere. Check out my post on Minsu (民宿) I Stayed in Taiwan

Our room on the first night for recent trip - Superman!

2) 7-Eleven & Family Mart Almost Have Everything

If we can't figure out what and where to eat, convenience stores would always be our choice. Their convenience stores, especially 7-Eleven are like everywhere within our sight. Just grab whatever you want, from bento to spaghetti, we never worry of being hungry whenever we're in Taiwan. Not just foods, you can even buy stamps, purchase train tickets, photocopy documents in the middle of odd hours. Absolutely convenient! Check out my old post on 7-Eleven in Taiwan.

3) Creative Postcards

I love postcards so much and majority countries I went would probably with photo captured from the camera as cover. Unlike in Taiwan, they are not only printed in typical hard cover cards but their postcards are designed and printed on wood, fabrics and even metal license plate.

4) Chop & Stamp Like A Child

When I was in Taiwan, I felt like I was like a young gal. I bought a mini notepad, solely just to collect all those cute chop and stamps whenever I saw around Taiwan. Even Boyfie joined me for this so-called childish activities. Majority of these stamps can be found in train stations, information counters and shops selling postcards. I was indeed a happy gal whenever I saw them.

5) Night Markets

Imagine enormous variety of authentic Taiwanese food, tasty snacks and drinks popped up from no where when the day turns to night. A visit to Taiwan is incomplete without a visit to any of their night markets, which believed there are more than three hundred of them. Almost every nights, I spent most of my night time wandered around the night markets, regardless in which townships including Kenting. Check out my old post on Taiwan's Night Markets & Foods.

Ruiefong Night Market in Kaohsiung

6) Milk Tea Overdosed

Coffee or tea? Of course, I choose the latter as I'm not a coffee lover. I rarely visit Starbucks or Coffee Bean but when comes to order any drinks, tea would always be on top of my choice. I had milk tea in Taiwan more than I drank mineral waters. Imagine milk tea for breakfast, lunch and even during the dinner time. But no worries, milk tea in Taiwan is definitely less sugar and yet, they are so tasty and delicious. Most importantly, there are even cheap. I got a bottle of milk tea from 7-Eleven for only NT$19, that's like less than 2.50 in Ringgit Malaysia. 

7) Sushi For Only NT$10

I'm huge fan of Japanese cuisines and I could have sushi almost every week. Surprisingly in Taiwan, the sushi there is only selling as low as NT$10, roughly around RM1.20 for a fresh piece, including the salmon one. Tell me, how could I ever resist from having them? For cheap sushi, do check out Sushi Take-Out or even at the 7-Eleven stores.

8) Bookstores, Watson, Carrefour Open for 24 Hours
It's like the city of Taipei never sleep. I knew there are few bookstores open for 24/7 but only until my recent trip, I was surprised when I asked the security guard of Watson what time does the shop close and he told me it's opens for 24/7. Even Carrefour in Ximending too.


9) Celebrated My Birthday
Two years ago, Boyfie had his birthday celebration in Taiwan, Two years later, I want mine in Taiwan too. I don't mind for not having a birthday cake, even a small piece but as long as I could celebrate abroad is what I wish for my birthday wishes every single year.

Actually there are even more reasons than the above of why I love Taiwan so much. Seriously, I don't mind going back Taiwan for the 4th time. Anyone been to Taiwan more than once?

Last but not least, thanks to Malaysia Airlines for the amazing flight to Taiwan. We flew directly from Kota Kinabalu to Taipei for return only RM650. Thanks for the upgraded to Business class too! #mas #malaysiaarilines

Siem Reap, Cambodia (2013) Day 3: Apsara Dance

Date Visited: 3rd March 2013

On the third day we woke up in Siem Reap, it was a drizzly morning and we informed our driver to cancel our plan for sightseeing cause majority of them are involved outdoor. After we had our scrumptious breakfast provided by the guest house, we went back to our slumberland again to continue our sweet dreams. 

Once we awoke, the rain stopped and we took tuk-tuk to a nearby shopping complex for lunch. Did nothing much on that day except for lunch and scouted around for souvenir shopping.

Because we have plenty of time to spend in Siem Reap, our guest house suggested to watch traditional Khmer Apsara Dance. The show is performed daily in a large-sized dining hall which I believe can accommodate more than hundreds of people at the same time. The walk-in price for the show is US$12 but we got the discounted ticket from our guest house for only US$8 per pax (approx. to RM26), which comes along with buffet feast, which we think it was pretty affordable and great bargain. 

#1: The Apsara Dance show was held at Angkor Mondial Restaurant. Our guest house even arranged tuk-tuk to pick us up from the guest house to the restaurant itself.

#2: Buffet feast with wide selection of Asian foods and few western foods to choose from

The ancient art of Apsara Dance is commonly seen as depicted on the walls of Angkor’s temples. Traditional Khmer dance is better described as 'dance-drama' it is not merely dance but also meant to convey a story or message. The dance performances are start differently at different venue but mostly around 7:30 pm or 8:00 pm and lasting about 45 minutes to an hour in all. Consisting 4 to 5 dances, Apsara Dance show is a show not to be missed for those who to know more about Cambodian culture and dance.

#3: The classical dance of Apsara Dance

 

#4:

#5: Theatrical Folk Dance which known as the 'Fishing Dance'

#6: Photo session with the dancers

Overall, I found the show was fairly fascinating and interesting especially with the graceful and elegant movements of Apsara dancers, although I didn't quite understand most of the show and dance was about. Food wise, nothing to shout out but pretty enough to satisfy our hungry tummy.

[Credit To: Canby Publications]

Sharing Saturday: Seven Great Reasons To Travel With An Auditor

NOTE: Eventually, I came across this article shared by Kaki Berangan and being as ex auditor myself, I found out majority of the points here are indeed so true. After granted permission from the owner herself - Phebe Bay, hereby are the "Seven Great Reasons To Travel with An Auditor". 

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Mention the word “auditor” and the image of a number-loving office worker punching numbers into the calculator until the wee hours of the night comes into mind. You would think that the hectic schedules of auditors would make them less than ideal travel partners, compared to marketing folks who have the chance to wine and dine all over the world while pushing out their regional marketing campaigns.

But I had the good fortune of travelling with two auditors on multiple trips, and I must say, they’re a big asset to travel with. If you have the chance, do acquire them immediately.

With my unqualified opinion on this topic, I hereby present you, seven great reasons to travel with an auditor.

1. Travel with an auditor and you’ll never fear getting cheated by money changers. 

I’m not sure about you, but I’m a klutz when it comes to counting foreign currency denomination bills. It takes me a good three minutes to re-count the amount of money the moneychanger has given me, and it has been proven that my auditor travelling buddies effectively take half the time.

2. Travel with an auditor and you’ll never get lost in timezones and miss your train. 

The Trans Siberian passes through 8 different timezones, and it was challenging trying to figure out the train timetables. Thankfully, in Irkutsk (a city in Russia), my auditor companion was quick to spot that the train timings were in Moscow time, which was five hours behind. With a quick snap of fingers, he was able to determine the train departure time rather instinctively. Trust me, you do not want to reach the train station only to find out that your train will be departing five hours later.

Deloitte – With credits: thetimes.co.uk

3. Travel with an auditor because they are excellent luggage packers. 

You never have to worry about not being able to pack everything in your luggage. It’s a #truestory. I discovered this by accident. Be it packing SGD300 worth of Laneige products, a flower vase and a pair of boots into a mid-sized luggage, or two bulky down winter coats and two sleeping bags in a 40 litre backpack, you name it, The Auditor will always find a way to fit it in.

A 40 litre backpack with two down coats and two sleeping bags

4. Travel with an auditor because they always come prepared 

If you’re the forgetful type who is always leaving your charger, adapter and toothpaste behind, The Auditor is bound to have one of those. My Friend S brought Leatherman knife on the Trans Siberian train journey, which acted as a can-opener, nail clipper, apple peeler and bread knife.

PwC – With credits: http://www.businessweek.com/careers/first_jobs/2008/3.htm

5. Travel with an auditor because they would have nailed down the planning for the trip way in advance. 

I’m a little bit embarrassed to say this, but most of my planning done for trips is on the plane. When the plane is 41,000 feet in the air, I’ll pop open my little guidebook and start ticking off the places I want to go. I was so hands off that several years ago, I’d wait until I got to my destination before deciding on where to stay for the night.

Therefore, my astonishment was only natural when Friend H suggested using an excel sheet to plan for our trip to Korea. Using her very nifty screenshot tool, screenshots of airline tickets, hotel bookings and sights soon populated the spreadsheet a matter of minutes. I still remembered gaping with a half-open mouth when she formatted the cells to look like those found in the balance sheet of financial statements.

An example on an auditor’s excel sheet used for planning trips ; )

Friend S took things to a whole new level. I guessed he had to because it was planning for the Trans Siberian, and planning was paramount. Just like Friend H, he used a spreadsheet, only this time it had several more tabs, of a calendar, budget list, hotel, transport and sight-seeing. The budget list even contained currency conversion rates for each column, much to my convenience

6. Travel with an auditor because they have an uncanny ability to decipher the characters of non-English letters. 

It’s a strange observation but the two auditors I travelled with breezed through the reading of Korean characters and the Russian Cyrillic alphabets quite easily. While I was staring at the metro signboard trying to make out the characters, I received a “come Phebe, let’s go” in a matter of seconds. It’s all very effective. I’m guessing this attention to detail comes from the time spent scrutinising the profit and loss statements of clients.

KPMG – With credits: www.peopledaily.com.cn

7.  Auditors are a hardy lot 

It’s a broad assumption, but I guess that anyone who can work consecutive 2am nights for months is hardy in his own right. He/she probably has the mental and physical stamina to deal with a crisis, or at least be well-adjusted not to breakdown, cry or whine, or demand to return home immediately when in a difficult situation. If you’re thinking of travelling extensively in China, I’ll suggest you acquire an auditor who has worked on China jobs to go with you. If that’s not possible, sit down with him/her for a pep talk. It will be very helpful.

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Practical reasons aside, I can think of a whole lot of reasons why you should travel with auditors. Maybe it’s good fortune that my auditor friends are sensible, fun “assets”, and travelling with them sheds a different light on the destination as well. That being said, it’s not always easy, for me and for them, (especially when my slew of unfolded clothes and underwear starts to intrude their space). It’s always a give and take. But a worthwhile one indeed.

Have you travelled with an auditor before? Did you have an unqualified or adverse opinion? Or have disclaimers to make? Do share your thoughts in the comment box below ; )

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Right after this post of her was posted, another auditor friend of her shares another seven more reasons to bring an auditor on your next holiday. That makes "Fourteen Great Reasons To Travel With An Auditor". So, what do you think?

1) Make sure the budget of the trip is well plan
2) They probably gather a lot of “prior year” experience into the trip
3) They will understand the trip first before “execution”
4) They probably able to argue/bargain their way out in getting discount from store owner because they are thick skin enough
5) They will make sure you don’t get cheated because they probably carry a calculator along with them and also, they probably know who is trying to tell stories(heard too much of it)
6) Good ways of getting cabs along the streets
7) Not very fussy when it comes to food or endure long hours without food (We have probably tasted the worst food in industrial parks)

This article was written by Phebe Bay from The Travelling Squid  

Follow me on Twitter | Instagram | Dayre | cause I'm currently away for another flashpacking!

Siem Reap, Cambodia (2013) Day 2: Part 3 - Ta Prohm Temple

Date Visited: 2nd March 2013

Angkor Wat - Checked!
Bayon Temple - Checked!

So what's next? Once we done with fulfilled our hungry tummy and quick nap (see enjoyable we were), our driver drove us to another Angkor's most popular temples among the visitors, the Ta Prohm Temple. When most of my friends ranked Bayon Temple as their favourite temple in Angkor Archaeological Park, I could say this temple is arguably my most favourite temple comparing the rest.

#1: East Gate - The Main Gate to Ta Prohm

#2:Pathway into the temple

It's quite sad to see largely of Ta Prohm Temple is heavily ruined due to its relative isolation but somehow, there are still certain area can be visited by the visitors. Some areas of the temple are only accessible through narrow corridors, hence it is advisable to wear suitable shoe and follow the landmarks and route indicated to avoid getting lost.

#3:

#4: Root of Banyan Tree growing on the Ta Prohm Temple

It seems like Ta Prohm Temple is like swallowed by huge living jungle. One thing that we couldn't keep our eyes from was the huge and strong Banyan Tree growing on the Ta Prohm temple. As this temple is recognized for its appearance as one of the shooting location of Tom Raider film which played by Angelina Jolie, today this temple is also known as Tomb Raider's Temple.

#5: Another group photo is a must. This spot is the most popular one as we waited for almost half an hour.

 

#6: Another famous spot whereby Lara Croft played by Angelina Jolie picked a jasmine flower underneath the doorway. Ooops, we accidentally blocked it.

 

#7: Young monks

With its dynamic interaction between man-made art and nature, this atmospheric and photogenic temple is absolutely one of the Angkor Archaeological Park's temples shouldn't be missed by everyone. Absolutely fascinating and surreal!

When is the best time to visit Ta Prohm? 
From the research we came across, the best time would be in the early morning to avoid the shades of the sunlight. However due to that reason, it attracted more visitors and thus, it will be pretty crowded and hardly to get a photogenic spot of the Banyan Tree growing on the Ta Prohm Temple. To avoid the crowd, it is advisable to go during lunch time or late afternoon.

[Credit To: Sacred Destinations, Tourism of Cambodia]

Siem Reap, Cambodia (2013) Day 2: Part 2 - Angkor Thom; South Gate & Bayon Temple

NOTE: I can' believe my last entry for my Siem Reap travelogue was in October 2014, it's like five months ago. Now the momentum of blogging is back and hopefully I could blog this finish as soon as possible cause I have plenty of backlog travelogues. 

Date Visited: 2nd March 2013

Once we done with one the top list to do in Siem Reap which was watching the sunrise from Angkor Wat, we had quick breakfast which prepared by the guesthouse before moving on to the destination. They prepared the breakfast as early as 4 am before we eventually went out to from the guest house. How thoughtful they were?

#1: Simple breakfast but enough to satisfy our hungry tummy 

Not far away from the Angkor Wat, we came upon the South Gate of Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom is a walled and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. One of the most well-known and greatest temple, Bayon Temple was built right in the center of the city. There are five gates to the city with four are at the cardinal points and the other one was leading to the Royal Palace area. And because each of these gate is crowned with four giant faces, sometimes I was confused which gate was standing in front of me. Among all the gates, the South Gate is often the first stop on a tour before entering the Angkor Thom. No wonder it was pretty crowded when we were there.

#2: A long causeway leading to each entry tower is flanked by a row of 54 stone figures on each side – demons on the right and gods on the left-to make a total of 108 mythical beings guarding the city of Angkor Thom - Source 

#3: South Gate Tower crowned with four giant faces

#4: Elephants passing through the South Gate tower

Bayon Temple is another iconic and richly decorated Khmer temple in Cambodia, besides Angkor Wat. Honestly to say, I can see that my friends were more impressed with the design of this temple comparing to the latter one. By looking at their impression, I could see that they were completely blew away with the architecture.

#5: Bayon Temple, standing gracefully right in the center city of Angkor Thom 

Can't deny that the most unique feature of Bayon Temple is the incredibly huge and massive stone faces of Buddha on the countless towers. Hence, it is known as Face Temple as well. Similar to the five gates tower, each of the tower of Bayon temple is sculptured with four giant faces - the remarkable architecture.

#6: A group photo is a must before we officially went and venture the temple 

#8: The iconic four giant faces of Buddha [Photo credit to kming]

Bayon Temple is not the only temple within Angkor Thom. There are quite number of temples but if you are in rush, you might just skip them apparently.

#9: Phimeanakas Temple 

#10: The view from the top of Phimeanakas Temple

#11

After spending more than 6 hours visited those amazing and incredible temples, we informed our driver to drive back to our guest house for lunch break for continue to the next pitstop.

#12: It was amazingly scrumptious - just like my mom's cooking! Price wise, they were kinda affordable - ranging US$2-3

To be continued...

DINTAGE handycraft

Something personal...

Because I'm not going anywhere within this nearer period, I did something which I'm passion about currently - making handmade greeting cards. 

 #1: Sesame Street Inspired Birthday Card 

Oh well! It's not like out of the middle of nowhere I'm currently addicted to those crafts and arts activities but it's actually been quite a while I did these crafty things since I was in secondary school. I used to make and sell handmade cards and bookmarks back in school then to earn extra money as both of my parents didn't allow me to work part-time in a fast food chain restaurants. Plus, getting those materials, tools and items of making those crafty things during that particular moment was relatively cheap and convenient to start a lil small business comparing the rest, right? 

But then, I stopped doing all these right after I went into college in Kuala Lumpur as I didn't bring along all those crafty stuffs with me, not until recently the sudden come-back feeling of making these handicraft cards making me more so addicted to it that I can sit down and create at least two different designs every single night and sometimes, I could eventually made until 1 or 2 in the morning.

#2: DINTAGE handycraft logo 

Just like any garments, shoes, handbags and so on, I did label my handicraft stuffs too and previously it was labelled under the name of DT Paper Art but soon I realised it was so boring and dull with the DT here, DT there and therefore, I came out with another new label, DINTAGE handycraft. It was actually derived from the word "VINTAGE" but I changed to D and what does DINTAGE stands for actually? Honestly to say, I have no idea of that as long I could still retain the letter of D and T, my notable initial.

Here are some of my creation which I did for the last two months and of course, if anyone of you are interested of buying them, just drop me an email at dtdianateo@gmail.com.

#3: My first attempt of making handmade Christmas cards and when I showed them to my brother, he asked why I bought a lot. 

#4: Handmade Birthday Cards Version 2.0

Made these before went for 18 hours road trip to Brunei and Miri last month so that I could give to my friend

 #5: Handmade Birthday Cards Version 3.0

 #6: Oh Mickey,
You're so fine, you're so fine, you blow my mind,
Hey Mickey, hey Mickey! 

#7: My latest creation - Handmade CNY cards

It's my first attempt and initially I thought it will be very hard to design one but who knows, I came out with not one or two but three different designs. I even told my mom not to buy any CNY cards anymore next year for my grandparents and relatives as I can make for her.

#8: My handicraft tools and equipments - Some I have keep for more than 10 years especially the craft punches 

#9: My shopping hauls - Crafts and stationery

Most of the times I got my stuff from Daiso, Kaison and stationery shops

And that's explain a lot why I don't update any of my travelogues lately. But no worries, as I will update my blog once my addiction is over which I'm not sure when will that be anyway. 

Follow me on Twitter | Instagram | Dayre | for more update of my latest creation 

on these crafty stuffs! #handicrafts #crafts #diy #handmade #cards #dintagehandycraft