Taiwan with the Uys

It was my first time in Taiwan.  We went to Taipei last January 26, 2012 , a Thursday, together with the Uy family.  We took a Cebu Pacific flight at around 11PM.  It was my first time also to ride Cebu Pac.  There was no food in the plane but it was alright because we slept through the flight.  We arrived at around 1AM and checked-in at our hotel - The Howard Plaza.  Here are some photos of our hotel room.

On January 27, we went on a half day city tour.  We visited a Chinese temple,

visited the Chang Kai Shek statue,

watched the changing of the guards

and went to Xi Men Ding for dinner.  In Xi Men Ding, we had the best misua I have ever tried in my life!  It was definitely yummy! There were a lot of people ordering. We had to eat standing up!

After dinner, we headed over to the Shilin Market.  I think it's the biggest night market in Taiwan!  There were so many people!  It was jam packed!  We were able to buy some pasalubongs here.


The next day, we did so many activities.  We started early and went to the ______________.  This place reminds me of Baguio.  It was very cold because we were up in the mountains.  The hi-light of this place would be the various quaint shops and yummy Taiwanese delicacies with lots of free taste!  Here are some photos.

Near the ________________ is the Gold Museum.  We went for a short tour inside the mine area.  It was a nice experience but it was quite dark and because I am claustrophobic, I wanted to get out of the tunnel as soon as possible.  Audrey was a bit scared, maybe because it was too dark.

We then made a quick stop for picture taking by the waterfalls.  I don't know what this place is called but it was picturesque!  The views were breathtaking!



We then proceeded to a place near the beach_____________.  There were beautiful unique formations!  After the tour, we went to a nearby area where they sold lots of Taiwanese delicacies, again with lots of free taste! Here are some photos of the rock formations.  By the way it was very super cold!


Then we headed to the Hot Springs!  Archie, Audrey and I had our own room.  The hot springs was in the mountains.  It was a great experience!  Audrey had the best time!  Just ask her why :)

 From the hot springs, we went to Taipei 101.  This is the second tallest building in the world.  Archie, Audrey and I decided not to go up to the tower.  Taipei 101 has a nice mall in the first few floors.  The shops are interesting and hi end.  We ate siao long pao for dinner in Din Tai Fung.  It was alright!

After dinner we headed to Raohe Market.  Smaller than Shilin, it was a food paradise for me.  Check out some of our pictures!



On Sunday, we went to the National Museum.  It was educational and there were a lot of interesting things to see.  However, we were not allowed to take photos.  We were only to able to have nice pictures outside the Museum, jump shots were aplenty!




Before heading back to the hotel, Archie, Audrey and I went to Carrefour, a giant hypermart.  We bought some goodies and pasalubongs.  We just happened to see Carrefour near Miramar Mall.  We took the MRT going back to the hotel.  It was so convenient.  We had to extend our hotel in the afternoon so that Audrey could sleep, in preparation for our 1AM flight.

Our schedule in Taiwan was quite packed.  But I definitely enjoyed.  Not too much shopping for me.  Rather, hardly any shopping for me.  It was the food and the sight seeing that I enjoyed the most!  I would definitely like to go back to Taiwan.  Although I still prefer Hong Kong, Taiwan would always be a nice place to visit!

Long Weekend at Clark and Subic

A four day weekend is a chance to go out of town and bond with the family.  This we did with the Uys in Clark and the Javiers and de Lunas in Clark and Subic. 3 hotels in 3 nights!

  

Our room at Holiday Inn Clark

Last Saturday October 29,2011, we went to Clark with the Uys.  We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Clark.  Audrey had  a nice time bonding with Angkong, Ama, Ninong Allen, Ninong Aubrey, Ninang Gail and Auntie Ana.  Most of our time was spent in the hotel, just chillaxing.

On Sunday, October 30, Archie, Audrey and I heard mass at 9am at Chapel 1.  After mass, we went to Hotel Stotsenberg to check out the Presidential Suite.  Lunch was with the Uys at the nearby Zen, Japanese restaurant.  The buffet was not bad for Php 595!

After lunch, we met up with the Javiers and the De Lunas at the Hotel Stotsenberg.  Audrey was too excited to see the Uys meeting the Javiers and the De Lunas!  She couldn’t control her emotions! Here are some pictures of our overnight stay at the Hotel Stotsenberg.

This was our 3 bedroom Presidential Suite.  It was nice and spacious but not super cozy. This hotel reminds me of Best Western West Covina!

The next day, 31 Oct, together with the Javiers and the Uys we went to Subic.  We had lunch at a Seafood restaurant near our hotel.  After lunch, we stayed in a very nice boutique hotel - The Lighthouse.  Here are some photos of our very comfy room.

You can see inside the bathroom from the room.  

Halloween  display at the lobby

AKU and O enjoying the pool

I went to Royal Duty Free and Pure Gold for some shopping with Tats, Mom, Ats and Betty.  I was lucky because Tats bought me a gray Lacoste T-shirt at the Royal Duty Free.  It was around Php 1800 only if I remember right.  Shopping at Pure Gold was also nice because their merchandise was very interesting.  While I went shopping with the Original Javiers, Archie and Audrey had a great time swimming at the hotel pool.  The hotel was located near the beach but swimming in the beach was not recommended.

The hotel has a selection of DVDs that guests can borrow while in the room.  Audrey borrowed the SHREK DVD! :)

 

This is Sands Restaurant.  We had a nice dinner and breakfast buffet.  I would love to go back to the Lighthouse again!  

We checked out before noon and headed to C (pizza place) at Clark for a delicious lunch.  We ordered our favorite Panizza and pasta!  Lunch was superb! :)  There was no traffic so we got to Pasig early in the afternoon.  The 4 day long week-end was well spent! :)