Postcard from Taipei, Taiwan

What an exhilarating welcome to Taipei! One of our hotel rooms even had a view of Taipei 101—and, unbelievably—Alex Honnold was free-solo climbing the very same tower, no ropes, no safety net (read the news here). Jet lag, however, got the better of us, and we slept through the entire spectacle. Not that we’re particularly eager to watch that kind of adrenaline-fueled madness anyway. We already had plans to visit Taipei 101 ourselves the very next day—preferably with solid ground beneath our feet.

Night view of Taipei 101 from one of our rooms

The ever-popular Din Tai Fung greeted us as we entered Taipei 101, its famously long line already in full force. Tempting—but we had another plan for those legendary soup dumplings. We skipped the wait and headed straight to the lower-level food court instead, and wow—what a spread.What was supposed to be a quick lunch turned into a full-on tasting tour of Taiwanese favorites: oyster omelet, braised pork, dumplings, soup, and an array of small sides with pickled vegetables and greens. Every bite hit the spot.

Afterward, we wandered upward to explore the mall. With each floor, the shops got fancier—Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Patek Philippe—and yes, even a Ladurée café. Just walking through it all felt like part of the experience.

Instead of the top-floor observatory, we decided to try desserts and coffee at Simple Kaffa Sola cafe on the 88th floor. Big mistake. The service was slow, the pastries were forgettable, and the coffee? Meh. Sure, an affogato (ice cream with espresso) is always a safe bet—but mashed sweet potatoes on toast? We’ll stick to a Ladurée macaron, thank you very much.

Pretty colors, but dessert?

So we came for the view. Earlier that morning, rain had swept through the city, leaving the windows streaked and damp. When a couple of tables near clearer panes finally opened up, we jumped at the chance to snap a few photos. Even under a blanket of clouds, the bird’s-eye view of Taipei was undeniably stunning.

The next day found us at Hangzhou Xiao Long Bao, finally indulging in the aforementioned soup dumplings and pan-fried dumplings. 

 

With Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall located just across the street, it was the perfect place to enjoy some fresh air and walk off some calories. 

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial

Chiang Kai Shek, former president of the Republic of China

From there, we hit Ximending—a hotspot for the younger crowd. It’s the place to see and be seen. When night falls, the city comes alive: neon lights, nonstop energy, and street food on every corner.

Long lines for Boba tea at Joyful

the city comes alive at night

Dining at a buffet-style vegetarian restaurant

Happy New Year (Year of the Horse)!

Year of the Horse

The last three shots were taken back at Taipei 101, where festive decorations were already up not only for the Lunar New Year—the Year of the Horse, starting February 17—but also for Valentine’s Day.

Full of flavors, sights, and nonstop walking—our Taiwan adventure isn’t slowing down. Next up: Kaohsiung!

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Discovering Florida Botanical Gardens: A Hidden Gem in Largo, FL

We’ve always had a special place in our hearts for the Florida Botanical Gardens, visiting countless times over the years with family and friends. After moving back to the area last year, I finally had the opportunity to give back by joining the volunteer program.

Now in my second year as a volunteer, it’s deeply rewarding to work alongside other volunteers who share the same passion and to watch the gardens flourish, knowing I’ve played a small part in their care. Each season brings new lessons—about plants, gardening techniques, and the quiet dedication required to keep this hidden gem thriving.

Walking through the gardens, you’ll encounter winding paths shaded by towering oaks, vibrant flower beds bursting with color, and serene waters reflecting the sky, teeming with wildlife. Hidden nooks and charming benches invite you to pause and soak in the beauty, while meandering trails reveal native plants, butterfly gardens, and fragrant herb beds. Every corner offers something new to discover, making each visit a fresh and enchanting experience.

Light Bulb Clerodendrum, a spectacular flowering shrub

Here are a few photos I took just days before a cold snap rolled in — 39°F this morning! I’m hoping the sudden chill didn’t cause too much damage to the plants and flowers.

Volunteers at work

Can you smell the lavender already?

Giant milkweed

Quintessential Florida scenery

The Florida Botanical Gardens is dog-friendly, so your leashed furry companions are welcome to explore and enjoy the gardens with you. This hidden gem is slowly being discovered—and it likely won’t stay hidden for long. Of course, being a “hidden gem” is a double-edged sword: you want others to experience its beauty, but not at the expense of crowded paths, trampled plants, or worse—the audacity of people stealing them!

Click here to see hours and upcoming events at the Florida Botanical Garden.

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday Through My Lens and **Art*Journal*Journey.

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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Rides, Animals, and Family Fun

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not much of a theme park person. But when a sibling came to visit with a 14-year-old in tow, the question quickly became: where could we take them that everyone would enjoy? Busch Gardens Tampa Bay immediately came to mind.

While it may not be as massive or elaborate as the Disney parks in Orlando, Busch Gardens has plenty of its own charm and the bonus of being much closer to home. The park offers a unique mix of thrilling roller coasters and memorable animal encounters, making it a great option for a group with different interests. Since none of us had visited before, it felt like the perfect place to explore together.

Located in Tampa, Florida, Busch Gardens is a thrill-seeker’s paradise, featuring adrenaline-pumping rides like SheiKra and Cheetah Hunt. Looking to cool off? Congo Rapids offers a fun, splash-filled adventure—so be sure to bring a towel or a change of clothes! With attractions for all ages, Busch Gardens is the perfect destination for both adventure lovers and families looking for fun.

 

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is home to more than 12,000 animals, including kangaroos, flamingos, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos, just to name a few.  One of the park’s highlights is the iconic Serengeti Plain, where guests can observe wildlife roaming across expansive, naturalistic habitats. Safari tours, up-close animal encounters, and a relaxing Skyride with bird’s-eye views of grazing animals highlight the park’s strong commitment to conservation and education.

Yep, penguins in sunny Florida!

Families will appreciate kid-friendly attractions like Sesame Street Safari of Fun, along with live shows, seasonal events, and a variety of dining options. Whether you’re planning a Florida vacation or a day trip, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers an ideal mix of excitement, education, and entertainment.

Kids had a blast feeding the colorful Lorikeets

and shows at Sesame Street

We visited twice between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, and the holiday season was especially magical. The festive lights were spectacular, with a truly amazing light show at the Serengeti Overlook 😲🦁

We chose the Silver annual pass, and it turned out to be an excellent value. Complimentary parking and four guest tickets (two per quarter) helped the savings add up quickly—especially since holiday parking alone can cost $40. The Skyride is $5 per guest, and even with multiple visits, it took us three trips to experience everything the park has to offer. Overall, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an excellent option for repeat visits or travelers looking to maximize their time and budget.

Have you been to Busch Gardens? We’d love to hear about your favorite rides, animal encounters, or tips for making the most of a visit!

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