Roadtrip from Taipei to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, part 1

After six blissful days savoring the food and soaking in the vibrant energy of Taipei, we began our journey south toward Kaohsiung. But instead of speeding down the highway, we took the scenic route — thanks to our cousins (Ta Ming, Wai Ming, and crew!) who rented a minivan for us and even joined us for the first leg of the adventure. What followed was a road trip filled with fresh mountain air, cultural discoveries, and delightful surprises.

Our first stop was Wulai, a charming hot springs town just an hour from the city—yet it felt a world away. The winding mountain roads, surrounded by lush greenery, made the drive itself a refreshing escape from urban life.

We made a stop at Neidong National Forest Recreation Area for a short and easy hike to see the waterfalls. Tucked within the forest, the paved trails led us to cascading falls surrounded by vibrant greenery. It was an unexpected highlight of the trip—a peaceful retreat and a welcome respite from the buzz of Taipei.

Neidong upper falls

After the hike, we stopped in Wulai’s old town, where a dramatic waterfall provided a scenic backdrop for lunch. The area has a strong presence of the Atayal people (泰雅族), one of Taiwan's indigenous communities, and we enjoyed local dishes at a nearby restaurant.

The highlight was the bamboo rice—we had to bang the thick bamboo tube hard enough to crack it open ourselves, revealing perfectly steamed, fragrant rice inside. Many of the vegetables were new to us, making the meal both delicious and eye-opening.

see those bamboo sticks of rice?

Wulai Waterfall

Wulai Old Street

Exotic mountain vegetable and fruits

After lunch, we hopped on a small train down the mountain, where our driver was waiting to whisk us away to Full Moon Spa Hotel for the night.

train ride down the mountain

Full Moon Spa (top left building with the red sign)

The hotel is a charming little spot right in town. There’s an elevator up to the lobby, but reaching the rooms requires walking down a set of steps—something to keep in mind for the elderly or anyone with limited mobility. The highlight, of course, was the enormous spa-like tub in our room, complete with a lovely view of the river. Filled with piping hot spring water, a long soak was the perfect antidote after a full day of exploring.

view of the mountain from the restaurant

A delicious hot pot seafood dinner was part of our room package

Unbeknownst to us, there was no heat in the room—and the temperature had dipped to a chilly 56°F  or 13.3°C. It was cold!

Around the same time, much of the southern U.S.—especially Nashville, TN — was battling a major ice storm and widespread power outages. All things considered, we’d much rather brave the cold in Wulai than the ice in Nashville.

Our next stop was in Taichung, but it'll have to be another post. Stay tuned.

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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.

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