Road Trip from Taipei to Kaohsiung: Qingjing Farm

Little did we know what our cousins had planned for the next leg of our road trip. It was one sweet surprise after another.

Taiwan may be relatively small, but its landscapes are incredibly diverse. Within minutes of leaving Taichung, the city gives way to winding mountain roads, forested hills, and spectacular scenery.

Perched nearly 5,740 feet (1,750 meters) above sea level in Nantou County, Qingjing Farm feels like another world. With its European-inspired architecture, cool mountain air, and sweeping views, the area has an almost alpine feel. Green hills stretch into the distance as clouds drift across the mountain peaks. It was a nippy 55.4°F (13°C) when we checked into Qingjing Farm Guest House.

The next morning, we got up bright and early and made our way down the hill to find a good spot for the famous sheep-shearing show. Afterward, the sheep were let loose to roam among the spectators, who could purchase food to feed them. It was a fun and memorable way to start the day!

Aren't they adorable?

We walked through the rolling Green Grasslands to a mesmerizing equestrian show. 

Walking the Qingjing Sky Walk, we were rewarded with sweeping views of the Central Mountain Range. Along the way, we passed food vendors, horses, and, of course, even more sheep—adding to the charm of the mountain scenery.

Our tour guides leading the way

When we were done exploring, we headed to nearby Puli for lunch at Su Mama’s Tangyuan (蘇媽媽湯圓), a popular local spot serving traditional Taiwanese favorites such as tofu, noodles, and tangyuan (sweet rice balls). She's even been featured on YouTube (see below)! The line was long, but it moved quickly, and before long, we were seated and enjoying a delicious taste of local flavors.

tangyuan or sweet rice balls served in a sugary syrup

Wonton noodle with meat sauce

a tofu dish

With its scenic mountain views, famous green pastures, and sheep and horses grazing peacefully along the hillsides, Qingjing made for a wonderful detour. Add in some delicious Taiwanese favorites, and this unexpected stop turned out to be another gem of our road trip. A big shout-out to our cousins for adding this special stop to our itinerary!

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday, Dare to Share Saturday, Altered Book Lover, and **Art*Journal*Journey*.

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Exploring St. Pete’s Waterfront: A Cruise on Tampa Bay

It had been several years since we last cruised around Tampa Bay. Earlier this week, we had the opportunity to get back out on the water. We set sail from Harborage Marina, just south of downtown St. Pete, on a beautiful summer afternoon.

The day was hot, sunny, and absolutely perfect for boating. With the sparkling waters of Tampa Bay stretching out around us, it was easy to settle into that relaxed feeling that only a day on the water can bring.

The highlight of the afternoon came when several dolphins appeared alongside the boat. They seemed to be having just as much fun as we were, playing in the water and riding the wake right at the bow. Watching them glide through the waves just feet away was one of those unexpected moments that makes a day on the bay unforgettable.

Thanks to my SIL, we got a close-up look at a dolphin! 🐬

Being back in St. Pete also brought back memories from another time on the water.

Back in 2005, we anchored in the Vinoy Basin while on our way to New Orleans. We had planned to spend some time cruising the area, but our plans quickly changed when the generator broke down. What initially felt like an annoying mechanical problem turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We stayed in Florida until the following summer. 

That August, New Orleans was devastated by Category 5 Hurricane Katrina. Looking back, we're incredibly grateful that we never made it there. What seemed like an unfortunate setback at the time may have kept us exactly where we needed to be.

We still have the nautical charts from that planned cruise. Every time we see them, we're reminded of how differently things can unfold—and how sometimes, the things that seem to go wrong can lead to a much better outcome than we ever could have imagined.

St Pete skyline, with mooring balls at the Vinoy Basin

Vinoy Basin, picture taken in 2009

The Vinoy hotel, marina and Vinoy Place condos

Spa Beach

The new pier, circa 2019

The old inverted-pyramid pier

Sadly, the iconic inverted-pyramid pier we remembered from earlier visits is no longer there—it was demolished in 2015. The waterfront has changed over the years, but there are still plenty of familiar sights and new discoveries along the way.

We never get tired of the creativity—and sheer playfulness—people put into naming their boats. Some names make you chuckle, while others make you stop and admire the cleverness. In Boston, we loved a catamaran called Cats Aweigh, whose dinghy was cleverly named Mouse Play. You have to appreciate a boat owner with a sense of humor! In Beaufort, South Carolina, we passed a sailboat called She Got the House every day. It was loaded with a bicycle, a motorcycle, and all sorts of fun toys. Every time we saw it, we laughed. Clearly, someone had lost an argument—and gained a very well-equipped sailboat!

As we made our way back to Harborage Marina, a few boats caught our attention. Their names were simply too good not to photograph and share!

Our friends' Fountaine Pajot catamaran was called One Love

Our latest cruise around St. Pete’s waterfront was a much happier chapter. Beautiful views, warm sunshine, playful dolphins, and a few moments of reflection made for a memorable day on Tampa Bay.

After being away for so long, it was great to be back. And if this trip is any indication, we’re already looking forward to our next adventure on the water.

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday.

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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!

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday.

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