TRAVELLING, PART 4

Another year went by since my last blog entry. Time to update where I have travelled this past year:

2015/09 (P) - Austria
2015/06 (B) - Stuttgart, Germany
2015/05 (P) - Northern Kyushu, Japan
2015/04 (B) - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2014/11 (B) - Singapore
2014/09 (P) - Greece

Just have to share two photos from the trips to Greece and Austria. I don't mind visiting those two countries again in the future.

I love the "Blue" in Greece!

Paradise on Earth in Hallstatt, Austria

 

P.S. Very excited about the upcoming trip in February 2016 to Israel + Jordan.

TRAVELLING, PART 3

Can't believe my blog entry for "TRAVELLING, PART 2" was posted in December 2010. Maybe it's about time to think back where I have visited during the past three and half years:

2014/07 (B) - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2013/11 (B) - Ho Chi Ming City, Vietnam
2013/09 (P) - England + Scotland, UK
2013/06 (B) - Stuttgart, Germany
2013/05 (P) - Hokkaido, Japan
2012/06 (P) - Kyoto + Osaka + Kobe, Japan
2012/03 (B) - Beijing, China (that time I actually landed)
2011/12 (B) - Beijing, China (didn't land but flew back in the same plane!)
2011/09 (B) - Singapore

A photo taken from the boat ride at the Lake District in UK. During the ride, "C" and I met two very interesting and energetic ladies (already in their 80s) from San Diego, USA. We had such a blast just chatting about anything. It makes you think how everything works in a mysterious way.

Less than one month away from my next trip~

GREECE  - here I come!!!

A DAY OUT - GAUGUIN & OTHERS

Paul Gauguin, "Conversation in the Pasture, Pont Aven"

Cecilia and I bought the tickets for the "Gauguin - Elsewhere" exhibition (11.27.2010 - 02.20-2011) back in November 2010, but only managed to go, finally, on Feb. 7, 2011 (yup, two weeks before it ends). It was the last day of the Chinese New Year holidays, and we decided to take the MRT because we know it would be extremely difficult to find parking spaces. To be honest, I don't remember much about the exhibition, so that's when postcards/cards come in handy, haha!

Paul Gauguin, "Landscapes from Arles"

Claude Monet, "Woman in the Garden. Sainte-Adresse"

The highlight of this exhibition is that we bought a bottle of red wine. Well, big deal...It is, actually. One side of the bottle is carved with Vincent Van Gogh's "Cafe Terrace at Night", limited to 1,000 bottles, and we bought bottle No. 1!



Left Taipie Fine Art Museum around 3:30pm, happy with our trophies, we did another "crazy" thing that afternoon - we waited in line for 90 mins to take a sweet bite of waffles which came highly recommended on the internet at Melange Cafe. When we arrived at 4pm, the number counter was at 351, and the ticket we got was 439! At the end, because it was just two of us and we were willing to sit outdoors, we got the seat quicker than expected and were not charged 10% service fee. Well, as nice the waffles were, I will probably not do this again! BUT...it was a fun day - a perfect note to end the holidays!

CAME AND GONE - CHRISTMAS 2010

Can't believe it's already 2011.

X'mas 2010 was just here, and I have evidence to show for... Cecilia and I totally redo the X'mas display this year (okay okay, she did the renovation) - with some we bought ourselves and some given to us by friends:

• the Nativity set is from Alessi
• the paper church is actually a X'mas card
• the cup set is from Rudi and Dave
• the Starbucks cookie jar is from Juliana

Our new favorite is Wallace and Gromit - Gromit is forever loyal to his master/friend Wallace and helping him throughout the year! Just look at the mugs, so cute! And we ordered them directly from the UK Royal Mail - it's part of their 2010 X'mas stamp collection.

We also tried something different this time - we grew our own X'mas tree. Yes! The X'mas tree leaves grow from paper tree trunk with help from magic potion. I documented the process with the camera... Isn't it amazing?

Yes, it came and gone, but there is always the next X'mas to look forward to. Before it comes again, wish you all a great 2011!

TRAVELLING, PART 2

In my very first blog entry in June 2008 (gosh, that's two and half years ago!), I mentioned that I love to travel, and I have the good fortune to continue doing so when my schedule allowed.

Update on places I have been during the past 2+ years -

2010/11 - Beijing, China
2009/09 - Northern France
2008/11 - Beijing, China
2008/10 - Southern Germany

One of my favorite photos from the Northern France trip - that of Mont St. Michel. Simply breathtaking!


Looking very much forward to the next trip, to wherever it may be...

WHEN EAST MEETS WEST

Travelled to Beijing for the 2nd time in late November - both times for business. While I didn't get to do any sightseeing during my first visit two years ago, I managed to do a little this time around. I had the good fortune of travelling with a colleague who had lived in Beijing for two years - he became our "tour guide" for half a day.

So we visited the Palace Museum and was surprised to see Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe dian), the biggest building in the Forbidden City, not under renovation. Our "tour guide" said he has been there four times and this is the first time he gets to see the building in its entirety.

What I want to mention, however, is the clash of eastern and western cultures in Beijing. Once a Communist society, China has gradually been influenced by capitalism. The Swatch and Starbucks stores located in a very Chinese looking commercial area is definitely a sight to see.

Also got to taste some good food. Have to thank our "tour guide" again for that. Nothing fancy, but food which I usually ate in Taiwan but prepared differently gave me a pleasant experience.



However, despite what nice things I might have said about Beijing, I won't want to pay another visit any time soon because it is just too damn cold...

FINALLY...A NEW TELEVISION

It has been forever since Cecilia and I talked about getting a new TV, and we told ourselves that we will as soon as the old one breaks down. So we waited, waited, and waited... Friends around us all said, "how could you keep staring at that tiny 21" television when you like watching TV so much?" We often wonder too...But we thought, why the need to buy a new one if the old one is working fine - except I almost have to lean forward every time I sat on the sofa watching TV.

But still we persisted...then the remote control started to fail us, but still we managed to "survive" by using my obsolete PDA (creative thinking on my part!) as an alternative to the remote control - except we have to recharge it every two days! This lasted for another few months...

Until one day, we finally said, "enough is enough!" After enduring 10 years of that tiny TV in our "huge" living room, we bought a 40" LCD TV about two months ago. To document this historical event, I posted the before and after photos.

Watching TV is never the same again...

FINALLY...BE@RBRICK

Ten years after it all started, Beabrick Series 20 was released end of June 2010. As my close friends know, I have only collected SCI-FI ones from Series 1-19 (with only 2 exceptions so far) and never bought any "secret" version. However, S20 has blown me away and I bought quite a few more than I intended to.

Specifically, the S20 ANIMAL is the adorable Gizmo from the 1984 movie "Gremlins", and the "secret" version is the scary Stripe. In the movie, Gizmo's new owner Billy broke the all three rules: 1) No water - it multiples; 2) No food after midnight - it turns evil; and 3) No bright light - it would die (but guess it was necessary at the end to kill all the bad gremlins). It's funny and scary at the same time, and plus Phoebe Cates plays Billy's girlfriend. I must have seen it at least 5 times.

Looking at the photo, you know why I just HAVE TO get them...

YOU ARE GOING WHERE?

My very close friend "C" has been making annual business trip every May with a group of about ten colleagues for the past five years to various places around the world. She always agonizes herself with the thought of travelling not for pleasure. Who can blame her - always the most junior person in the group (meaning she has to "take care" of her boss) and the only person to fly economy no matter how long the flight is.

Places "C" had travelled to for the previous four years:

2006 - Bariloche, Argentina
50-hour door-to-door travel for her return trip to Taiwan, ouch!

2007 - Kyoto, Japan
Got sick staying up really late to write business report

2008 - Madrid, Spain
Got many chances to practice her Spanish with the taxi drivers - "El recibo, por favor!"

2009 - Bali, Indonisia
Had her very first full-body massage, and very cheap too - 2 hours for US$18, tips included!

I myself have been to Kyoto and Madrid; never been to Bali yet (by choice) or Argentina, which might be "exotic" enough but at least I know someones (else) who have been there. HOWEVER... Are you ready???

Anyone who has been to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, please raise your hand!

For this trip, lots of money already spent before "C" left Taiwan - the single-entry visa to costs NT$9,900 (about US$300), and the economy round-trip plane ticket fare is NT$130K (or US$4,000). Ouch, feels like the Uzbekistan government is trying to discourage visitors... Of course, "C" did not return empty-handed. She brought back some very beautiful artworks:

Until her next trip, Uzbekistan will remain as No. 1 on the list of "You are going WHERE?".

WHO'S THAT GIRL, PART 2

You know whom I am talking about... and, this is not really a follow-up of my previous blog, but an effort to comfort any Madonna fan that might have been "annoyed". Ha!

Ever since her self-titled debut album in 1983, Madonna has certainly made a name for herself, not only as a singer, but also as a writer, an actress (well...) and a business woman, among other roles. I have to admit that I wasn't that into her music or performance style at the start. In fact, I didn't become interested in her music until her third album "True Blue" (1985). I liked more than half the songs in that album, and I wasn't even a fan then.

Over the past 25+ years, Madonna has displayed her talents as a singer and as an entertainer. She is bold, not afraid to express herself and is always full of surprises. Change is the only constant in her. You might not like what you see, but you are never bored by Madonna.

This week I just bought her latest 2-CD album "Celebration" (36 songs) as well as the DVD set (38 videos). Although I did own quite a few of her album CDs, I have never bought her music DVDs. So it's a big treat for me. I thoroughly enjoy both, and it's really not that expensive (NT$999 before discount, or about US$30), considering all the great songs and videos you are getting. I highly recommend them!

Oh, by the way, did I mention that Madonna is a Leo, just like me!?!

P.S. I thought Madonna gives good to outstanding performance in most of her music videos. How come she sucked in most of her movies???

WHO'S THAT GIRL

No. I am not going to talk about that 1987 movie starting Madonna.

No. I am talking about the deja vu feeling I often gets nowadays (due to old age) when I see a movie/TV actor or actress on the big/small screen but just can't recall his/her name. Don't you just hate that?

That's when this website comes in handy. It's the "Internet Movie Database" - http://www.imdb.com/. It provides all the details of any movie/TV-series that you don't even want to know. BUT, if you are having trouble remembering someone's name you see on TV or the big screen, this is the right place for you.

It also lets the users of this website to vote for the movies/TV programs they have seen - from the scale of 1 (worst) to 10 (best). As of today, the No. 1 movie in IMDB, with a score of 9.1, is "The Shawshank Redemption". By the way, "Who's That Girl" only scored 4.0. Guess the charm of music queen does not extend to the big screen.

QUOTES OF THE DAY

I came across this quote by e.e. Cummings (1894-1962) and would like to share it with you!

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter."

Here is another quote, by the less well-known Elsa Maxwell (1883-1963), which I try to live by as I am often very clumsy and make a fool of myself...

"Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can."

Hey, I just noticed these two were both American and lived in the same era. Maybe they knew each other! Who knows?

THE WORLD OF ROMERO BRITTO

Article by Cecilia

Photos by Sue

It happened so fast that Sue and I can only blame the October’s dusk of the evening in Germany, which highlighted Romero Britto’s art works under the bright illuminating rays of the Mensing Gallery, Baden Baden, enchanting us with this artist’s world glowing with childlike essence and sincereness in our first met.

And we had no one to blame but blame on our extremely good luck that our tour leader just asked us to meet in front of the luxury Mensing Gallery after the two-hour free time for random stroll, as well as the perfect timing that we arrived at the meeting place 10 minutes earlier than expected, which was used as the excuse to “take a quick look” at the gallery’s display for killing time. Therefore, when the “take a quick look” turned out to be 40 minutes lingering upon Britto’s brilliant creations, especially the adorable silver based “Good Girl” in the gallery, then what happened next - throwing lots of fortune, delay for dinner, and carrying a cumbersome yellow carton encased with “Good girl” for the rest of the itinerary - were not surprising to us. Now, the “Good Girl” has safely flown with us from Germany to our house, standing on the side table in the living room to watch over the two stray sheep occupied the single-person sofa for eight years.

To laypersons of art like Sue and me, it is the feeling of the first sight to an art work determines that we like it or not, and those with vivid colors and simple strokes can always catch our eyes most. That’s why we were so addicted to the “Good Girl”. In addition to the extraordinary features of colors and strokes, the reason Britto’s works engrossing audience is the ingenuous significance implied in his works, which seems all the flows and troubles in the world have been sifted, only hopes and happiness left.

Through appreciating Britto’s simple and unadorned portrait of daily life, it is like walking into a Utopia without any disturbance, experiencing Britto’s wonderful caring for socio-cultural environment, and all the restraint deeply hidden inside subconscious can easily get its way out. Still don’t believe in it? Go around Britto’s official website: http://www.britto.com/ for a visual and spiritual tour and then, verify.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN - "THE CALL"

Went to see the movie "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" one Friday evening last month. The movie is quite entertaining as I watched Peter, Susan, Edmund & Lucy returned to Narnia and aided Prince Caspian in his struggle for the throne against his corrupt uncle King Miraz.

The music is also very fitting. In particular, the song "The Call", written and performed by Regina Spektor (I have to admit that I didn't know who she is until I heard the song), totally captures the essence of the movie - the melody, the lyrics & Ms. Spektor's voice all come together to form a perfect song. If you have seen the movie, you would know what I mean.

IT REALLY MOVES ME!!!

To listen to the song on YouTube: http://tw.youtube.com/watch?v=7qRPURWXfA4

And I am also sharing the lyrics with you...

It started out as a feeling
Which then grew into a hope
Which then turned into a quiet thought
Which then turned into a quiet word

And then that word grew louder and louder
'Til it was a battle cry

I'll come back
When you call me
No need to say goodbye

Just because everything's changing
Doesn't mean it's never
Been this way before

All you can do is try to know
Who your friends are
As you head off to the war

Pick a star on the dark horizon
And follow the light

You'll come back
When it's over
No need to say good bye

You'll come back
When it's over
No need to say good bye

Now we're back to the beginning
It's just a feeling and no one knows yet
But just because they can't feel it too
Doesn't mean that you have to forget

Let your memories grow stronger and stronger
'Til they're before your eyes

You'll come back
When they call you
No need to say good bye

You'll come back
When they call you
No need to say good bye

ONE MAN'S TRASH, ANOTHER MAN'S TREASURE

Last November, I started an internet auction business to sell some junks that seem of no use or giveaways from department stores. Little did I know that I am bound for some surprises.

Of all the things I have sold so far (the auction site is now going on the 8th month, yeah...), one particular item is worth mentioning. It's featured in the photo... That's right - the camouflage jump suit. You may wonder how the hell I had this in my possession! Well, I got it more than two years ago for a company outdoor event, but for some reason, I didn't have a chance to wear it at all. As I looked through the stuffs and tried to decide what I could sell on the internet, I thought I'd give this camouflage jump suit a shot. What do you know... It was sold in 20 days... though not for a huge amount (NT$250, or roughly US$8, plus shipping)... but the fact that some one actually was willing to spend money to buy a piece of no-brand clothing that you can't wear in your normal daily life amazed me...

My trash could be someone else's treasure, for sure.

BLING BLING

"Wow! What's that shining little thing on her neck/finger/wrist?"

It's... jewelry, of course. I am also guilty of indulging myself in purchasing way too much unnecessary accessories. BLOOM from Japan; GEORG JENSEN & DYRBERG/KERN from Denmark; FOLLI FOLLIE from Greece... The list goes on and on...

However, I just want to talk about two brands in particular.

The first one is JUSTIN DAVIS from Japan, a brand which I discovered last October (through a close FRIEND whose first name starts with "C") and has spent XXX knows how much money on it. The photo shows my very first JUSTIN DAVIS ring (called "Lionkeeper"). I like it very much because of its detailed design and it reminds me of the Mouth of Truth that appears in the movie "Roman Holiday".

Another one is TIFFANY. I don't yet own anything of this brand (but I have a feeling soon it will be on my wishlist). The photo shows the bangle and the ring in sterling silver from its newest series called "Tiffany Notes" (again, this comes from my knowledgeable FRIEND with first name that starts with "C"). They are engraved with the store address of Tiffany's headquarter in New York. Charming...

"Life is too short. Just get what you want when you can." I tell myself, as I continue to spend money on the Bling Bling...

DAMAGES

One hour per week is simply not enough...

The first season of the acclaimed TV series "Damages" has been shown on AXN every Monday night for the past ten weeks. It starts GLENN CLOSE (the lady needs no introduction); ROSE BYRNE (who caught my eyes in "Troy" with her steaming love scene with Brad Pitt, and later in "I Capture the Castle" as the elder sister of the leading lady played by an equally wonderful ROMOLA GARAI); TED DANSON (my impression of him still stays at the "Cheers" stage before starting to watch this series).

I like it because it's thought-provoking in so many ways to the point that if I was able to guess the next plot, I would compliment myself. Besides the twisted plots (the series was nominated Golden Globe's BEST TV series), the acting is also first-rate (Ms. CLOSE won the BEST performance by an Actress; Ms. BYRNE & Mr. DANSON were nominated under the "BEST performance by an Actress & an Actor in a supporting role" categories, respectively).

Can't wait to find out what really happens as the finale of the first season approaches in three weeks. Glad to learn the series is renewed for another two seasons. Recommended to anyone who likes a good MIND GAME.

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA Season 3

My latest conquest is "BATTLESTAR GALACTICA Season 3" 63-card base set + binder + all the costum cards (C32-40 & DC3-5, a total of 12 cards). I haven't decided if I want to get the autograph cards. I was hooked to the TV series as I watched human and Cylon robots wage war against each other...

I started this "expensive" hobby only last August when I accidentally stumbled upon the world of non-sport trading cards (as I was innocently shopping for a set of Sponge Bob UNO card game for my two nehpews). Since then, I have collected almost all trading cards for HARRY POTTER, ALIAS and CSI (the Las Vegas series only). It is a whole new world, and I have learned so much by reading stuffs on the internet and magazines. I could almost claim to be an EXPERT now...

I wish more and more people would discover the fun and excitement that non-sport trading cards could bring to their lives...

TRAVELLING

I love to travel

Let me count the places so far...

2008/03 (P) - Jeju, South Korea (photo)
2007/10 (P) - The Czech Republic
2007/05 (P) - Tokyo, Japan
2006/09 (P) - Northern Italy
2006/09 (B) - Tokyo, Japan
2006/07 (B) - Detroit, USA
2005/10 (P) - Southern France
2005/06 (B) - Beijing, China
2002/09 (P) - Switzerland
2001/09 (P) - New Zealand
2000/10 (P) - Las Vegas, USA + Izu Peninsula, Japan
2000/08/30 - 09/02 (B?) -
2000/06 (B) - Seoul, South Korea
2000/03/28-31 (B?) -
1999/07 (P) - Singapore
1999/06 (P) - California, USA
1999/04/19-22 (B?) -
1998/10 (B/P) - Detroit/Mountain View, USA
1998/09 (P) - Kyushu, Japan
1998/03 (P) - Hong Kong
1997/06 (P) - Hannover, Germany
1996/07 (P) - Rome + Napoli + Ischia, Italy
1995/12 (P) - Spain
1995/09 ~ 1997/07 - London, UK


May the list grows a thousand times longer...