We Got a PUPPY!!!

This story isn't about travel, but it is news for us. If you know us, you know we're both animal lovers. I can't count how many time Kate has wanted to stop into pet stores just to get an animal fix.


Well, a few weeks ago we were in a Singapore mall and stopped by a local pet shop... We were both instantly striken by an adorable maltese puppy. We went home to talk it over and think about everything it would entail considering our schedules, our travel, and the training it would require.... but we were both still hooked.
So this is the newest member of our family, Bella. She is just about 2 lbs now and will probably only grow to 5 or 7 lbs fully grown.


She is an energizer bunny of playfulness, but she is just as happy to cuddle up and make us feel human again in the midst of the daily grind.

She's already doing well in her puppy toilet training, and we've only had this little 3-month-old pup for 3 days. The family just got a little bigger. :)

You can see some more pictures of Bella here: MORE PICTURES OF BELLA

Taipei, Taiwan - Day 2

I'll keep this short because we have a lot more to talk about.

Day two of Kate's visit with me in Taiwan was a lot of fun too. We visited the famous National Palace Museum. This is cool because when Japan invaded China in WWII, the republican government of China took all of the ancient imperial art and moved it into hiding. After 10,000 miles the government took the treasure with them when they retreated from the new Chinese communist party to the Island of Formosa (Portugese for Beautiful Island), aka, Taiwan.

So this museum has the single largest collection of ancient chinese art (8,000 years worth) even though it isn't "technically" in China. (although China would disagree).

Anyway, enough history. After wandering through awesome sculptures, paintings, porcelean, etc, we took a blind adventure to one of Taiwan's many natural hot springs. We were able to find some in the city, but it is still summer, so getting into hot water didn't sound too inviting. Like Kate said, we'll definately have to explore the mountains in the winter some time.

Finally, we explored the Gongguan night market. Another exciting culinary adventure, Gongguan is more spread out down side streets and therefore less crowded (it was also a sunday). But the food was delicious, and we enjoyed this market as well.

The rest of the Day 2 pictures are here: MORE PICTURES

Crash Course Taiwan Day 1

A long weekend in Singapore means time to explore a new country. As Adam was in Japan for work and needed in Taiwan on Monday, I met him in Taipei on Saturday. The rushed trip proved worth the hassle of flying through Manila and we had a wonderful time.

We started the trip with the obligatory visit to Taipei 101, the tallest building the world...we'll see how long that title lasts. The Sears Tower and Empire state building were among the top ten highest listed, but the real race seems to be in Asia. I'm not a fan of elevator rides but the trip to the top took about 40 seconds and the elevator put on a little show, lighting up like stars on the ceiling and letting you track your speed and floor on a display. The top offered great views of the city as well as the mountains. It was mighty windy at the top...

Next we wondered around the city and came across a street fair with local delights. There was even some nice live music.

Next door there was an event run by the SPCA. There were some dogs with some crazy hair styles. Dogs are very popular in Taipei. I lost count of the number of pups we saw being carried around the city in bags and riding on scooters. Even cats went around with their owners.

Then it was time for the Night Markets!! AKA - Heaven for foodies like Adam and me.

We had a blast exploring the tiny alleys and seeing what culinary creation we could find next. The key to finding the best food? Long lines. If locals are lined up it will be worth the wait. We joined lines and had no idea what we would get until we got to the front but were never disappointed. The language barrier was more prevelant in Taipei than in Singapore where most people speak English. This trip I wished I new more Mandarin other than Hi and Thank You. But the universal point to "I want that thing" and showing how many with your fingers worked well.

One item that I wasn't even temped to try was stinky tofu.

We enjoyed the Shi Lin Night Market the best but the adventure of going to snake alley at another market was exciting/terrifying. There was a cobra just sitting on top of a cage ready to strike. These scaly creatures were not just for show, they were to eat. Needless to say, one walk through and I couldn't get out of there fast enough. I managed to snap one picture of a boa but the shop owners don't like pictures to be taken. I couldn't help but think that PETA would have a hissy fit here.

Here's everything in pictures.

I'll let Adam tell you about Day 2. We stayed in the city for this trip but I'd love to go back and explore the mountains.

End of the AUS Trip

Life has been a whirlwind since we got back from AUS. Work has been busy for both of us, but it's about time I wrap up the AUS story. It all seems like a dream now that we're back to reality.



After our excitement in Sydney we rented a car and drove about two hours to the Blue Mountains. Adam had found a beautiful little cottage in a valley for us to stay for two days. It took us awhile to find the place as we had to drive from the top of a valley down to the floor. On the journey down there was a drastic change in landscape as the surroundings turned from rain forest to rollings hills.



A husband wife team run the Sunset Lodge and small winery. We arrived right as the sun was setting on the picturesque scenery and you couldn't help but take a deep breath to try and absorb the moment. Living in Singapore there is never a need for a fire to heat the room so it was a wonderful change get a fire crackling.



Much to my delight we went horse back riding the next day. I wasn't looking for a trail ride where you follow the butt in front of you and go slow as molasses for 2 hrs...thankfully we booked a ride on an off day and was just Adam, me and our guide, a girl from the states who was traveling after finishing college. We were able to gallop and canter and I was reminded how much I love horses. We even came across some wild kangaroos in a clearing. I couldn't help but think, would someone from a country without deer freak out about seeing them like we did seeing the kangaroos?

Here's some mountain pictures

We drove back to Sydney the next day and walked around the city some more. We ended up going to the aquarium that was well worth the admission fee. Aquarium pictures. We stayed in the Lord Nelson pub the last night - Adam was very excited about this. On a 6 day journey we managed to stay at a pub and a winery.

It was a trip of a lifetime and just thinking about it reminds me how lucky I am to have opportunities to explore the world and how how blessed I am to have found Adam.

Were off to Taipei next!