My Mere Vacation: 2010

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Taipei, Taiwan

April.. Hubby and I flew off to Taipei without informing any one in the family. We have bought the tickets a year earlier with eccentric cheap price. Great deal indeed at RM400 ++ for 2 pax returned tickets. I managed to inform a few family members regarding this trip when I am waiting for my flight to depart.

Kent was kinda excited to be in Taipei. You know those tele-game show that has been showing in the TV cable from Taiwan really hypnotize him. Kent arrange all the itinerary in Taipei whilst I did some arrangement on the hotel and airport transfer. It was Kent's first time to be in Taipei so he has the say to where and when to go.

We were picked up by a limo, yes a limo! Only both of us were in the limo. The airport transfer were awesome. It was so spacious and comfortable. At first I thought I will be placed in a narrow crappy old van with other tourist. Not a bad day after all.

We reach our hotel which is 10 minutes away from the Famous Xi Men Ding, have a quick shower then off we went wonder the city of Taipei...

This is where shopping and eating happens most of our time here in Xi Men Ding.

In case you want to know where we are eating you can check out our pictures in My Mere Life's blog

The opposite site of Xi Men Ding at the Red House.

Check out the youngsters. They are imitating the Jap's culture.

Don't eat me I am just a square face panda!

Steamboat lunch!

So the first day was eating and shopping around XI Men Ding.

Most of our time were in bed watching and searching 200 TV channels. Did I say 200 channels in our TV?

I am not lying!

Second day was more to touring, a nice landmark tours of Taipei.

Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

Another Memorial Hall. I can't recall the name.

Ok we went to this creepy tourists shop where we were told eating fawn powder helps this and that for the health. By looking at the dead dried fawn, who wants to eat it anyway? That is the name of the shop.

Taiwan eye which is beside Miramar Shopping Mall.

During the day of 101 building. KLCC is nicer!!!!

Kent and I then end up in Bei Tou for our little hot Spring Spa, the Taiwanese way.

We have this private pool for our selves.

It's a hot spring we didn really soak long in it.

After the hot bath, we went to Jiu Fen for more foodie, in Taipei there were many hawkers selling appetizer or junk food. I always like hanging out at the small hawkers area where there were ample of food to choose.

A picture showing how the BBQ the mushroom. Look how big the mushroom is!

This is at Shi Lin Night Market, people are queuing for the chicken steak.

Kent queued for 20 minutes for a nasty piece. It's not that special anyway.

So we walk into the crowd of Shilin Night Market. I didn;t hang out long the crowd gave me headache.

Again we linger awhile then back to our hotel watching Tivo again.

The very next day most of our time were in Tan Shui. Did nothing but stare at seas and goes for boat rides. Again more eating.

At the end of the day we went downtown to check out 101 Building. We were really disappointed. Darn dark! No spotlights for the tallest building. We still love our KLCC. hahhaa...

Then the very next day we woke up late , had little brunch, linger awhile in Xi Men Ding then off to the airport with a narrow van no more limo. Sigh .. . -_-""

Sunday, April 18, 2010

New York

New York …. Frank Sinatra , Alicia Keys here I come....

Start breaking the news… I’m leaving today.. I want to be a part of it New York New York …. Among all the states in the

, New York entices me the most. It has been my dreams to visit Manhattan for years. The yellow taxi cab, the Wall Street, Central Park it’s just luring. Hollywood movies did all the magic that brings me to it.

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After the exciting trips in North Carolina, I headed to New York. My jet arrived in LaGuardia Airport; we took a shuttle bus to our hotel in Times Square. It was exhilarating even though it was confined in the shuttle bus. I can’t wait to get to Times Square where everyone talks about. After the shuttle bus drops few passengers at their designated hotel, we were finally arrived. The hotel looks fancy enough as it is in its website.

We dropped our luggage headed to Times Square. We explore the area in Times Square. Judging by the laziness of me to walk we opt for the New York Hop on Hop off Sightseeing bus.. It is the easiest way to explore New York, New York from the East to the West, North to the South!

Our first stop was at Battery Park. It was way crowded to board to the ferry to get across the Staten Island so I took a little picture of the lady then walk up north to the Wall Street, check out ground zero. We then walk to the Brooklyn Bridge athwart to Brooklyn.

Battery Park . Mesmerizing at the Statue of Liberty.

We then walk up North to the Wall Street. The Bull caught my attention.

There is one in Pavillion, KL as well.

Ground zero was at the back of the red pillars.

Since the site was under construction, we walk towards Brooklyn Bridge.

This photo was taken in the middle of the Bridge.

Opposite of the Bridge is the Manhattan Bridge.

View of Manhattan during the day.

Chinatown. I am not sure if its still early. It kinda seem quiet. It is certainly big!

We stop at Rockefeller. We didn't manage to go up toThe Rocks as we were kinda chasing the time. So we stop take a few snaps of photos at the ice skating ring. Then head to NBC, bought few souvenirs from the NBC store.

Magnolia Bakery! If you watch Sex and the City you might want to try their cup cakes.

Few shops ahead you will see the Radio City Hall.

Walking is the best way to learn and discover New York!

There are only selected photos in here.

After that I visited the Hudson River and went up North Side of New York to the Harlem.

If I am not mistaken I have almost reach the 207th Street.

Look at the crowd in Times Square

Even Sponge Bob wants to be there!

At night we cruise around again. The city which never sleeps is a must to check out!

Chrysler Building. although Empire State Building is the tallest building in NY.

I find Chrysler building is much more unique and beautiful to place in here.:P

New York at night while we were cruising. We were heading to Brooklyn.

As we finished our sightseeing and touring around in New York,

we roam freely around in Park Avenue and Madison Avenue then towards Times Square
the day after.

Yes it's time to walk and shop now.

We start with a morning walk in Central Park. Too bad the trees are still dried without green leaves.

On the way to Fifth Avenue,

I was there to check if I pad was out . Too bad was told will be out early in April. Darn it!

Time Warner..... the first place where my shopping starts.

I was here .

Women gets crazy in here. It was having sales !
Shopping in the Fashion district was truly outrageous.
From Coach to Victoria Secret. You name it!
I love to shop in New York!
I didn't get the chance to watch a play in New York. If only time permits.
I will definitely be back for more.

If a movie is scene is in New York, I would say almost all the landmarks of New York has been conquer by me.
Trump Towers, Bryant Park, The Plaza Hotel, Bergdorf Goodman,Schwarz, Saks.. you name it!
I have been there...
I love New York!!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

How it starts in US – Winston Salem

I am back to the good old US of America! I am a big fanatic for USA! Flying to US was fun and at the same time tiring.

We transit in Shanghai ate few Shanghai-nese “Siu Long Pau” and beef noodles before we departed to Chicago O’hare Airport. The tarmac was covered with snow when the plane landed. Kent was really inspired to see the whole trail was covered with snow. What excites us most was when we notice our favorite diner at the corner. JOHNNY ROCKETS! After 2 and half years we finally get a bite one the fries and burgers. Well the taste is a bit out of our expectation. It’s not the taste we had while we were in Coconut Groove.

Arriving in Chicago Airport

Johnny’s Burger.

We departed to Greensboro, North Carolina via a jet where it can only occupy less than 30 passengers. It kinda looks like a private jet. It was a cool experience to be in one of that kind of jet. The size of the jet is less significant than a coach.

How the flight looks like. Smaller than a bus.

As we reach Greensboro Airport, we were greeted with a big FAVE FAN WINNERS welcome banners. We were showed to our limo with a big Fave Fan sticker at the side of the limo’s door. It was posh and I felt like a celebrities. As when we reached the hotel, man I was totally amazed. You should check out Gralyns. It was a first manor house I ever lived in. I couldn’t sleep that night I was there to explore the manor house. It was truly amazing to be in it.

Grayln House Manor

Inside…

There are 9 winners of Fave Fan around the world. We were all treated like Kings and Queens not only in the mansion but everywhere we go. We were greeted by a band, the mayor, CEO of Krispy Kreme, we were escorted by police, cameras, videos, what I love most we have fans and we were on TV news! It was eye opening and I felt proud at every moment.

I get to gain knowledge of and understand the cultural from all the winners, tasted the Moravian pie, I have the comprehension to make doughnut. How a multinational company’s CEO can be that kind and nice. How the organization of a Western company is so much dissimilarity than the Chinese companies. How the first tobacco came to Winston Salem. Identify who RJ Reynolds was. Exploring RJ’s house and discover history.

While in Salem Winston, I visited Reynolda Village and House, Old Salem, few university, renowned NBA basketball court. Then everything and whereabouts is Krispy Kreme headquarters, factory, and etc. I will let some pictures do the talking.