July 2023
Getting into China is a process, but as an American, I can enter Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau visa-free. With tensions rising, I thought this summer would be an excellent time to go, and I am glad I did. These places have significant Chinese cultural influence, though each has its own flag and currency. However, in all three of these places, they also fly the Chinese flag and often the Chinese flag was flown higher or was larger.
Upon my arrival in Taiwan, I was immediately surprised by how tropical it was. Something else I liked about Taiwan is how it offers the best of both rich and poor Asian countries. You can find high-end shops and restaurants, as well as great street food and night markets.
Taipei 101 is a major landmark in Taipei and was the tallest tower in the world before the Burg Kalifa was built in 2010 in Dubai.
Yea, it is really big.
Taipei skyline.
This 660-ton damper ball is at the top of the building and helps to stabilize it during an earthquake or storm. The mass of this ball is 1/1,000 of the building and cost around $4,000,000.
Lots of photoshoot setups around the observation deck. I felt a bit ridiculous asking a dude to take my picture here.
Met a really nice lady whose family has run an antique shop here for generations.
She let me sit on her throne.
This is traditional clothing from one of the indigenous tribes of Taiwan. There are 16 indigenous tribes in Taiwan. For centuries people had been coming to Taiwan, mostly from China and some other places as well. Then over a million people came from China in the 1940s and 50s in hopes of maintaining a democracy.
A lot going on in this little natural history museum.
Went for a short hike.
I love it when you can escape a city and suddenly be surrounded by nature, then look back at the city.
Chinese Buddhist temple.
Temple offerings.
This is the Chiang Kai-skek Memorial Hall. He was the leader of the Republic of China (democratic) and led many people to Taiwan from China to escape the People’s Republic of China (communist).
Quality night markets.
Good street performers.
From Taipei, the capital city, I took a day trip to Taichung. Taiwan has a great train system and is basically an island of spread-out cities with nice bits of nature in between.
Fongle Sculpture Park has many sculptures relating to family and fertility.
Perhaps the finest confectionery I have been in yet.
Packaging makes such a big difference. I got a tiger cookie and pineapple cakes.
At another temple, I was surprised by the live puppet show in front.
I saw many mobile puppet shows around Taiwan.
I have no idea what is going on with this statue.
Taiwanese hot pot.
Choose your ingredients.
Mix and cook.
Make your own sauce.
From Taiwan, I went to Hong Kong, a former British colony and trading post in the process of becoming Chinese. In 1997 the British relinquished their 156-year rule of Hong Kong and initiated a 50-year transition period of Hong Kong returning to China. This transition process seems to be operating at an ever-increasing pace.
The 1881 Heritage Building.
Decided to treat myself to a nice steak dinner. Was pleased with the worldly salt and knife selection.
Beautiful day at the Chi Lin Nunnery.
Enjoying the Avenue of Stars with my buddy Bruce Lee.
Hong Kong Park.
Rode the tram up to Victoria Peak to overlook Victoria Harbor. Hong Kong certainly loved Queen Victoria.
From Hong Kong, it is a short ferry ride to the former Portuguese colony and trading hub, Macau.
Very European vibes in Macau.
Great beef jerky throughout the city.
The Ruins of St. Paul’s.
What traditional Macau homes may look like.
The biggest attraction in Macau is definitely the casinos. I am very not into gambling and casinos, but as the saying goes, “When in Rome do as the Romans.” So I got a crazy shirt and went for it.
I played one slot machine at each of the casinos we went to. It does not seem like a very enjoyable way to waste money.
I am a very low roller.
The Parisian.
The Londoner.
The Venetian. As previously mentioned, very European vibes in Macau.
From Macau, I headed to my favorite country, Thailand! I spent about a week in Bangkok, Phuket, and Koh Phangan.
On Koh Phangan, I officially became a Google-certified educator!
I had two good dives at Sail Rock between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Enjoyed many coconuts and views.
It was a great summer of travel.