Category Archives: Adventures in Travel 冒險的旅行

With time running out, the countdown to heading home has begun. We’re squeezing in the last few experiences while we can. One more temple … Songshan Ciyou Temple is a traditional Taiwanese folk temple dedicated primarily to Mazu the sea goddess who is widely worshipped as a protector of travelers, fishermen and sailors. Next toContinue reading “Taipei 101: More Than a Crash Course in Travel”

Hong Kong’s story is a fascinating blend of East and West. Once a quiet collection of fishing villages, it became a British colony in the mid-1800s and quickly grew into a major global port and financial hub. Waves of migrants, traders, and entrepreneurs shaped its fast-paced, multicultural character. In 1997, Hong Kong returned to ChineseContinue reading “Hong Kong: East Meets West”

Houtong Cat Village is one of Taiwan’s most charming and quirky destinations — a tiny mountain village where hundreds of friendly cats roam freely among old mining buildings, cafés, and scenic hillside paths. It’s equal parts adorable, peaceful, and unexpectedly fascinating. Houtong became famous when local volunteers began rescuing and caring for the many strayContinue reading “The Cat Village & Other Wild Things”

It’s unusual to see so much Christmas décor and activity in a place where only 4–6% of the population is Christian. It reinforces my sense that ‘Christmas’ has become more of a cultural celebration than a religious one. People everywhere love decorations and festivals — and the season shines brightly no matter where you are.Continue reading “New Taipei City, Head Spas & Night Market”

Today we are heading to the city’s southeastern edge to explore the tea plantations but not before having a long leisurely breakfast at nearby Artco restaurant which blends food with a creative, artsy ambiance. As usual, the walk to the train station is filled with local charm and always has a lot to look atContinue reading “Maokong: A Misty Day in Tea World”

Beitou Thermal Springs are one of Taipei’s most unique, soothing, and slightly surreal experiences — a whole neighborhood built around steaming, mineral-rich hot springs fed by a volcano. We hopped on the Red Line from our Zhongshan neighborhood and it took less than an hour to reach Beitou. The hot springs come from geothermal activityContinue reading “Beitou Hot Springs: A Misty Wonderland”

The Tango Hotel Taipei Linsen is located in the Zhongshan District of Taipei. Because of the mix of convenience, transportation, dining and nightlife, this part of Zhongshan/Linsen is often described as great for tourists. Our accommodations came with features we instantly loved, including a convenient washer/dryer. And the bathroom? The toilet was its own littleContinue reading “The Streets of Taipei”

Taipei was never on my bucket list — but it absolutely should have been. A few weeks ago my niece Bridget, who lives in Dallas, texted to say she’d scored a United Airlines companion pass from a friend. We scrolled through the list of international options, and Taipei quickly rose to the top. Compared withContinue reading “Jane In Spain — Detour to Taipei”

It was a long but immersive two weeks through French Canada. By the end of our whirlwind weekend in NYC, our feet had logged plenty of miles and our eyes had taken in a feast of sights. Megan had checked off most of her must-sees — and even squeezed in a few unexpected gems. AfterContinue reading “Oui Survived! Tales from the French Side”

After days of adventures, we were both feeling ready to start making our way back home. There’s one more stop on the route — New York City — a vibrant mosaic of culture, ambition and resilience … the city that never sleeps. After many hours in the car, we landed at a hotel near theContinue reading “Heading Home with a Stop in NYC”

Warm summer evenings were made for exploring Old Québec’s lively nightlife and hidden gems. Onhwa’ Lumina is an enchanting night‑walk experience located just north of Quebec City. It’s a nighttime trail where light, sound, and storytelling celebrate Huron-Wendat culture. It blends tradition with technology, drawing you into a rhythmic, immersive journey through nature and heritage. AncestralContinue reading “Twilight Charm in Old Quebec”

We loved our time in Québec City, but the surrounding region offers plenty more to discover. To explore both shores of the St. Lawrence, we hopped on the Québec-Lévis ferry for a quick 10-minute ride across the river. The crossing offers stunning views of Château Frontenac, Old Québec, and the waterway itself. On the LévisContinue reading “Canada: Beyond Quebec City”

The drive from Montreal to Quebec City is about three hours. Halfway is a charming little town called Trois-Rivières — the perfect stopping point for stretching legs and coffee. As the name suggests, the city sits at the mouth of the Saint‑Maurice River, which splits into three channels before joining the St. Lawrence, creating theContinue reading “Bienvenue à Québec!”

Montreal is a vibrant, stylish, and culturally rich city — a bilingual blend of old-world charm and modern creativity. Located in the province of Quebec, it’s the second-largest city in Canada and the cultural heart of French-speaking Canada. Montreal’s street art scene is one of the most vibrant and respected in the world — bold,Continue reading “Montreal: The French Side of Canada”

While in Canada, it only makes sense to visit Ottawa — Canada’s capital and seat of its federal government. Ottawa is a city where stately government buildings meet vibrant neighborhoods, rich history, and natural beauty. Located in eastern Ontario on the banks of the Ottawa River, it sits right on the border with Quebec, blendingContinue reading “Ottawa: From the Hill to the Grill”

Our accommodations were tucked away in a peaceful neighborhood in North York — close enough to downtown Toronto for easy access, yet far enough to enjoy some quiet and calm. We took the subway into downtown and our first stop was the St. Lawrence Market. It is one of Toronto’s most beloved landmarks and aContinue reading “A Taste of Toronto”

Heading north for a Canadian adventure! I flew into Cincinnati, am now road-tripping through Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City — with a little NYC detour on the way back to Ohio. My partner-in-crime is my niece Megan, an English teacher from Cincinnati who’s determined to unleash her French language skills on our Canadian neighbors.Continue reading “Bonjour Canada!”