Woke up at noon because seriously after that long night of finding the right hotel … it was the right thing to do.

Mum and I went into a mall and had breakfast in a Japanese restaurant.

The salad that came with our meal … taste like poop.

Machata Green Tea. YUM! With sweet syrup.

I don’t know what Mum drank though. Looks gross.

Breakfast … I should say brunch … is served.

Beef with veggies and fish!

So good!

Then we walked around and shopped and Mum wanted to eat Taiwanese Ice Cream. It’s with three different beans. I’m not a fan but it was still good. It’s shaved ice that is flavored so it tastes like ice cream.

Fish balls, Duck tongues, more fish balls.

YUM! The fish balls on the stick definitely tastes better than Hong Kong. That’s because Hong Kong doesn’t have as much street foods as they use to.

Afterward, Mum and I were carrying way too much stuff so we went back to the hotel to drop it off and to cool off before having to meet up with Wilson.

Some of the stuff we bought. Most of it is for family back in Hong Kong and back in the States. (Hey sissy, don’t show anyone! And you can guess what’s yours. )

We left early to grab a little bit of dinner. Another dog on the street that stays in his spot!

We were unsure if Wilson was going to eat with us or not so better safe then sorry.

Mum’s coffee like usual.

We shared the fish cutlet with veggies curry with rice.

And got dessert of green tea ice cream mochi filled with red bean. So GOOD. Mum was not a fan though.

After much more shopping, we met up with Wilson and he took us to eat Street Food. So excited! So happy.

Snails
Smelly Tofu
Sausage on a Stick
Grilled Squid
Fried Chicken Nuggets
Frog Eyes aka Tapioca ball Drink

Mmm … I love street food. Everything tasted SO good. It really felt like I was in the Asian part of the world. Not the whole sitting in a restaurant type thing. Street food is where it’s at!

Then Wilson took us to eat more Taiwanese Ice Cream.

Green Tea Ice Cream with Red beans and Mango Ice Cream with well … Mango!

So goooooood. LOVED the green tea!

We parted ways and said our farewells. It’ll be a few more years until I see him again and it was nice while it lasted.

Got back to the hotel and I read my book for a good four hours! Finished another novel. By that time it was 5am. I woke up at 11:30am … but we’ll save that for tomorrow.

After all the hotel stuff getting fixed, I realized Taiwan is a lovely place. There are still a lot of people in the streets but not as much as Hong Kong. And the people are super nice. I guess where we stayed was a touristy place so that can explain it but whenever we asked for help, we got it and some even walked us to our destination! The food is amazing and I found a lot of things I liked when shopping .. which rarely happens.

So yes. My thoughts on Taiwan changed. I’m in love and I would love to come back soon!

Happy Hump Day!

First things first … I changed all the titles to the Hong Kong post. Just fyi if you were wondering or whatever.

We got to the airport super early. 5:30 AM early. EMPTY. It looks exactly like the Chinese Soaps I  watch when they go to the airport and whatnot. LOVE when that happens.

We sat around for a long while, then went into the departure tunnels where we ate breakfast at Everybody Lok. Congee noodles and whatnot.

Then we sat around some more. Gorgeous … no? I love those dang clouds. I don’t see much in Texas and when I do, it mostly means it might rain.

Then we got on the plane and flew. So pretty! And the clouds look like fluffy pillows.

Apparently we get food on this flight … beef with rice and cabbage, tong sui, water, and tea! LOVE my tea!

I left most of the rice though because I was still a bit full from the breakfast. I tried to tong sui as well and it’s not as great as I’d have hoped.

Hello, Taiwan!

Got off the plane and had a reunion with my oldest guy cousin, Wilson! I haven’t seen him in almost 20 years. We rode on a bus for a long while. Then walked to the subway and rode that. That’ll be my EasyCard. Similar to my Octopus Card in Hong Kong. For rides and to use as a debit card depending on how much you put in.

Pretty view while riding the subway. They are filled with greenery here!

We went into a Shopping Center where his wife later came. They call her Mei Mei so I will to for identification sake.

After a super long wait. We had 3 bamboo steamers that were filled with dumplings with soup. I love this stuff! It’s like crack! I also had a few spoons of hot and sour soup. SO good. So spicy!

Afterward, we rode a taxi to a museum. Yep. We were there for a good 4-5 + hours. What were we looking at you ask?

A lot of stuff from the past. Like what they wore, what they owned, how they made stuff. You would think it would be short but they had a three story building plus another one story building. Ridiculous. But some what interesting to see … I do a quick glance over and whatnot though.

Then we rode another taxi to eat. YUM! I was starving by then. We had Japanese BBQ/hotpot

This might look like a lot of food … but it was actually more than this. I just stopped taking pictures of the same stuff we ordered.

I tried my first every ox tongue. Yes. You read that right. I was hesitant but I’ll try anything once and surprisingly it was delicious! It does have a weird stanky smell but the texture was very … I don’t even know how to describe it. It has a weird bite to it.

And the intestine and fatty beef was the best I’ve ever had.

Mmmm … so far, Taiwan, you’ve treated me well.

After dinner, we walked to Wilson’s new hotel. He’s the Chinese Sous Chef there. SO cool! and I took a picture of the nightlife in Taiwan.

Oh and some dogs. They are not leashed here. A lot of dogs here are abandoned and walk around freely. While there’s some that are taken care of really well. The ones at the shops just sits there and lets people touch them and they don’t run away. If they jump off for people to touch, and the person then leaves, they go back to their spot. SO WELL TRAINED!! SO cute!

We then went on the subway and rode to his new house. He bought his own flat!! And remodeled it. It’s so spacious and very new and bright inside. I loved it! No pictures though. His place so I don’t feel comfortable doing so.

After snapping some group pictures for my family back in the States to see, Mum and I headed to the hotel.

We rode our taxi and when we got nearby, the taxi driver said he couldn’t find it. After circling around for what seemed like minutes on end, he finally drops us off at our hotel.

To where my mum and I lug our stuff up the 10th floor where the concierge tells us he doesn’t have our reservations.

To where he calls his headquarters and tells us where we were was the wrong hotel. That they had three in that area.

To where we were told our travel agent wrote down the wrong one.

To where we walked for a good few minutes to the next one. Luckily the concierge took us there or else mum and I would be walking for a good hour or so looking for it.

To where that concierge said the internet isn’t that great so it might suck.

Internet has become my life. I know I need to unplug but uh … I need my internet. So I was a little angry.

So many bad things toward the end made me feel people here are playing a joke on us.

Taiwan was on my BLEUGH list.

But that all changed …

Vincent and Alva arrived to Macau in the morning because they work nights. So they didn’t get much sleep or anything. Probably a good 4 to 5 hours.

Vincent was being a menace. Rachel and I were still sleepy and he goes and opens the curtains. Pure evil. But he did take a gorgeous panoramic picture!

I gave up my bed to Alva since he worked and came to Macau to hang out with us. Gotta be nice and all that jazz. We slept until 12pm. I only got at least 3 hours in all though with all that was going on but that’s okay. Memories, right?

We walked out of the hotel and started looking for food. A picture of the view while walking.

All the food places Rachel and Vincent knew about were not opened … wtf. So we resulted in eating what we know best. Congee and Wonton!

Tang Jai Jook (Tang Jai Congee) with Peanuts, Fish Slices, Squid, Pork, Pork Skin, Pork Stomach
Plain Wontons
Veggies
More Veggies
Fried Wontons
Pigs Blood with Chives

Mmmm … The Tang Jai Jook was delicious. I wouldn’t add so much stuff in it though. It was all in my bowl and I wished I had more jook instead. No one wishes for that but I’m weird.

Everything else was good. Can’t say the same for the Fried Wonton. But then again, I’m not a big fan of wontons.

We started walking to our destination tourist spot. Look at all the people. This picture does not do it justice. After a long walk and bumping into many people … we made it.

Oh hello building … I don’t know why you’re important. Is that bad?

Alva walked with me to the very top up those many stairs. Thanks cuz! Everyone else was too lazy. We walked around for a good 5 minutes when we reached the top then headed back down.

I must say that Macau is definitely way hotter than Hong Kong. And much more humid.

Just some pictures of buildings and whatnot.

Oh and mopeds rule the world here in Macau. Weird. They don’t care if you’re an elderly … they will run you over if you’re slow.

Then we jumped into a taxi … two since you can only fit four per taxi and we had six … and we headed to a casino.

Oh … did I also mention the taxi drivers zoom really fast and most of the time I feel like I’m going to die. This is coming from a speeder …

When we got there, we walked around the Casino … we didn’t play anything because it was super expensive to put down a bet … and we’re not gamblers so we were all a little scared.

Afterward, we walked around the building and saw this …

It’s an inside building … all the clouds you think you see are fake and painted on the ceiling. Sweet huh? It’s much more real in person.

Oh and they have a “river” running through where you can pay and sit on the boat. On one of the boats, a dude sings whatever dialect you can speak and he is good. Very. Good.

We all stopped at the McDonald’s there and got either Ice Cream, French Fries, or Coffee (which was much needed for some). I got a McFlurry. Pretty much the same price as the States … but they give you less. This. Is. Why. America. Is. Fat.

Oh and the ice cream tastes better over here. I’m not being biased. Promise.

Then we rode a bus to the dock. Got our free tickets at the ferry station.

Walked through a long tunnel … and into another Casino. Some won, some lost. (I won 24.50 in Hong Kong dollars … which isn’t much. But it’s better than losing it all.)

Then we walked back through the long ass tunnel in time to get on our ferry.

Goodbye, Macau. Hello, Hong Kong.

When we got there we were walking through a mall and they made me do this …

… because they think the figure (made out of balloons) looks like me. It was embarrassing doing that for a good three times so that Rachel can take the picture. Best one … even with the other half cut off. Oh well … I realize I lift higher … and I’m kicking her in the face. Sweet.

Dinner was served. We made sure we invited PoPo along too so we ate close to the flat. I’m not a big fan of the foods we ordered but it wasn’t all horrible. I don’t think I would go to this place again though. And if you were wondering … it’s Thai food. But this was too Thai for me … haha

On our walk back to the flat, Alva and I stopped by the little playground area and he showed me he can do pull ups. I was surprised … and impressed. He’s a tiny … but a little taller than me. I guestimate a good 5’ 8” to 5’ 10”. I haven’t been able to do one since I quit basketball in high school. Eeep.

Vincent and Rachel went to buy Tong Sui and got me a Hot Sesame Tong Sui! Then Mum opened up one of the foods she bought in Macau … dried squid. I’m not a fan of this kind of dried squid but I ate it anyway. Fattie right hurr.

Macau is a great place to go to have a little fun. I would love to go there again when I have the chance. Maybe by then I’ll be making enough dough to wear I can bet a little more money in those machines. Those are the only ones I feel comfortable enough to play cuz I hate all the staring and crowdedness. Makes me nervous.

I am finally settled in the hotel in Taiwan. Saw my cousin, Wilson, and his wife so all is well so far. Except I already have negatives on Taiwan. Not what I wanted. More on that later gators.

Peace and Love.

Iced Green Tea
Iced Lemon Tea

Baked Pork Chop with Rice
Roasted Pork with Eggs with Rice

Brunch was served. Yum! I’ve been waiting for my Baked Pork Chop with Rice … sadly it’s not as good as where I get it in the States. Waste.

Still on that medicine shiet. Nasty. They didn’t cook my medicine in time so I have to mix my own. WTF. They should give us money back. When you use the instant mix, it’s not as affective. But I like this way better. It’s not as bitter and I can drink it pretty much whenever I want in that time period.

After we got our medicine, Mum and I went shopping. Something for the brother (don’t tell bro what it is sissy!), candies, earrings, and a purse!

I needed it a new purse since the one I brought over started turning colors. It was so cute too so I’m very depressed. But this purse is cute.

PoPo bought some Little Chicken Bread. Not a fan but I took one anyway since she offered.

Then Kathy came home along with Rachel and we got ready for Macau sans PoPo. Eeeep! So excited. We rode on the subway then walked to the ferry place.

When we got to the ferry place, we stopped by Starbucks.

They have Green Tea Frappuccino with Red Bean!! Mmmm … so good. I wish they had it in the States! Only thing that sucked was when I tried to suck up the beans and it got stuck in the straw. They need bigger straws …

We got a phone call to meet Dicky on the other side … so we bought our tickets and got on the ferry.

The inside looks exactly like the inside of an airplane. Only thing different is there’s more leg room!

I went into the bathroom to pee … and uh … all I can say is you need strong leg muscles to piss on a ferry.

When we got to Macau … after a long ferry ride we met up with Dicky and then headed to dinner.

In a taxi! I can cross that off my list.

We had Pork Bone Hot Pot. Look at all that bone. Sooo good. You can suck the marrow out of the bone … with a straw. LOVE!

So we hot potted and cooked meat and fish.

Had fried FROGS. Yep you red that right. and Clams.

I was hesitant with the frogs but I’ll try anything once … so yep … I can’t help but keep having frogs jumping around in my head. So that made it difficult to put into my mouth. Frogs tastes JUST like chicken. Mmmm …

We rode the Hotel bus to the hotel.

Um .. I would like this in my room please.

Sweeeet. One of the top floors! Rachel and I went into this one while Mum and Kathy went onto the 25th floor one.

Nice. Ass. View.

Whatchu know about them see through bathrooms? So cool. Bathtub. Standing shower. Toilet. Of course you can pull down the curtain though so no one can see when you’re naked.

After we were settled, we went to gamble somewhere in the hotel. So fun. We played big/small and pulled some machines.

Then we went outside the hotel. This is what it looks like. Sweeeeet! And we went to grab a midnight snack.

Dumplings with Crab and Soup
Dumplings with Pork and Chives
Sesame Filled Sweet Dough Balls

Mmm … I love the wrapper of the dumplings with crab and soup but loved the filling of the pork and chives dumpling. YUM! If only it was that instead then I would really be satisfied!

Macau money if anyone wondered what it looked like.

I’ll update Macau: Day 2 later. I gotta pack for Taiwan. Leaving to the airport in a few hours then riding on a jet plane! Weeee!!

First things first … I changed my layout! It’s very simple but less kiddish than the last one. I’m thinking of redoing my header but I’ll wait to think about that until I’m back in the States.

Woke up and had brunch with mum at this place.

Soya Bean Milk (Cold)
Sour Prune Juice (Cold)
Braised Eggplant with Garlic & Chili
Garlic Stewed Green Beans

The Soya Bean Milk was delicious. I can’t say the same for the Sour Prune Juice.

The Braised Eggplant was super salty while the Garlic Green Beans had no taste.

Stir Fried Rice with Minced Pork & Preserved Turnip
Noodle Soup with Deep Fried Spare Ribs in Spicy Sesame Sauce

The Stir Fried Rice was to die for. I can go back and eat ONLY that. Actually that’s what my mum plans to do that and what’s below.

The Noodle was a fail. Nothing special and the Spare Ribs are just like any other Fried Pork Chop here in Hong Kong.

Pan Fried Pork Dumplings

So good. They had a lot of juice in it. Just how I like my dumplings! A lot of it squirted out … which I was sad about.

I love trying new foods but we seriously always order too much. It’s a good thing there’s something called a take out box.

Then Mum and I went to an Organic shop next door. Happiness. I bought the Veggie Chips … let’s see if it tastes better here or in the States. I’m betting the States. It’s all made in Taiwan … so if it tastes amazing, you better bet I’ll stock up when I’m there.

I still haven’t gotten my haircut … because I’m lazy … so this is what my hair looks like … Every. Single. Day. I miss my bangaroos. But it’s so hot here anyway that putting your hair up feels better than having hair stuck all over your face and neck.

Enjoying some ice cream Vincent and Rachel got me yesterday. Too sweet … but so good on this hot, hot day. I didn’t finish it all .. of course. Ice cream never was my favorite. I’ll save it for later.

Mum bought some for Sissy because they were apparently on sale. But I think I’m gonna steal some. For those that don’t know what it is, it’s little Koala Bear Cookies filled with Chocolate. Brings me back to childhood.

Dinner came and PoPo asked Kathy to buy beer! Whoo hoo. The Asian way is no cups. In bowls.

More pigeon. PoPo knew I liked it so she went out and bought Kathy, Mum, herself, and I one!! You can see the heads popping out. And that even bothers me. Luckily, they popped the head off of mine because that’s just straight up gross.

… veggies, tofu, eggplant and hot pepper with pork.

So. Damn. Good.

One thing I’ll surely miss when I leave is PoPo’s cooking.

Off to Macau later to stay in a hotel tonight with Kathy, Mum, and Rachel. I’m a day early so … I’ll already be there while y’all just start y’all’s Saturday. Weird huh? How it’s actually Friday right now but it’s Saturday for me? Then the fun begins the next day when Vincent and Alva joins us after work. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to go through without my HKID and with just my Passport so we shall see. Fingers crossed! If all goes well, we’ll be making amazing memories. Else, it’s back to the flat and to the mountain tops instead. Either way, win win!