• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

ExploreTraveler

Helping bring the world togeather one friend at a time. So travel and discover that the world is full of wonderful people.


  • Home
    • Pilgrimtraveler
    • Prepping Foods
  • About Us
  • Taiwan Travel Questions
    • Taiwan Travel Guide
    • Taiwan Photo Gallery
    • Taiwan Video Gallery
  • Destinations
    • Asia
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Iraq
      • Israel
      • Japan
      • Jordan
      • Malaysia
      • Philippines
      • Taiwan
      • Thailand
    • Europe
      • Belgium
      • Germany
      • Netherland
      • Portugal
    • Middle East
      • Iraq
      • Israel
      • Jordan
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Mexico
      • USA
  • Food Travel
  • Forum
  • Free Signup
    • Membership Account
  • Write For Us
Home » Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Jumping For Joy At The Lantern Festival

March 10, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Joy at the Lantern Festival in Taiwan!
Joy at the Lantern Festival in Taiwan!

Jumping For Joy At The Lantern Festival

Joy, precious Joy, at the Lantern Festivals throughout Taiwan and much of Asia. The Lantern Festival is the happiest time of these 15 days of celebration. What fun there is as the New Year is welcomed in,all over this tiny nation. Lunar New Year is the major festival throughout most of Asia and children wait breathlessly each year for the biggest party of the year. It is 15 days of fun and enjoyment that climaxes in the Lantern Festival. Lanterns of every type and size are floating in the air. Lanterns hang on the ceilings of homes and shops, and are at every door.  Some lanterns are handmade and are simple and special and others are very complex and were bought for the occasion. Some are small and some are huge. Everywhere you look at red and gold lanterns, red tassels, and yes, red flowers. Red and gold  are the colors of  prosperity and long life. They are believed to bring good health for the coming year.

Traditionally, the festival has been celebrated by families carrying hand lanterns throughout the streets of villages and cities alike. The Kaohsiung and Taipei Lantern Festivals add many a high-tech touch to this traditional custom. Displays of light shows bring the event to the international level.People all over the world flock to see the Kaohsiung Light Show on the Love River.  From the theme lantern displays to folk arts and performances, these festivals have become a favorite of both locals and tourists. The fragrance of flowers linger, lights flicker from the river, and music fills the air. Young women can be seen jumping for joy, as they celebrate with all the passion and zeal they have.

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is one of the most unique and colorful events in this small mountain hillside town of Pingxi. In times past, the humble lantern were used by those who worked or farmed in the mountain areas to notify families that all was well. Due to the severe risk of being robbed or killed, this brought peace of mind to the families who were waiting in the small mountain villages below. Now these same lanterns are used as symbols of peace and prosperity for the coming new year.

Another very unique Lantern Festival is the fireworks display at the god of war temple in Yanshui, Tainan City. This is one of the most anticipated events in the region. It begins the day before the Lantern Festival when local deities tour the town in a sedan chair, setting off firecrackers and bottle rockets as they go. There is much noise, flashing lights, and many rituals that accompany their god as he tours the city well into the next day. Isn’t unique that lanterns that were used to bring peace of mind to the villagers, now symbolize a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

No matter where in Taiwan you choose to party, there will be laughter and joy in the air, as you celebrate the Lantern Festival. It is fun! It is unique! It is Taiwan, as they welcome the New Year. On your next trip to Taiwan, plan it during the 15 day New Year’s Festival that ends with the Lantern Festival. There is fun for the whole family, in Taiwan.

 

https://exploretraveler.com

This is also an authorized post on seemit under @exploretraveler at:https://steemit.com/treanding/@exploretraveler

Filed Under: Asia, East Coast Taiwan, Green Island, Hsin-Chu, Taipei, Taitung, Taiwan, Travel Tips, World Travel Tagged With: god of war temple in Yanshui, Joy, Kaohsiung Lantern Festival, Lantern Festival, Tainan City, Taipei Lantern Festival, Taiwan, The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival

Edible Wild Mushrooms Found In The Philippines

February 28, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

Wild Mushrooms found on the small island Homonhon in the Philippines
Wild Mushrooms found on the small island Homonhon in the Philippines

Edible Wild Mushrooms Found In The Tropics

Wild mushrooms are really everywhere in the Philippines and many other places of the world. The Philippines is highly blessed with several varieties of edible mushrooms. When searching for them, do take time to do your homework before you pick. There are non-edible mushrooms and they can be poisonous. Never assume, do your research before you hit the trail. Even when you pick, if you are new to mushroom picking, show your bounty to an experienced picker for identification. If you pick safely, there are many mushrooms out there that are edible and extremely good for you.

Wild mushrooms are an edible fungi and there are many species throughout the world. World wide, it is estimated that there are over 140,000 different species of wild mushrooms. The scientific world is only familiar with maybe 10% of these. Currently, Western Scientists are studying about 100 of these wild mushrooms. Wild mushrooms have many potential health benefits and they are hoping to capture that information for the medical community. In the East, medicine has recognized the benefits of wild mushrooms for centuries. Eastern practitioners believe that mushrooms in general can lower cholesterol in the body. They use wild mushrooms to ward off and fight breast cancer and prostate cancer, two major medical challenges of our time.  Wild mushrooms also seem to help in the control of diabetes. Patients with anemia have had excellent results in using wild mushrooms in their diet. Wild mushrooms are an excellent source of iron and over 90% of this iron the body absorbs. Iron is essential in the formation of red blood cells. This keeps people healthy and able to have a full life.

Next time you travel in the Philippines, take time to discover the many different mushrooms and learn how to use them. Mushroom picking is an adventure! Learning about the different wild fungi and herbs unlocks the secrets to good health. Take time to unlock the many secrets of the wild mushroom. Make this the year, you discover the Philippines.

 https://www.pinterest.com/exploretraveler/i-love-philippines/

Exploretraveler.com

This was posted on seemit under @exploretraveler at: https://steemit under @exploretraveler at:

https://steemit.com/travel/@exploretraveler/wild-mushrooms-found-in-the-philippines

Filed Under: Asia, Philippines, Travel Tips Tagged With: edible mushroom in the philippines, Philippines, poisonous mushrooms in philippines, Wild mushrooms

Chili Crab: Taiwan’s Taste Of Singapore

February 4, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Chili crab in Taiwan Chili crab in Taiwan[/caption

Chili Crab: Taiwan’s Taste Of Singapore

Chili Crab must be Asia’s most enjoyable dish. It is a definite must if traveling to Singapore. But what if you are traveling to Taiwan? Chili Crab is an exotic and typical dish to see on the Menu in Taipei’s top Fish Restaurants. The very best always serve chili crab. Chile Crab made the list compiled by CNN  of the Worlds top  50  foods. It was number 35 on the 2011 list.

What is so great about this Singapore special? It is a seafood dish that is amazing! The crab is coated in this sweet spicy chili sauce and then stir-fried. This is done very slowly and carefully so as to mingle all the flavors. It is scrupulous! It is amazing! It is Chili Crab. Most often it is served with a steam bun that compliments the sauce. This will be a meal that will make memories for years to come. It is a meal of delicate flavors and strong spices.

In Taipei, one of the top places to dine is the Spicy Crab Restaurant. It is co-owned by famous TV host, Zeng Guo Cheng. It has some of the best chilli crab in Taipei, Taiwan. Zeng Guo Cheng went on a vacation to Shanghai, China and there he tasted the best spicy crab that China had to offer. He came back and opened a restaurant with this fantastic crab as his signature dish. It is prepared in the Sichuan style and is at it’s best together with other spicy dishes. If in Taipei, this is the perfect dinner stop.

The Spicy Crab Restaurant is located at: No. 323, Section 2, Bādé Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan. It is open Monday – Sunday from 5 pm till 2 am. For information call: 886 2 27725777.

This legendary seafood dish is a must for your next Taiwanese Vacation. Grab your passport and pack your bag. The adventures of a lifetime are waiting for you in Taiwan.

Exploretraveler.com

https://www.pinterest.com/exploretraveler/i-love-taiwanese-food/

This post is co-posted on Steemit @exploretraveler

 

 

 

Filed Under: Asia, Food Travel, Restaurant, Taipei, Taiwan, Travel Tips, World Travel Tagged With: Chili Crab, China, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei, Taiwan, The Spicy Crab Restaurant, Zeng Guo Cheng

Taipei, Taiwan: The City Seems To Rotate

January 22, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Taipei
Taipei taiwan

Taipei, Taiwan: “Good Feng Shui Rotates,”

Taipei, Taiwan is the city of change. There is a Chinese proverb that says:”Good Feng Shui Rotates.” This is true of Taipei, as the best of the city seems to change each time you arrive. There is so much to do in and around Taipei! It is good to plan several days and then you will just scratch the service.

Almost a constant for first place is the Lungshan Temple. It is located near the Danshui River  west of the city. The building is over three centuries old and accommodates several Buddhist gods, including the goddess of mercy. Rich and poor come here to pray for protection and wellbeing. The temple is seldom empty, but on the 1st and 15th of every lunar month it is extremely busy. Be sure and notice the intricate hand carved details on this building. The temple has been restored and is a historical building in Taiwan. Fill your plate with Taiwanese history at the Lungshan Temple.

Be sure to take a walk along the underground shopping street in the Lungshan Temple MRT station. There are many quaint shops on this lower level shopping area. You will also see many fortune-tellers along the street. Temples and fortune tellers play a large role in Taiwan. Both the temples and the fortune tellers shape the culture of this island nation. In Taipei you will notice that every district has its own temple on the coroner.

In the same area is Snake Alley. You will find it on Huaxi Street. This is one of the strangest of the night markets. It is a very unique market with lots of living history. Snake meat, snake soup, and shots of snake blood are sold here. You might want to be careful what you buy! Years ago it was the location of the famous red light district and a place for gangsters. Now it is a modern night market and a tourist destination.

The Taipei 101 is always a top tourist location. Taipei 101 has 101 floors above ground and 5 floors underground. The architecture of the building is modern and has much symbolism. It has one of the best views in the city. It is in the Xinyi District of Taiwan. There is an awesome restaurant in the building. It has the best desert bar and it is so good. Taipei 101 is a tourist’s delight! Check out an earlier article on Taipei 101. http://explore1.wpengine.com/taipei-101-taiwan/

Eat local while in Taiwan. A personal favorite is the Beef Noodle Soup. You will find it all over Taiwan in every night market. There is also many variations of a Vegetable Soup. It is delicious! Another awesome dish is the Hot Pot! You can choose what you want in it and it is cooked at your table.  Many people seem to like the bowls of  Vermicelli Noodle Soup with oysters or braised pork intestines. It is topped with black vinegar, garlic and coriander. It also can be found in any night market. I personally did not try this local delicacy, but from the looks of the lines, it is a favorite.

Here is an earlier article on the Hot pot. http://explore1.wpengine.com/hotpot-taiwanese-style/?doing_wp_cron=1421945819.0956850051879882812500

For a look at the Night Market:  http://explore1.wpengine.com/taiwan-night-markets/?doing_wp_cron=1421946505.9046499729156494140625

For ease of movement in Taipei, there are bikes for rent all over the city. Check out the website for more information. www.youbike.com.tw  The MRT Train will get you most places you need to go and there are also city buses. https://guidetotaipei.com/article/taipei-mrt-rapid-transit-subway-%E5%8F%B0%E5%8C%97%E6%8D%B7%E9%81%8B

That is todays top five things to do in Taipei. But things rotate in Taipei and tomorrows list would be different. There is so much to see and do in Taipei. Make this the year you discover Taipei. Pack your bags and grab your passport. There is excitement waiting in Taipei, Taiwan.

Exploretraveler.com

 

 

Filed Under: Asia, Food Travel, Taipei, Taiwan, Travel Tips, World Travel Tagged With: "Good Feng Shui Rotates.", Beef Noodle Soup, Goddess of Mercy, Lungshan Temple, MRT, night market, Snake Ally, Snake meat, snake shot, Snake soup, Taipei, Taipei 101, Taiwan, Vegetable Soup, Vermicelli Noodle Soup, You Bike

Xinwu Mazu Temple: Xinwu Township Taiwan

January 20, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Xinwu Mazu Temple
Xinwu Mazu Temple overlooking the Sea in Xinwu Township Taiwan

Xinwu Mazu Temple Overlooking The Sea

Xinwu Mazu Temple is called Our Lady Of Heaven in English. It is believed by many that Mazu is a goddess. This goddess is believed by her followers to be the protector of the people by the sea. It is said that ,”she shelters the people to protect the country.” The temple is overlooking the marina so that she may guard and keep the fisherman when out to sea. Mazu is believed to be the protector of Taiwan.

Xinwu District is about 7% of the land area of Taoyuan County in Taiwan. It is the largest township in the county. This is a small farming and fishing community. Approximately 90% of the residents of Xinwu are Hakka Han. The Hakka Han people are descendants of the Han Chinese of Central China and speak the Hakka Chinese language. The Hakka Han have a separate identity that distinguishes them from the Cantonese people. The Cantonese are Han Chinese whose ancestors came from the Guangdong area of mainland China. The Hakka Han and the Cantonese are some of the friendliest people I have met.

This area is home to some of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Here are three of the best well-known gardens. There are also many smaller gardens that you will see as you visit the area. The Taiwanese love their gardens.

When in the area, plan to tour the Jiudou Mulberry Garden. There are many different species of the Mulberry Tree world-wide. See them all at the Mulberry Garden. There are many teas that are made from the different Mulberry Trees around the world. If you have access to a Mulberry Tree that is not sprayed, pick and wash the leaves. You can make the teas from the fresh leaves or you can dry them in the sun or in any area of low heat for later use. I personally like to combine them with pecan leaves and fig leaves. This is an awesome tea.

The Jiudou Lotus Garden is another lovely garden. The Lotus comes in many different colors and is thought to be a flower of extreme good luck or prosperity. Enjoy an earlier article on all the meanings of the many Lotus Plants at: http://explore1.wpengine.com/lotus-flowers-asia-beautiful/?doing_wp_cron=1421773469.8363249301910400390625

Another beautiful garden is the Sinwu Flower Leisure Park. Take a leisurely walk and enjoy all the many flowers that flourish in the park. It is a perfect outing for the family. What better place to have a picnic?

Xinwu is a beautiful township with many rivers. There are five major rivers that flow through the town. What an awesome place for a bicycle ride, or a leisurely walk. When in Xinwu, be sure to enjoy the many walking paths by the rivers.

Make 2015 the year to enjoy the many sights and sounds of Taiwan. Enjoy the awesome architecture, and the gorgeous scenery.  There are  fantastic fruits everywhere. They are delicious!  There are many Asian vegetables just waiting to be tried. The food is wonderful! There is no end to the adventure that is waiting, in Taiwan. Today is the day to book your Taiwanese vacation. What are you waiting for? Grab your passport and pack your bags. See you in Taiwan.

Exploretraveler.com

https://www.pinterest.com/exploretraveler/i-love-taiwan/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Asia, Taiwan, Travel Tips, World Travel Tagged With: Cantonese, Hakka Han, Hakka Han Chinese, Han Chinese, Jiudou Lotus Garden, Jiudou Mulberry Garden, Our Lady Of Heaven, Sinwu Flower Leisure Park, Taiwan, Taoyuan County, Xinwu, Xinwu District, Xinwu Mazu Temple

Lake Kasudsuran Philippines

January 3, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Lake Kasudsuran Philippines
Lake Kasudsuran Philippines

Lake Kasudsuran Philippines

Lake Kasudsuran is on the lovely island of Leyte, Philippines. It is in an area called the Eastern Visayas. How beautiful this area is. The lake is calm and peaceful. The area is serene! It is quiet! The perfect spot to sit and read a book! It is an artist’s canvas! What a lovely place to paint or sketch. It is a writer’s studio! What better place to write! The lake is excellent for swimming  and canoes are available for rent. Lake Kasudsuran sits next to the stately Mount Pananguan. What an awesome mountain peak!  The area is beautiful!  The hiking is awesome! It is close to the city of Ormoc.  Ormoc is the largest city in the area by land mass.  Ormoc means “Beauty by the Bay.”  It is a beautiful ,small ,progressive city. You will find modern accommodations in Ormoc City at reasonable prices. The Lake is 2-3 hours away from Tacloban City. Tacloban City is the largest city in the providence. It is the capital city of the Eastern Visaya’s.

Lake Kasudsuran is an easy walk from Brgy  Gaas  Ormoc. As you walk through the woods, you will see areas of planted Abaca. What a fantastic view! Miles and miles of Abaca swaying in the tropical  breezes. The Abaca plantations are the major source of income for the people of Brgy Gaas. Abaca plantations are beautiful!  One of the worst devastations of last years Typhoon Haiyan was the ruin of many major Abaca plantations.  Abaca or Hemp is indigenous to the Philippines. The warm and wet climate is excellent for its cultivation. The Abaca plant is a variety of the Banana plant that cannot be eaten. This plant has beautiful non-eddible fruit!  Hemp, as we call it, is used in many products.  Out of this humble plant we get specialty papers, like tea bags and meat casings. Many of the home furnishings are made with hemp or Abaca. Many sofas and dining tables have this fiber mixed in.  Hemp also is a excellent natural fabric for clothing. It is used in the hot tropical climates. Hemp is a miracle plant! It is also used in the production of some medicines. Hemp milk is nutritious and delicious. Hemp or Abaca is the backbone of this region.

There are many other things to do while in Ormoc. Besides Lake Kasudsuran, there are two other lakes in the city. Each lake has an adventure waiting! There is awesome swimming! Canoeing and Kayaking are fantastic.  The hiking is fabulous at Alto Peak. This is the highest mountain in the Eastern Visayas. It is a favorite mountain climb. It is an excellent climb for beginning climbers.

While in Ormoc, be sure to walk across the city’s oldest bridge. The “Bridge of the Queen” dates back to the time of Spanish rule. It is one of a kind! The architecture is beautiful. It is ornate! Located at the end of the bridge is a small street market. It is one of the best in the area. It is local! It is fun! Indulge in some of the favorite street foods of the area! The cuisine is fabulous!  The market atmosphere is alive and joyous!  The people are friendly! The shops have some of the best souvenirs in the area. The prices are reasonable. Most sellers speak Spanish and English. Whats not to like about the market?

In the port area of Ormoc are three of the cities major landmarks. Plan to see the City Superdome  , the Veterans Park, and the Centennial Marker. While in the city, the easiest way to travel is by motor. These are small pedicabs. They are fun! They are unique! They are helping to rebuild the Philippines! Be a part of the solution! Enjoy the ride! See the sights! Enjoy Ormoc today!

All these things make Lake Kasudsuran and Ormoc the perfect destination for your next vacation. Adventure awaits in the Philippines! So what are you waiting for? Now is the time! Today is the day! Pack your bag and grab your passport! Make this the year you visit the Philippines!  Book your Philippine vacation today. See you there!

Exploretraveler.com

https://www.pinterest.com/exploretraveler/i-love-philippines/

Filed Under: Asia, Philippines, Tacloban, Travel Tips, World Travel Tagged With: “Beauty by the Bay”, Abaca, Abaca plantations, Alto Peak, banana plants, Brgy Gaas, Bridge of the Queen, Centennial Marker, City Superdome, Eastern Visayas, Hemp, Hemp plantations, Lake Kasudsuran, Leyte, Mount Pananguan, Ormoc, Philippines, Tacloban, the Vetran’s Park, Typhoon Haiyan

Hsinchu City Taiwan

December 4, 2014 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Hsinchu Taiwan By Bus photo

HSINCHU CITY TAIWAN

Welcome to Hsinchu City Taiwan, “the city of New Bamboo”. Cooling breezes coming off the Strait of Taiwan keep the windy city cool and pleasant most of the year. Hsinchu Taiwan is off the main tourist map making it a delightful discovery for the deserning traveler. Hsinchu City Taiwan is over 400 years old and is the oldest city in Northern Taiwan. Chuchang, as it was originally called, was named and inhabited by the Aboriginal Tribe of Taokas. Today, only a small group identify as ethnic Taokas. Most of those who identify as Taokas live around the city of Puli in central Taiwan. The name of the city was changed to Hsinchu during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty. Because of it’s rich history, Hsinchu City Taiwan is the perfect home base when visiting northern Taiwan. Those who desire to know and understand the dynasties that ruled the island will find many museums and national historical sites throughout the City of Hsinchu.

Public transportation in the city of Hsinchu is efficient and regular. Buses and scooters are the primary means of getting around Hsinchu. Bright and colorful buses have regular routes throughout the city and the surrounding area. Most of the major tourist sites can be reached by the How-Tai Bus Company . The buses run frequently and are the easiest and most economical way to enjoy the city.

Eighteen Peaks Mountain is a delightful park and dates back to the Japanese Colonial Times. The park is a thick forest that has 18 mountain peaks. Wide paved paths make walking easy and the park is a favorite recreational spot. Take a deep breath and smell the fragrance of the many flowers and shrubs. The east entrance is best reached by buses 1, 1A, 2, 5 or 31. Route 20 will take you to the western entrance of the park.

Hsinchu Botanical Garden has over 300 species of plants. Enjoy discovering the many plants of Taiwan and the secrets that surround them. Learn about the Acacia, the eucalyptus, and the Ceylon olive and their many uses. As a bonus, the Hsinchu Zoo is a 5 minute walk from the garden entrance. This area can be accessed by most of the buses of the city. A short walk takes you to the City God Temple, one of the famous temples in the city. The East Gate Historical Site is also in this area. Constructed from granite with a magnificent arch entrance, this historical wall dates back to the time of the later Qing Dynasty.

These are just a few of the fantastic sites in Hsinchu City Taiwan. Check out the links at the bottom of the page for areas of interest and local accommodations. Discover the many eateries and restaurants that call Hsinchu City Taiwan  home. While there check out the fantastic buffet at the Ambassador Hotel. The variety is unbelievable and the food is some of the best on the island. Let this be the year that you discover the hidden gems of northern Taiwan.Hsinchu City Taiwan is fun, historical, and unique. Come explore with us, this year in Taiwan.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g297906-Hsinchu-Vacations.html

Esploretraveler.com

 

 

Filed Under: Asia, Hsin-Chu, Restaurant, Taiwan, Travel Tips, World Travel Tagged With: Aboriginal Tribe, Ambassador Hotel, City God Temple, city of New Bamboo, East Gate, Eighteen Peaks Mountain, Emperor Guangxu, Hsinchu, Hsinchu Botanical Garden, Hsinchu City Taiwan, Hsinchu Zoo, Northern Taiwan, Qing Dynasty, Strait of Taiwan, Taiwan, Taokas

Photo of the day – Chili crab Taiwan

August 31, 2014 by John J Gentry Leave a Comment

Photo of the day – Chili crab Taiwan

Chili crab in Taiwan “You can never have too much”

Chili crab in Taiwan You can never have too much

Taiwanese Food History

Taiwanese cooking (conventional Chinese: 台灣菜; disentangled Chinese: 台湾菜; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Tâi-oân liāu-lí (臺灣料理)) has a few varieties. Notwithstanding the accompanying delegate dishes from the populace of Hoklo (Hō-ló) ethnicity (see Taiwanese individuals), there are likewise Native, Hakka, and nearby subsidiaries of Chinese foods, for example, hamburger noodle soup.

Taiwanese cooking itself is frequently connected with impacts from mid to southern territories of Territory China, most prominently from the area of Fujian (Hokkien), however impacts from all of Terrain China can undoubtedly be found. A striking Japanese impact likewise exists because of the period when Taiwan was under Japanese standard. Customary Chinese nourishment could be found in Taiwan, nearby Fujian and Hakka-style and additionally local Taiwanese dishes, incorporates dishes from Guangdong, Jiangxi, Chaoshan, Shanghai, Hunan, Sichuan and Beijing.

// < ![CDATA[
//

Post by Exploretraveler.com.

[embedplusvideo height=”400″ width=”450″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1pw8vle” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/LTbgtYHqjEI?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=LTbgtYHqjEI&width=450&height=400&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep3308″ /] Pork, fish, chicken, rice, and soy are extremely normal parts. Meat is far less basic, and some Taiwanese (especially the elderly era) still shun consuming it.[1] This is to a limited extent because of the contemplations of some Taiwanese Buddhists, a customary hesitance towards butchering valuable dairy cattle required for farming, and an enthusiastic connection and feeling of thankfulness and on account of the creatures customarily utilized for hard work. Nonetheless, because of impacts from the inundation of out of territory Chinese in the early 1900s, the Taiwanese variant of hamburger noodle soup is presently a standout amongst the most prevalent dishes in Taiwan.

Taiwan’s food has additionally been impacted by its geographic area. Living on a packed island, the Taiwanese needed to look aside from the farmlands for wellsprings of protein. Subsequently, fish figures unmistakably in their food. This fish envelops numerous diverse things, from vast fish, for example, fish and grouper, to sardines and considerably more diminutive fish, for example, anchovies. Scavangers, squid, and cuttlefish are likewise consumed.

[embedplusvideo height=”400″ width=”450″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1pw8JJi” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/rShTDrra7J0?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=rShTDrra7J0&width=450&height=400&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep8505″ /] A pork kiⁿ (羹, kiⁿ), a thick soup with tofu and surimi-covered pork

As a result of the island’s sub-tropical area, Taiwan has an inexhaustible supply of different apples and oranges, for example, papayas, starfruit, melons, and citrus foods grown from the ground. A wide mixed bag of tropical soil grown foods, foreign made and local, are likewise delighted in Taiwan. Other agrarian items by and large are rice, corn, tea, pork, poultry, meat, fish, and different foods grown from the ground. New elements in Taiwan are promptly accessible from businesses.

In a large portion of their dishes, the Taiwanese have demonstrated their innovativeness in their choice of flavors. Taiwanese cooking depends on a bottomless exhibit of seasonings for flavor: soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, matured dark beans, cured daikon, salted mustard greens, peanuts, stew peppers, cilantro (off and on again called Chinese parsley), and a nearby mixture of basil (九層塔 kau-tsan-tha, truly “nine story pagoda”).

A paramount piece of Taiwanese cooking are xiaochi,substantial snacks along the lines of Spanish tapas or Levantine meze.

The Taiwanese xiaochi has picked up much notoriety globally. Numerous voyagers go to Taiwan only for xiaochi. The most well-known spot to delight in xiaochi in Taiwan is in a night market. Every night showcase likewise has its own particular acclaimed xiaochi.

// < ![CDATA[
//

Post by Exploretraveler.com.

Besides, the Taiwanese xiaochi has been enhancing to a larger amount. These days, Taiwanese xiaochi served in night showcases as well as some extravagance and top of the line restaurants. The costs generally hop 100% or much higher in the restaurants. Likewise, the Taiwanese government backs the Taiwanese xiaochi and has held national

 

Filed Under: Asia, East Coast Taiwan, Green Island, Hsin-Chu, Restaurant, Restaurant Review, Taipei, Taitung, Taiwan, Travel Tips, World Travel Tagged With: Asia, expat, Food, Hsin-Chu, international, ROC, Taiwan, travel, Travel Tips

Photo of the day – Cebu Island

August 30, 2014 by John J Gentry Leave a Comment

Photo of the day – Cebu Island

Scuba diving near Balicasag Island in the Philippines

[embedplusvideo height=”400″ width=”450″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1psYTYB” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/gPmPIt8McVI?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=gPmPIt8McVI&width=450&height=400&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=1&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep2831″ /]

With us spending so much time in Cebu we thought some backround history might be helpful in understanding why the island is the way it is.

Scuba diving near Balicasag Island in the Philippines

History

Cebu (/seɪˈbuː/ or/siːˈbuː/; Cebuano: Lalawigan sa Sugbo, Tagalog: Lalawigan ng Cebu; Tagalog elocution: [ˈsebu]) is an island territory in the Philippines, comprising of the island itself and 167 encompassing islands. Its capital is Cebu City, the most established city in the Philippines, which structures some piece of the Cebu Metropolitan Territory together with four neighboring urban communities (which embody Danao City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City and Talisay City) and eight other nearby government units. Mactan-Cebu Worldwide Airplane terminal, spotted in Mactan Island, is the second busiest airplane terminal in the Philippines.

// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
//

Post by Exploretraveler.com.

Cebu is a standout amongst the most created areas in the Philippines, with Cebu City as the primary middle of business, exchange, instruction and industry in the Visayas. Condé Nast Explorer Magazine named Cebu the seventh best island terminus in the Indian Sea Asia district in 2007,[3] eighth best Asian-Pacific island goal in 2005, seventh in 2004 and in 2009, with well known traveler ends of the line, for example, Mactan Island and Moalboal. In 10 years it has changed into a worldwide center for furniture making, tourism, business handling administrations, and substantial industry.

Between the thirteenth and sixteenth century Cebu then known as Zubu[4] (or Sugbo) was an island occupied by Hindus, Buddhists, animists and Muslims[5] led by Rajahs and Datus.[6] It was a kingdom of the ancient Rajahnate of Cebu.

The Rajahnate of Cebu was a local kingdom which used to exist in Cebu before the landing of the Spaniards. It was established by Sri “Lumay” generally known as ‘Rajamuda Lumaya’, a half Malay and Half Tamil ruler of the Chola administration which had attacked Sumatra in Indonesia. He was sent by the Maharajah to build a base for expeditionary powers to repress the nearby kingdoms, yet he revolted and made his own particular free Rajahnate instead.[7]

The entry of Portuguese voyager Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 secured a time of Spanish investigation and colonization.[8][9]

Losing support for his arrangement of arriving at the Flavor Islands from lord Manuel I of Portugal, by cruising west from Europe, Magellan offered his administrations to ruler Charles I of Spain. On September 20, 1519, Magellan headed five boats with a team of 250 individuals from the Spanish fortress of Sanlúcar de Barrameda on the way to Southeast Asia by means of the Americas and Pacific Sea. They arrived at the Philippines on Walk 16, 1521. Rajah Kolambu the ruler of Mazaua let them know to cruise for Cebu, where they could exchange and have procurements.

Landing in Cebu City, Magellan, with Enrique of Malacca as interpreter, got to know Rajah Humabon the Rajah or Ruler of Cebu and induced the locals of faithfulness to Charles I of Spain. Humabon and his wife were given Christian names and purified through water as Carlos and Juana. The Santo Niño was exhibited to the local monarch of Cebu, as an image of peace and kinship between the Spaniards and the Cebuanos. On April 14, Magellan raised a huge wooden cross on the shores of Cebu. A while later, around 700 islanders were submersed.

// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
//

Post by Exploretraveler.com.

Magellan soon knew about Datu Lapu-Lapu, a local ruler in adjacent Mactan Island, an adversary of the Rajahs of Cebu. It was suspected that Humabon and Lapu-Lapu had been battling for control of the thriving exchange the range. On April 27, the Skirmish of Mactan happened where the Spaniards were crushed and Magellan murdered by the locals of Mactan[10] in Mactan Island. As per Italian antiquarian and recorder, Antonio Pigafetta, Magellan’s body was never recouped regardless of deliberations to exchange for it with flavor and gems. Magellan’s second in summon, Juan Sebastián Elcano took his spot as chief of the undertaking and cruised their armada over to Spain, circumnavigating the world.

Survivors of the Magellan endeavor brought stories of a savage island in the East Indies with them when they came back to Spain. Subsequently, a few Spanish endeavors were sent to the islands however all finished in disappointment. In 1564, Spanish wayfarers headed by Miguel López de Legazpi cruising from Mexico landed in 1565 and created a colony.[11] The Spaniards battled the Lord Rajah Tupas and involved his regions. The Spaniards created settlements, exchange prospered and renamed the island to “Manor del Santíssimo Nombre de Jesús” (Town of the Most Heavenly Name of Jesus). Cebu turned into the first European settlement built by the Spanish Cortés in the Philippines. In 1595, the Universidad de San Carlos (College of San Carlos) was created and in 1860, Cebu opened its fortifications to outside exchange. The principal printing house (“Imprenta de Escondrillas y Cia”) was secured in 1873 and in 1880, the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion (School of the Faultless Origination) was made and the first periodical The Notice of Cebu (“El Boletin de Cebú”) started distributed in 1886. In 1898, the island was ceded to the United States after the Spanish-American War and Philippine-American War. In 1901, Cebu was administered by the United States for a concise period, notwithstanding it turned into a sanction area on February 24, 1937 and was legislated freely by Filipino lawmakers.

// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
//

Post by Exploretraveler.com.

Cebu, being a standout amongst the most thickly populated islands in the Philippines, served as a Japanese base amid their occupation in World War II which started with the arriving of Japanese warriors in April 1942. The third, eighth, 82nd and 85th Infantry Division of the Philippine Ward Armed force was restored from 1942 to 1946 and the eighth Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary was restored again from 1944 to 1946 at the military general home office and the military camps and garrisoned in Cebu City and Cebu Territory. They began the Opposition to Japanese military operations in Cebu from April 1942 to September 1945 and helped Cebuano guerrillas and battled against the Japanese Majestic strengths. Very nearly after three years in Walk 1945, joined Filipino and American powers arrived and reoccupied the island amid the liberation of the Philippines. Cebuano guerrilla gatherings headed by an American, James Cushing is credited for the foundation of the Koga Papers which is said to have changed the American arrangements to retake the Philippines from Japanese occupation in 1944, by helping the consolidated United States and the Philippine Region Armed force powers enter Cebu in 1945. The accompanying year the island attained autonomy from provincial manage in 1946.

Geography

Cebu is spotted to the east of Negros, to the west of Leyte and Bohol islands. Cebu is a long tight island extending 225 kilometers (140 mi) from north to south and 45 kilometers crosswise over at its vastest point, encompassed by 167 neighboring, more modest islands, which incorporate Mactan, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango and the Camotes Islands. Cebu has slender coastlines, limestone levels and waterfront fields. It additionally has moving slopes and rough mountain reaches navigating the northern and southern lengths of the island.

// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
// < ![CDATA[
//

Post by Exploretraveler.com.

Cebu’s most astounding mountains are in excess of 1,000 meters (3,300 ft) high. Level tracts of area might be found in the city of Bogo and in the towns of San Remigio, Medellin and Daanbantayan at the northern locale of the territory.

The island’s zone of 4,468 square kilometers backs in excess of 3.6 million individuals, of which 2.3 million live in Metro Cebu. The area’s territory region is 494,372 hectares (1,221,620 sections of land), or 534,200 hectares (1,320,000 sections of land) including the free cities.[1] according to different sources – 4,468 square kilometers (1,725 sq mi).[citation needed]

Shorelines, coral atolls, islands and rich angling grounds encompass Cebu.

Cebu’s focal area, nearness to surprisingly colorful traveler goal, prepared access to an assorted qualities of plant, creature and topographical ponders inside the island, and remoteness from quake and hurricane movement are a portion of the uncommon properties of Cebu.

On February 6 2012, Cebu island accomplished the impacts of size 6.7 seismic tremor on the neighboring island of Negros and was the biggest shudder in the region for 90 years. The tremor shook structures and brought about alarm however there were not reports of significant building harm or death toll on Cebu Island itself. This tremor was brought about by an awhile ago unrecorded “visually impaired” deficiency.

On October 15, 2013, Cebu and Bohol were hit by record setting 7.2 size tremor leaving in excess of 100 dead, 5 chronicled houses of worship fallen sending inhabitants to frenzy, there were in excess of 700 post-quake tremors.

Climate

The atmosphere of Cebu is tropical. There are 2 seasons in Cebu − the dry and wet season. It is dry and sunny the greater part of the year with some infrequent downpours amid the months of June to December. The region of Cebu ordinarily gets storms once a year or none.

Northern Cebu gets more precipitation and hurricanes than Southern Cebu in light of the fact that it has an alternate atmosphere. Tropical storm Haiyan hit Northern Cebu in 2013 murdering 73 individuals and harming 348 others. Despite the fact that most storms hit Northern Cebu, the urban regions in Focal Cebu are now and then hit, for example, when Hurricane Mike (PAGASA name: Ruping), one of the most noticeably bad to hit Cebu, lashed the Focal Cebu zone in 1990.

Cebu’s temperatures can achieve a high of 36 °c (97 °f) from Walk to May, and as low as 18 °c (64 °f) in the mountains amid the wet season. The normal temperature is around 24 to 34 °c (75 to 93 °f), and does not change much aside from amid the month of May, which is the most sweltering month. Cebu midpoints 70–80 percent

Filed Under: Asia, Cebu, Philippines, Scuba Diving, Travel Tips, World Travel Tagged With: Adventure, Asia, Cebu, explore, international, Philippines, Scuba, travel, Travel Tips

Photo of the day – Downtown Hsinchu Taiwan

August 21, 2014 by John J Gentry Leave a Comment

ByExploreTraveler.com:  Photo of the day – Downtown Hsinchu Taiwan

Downtown Hsinchu in Taiwan

“Hsinchu, officially known as Hsinchu City (Chinese: 新竹市; Hanyu Pinyin: Xīnzhú Shì; Tongyong Pinyin: Sinjhú Shìh; Wade–Giles: Hsin1-chu2 Shih4; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Sin-tek), is a city in northern Taiwan. Hsinchu is popularly nicknamed “The Windy City” (Chinese: 風城; Hanyu Pinyin: Fēngchéng; Tongyong Pinyin: Fongchéng; Wade–Giles: Feng1-ch’eng2) for its windy climate.

Hsinchu is administered as a provincial city within Taiwan. The city is bordered by Hsinchu County to the north and east, Miaoli County to the south, and the Taiwan Strait to the west. Hsinchu is composed of three districts: North District, East District andXiangshan District.

In 1626, after Spain occupied northern Taiwan, Spanish missionaries arrived at Tek-khàm (竹塹; sm: zhúqiàn), where the TaokasTaiwanese aborigines lived. During the nineteenth century, it was renamed Hsinchu. In 1920, under Japanese rule, Hsinchu Street was established, with the founding of Hsinchu Street District Office. In 1930, the city system was applied. It was renamed as Hsinchu City, under the governing of Hsinchu-Chou, with the establishment of Hsinchu City Office. In 1941, its administration district was expanded, merging with Xiangshan and Qiu Kang, and became a part of Liu Jia Zhuang.

In 1945 the incoming Kuomintang (KMT; Chinese Nationalists) established the Hsinchu City Government to govern Hsinchu-Chou. In 1946, the Take Over Committee dissolved and Hsinchu County Government was formed. Hsinchu County Government was moved to Taoyuan. As the administrative districts were readjusted, it became a provincially-governed city, using the original Chou office as its legal office, with seven district offices. In February of the same year, representative congress was formed in every district. On April 15 the City Congress was formed. Provincial Representatives were elected from the city legislators, to become legislative bodies of different levels. On August 16, 1950, the administrative districts in Taiwan were re-adjusted once more, demarcating 16 counties and 5 provincially governed cities.

In June 1982, under the President’s order, the Xiangshan Township of Hsinchu County would merge into Hsinchu City, and the new entity would become a special municipality. The new government of Hsinchu was legally established on July 1, 1982, with 103 lis, and 1635 lins. The City Government is located on 120 Chung Cheng Road, the former Hsinchu-Chou Office.

In end of June 1983, there were three Bureaus (Civil Service, Public Works, and Education), four Departments (Finance, Social Welfare, Compulsory Military Service, and Land Affairs), four offices (Secretary, Planning, Personnel, and Auditing), and 49 sections (units, teams) under the City Government’s organization to provide services for various urban affairs. Affiliate institutions include the Police Department, Tax Department, and Medicine and Hygiene Department.

By the end of 1982, the city was classified into east, north and Xiangshan districts. The east, north and Xiangshan district administration offices were posted on October 1 and then they were formally established on November 1 in the same year.

From 1994 to 1999, as Taiwan made its transition from authoritarian rule to modern democracy and the mostly pro forma provincial level of government began to be dissolved, regulations were established for formal Hsinchu City self-government. A deputy mayor, consumer officer, and three consultants were added to the city government. In 2002 the city added a Bureau of Labor and transferred Compulsory Military Service to the Department of Civil Service.”

Bibliographic details for “Hsinchu”

  • Page name: Hsinchu
  • Author: Wikipedia contributors
  • Publisher: Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
  • Date of last revision: 20 August 2014 15:44 UTC
  • Date retrieved: 21 August 2014 11:33 UTC
  • Permanent link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qiu_Kang
  • Primary contributors: Revision history statistics
  • Page Version ID: 622070936

 

Filed Under: Asia, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan, Travel Tips, World Travel Tagged With: Adventure, Asia, Bucket List, expat, explore, Hsin-Chu, international, international business, Taiwan, travel, Travel Tips

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 34
  • Go to page 35
  • Go to page 36

Primary Sidebar


Categories

Recent Posts

  • Traveling in the new age of post Covid19
  • Unraveling The Mystery Behind The Famed Chocolate Hills In Bohol, Philippines
  • Museums in Lisbon You Need to Visit!
  • Traveling and Mental Health
  • Exploring Mount Nebo

Copyright © 2020 · ExploreTraveler