The Saigon Diaries - Around Ho Chi Minh City

Day 3

It was the last day of our stay in Vietnam and we decided to see Ho Chi Minh City as much as we can. Our first stop was the War Remnants Museum.

The Saigon Diaries - Dining Al Fresco and Coffee for Nightcap

For our second night in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), we had no idea where we would be having dinner. Well, we came up with a list but these were quite a distance from our hotel. And we were just too tired after a whole day of travelling (being cooped inside the coaster can be tiring, too). So our group decided to walk the whole block from our hotel in search of dining places (although the hotel serves dinner, we opted to dine out).

The Saigon Diaries - Night of Pho and Market

Night fell as we entered Ho Chi Minh. And as expected, the city was in a rhythmic chaos during rush hour with scooters, cars and buses just making their presence felt everywhere, inching their way in major thoroughfares.

The Saigon Diaries - Mekong Delta Tour

Day 1

It was midnight (Viet Nam time) when our group arrived in Ho Chi Minh. After breezing through the immigration, we immediately went straight for the money changer counter just near the arrival exit. The next moment, we were already inside the van arranged by our hotel. 

Taiwan at Random

Here are some random shots during our weekend trip in Taiwan:

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

Taiwan | Gastronomic Heaven

If I am to be asked about my favourite in Taiwan, I'd have to say it is enjoying the gastronomic feasts. From the food being sold down the streets and in the night markets, to the hot pots served in a cozy place to the weird and outrageous edible servings you could imagine. It's the small eats and the piping hot dishes that I've come to love, a motley of culinary influences.

Night Market in Taoyuan

Taiwan | Quick Sightseeing in Taipei

We spent most of our time in cities and towns north of Taiwan that we only got to see Taipei a few hours before we left the country. It was definitely a whirlwind sightseeing of the country's capital.

Our first stop was the Taipei 101, once the tallest structure in the world in 2004 until 2009. Now, its bragging right is being the tallest green structure.

Taiwan | Yehliu Park

In New Taipei City in the northernmost part of Taiwan is a natural gem that will definitely blow you away. If the United States has the Grand Canyon, Taiwan has Yehliu Geopark with the vast blue ocean as backdrop.

The Yehliu Geopark features a beautiful geological landscape on a cape in the north of Taiwan. Such wonder of nature was formed over time through sea erosion, earth movement, weathering of rocks and the crashing of mighty waves against the land mass. Let your imagination work and run wild!

Taiwan | Night Market in Taoyuan

One of the must-do when in Taiwan is to visit a night market. From the clusters of entrepreneurs selling their wares on the streets, night markets have evolved and are now tourist destinations. The more popular ones are found in Taipei. Since we were based in Taoyuan, we visited one night market in that city.

Taiwan | A Beautiful Respite in Longtan

Somewhere in Taoyuan is an area called Longtan, known for being a place for retirement. One of its famous attractions is the Longtan Lake or Pond where a dragon boat race is held every year. 

Taiwan | Cihu Mausoleum

Nestled in a nature park in Taoyuan is the resting place of Taiwan's former leader Chiang Kai-shek.  He was fond of this place  and spent a lot of time here  because it reminded him of his hometown Fenghua. A guesthouse was established which was named Cihu Guesthouse in memory of the president's mother who was benevolent and kind (cihu=benevolent). When the former leader passed away, he was entombed in the guesthouse which is now known as the Cihu Musoleum. 

Taiwan | Shihmen Reservoir

The Shihmen Reservoir is located in Taouyuan. It is one of the biggest reservoirs in Taiwan which provides water supply to the northern part of the country. Today, the reservoir has become not just a source of water supply but also a tourist destination itself. 

Taiwan | From Fisherman's Wharf to Tamsui

It was already late in the afternoon when we arrived at the Fisherman's Wharf.  

Taiwan | Sakura in Bloom

While many flock to Japan, China or South Korea during spring to see the cherry blossoms in bloom, I was lucky to have seen it again (my first time was in Sweden in the spring of 2007), this time in Taiwan, particularly in Jinguashi.

Taiwan | The Gold Rush in Jinguashi

If California had its gold rush, Taiwan isn't far behind. Jinguashi, an area near Jiufen, was once a gold and copper mining place. 

Taiwan | Meandering through the Alleys of Jiufen

Jiufen is a village up in the mountain of New Taipei City with narrow, steep roads and alleys. I am surprised by the volume of tourists that flock to this place. But who wouldn't be charmed by the quaintness of Jiufen, the cool temperature and the beautiful view of the ocean?

 

Taiwan On My Mind

Just north of the Philippines and close to Batanes is the beautiful island of Formosa, now know as Taiwan. I remember a trivia back in high school that the crow of a rooster at dawn in Batanes can be heard in Taiwan. Given the proximity, there might be probably some truth to it.

And the Stegesund Island Beckons Again

Stegesund is one of the many islands in the Swedish archipelago. It is close to Stockholm and just across Vaxholm. It can be reached by passenger boat from the capital city or by bus (No. 670) and a boat from Vaxholm. While in Sweden, I frequented this island during springtime to prepare the house for the summer months, and autumn to board up the house and plant the tulips that will be in full bloom come spring and summer.  The century-old summer house which has become a temporary abode for me is one of my favourite places on earth. Who wouldn't fall in love with the old charm and cozy vibe of the house which overlooks a body of water and is nestled in the woods? Plus, the owners of the house are such lovely hosts.

Enjoy this montage of the island of Stegesund. And special thanks to Åke, Thure, Joel and their furball Freja.

The Island of Stegesund Beckons from Sojourner Sol on Vimeo.

Stockholm, My Stockhome!

Whenever I am asked what my favourite foreign city is, in a heartbeat I'd say Stockholm. It's the city where I stayed the longest (almost a year for my studies at the Stockholm University), where I immediately adapted to the daily grind of the locals who are oftentimes stereotyped as aloof and cold (No, they're not. They are just not nosy since they value their personal space but they are one of the most engaging conversationalists I've met), where I learned to to live on my own and fend for myself. But most of all, Stockholm has become my (Stock)home because of the people I met who eventually have become my lifelong friends and the many beautiful memories we  have made together.

So what do I miss about Stockholm?

Hej igen, Stockholms!

It took me five long years to finally step again on Swedish soil. It felt so good to be back in my favourite foreign city. The weather was in a mood, swinging forth from heavy rains to overcast sky to a bit of sunshine. But that didn't stop me from enjoying this homecoming of sorts.

It was raining when I arrived at the Arlanda Airport and my good friend and fellow Waray Joel Bagon was there to pick me up. After settling at their elegant flat on Norr Mälarstrand, we immediately roamed the streets of Stockholm. We walked and walked and walked. It was just lovely to see Stockholm again in the midst of the rains and the changing of seasons from summer to autumn.

It was also comforting to hear the Swedish language, see familiar signs  and visit the places I frequented. And what's an afternoon in Stockholm without the traditional fika? 

But what made this short trip to Stockholm more memorable was meeting most of my friends, people who have become a big part of my almost a year stay in Sweden (but that deserves a separate post).

I've compiled photos from this trip in this video. Enjoy and for those who miss Stockholm, let's have a dose of nostalgia.

Hej igen, Stockholms!v3 from Sojourner Sol on Vimeo.

Big thanks to Joel, Åke and Dr. T for the warm hospitality.