Summer enjoying her lunch.Our fav lunch joint at Hua Shan Creative park.Street show at Ximending.
Day 3.
Actually this morning we went back to Hua Shan Creative Park again for 2
hours. We love it so much that we have to go back for a quick fix!
IG moment.Shoot!Hua Shan Creative Park.Different point of viewTime spend with Mama is always the best.Back again. Yummy Food.Cats vs Dogs.
Great time at Hua Shan Creative Park.Always love to photograph a fellow Fuji photographer.Summer’s new friend.
Today we link up with Summer’s kindergarten classmate and family.
We are traveling together for the next 7 days for the first time and
hopefully not our last. LOL. We had a quick lunch at Taipei Main
Station before taking a 45 minutes ride to Danshui, which is the
last station o n that line.
Welcome to Taipei.
Hello Taipei.
Hanging out in the room.
Amba.
Having fun in the room.
This is my second time there and it’s just as refreshing as my first
time 7 years ago. Danshui is in north Taiwan; located along the river
of Danshui. A beautiful place to go especially for sunset along the
waterfront. No trip is completed without a visit to Danshui Old street.
This vibrant street is full of local snack vendor, restaurant, shops
and cafes. A blend of old and new.
Shots taken from the MRT to Danshui.
Shots taken from the MRT to Tamsui.
A quick meal at Taipei Main Station.
Mr Godox at work in Ximending.
First group shot at Ximending.
X100F. Just love how well this camera performs.The ladies of my life.Broadwalk at Danshui.Life is almost complete with Bubble Tea.Near Tamsui old street.Summer checking out her future boobs size at Danshui Uniqlo.Boys wait while the ladies shop. X70
The Boys.
Ice cream time at Tamsui.
MRT at Tamsui.
Tamsui.
Evening Glow.
Met Mr Fox at the MRT.
Day 4.
Good morning.
A 5 minutes walk from Amba Ximending Hotel bring us the
Ximen MRT and another 15-20 minutes ride brings us to one of
the tallest building in the world. Taipei 101. Did you know that the
elevator takes about 40 seconds to zip us up to the 89th floor of the
observatory deck. In 2007 its been name the world’s fastest by
the Guinness Book of World Records; at 1010 meters/min!
All ready to conquer Taipei 101.Always mommy’s boy.
Snap at Ximending
Tourist Guides.
Observation Deck. Level 89.Shadow of Taipei 101.Photo spot at Ting Tai Fung.
After spending an hour enjoying the 360 degree view of Taipei city;
we have to make that mandatory lunch break at Summer’s favorite
restaurant in the whole wide world. Ting Tai Fung! Thankfully we took
a quene number before heading up to observatory deck if not we have
to wait 80-100 minutes before one could get a table.
Next top, Chiang Kai-Skek Memorial Hall.(CKS) This tall monument is
surrounded by a lovely park. Standing in the east side is the Liberty
Square. On it side is the National Theater and National Concert Hall.
CKS was never on my must visit place on my last 3 trip to Taiwan but I
am glad that we made it this trip. I love the history and also the huge
ground. We were there in the late afternoon and was blessed with the
opportunity to watch the changing of guard and lowering of the national
flag ceremony. I would come back again for sure.
National Concert Hall.Changing of Guards. Chiang Kai-Skek Memorial HallPeople watching the flag lowering ceremony .
National Concert Hall.
National Theater.
Fashion Icon.
Squirrel hunting.
National Concert Hall
First casualty.Papa medic at work.
Be different.
MRT.
Ximending.
On the my first day during check-in at Amba I had the opportunity to
meet up with the Hotel Manager Patricia and also Jeanie from PR
whom I have known from my previous trips. I told Patricia that this
coming Sunday; my friends whom we are traveling with will be
celebrating their 11th wedding anniversary and if there is a good place
for dinner at Ximending? Patricia suggested why don’t we all celebrate
at Amba and let her arrange. And here are today for dinner. We had
the most amazing pizza. And it a square pizza! The pasta and chicken
wings were also amazing. Thank you Patricia for hosting us to this
sumptuous dinner.
Cheers.Happy wedding anniversary!
Super yummy Amba square pizza.
After dinner when our friends were back in their room there was also
a bottle of wine and a lovely anniversay cake in their bar fridge.
Thank you Amba for the amazing hospitality and I am sure you
have won their hearts just like how you did during our last two
stays at Amba Ximending.
Day 5.
As there were a total of 4 adults and 3 kiddo; we decided to flag
two cabs to drive us to Yangmingshan National Park. After we flag the
first cab; a bigger cab that could fit us all came from behind. We were
happy that we could all travel in one vehicle. Five minutes into the journey,
the driver told us that he have forgotten about his 11am pick up. He was
very sorry about that and he had arrange for another vehicle to connect
and fetch us.
Boy were we surprise when the cab arrived. It’s a Hello Kitty theme cab.
All things Hello Kitty is all deck inside. Plus in-car Karaoke! We sang our
heart out all the way to Yangmingshan National Park.
Thank you Mr Lin.
After a brief visit to the Yangminshan Visitor Center; we cross the road
and started to walk toward the garden where we could see cherry blossom.
This 1 hour downhill walk takes us pass many cherry blossom, a waterfall,
a park, and also local street food vendors street.
Tennis Practice.
Our next stop was Xiaoyoukeng. This post-volcanic geological park is
located on Mt. Qixing which is about 800 meters above sea level. We also
did a little simple trek with the kiddos.
On the way back.Keep Walking.Chic local.Guard at Presidential Palace
In the evening while my friends were visiting Lungshan Temple; I went to
the nearby Guangzhou Street Night Market for some street photography
workout. And on the way back I did more shoot at Ximending. X100F really
shine in this arena.
True love is indeed a tall order. Ximending.
Day 6.
Good bye Taipei. Hello Yilan.X70Our Ride.Compact Class.Run Baby Run.
We say good-bye to Taipei this morning and hello Yilan. We will be
visiting 3 places before reaching Yilan. First stop; Maokong. Wifey wasn’t
very keen on this 4.3KM gondola ride up and ask us to go ahead without her.
She and our driver will drive up the hill and meet us there. We manage to
convinced her in the end.
Audrey finally say Yes to Mao Kong gondola ride.
The view from the gondola is nothing short of breath taking. I have never
felt more loved as my fearful wifey was squeezing my hand very tightly
throughout the ride up. LOL. On the hilltop there was many tea houses.
We did have a quick coffee break and the views are truly beautiful.
Wish we had more time.
Wifey not letting go of my hand.
Gondola staff checking if all OK with us?
She made it! Well done baby!
The whole gang at the top.
Praise and worship at the tea house.
Lovely view of Taipei 101.View from the Tea House.
Next stop is the Shifen. This small town is famous for Sky Lantern. Both
local and tourist will ink words of blessing on the lantern and after
which let the lantern fly off as a form of good luck.
Sky lantern in ShifenOld Charm at ShifenTrain travel through town.
Shifen town was originally built for coal transportation in the early days.
These days this railway serve as a transport for visitor who wants to
visit Shifen. Before the trains enters or leave Shifen town, a whistle
will blow and visitor will be ask to clear the track. It’s quite an interesting
sight to see a train running in the centre of a town.
3,2,1… Blast off.
Our frist sky lantern.
Jing An Suspension Bridge.
Another point of interest is Jing An Suspension Bridge. This 128 meters
long bridge hang above Jilong River linking Shifen to Pingshi Road. Not
recommended for those who are afraid of height. This is especially
true when it windy. As you walk across there is a bouncy feeling that
you will be thrown off balance any moment.
Jiufen is the last stop for the day. A very popular tourist attraction on
the hillside. I will let the pictures do the talking.
Tea house @ Jiufen
Thank you Mama for the pearl ring.
I am Nikon. Taken with Fujifilm.
Sleepy locals.
Mama knows how to have fun.
We arrived at Yilan’s Wellspring by Silk Hotel about 7pm. Immediately
after unloading the luggages, we zoom to this highly recommended
restaurant that is famous for roasted ducks. Red Lantern is supposedly
the best roasted duck restaurant in Taiwan. I am just glad that we made
in time to this fine dining Chinese restaurant. So; is it any good or
its overrated? Its pretty good and forgettable at the same time. If you
so happened to be in Yilan, I would recommend but not a compulsory.
Day 7.
Had a fun day today. Woke up at 730am and visited a local market
street. Its always good to visit where the local goes to. Right?
I failed as a paparazzi.View from Wellsping Hotel. Gui Shan island on the horizon.
Runaway cabbage.
Friendly locals.
Up market cleaners.
Selfie time.
Local Barbie dolls.
My photowalk partner.
Our hotel is located at Jiao Xi district and a 5 minutes walk takes us to
the local train station. A half an hour ride bring us to the south of Yilan.
Another 20 minutes rustic walk usher us to this kiddo crayon theme
park. Lucky Crayon Factory. I was told they have just moved to this
new location 4 month ago.
Jiaoxi Station.
Meeting at Kids Club.
Coolest kids spring water pool. At 41.5 degree.
walking back to the station.
Here the kiddos gets to draw, make color makers, make 3D map of Taiwan
with crayon and even have a go at face painting. So what do the grown
up do? We go crazy with some fancy costume outfit.
We had dinner at Yilan City. And also spend some time at the night
market which is situated below a road bridge.
While the gang is having Macdonald; we are having Udon. X70
There are no winners.
Monkeying around while waiting.
As it was still pretty early back at the hotel; the kiddo decided to
have some fun at the in-room hot spring fun!
Day 8.
Lobby at Wellspring Hotel
Happy breakfast.
All packed.
We check-out this morning and embark on a 3 hour ride
to Flying Cow Ranch. Before leaving Yilan, we made a stop at
Lanyang Museum and also a walk around Wushi harbor. This is
the jetty to be if you are planning to visit Guishan Island. There
are also a couple a seafood restaurant along the broad walk.
With my fav ex-gf. X70
After a heavy lunch its time to have a siesta in the mini van as our
driver drives us to Dahu, which is about 2.5 hours ride. Dahu town
is famous for anything strawberry. Strawberry wine, buns, sausages
etc. It was getting dark soon and drizzling when we arrived.
Manage to find a farm that is still open. It’s our first time
picking strawberries in the rain. Armed with a small scissor
and a basket we brave the weather. So I guess we don’t have
to wash the strawberries before eating; as it all been wash.
LOL.
Dahu City
Farm Owner.Fresh pick.
Weighting the harvest.
At about 7pm we arrived at Flying Cow Ranch. Its our 3rd visit! It’s
Taiwan’s best if you are looking for a ranch for kiddo to experience.
It’s also inexpensive. About USD$130 for 3 pax for a charming Garden
Cottage accommodation This rates includes breakfast, Kiddo DIY
art workshop and farm activities.
Day 9.
A whole day is just about sufficient to explore and experience
the entire Flying Cow ranch in a comfortable pace.
X70
X70
X70
DIY art workshop
Our charming cottage.
Running around the barn.
X70
I think we are too early for dinner.
X70
Day 10.
All good things must always comes to an end. We bid good
bye to Flying Cow Ranch. We took a 40 minutes cab ride to Miaoli
High Speed Rail. Another 20 minutes rides on Taiwan’s bullet train
bring us to TaoYuan Station. And finally another 15-20 MRT ride
to the airport.
Time to wake up…..
Time to prepare to go home. 😭
All ready papa…..
Bye bye…..
Last breakfast….
Loading up……
Last snap at Flying Cow Ranch
Our 2 cab drivers having a chat.
All checked and ready.
Thank you Taiwan. Its been a GREAT holiday.
Collecting our HSR pass. At Miaoli Station
bye bye……Finally ….. Taoyuan Airport.
So did I enjoy shooting exclusively for 10 days with a X100F? I would
say if you are looking for one camera that does it all; X100F will be it.
Its a great all rounder. As you could see from the above photos; X100F
did well. Its also pretty light weight compare to many other. With a
respectable F2 lens even with the WCL and TCL attached. Would I
do it again? I am not sure. But as a second holiday camera; certainly
a yes.
Personally I would still like to have more focal length options and I
could live with more weight. I still need my wide angle, primes and
tele lens. Maybe a X-E3 will be the better travel camera for me.
A X100F + WCL + TCL is about 800gram vs X-E3 + XF 10-24mm +
XF35mm F1.4 + XF 55-200mm = 1.5kg. I could live with an extra
700 plus grams in exchange for wider angle, a F1.4 prime and more
reach with XF55-200mm.
Having said all, X100F is still my favorite everyday camera. If you
are thinking of one camera that does all; X100F is second to none.
It may not be perfect but its certainly close.
Do follow my IG https://www.instagram.com/ivanjoshualoh/ &
Ivan Loh, A Fuji X-photographer is known for his quirky and different approach through his lens. He has received numerous accolades from the International Photography Award, New York and Photography Master Cup. Most Recently a Gold, 1st Place at the 2014 PX3 Prix De La Photographie in Paris .
Ivan started shooting since his teenage years with his father’s Nikon SLR and he hasn’t stopped since. He has lensed campaigns for clients such as Singapore Airlines, MTV Asia, Nike, Bossini, Nanyang Technological University(NTU) Tuas Power, Allianz Insurance, Manulife Insurance, HSBC Insurance, DHL. TNT, UOB, CAAS, Hilton Group, Intercontinental Hotel Group, Raffles Hotel, Diegeo, Embraer, Carlson, TATA Communication, HDB, Clark Quay, HOT FM 91.3, Kiss 92FM, JIA 88.3, Power 98, and CHIMJES.
His editorial works have appeared in magazines such as Conde Nast, Home+Living, TopGear Singapore, Her World, Cleo, Seventeen, FHM, Parents World and Home & Decor. His works have also glossed the pages of international magazines such as Asian Photography and Digital Photography(UK).
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4 Comments
Hi –
I enjoy your posts. I had an X100S and X100T, but don’t any more. What I still have is an X-T20 and some lenses, so I guess I made my choice.
thanks for these articles I have a XT-2 and was thinking of a Leica next but now maybe another fuji. btw where sells the panther sneakers can seem to find them
Hello. Buy your Leica at later date. save the money and buy a X100F and many pairs of the Panther sneakers. Do email kevin@ingenuity.co.jp he should be able to help you. Cheers.
Hi –
I enjoy your posts. I had an X100S and X100T, but don’t any more. What I still have is an X-T20 and some lenses, so I guess I made my choice.
Your daughter is growing taller, quickly!
Hello Bruce, thanks for visiting my blog. Yes, kids are like milestones our lives. Have a great week ahead and keep shooting with X-T20. cheers.
thanks for these articles I have a XT-2 and was thinking of a Leica next but now maybe another fuji. btw where sells the panther sneakers can seem to find them
Hello. Buy your Leica at later date. save the money and buy a X100F and many pairs of the Panther sneakers. Do email kevin@ingenuity.co.jp he should be able to help you. Cheers.