Friday, January 29, 2010

Taiwan Day 3: Part 3

Now, for some photos at yet another temple. The statues found there were some of the most stout looking ones while some are just plain scary looking like the devil himself. Just look at this guy below:


Scary looking guardian statue.



This is the scary guardian's cousin brother opposite him.



Laughing Buddha. Really friendly looking guy. I like him. He cheers me up.



The Guardian Lion does not look too happy there in fiery red.


The following 4 photos are meant to trick your eyes. They all look the same if you just scroll through quickly. Go see if you can spot any differences in them.



One with the sword.



One with the brollie.



One with the pagoda.



One with a guitar like instrument.



This guy above here is very terror I was told. He symbolizes the Intellectuals & Warriors.
In the olden days, there used to be 2 groups in the King's service. As you might have guessed, a group of intellectuals and the other are warriors. So this guy here with his longer left sleeve symbolizes the Intellectuals while his shorter sleeve refers to Warriors who wear something that facilitates swinging of swords.

There is a Chinese proverb to describe the statue above - "Wen Wu Shuang Quan". And if you're being described that way, that means you are an all-rounder who has brains and muscles =)



I do not know much abou this guy but I'm sure he is just as important, hehe.



This guy here is the big boss. Don't mess.



Here's us with the outlook of the entire temple.



The tree that took the shape of a bottle. How queer.



Nice Canopy.



Aren't they just lovely? So colorful!


On an absolutely unrelated note, if there's one thing I have to rap about this beautiful country, it has much to do with the picture below:



I'm sure those who have been to Taiwan would know. For the rest who do not know, lets just say I simply cannot understand the liking for smelly tau foo. SIMPLY CANNOT. They STINK BAD. From MILES and MILES AWAY. Pass them by and you will smell like smelly tau foo also. SERIOUS.


On that rather less appetizing note, stay tuned for some shots from the Tallest Building in Taiwan.



DwaY

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Taiwan Day 3: Part 2

Nearby Sun Moon Lake stands the "Wen Wu" Temple that we visited. I mentioned that I'm not very interested in temples nor museums but here are some eye catching corners that caught my attention.



The Golden Dragon panel of the gigantic joss sticks holder.
3 characters that appear to sit above its head reads "Wen Wu Miao" (Wen Wu Temple) from right to left.



This is one of those stone lions that usually guards the inner entrance of chinese temples or castles.



Another piece of interesting looking stone panels.



The big boss who sits steadfast at the center is this guy who...okay, I do not know who he is but he and his gang looked really fierce.



Dragon - Ball. That was the first thing that came into my mind of this sight.



This lovely golden looking hanging things hold the wishes and hopes of those whose names are written on them. Some wish for wealth and health while some just plainly wants a life partner (o_O")



Here is a young male holding on to Kuan Gong's weapon of choice. Apparently he was standing on the wrong side of the weapon where the blade was facing him instead. *paiseh*



The symbolic icons of the Sun Moon Lake.



A group photo in front of the Wen Wu Temple.


Next up, photos from the museum not too far away.


-DwaY-

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Taiwan Day 3: Part 1

Alright, we have checked into the coolest hotel right about now and see how disco-theque the ambience is!



Nevermind classy looking hotel receptions, 70's disco look is in!



Colorful! Colorful!! Colorful!!!



A corner with moody spotlighting, what else? Camwhore LaH!



Fortunately, the room was nothing like the reception and downright cosy for a well deserved sleep. The wall art of Greece was tastefully done too.



Good Morning and what do we have here? Saw this Xmas tree of colorful colorful caps while awaiting the cab for the ride to Sun Moon Lake.



This was what greeted me when I looked upon the lake from the sides, breathe taking!



Could not help taking another shot of the picturesque scenery, everything is just so harmonious.



The luxurious boat we were on, nothing like I've ever been on before.



The floating man made island.



Let's all layback, relax and camwhore on the boat!



Its US!



It really did and will not hesitate to visit there again =)



Mickey Mouse antenna decor for your vehicle anyone? It was on our cab..too cute!

Next, a temple and a museum of sorts. I was never keen on visiting temples and museums but it was rewarding with some interesting details.

Check back soon!


DwaY

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Taiwan Day 2: Part 2

A short drive followed by a brief walk later through the paths between shophouses, we were lead to an eatery famous for its street food. Without further ado, let the photos do the talking for a while.



This delicacy reminds me so much of our roti canai. But, much crispier and tastier that is.



What we have here is essentially fish cakes in soup, made really fresh.



Simultaneously, we were served yamcakes and another delight suspiciously similar to our local 'chai kueh'. Both equally delicious nonetheless.



About the only thing I remembered when this food right here was put in front of me, was that I was stuffed to the brim. But who could resist some yummy tasting tempura? Taiwanese style!



The Taiwanese indulge in our local favorite back in Malaysia too...LaLa!



What you see above is nothing more than soda, nothing special. Not if you notice the little marble as the opening to the bottle instead of the usual plastic cap. The direct translation of the drink's name is literally Marble Soda...hehe.



We were taking a stroll on the street, lo and behold...a very Odd-Looking-But-I-Like object on the street. Did I mention that Taiwan is the land of scooters? Yes, it is.

Anyhow, we continued our journey and visited a very special attraction. This building had trees growing all over it and inside out as well. Check it out.



Nature's art on a human created canvas.



Does this remind you of a bodily part?



The group that was.



There were students snapping their very own graduation photos away with their robes. I wish I had graduation photos like theirs, which would undoubtedly be more memorable.



Another round of glorious food during dinner with more friends and we were at Taichung!

Right after dinner and for the first time, we experienced the Taiwanese night market atmosphere and they are affectionally dubbed as "Yes" as the pronounciation in Mandarin is just that for night markets.

It was nothing like our pasar malam and in fact, down right crowded. I also cannot help but noticed that most of the workforce in these night markets are young people.

Anyhow, all "Yes" looks the same to me so here is a shot of the moving crowd amidst the human traffic madness.


Next up, we checked into this really cool hotel afterwards and more activities for our 3rd day. Watch out for it!


DwaY