Taipei, Taiwan: Through Stella Mae

Taipei, Taiwan

Lately the whole family has not been as excited about taking pictures at every turn and with every little thing we see different. Ian classically gives us the grump face

While Alvie decides to give me this half/annoyed half/yawn type of look. (This was the subway, showing grump + I don't want to take a picture face.)

So naturally there is still one in my family excited about every picture. That's my Stella. She will jump at every opportunity. She asks me to take pictures of her with any sign, action figure, Mcdonalds, temple, castle or bathroom that she lays her eyes on. Therefore, we shall see Taipei through Miss Stella Mae.

The bus to the Airplane!

 

The second day in Taipei we went to the famous MaoKong Gondolas and the Taipei Zoo. We tried out the delicious  Din Tai Fung dumplings!

We got a few shots of the whole family. But mostly... Stella.

On to day 3! 

Chiang Kai-Shek and the Taipei 101. 

The one great thing I will say about Taipei is how accommodating and simple their public transportation was. We took the subways the entire trip and had absolutely no problems. The people all looked at us funny but were so sweet and gave up a seat for Stella and whoever was holding Ian EVERY time we got on the subway.  

Taipei was not exactly what I was expecting seeing as it is a very large city and really has "city" life. So I have been told, since I have never been to New York this in kinda what I would imagine, except everyone being a little nicer and speaking another language. 

The streets were busy, there were shops and restaurants everywhere and there was a LOT of American shops/restaurants. But, there was one huge downside..... Stinky Tofu (fermented tofu) The smell was HORRENDOUS and just about every place we went had some of it brewing. 

Besides that I think we would definitely go back to Taipei, Taiwan. Just an hour and a half flight from Okinawa and some of our FAVORITE American food!

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Taipei, Taiwan: Through Stella Mae

Bali, Indonesia: Villas, monkeys and rice paddies [1]

In all of the time Alvaro and I have been together we have never been on an airplane together. We have lived in two countries, 5 states and 8 homes however somehow in all those thousands of miles of travel, we never did it together. SO, we figured we should start with a bang on an awesome Vacation with our family. 

Thanksgiving week 2014 we travel to Bali, Indonesia. 

The first few days we stayed in the Maya Loka Villas in Seminyak. It was amazing, at the time we weren't as impressed because we didn't like that the living room was outside and therefore without AC. But looking back now we wish we stayed there longer. 

Having our own private pool was probably the coolest part! While waiting for breakfast to be delivered every morning we would just jump on in. The kids had the best time here and the staff was so amazing and helpful with all of our 'kid' requests. 

We went up to Ubud, Bali on the second day to visit the Monkey temple and see the famous rice paddy fields. 

The monkeys are pretty forward, they just help themselves to whatever they see and can reach in your backpack. Here I had no idea the monkey had stolen my phone!!! We had to chase him to get the phone back and someone threw a bunch of little rocks before he finally let it go! 

Here the monkey stole my hand sanitizer and was drinking it, he probably had a baaaaad stomach ache later. 

We had quite the funny time with the monkeys, here the monkey was about to try to steal my water bottle. 

Stella tried to stop him and then this happened!! Needless to say, we didn't have the monkeys climbing on our shoulders for cool pictures after the few incidents we had. 

Next up was the Rice paddy fields. Our awesome driver (they just chauffeur you around all day for a set price and know the best spots) brought us to this amazing restaurant looking over the fields! Stella and I shared an Avocado juice and threw food over the edge to an abandoned puppy who looked hungry. 

The difference the facial expressions are once she has some food!!! 

                                             

Now, I do not like coconut. But, fresh coconut was deeelish.

Balinese Markets! Was definitely..... an experience! 

This was the beaches in Kuta. There were vendors all over the place selling stuff as well as doing your nails while you're just hanging out on the beach! It was pretty awesome. We rented some boogie boards and had a blast. 

 Ian was a superstar with all the Balinese people! Everywhere we went they wanted to take pictures with Stella, Ian or I. I guess Alvie's tan wasn't helping him in this place :)

That was the first half of our trip! It was suuuch a blast and then it only continued through the next 4 days! I am so blessed my husband and I have such wonderful jobs that allowed us to travel and get some much needed family time. 

 

See part two here!

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Bali, Indonesia: Villas, monkeys and rice paddies [1]