Blog - March Overview

Hi Blog,

I'm feeling the pinch of my budget lately... I checked my own finance record and saw that I spent a lot on things I couldn't avoid... 60% of my money went to loans, taxes and emergencies...

There are so many things I want to buy, but they are too pricey for me... Some of them are urgent, some of them are not... Later I can show you what I bought.

Some of them are replacements for broken stuff, and some of them are upgrades... Ugh... I wish I had more money to spare... Especially this month, I have an overseas trip coming up that will make a big dent in my wallet...

Trip - Taiwan D7 - National Museum of Natural Science

Good Morning Blog,

Looking through our Taiwan photos for these days, I told myself that I should skip today.

Had a quick breakfast and was ready to go.

Did I miss Taiwan already? Yes, I do! 😂

Trip - Taiwan D6 - Taan & GaoMei Wetland

Hi Blog,

Let's continue exploring Taichung; this one was our highlight for Day 6. We had planned this before the Covid strike and today was the day to fulfil our wishlist.

To visit Geomei Wetland

They mentioned Gaomei Wetland as one of Taiwan's most scenic and tourist hot spots in social media articles. But before we went to Gaomei, I saw one more place which some other people suggested could rival Gaomei Wetland, which is Ta-an Bathing Beach 大安海水浴場.

Trip - Taiwan D6 - Exploring Taichung

Good Morning Blog,

On our last day in Taiwan, I woke up at around 530am to prepare to go somewhere.

I tried not to make a lot of sounds to disturb J's sleep.

Where was I headed? As the title suggests, today's focus is on exploring Taichung, where numerous interesting places to be visited in a single day!

Trip - Taiwan D5 - To Rainbow Village & Palmer Hotel

Hi Blog,

Continuing to Day 5 in Taiwan, we arrive at our final destination in our itinerary. No more stress from winding roads—just time to chill and relax.

A beautiful day suggests smooth sailing ahead.

Time to go for a simple shopping trip before we returned to Singapore.

Trip - Taiwan D5 - Mu Sheng Insect Museum

Good Morning Blog,

Thinking back on our Taiwan itinerary, ours was mainly mountains and themed locations.

Today we would head out to our last city - Taichung. Goodbye, Puli for hosting us. Sadly, didn't have enough to visit most of the places here. One day, I will be back again.

So where are we heading next? Based on the title, we will be heading to a museum as it is along the way to Taichung.

Trip - Taiwan D4 - 2nd Time to Sun Moon Lake

Hi Blog,

After visiting Qingjing Farm and not being able to go elsewhere on the mountain... Yup... I feel that we didn't cover or fully utilize the route up there... So I needed to manage myself and learn to be content.

I have to strike a balance between my selfish needs and thoughts, and the group's expectations and limitations; all while avoiding any negative impact on the overall atmosphere. I hope I didn't spoil SJ and QH's emotions.

Okay! Next stop - Sun Moon Lake 日月潭! Based on our original itinerary, we brought forward the next day's planned location to today, to free up a slot for more places of interest.

Trip - Taiwan D4 - 2nd Time to QingJing Farm

Good Morning Blog,

On the fourth day of our trip, time really passed fast. Today, where will we be going? Yes, as titled, we will be going up to Qingjing.

The weather seemed promising!

Initially, we planned to stay at Qingjing and explore that place slowly... But we were discouraged due to the cold climate and risks involved... So from the look of the weather... I was not pleased, but I know it is in my best interest, and I can't afford any mishaps... So I will just manage my own expectations.

Trip - Taiwan D3 - JiJi & Che Cheng Station

Hi Blog,

After visiting two themed villages, understand that having a well-defined theme for an area can significantly impact its economic growth and attract visitors.

Now we were heading to a place with a theme too

Instead of "created-theme" places, the next two will be a cultural reason that plays an important role in shaping and influencing various aspects of life, including art, literature, and social norms; like a set of collective values, beliefs, and practices that are shared by a group of people and passed down through generations.

Trip - Taiwan D3 - Hinoki & Nantou Monster Village

Hi Blog,

Next on our itinerary will be another place which I always wanted to go to. In fact, no one will actually mention it due to unpopular options among tourists.

Hmm 🤔 even though Taiwan's world time is the same as Singapore's, on a geographical level, Taiwan is closer to the east side of Earth than Singapore. So what you are looking at is 6+ in the morning, similar to Singapore's 7+ The statement "Time is an illusion" is true.

Or on a personal level, since we were heading to our accommodation, and it was along the way, then we should visit these places as titled. Have you heard of these places before?

Trip - Taiwan D2 - Alishan Park

Good Morning Blog,

Managed to wake up in time with a slight delay, so excited for today's itinerary.

Knowing we will be having a long journey up to our next destination...

It will be a long twisted road journey, prepare mentally - yes! It will be a cold temperature condition, so prepare my attire - yes!

Trip - Taiwan D1 - Hiccups Happened

Hi Blog,

At last, I have the opportunity to pack my bags for a vacation planned since 2023, following my return from the Taiwan-Japan trip.

I'm sceptical that anyone can pack their luggage just on the actual day...

But different people work differently, as long as it works for them then it should not be an issue. 

Personal - Swimming Theme #4

Hi Blog,

Finally! I had completed another swimming theme and I can't believe that I have so many trunks.

Some individuals may form quick judgments and comment that I am just a weirdo or freak...

Why do I have so many, mainly because I am finding my favourite trunk and now, I found that one and you can read more here!

Trip - Return to Serapong & Tanjong Rimau

Good morning Blog,

Recently, I saw an urbex post a few pics about her visit to Serapong, and it was a completely different location. In fact, Serapong has a lot of hidden locations which I have yet to cover. Next time, I will try to find them and put them on the map.

Today was blessed with good weather, so I arranged a visit to Serapong to find the hidden gems and meet up with Mr. Loh's group to visit Tanjong Rimau because today is also the lowest day of the month. I just hope it won't rain..

It was difficult to find a weekend to have the lowest tide during the day and fell on a weekend. Usually, the lowest tide will happen during the night, so my chance will be halved. If I want a weekend, that will be a 2/7 chance. To access there during the lowest tide, that will only happen during lunar days (2/30 days). Lastly, only under the conditions that I am available. So it is rare.

Personal - Suits for the Theme #95

Hi Blog,

Hmm, today let's see what Gemini can generate. Usually, I use ChatGPT because I love its fluidity and it feels more "human and personal" than other chats like Copilot and Gemini.

In my previous trisuit, I was using Editor aka Copilot on my keyboard. Everyone will have it. I will ask Gemini its thought over wearing a trisuit for hiking and why it's not well received by the public. I won't copy everything but to take out or see how Gemini is going to say.

Here is its response.

Trisuits are designed for breathability and quick drying, which can be good for hiking. But, they lack features hikers need: pockets for gear, durability for rough terrain, and warmth for changing weather. Plus, the tight fit might not be comfortable with a backpack. Publicly, they might look out of place for the typical hiking attire.