March 27, 2024

Did I Give Up on My Blog? An Update on My Creative Ventures

If you've been following my blog, you might have noticed a pattern – periods of silence followed by bursts of activity. It's true; I don't post as frequently as I used to, sometimes going a month or two without an update, only to suddenly flood your feed with posts. But fear not, dear readers, for I haven't abandoned ship just yet. Allow me to share a little insight into what I've been up to lately.

Lately, I've found myself experiencing occasional bouts of boredom with writing. Don't get me wrong, I still love to write, but sometimes the inspiration just isn't there. However, instead of wallowing in writer's block, I decided to channel my creative energy into something new - a second blog! 
Originally, I intended to cover everything under one virtual roof, but I soon realized that my interests in travel/life and food were like two ships passing in the night. Thus, my new blog was born, focusing solely on culinary delights. And let me tell you, diving into the world of food videos has been an unexpected joyride.


Delving into the world of food videos has been an exciting journey. Unlike travel videos, which often require me to be on the move, I can create culinary delights from the comfort of my own kitchen (actually living room, as Taiwanese kitchens are way too small). Initially, it was my husband's idea, but I've grown to love it. Editing videos, adding voiceovers, and even experimenting with storytelling has become second nature to me. Admittedly, I still struggle with showing my face on camera - I'm much more comfortable behind the scenes. However, I've come to appreciate the power of voiceovers in conveying my stories.

And guess what? Today, our channel - well, my channel, since my husband's involvement is minimal – reached a milestone of 777 subscribers! Who would have thought? It's a far cry from my cake page's impressive following (5600+), but hey, every subscriber counts, right?
When I first started, I never imagined reaching such a number, but here we are. While I hope to see it grow even further, I'm content with celebrating this moment.

However, not all news is sunshine and rainbows. Since moving to the north, my cake business has taken a hit. Economic woes, compounded by the ongoing pandemic and global unrest, have forced many to tighten their purse strings. It's disheartening to see one of my sources of joy slowly fading away.


Living in Miaoli has left me feeling quite exhausted lately. It's surprising how different it is from the south, not just in terms of geography but also in terms of people's mentality. I've found it challenging to connect with others here; it seems like everyone is engrossed in their own world, glued to their phones or standing apart from each other in social settings. Even when I pick up my son from school, I notice that while the children play and chat happily, the parents rarely interact with each other.

Adding to my concerns, my son has a new teacher this year, and despite the language barrier, communication with her has been practically non-existent. She never asks for my input or requests my husband's presence for important discussions. It's frustrating to feel so disconnected.
As my son prepares to enter elementary school, I'm filled with apprehension about the demanding schedule and academic expectations. While elementary school typically ends by noon and after-school classes aren't mandatory, I've heard that many children either stay for additional classes or attend cram schools to stay ahead. It's a tough decision to make, especially considering my husband works from home, and I juggle various responsibilities including baking, blogging, YouTube, and household chores, so it would be overwhelming having him home by noon, but also I don't want him to stay there 7AM - 5PM...

Despite these challenges, I remain hopeful that my son will adapt well to the new routine and thrive academically. However, his current struggle to focus for more than a few minutes is a cause for concern. I'm determined to support him in any way I can, even if it means navigating through unfamiliar territory and overcoming obstacles along the way. Here's to hoping for brighter days ahead and a smoother transition into this new chapter of our lives.

So, has my blog been abandoned? Not quite. It's just evolving, much like life itself. And while there may be bumps along the way, I'm excited to see where this journey takes us next. Thank you for being a part of it.

March 25, 2024

A Lasting Legacy: The Operational Roundhouse in Taiwan's Changhua


Travel Date: 2024/03/23

It's been six years since we last visited this place. Our son was only four months old at the time, and when I showed him pictures, he couldn't believe it. He always feels like we never take him anywhere, as he can't remember those early days... Luckily, I have pictures from every place we've been to. Over the past two years, we haven't gone out as much as we used to six or seven years ago, especially since moving to the north. I have no idea where to go next, as many places either we've seen before or they don't seem that interesting to visit. This isn't great for my YouTube channel either, as I barely have any videos except for cooking ones. At least winter seems to be fading away, and suddenly we're experiencing temperatures of 34 degrees Celsius, such a change from the 15-20 degrees recently. I love summer, so the warmer weather doesn't bother me at all, but the only downside is that I can't open my eyes due to the sunlight, and I end up looking terrible in pictures, lol.
We also made a stop at Tianwei Highway Gardens as I wanted to find some herbs for my balcony... I've managed to make many of them disappear... I guess keeping plants on the balcony is a lot harder than having an actual garden like I used to have in Poland.

Changhua Roundhouse (扇形車庫)
The Changhua Fan-shaped Garage is located in the northern part of Changhua Station. It's part of the Changhua Locomotive Depot and was built in 1922. The warehouse building is centered around the railway turntable, forming a semi-arc-shaped garage with twelve lanes in a radial pattern. It's one of the legacies of Taiwan's Japanese rule. Initially, the roundhouse had only six stalls, but more were added in 1933.
Currently, the only preserved fan-shaped garage in Taiwan is this county-level monument in Changhua County. Worldwide, there are only three roundhouses still in use, with the other two located in Mexico.
The purpose of this roundhouse was to maintain and repair locomotives and provide parking space for long-distance trains. For this reason, the place was also called the "locomotive hotel."

Today, it's used as a maintenance depot for diesel and electric trains and is also home to old steam engines. It's the only place in Taiwan where all types of locomotives are serviced.
The garage building is divided into twelve stalls, each with its own rail spur, large enough for one locomotive. It's centered around the turntable and spread out at a 99-degree angle towards the garage. Since steam locomotives can only drive forward, unlike electric or diesel locomotives that have front and rear cockpits for two-way driving, steam locomotives need to be turned around on the transfer platform to change their direction. The locomotives stop on this bridge-like structure and wait for it to turn them in the right position to take their space.

In addition to the Changhua fan-shaped garage, six roundhouses were built in different cities between 1895 and 1945, including Taipei, Hsinchu, Chiayi, and two in Kaohsiung. The first roundhouse was built in Taipei in 1901.
As cities grew and steam locomotives were phased out of service, roundhouses became obsolete. In the 1970s, the roundhouse in Kaohsiung was the first to be demolished. After the demolition of the other five roundhouses, people realized that if the last one in Changhua was not preserved, the memory of steam locomotives in Taiwan would fade away.
The Taiwan Railway had plans to build a central electric train maintenance base, and the last remaining garage was meant to be dismantled. However, it was saved by local residents and railway enthusiasts. The electric vehicle maintenance base was relocated to the south of Changhua Station. In January 2001, the Changhua County Government designated the roundhouse as a county historic site.

To enter the Changhua Roundhouse, visitors only need to register at the entrance guard room, and group tours can be arranged for more than ten people. The garage is still in service, retaining its maintenance function. Visitors have the opportunity to witness on-site maintenance and observe locomotives departing from the warehouse, experiencing the actual operation of the fan-shaped garage. In addition to the main building and random dynamic displays, there are two robot sculptures in the factory made from discarded parts of the Taichai diesel engine. Construction observation decks, rows of chairs under trees, and toilets are also available.
Entry to the Changhua Roundhouse is free of charge, and the opening hours are Tuesday to Friday from 13:00 to 16:00, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:00 to 16:00.

Next to the place, you can also visit Roundhouse Railway Park, which offers rides on a small train for 150NT per person. Additionally, there are various types of souvenirs and coffee available. There was also a small market at the time, although I'm not sure if it's like this every weekend.














March 18, 2024

Exploring Nature's Beauty: A Day Trip to Fengxiang Waterfall and Beipu Cold Springs


Travel Date: 2024/02/12

During the Lunar New Year holidays, our family had initially planned to visit Taipei Zoo. However, as often happens, traffic intervened and rerouted our plans. Spontaneously, we opted to head towards the mountains instead, seeking the tranquility of nature.
Exiting the highway near Hsinchu, we embarked on a familiar path towards Fengxiang Waterfall, a destination we had explored the previous summer. As we approached, the awe-inspiring sight of the cascading water greeted us once more. Surprisingly, we found ourselves among the few visitors, aside from a couple enjoying a serene fishing session. Engaging with the local ecosystem, we discovered fascinating insights into the fish and frogs that call this area home.

Originating from higher elevations in the mountains, the water is cool even in the summer. Unlike our previous visit, when the site bustled with activity, today we savored the solitude of our surroundings. It's no wonder families frequent this spot, considering its safety and natural playground for children. Reflecting on our past experience, I recalled capturing the essence of this place in a video during our previous visit, which you can also explore.

On our journey homeward, we made an impromptu stop at Beipu Cold Springs. Despite the chilly waters, a handful of adventurous souls braved the cold for a refreshing dip. Personally, I've never been fond of cold water, even during the warmer months. Yet, observing others revel in the river's embrace during summer made me question my resilience. Growing up in Poland, where cold waters were the norm, I never shied away. However, living in Taiwan has shifted my perspective, fostering a newfound appreciation for warmth.

With the off-season upon us, the usual bustle was absent, and the amenities typically available during summer were nowhere to be found. Nonetheless, basking in the sunlight, we relished the tranquility before bidding farewell to our serene sanctuary and journeying homeward.












March 10, 2024

Waterfalls and Cherry Blossoms: A Trip to Miaoli's Mountains

 

Travel Date: 2024/02/04

The day began with promising sunshine, but as we ventured towards the mountains of Miaoli, a shift in the weather greeted us. Suddenly, the sky turned cloudy and gloomy. Despite the change in conditions, we pressed on, determined to explore Nanzhuang.
Ascending the mountain roads, we reached an indigenous village in search of cherry blossoms. However, to our disappointment, the cherry trees were scattered and sparse, depriving us of the picturesque views we had hoped for. Nonetheless, our journey was not without its surprises - we encountered playful monkeys leaping among the trees, a sight that added a touch of excitement to our excursion.

With no concrete plans in mind, we meandered along the mountain roads, stopping briefly at a spot adorned with blooming plum trees. Much to our dismay, we realized that we had arrived past the peak of the blooming period. It was a stroke of misfortune that seemed to follow us throughout the day, leaving us with limited sights to behold. We also made a stop at the Valley of the Gods waterfall, a place we had visited two years prior.
Despite the lackluster outcome, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to venture outdoors, a rarity lately due to the unpredictable weather. Both my blog and YouTube channel have been neglected, and I yearn for more adventures, especially as summer approaches.

My thoughts wander to Tainan, with its warm climate and inviting atmosphere. The majority of the year boasts pleasant weather, a stark contrast to the unpredictable conditions of Miaoli. Here, it often feels reminiscent of Polish weather, but the absence of heating systems at home can make chilly days unbearable.
Nevertheless, I remain hopeful for brighter days ahead, eagerly anticipating the chance to explore new destinations and share my experiences with others. After all, every journey, no matter how challenging, offers its own lessons and memories to cherish.











March 2, 2024

Exploring the Glorious Taiwan Lantern Festival in Tainan


Today, I'm excited to delve into the vibrant world of Taiwan's Lantern Festival, specifically focusing on the recent festivities in Tainan. If you've been following my journey, you'll know that I've previously shared insights into the rich tapestry of Taiwanese traditions, such as the Bombing Dragon Festival or Bombing of Master Handan. Now, let's illuminate the wonders of the Lantern Festival in Tainan.
The Lantern Festival, a relatively recent addition to Taiwan's cultural calendar, marked its 35th edition this year. Initiated by the Tourism Bureau in 1990, it originally took place exclusively in Taipei until 2001. Since then, the festival has spread its wings, gracing different cities across Taiwan each year.

In 2024, Tainan played host to the Lantern Festival, coinciding with the 400th anniversary of the city. The festival, themed "Glorious Tainan" in the Year of the Dragon, unfolded in two mesmerizing display zones: the "Anping Display Zone" and the "High-Speed Rail Display Zone." The festivities showcased 30 artworks in Anping and nearly 300 in the High-Speed Rail zone, featuring a towering 22-meter lantern titled "Dragon Comes to Taiwan."
Tainan, known for its rich history, offered more than just the Lantern Festival. The city is home to one of the world's most perilous events, the Beehive Firework Festival, and the serene Yuejin Harbour Lantern Festival, both taking place in the Yanshui District.

Although I missed the Lantern Festival, luck smiled upon me when my husband had a business trip to the city. Seizing the opportunity, I persuaded him to capture the magic through photos and videos, ensuring that I didn't miss out on this.
As the Lantern Festival in Taiwan continues to evolve, each edition brings forth new themes, artworks, and experiences. Tainan's "Glorious Tainan" celebration showcased the city's unique charm, blending tradition with modernity. If you haven't witnessed the splendor yet, fear not, as the displays in Anping and the High-Speed Rail zone will be enchanting visitors until March 10.