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 21, 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 (豐鄉瀑布), 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 (北埔冷泉). 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.













Address:
1. Waterfall: 312新竹縣橫山鄉竹35鄉道旁號豐鄉瀑布
2. Cold Springs: 314新竹縣北埔鄉北埔冷泉

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 (仙谷瀑布), 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.












Address:
Valley of the God's Waterfall: 353苗栗縣南庄鄉東江路73號神仙谷瀑布

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.