Now, this is what I called a real "adventure". Standing on the Green Sand beach, two miles from Ka Lae (South Point) admiring its rare beauty, I can't believe we made it here. Twenty four hours ago, I didn't even know the existence of such thing (green sand beach). See, I am one of those people who just don't have time (and quite lazy) to have a planned itinerary. I devoured the entire book of "Big Island Revealed" during my 8 hour flight to the paradise. "Green Sand Beach is a real gem, literally". "It is a difficult hike to get [View Full Entry]

---

---

Lava, by definition, molten rock expelled by volcano during eruption. Lava and volcano are definitely not the vocabulary I need to use in my daily life. Growing up in Taiwan, I am quite familiar with "dead" volcano. Now, living in a metropolitan area of Houston, lava and volcano seem so distant, impossible, unimaginable. Until, my trip to Big Island, where I accumulated many many of the "once in a life-time" experiences. Here are the summaries: First time seeing an active volcano: wow....... "it's alive! It's smoking". "It glows at night". First time seeing a lava field: this is when [View Full Entry]

---

---

December 31, 1999, we had a blast at the millennium celebration at Magic Kingdom. Today, the thirty-something me had a blast at Epcot. Vacationing wasn't the purpose of this trip. But, we all agreed that we just had to squeeze out some fun time. The moment you step out your arrival gate at the Orlando International Airport, the allure of Disney is ubiquitous. There is something about Disney that attracts people around the globe, regardless of your ages or skin color. Perhaps, magic, fantasy or a little bit of both? Just think about it. When can you proudly wear the "mouse [View Full Entry]

---

---

It is no doubt that winter in Chicago is punishingly cold. The windchill, like knifes, cut through your skin without any mercy. The lake looks arctic. Snow storms, icy roads....... But, I've always found ways to enjoy winter in Chicago. This year is no exception! Christkindlemarket Christkindlemarket, located at the Daley Plaza, has been a Chicago holiday tradition since 1996. Decorated lavishly with red and green lights, snow flake ornaments, it was hard not to let the giant Christmas tree caught my attention. Daley plaza looks nothing like a usual serious courthouse. An old [View Full Entry]

---

---

I love Chicago. I love window shopping at the Magnificent Miles. I love doing my Sat long runs at the lakefront trails. I love the buildings and the stories behind each one of them. I love the endless summer festivals. I love having four seasons here: Always delighted to see flowers blooming in the Spring, just can't stand the bursts of heat waves in the Summer time, witnessing that beautiful fall colors right outside the house, and always managed to get surprised that the world is covered in the snow when I wake up in some winter mornings. I simply love [View Full Entry]

---

---

Canals, crooked buildings, bikes, sex and the periodic smell of weeds in the air. Amsterdam is truly a unique and diverse city. The Markets I had the most fun in the markets! It was definitely worthwhile to spend sometime walking through Albert Cuypmarkt, Bloemenmarkt and Waterlooplein. At Waterlooplein, I found quite a few interesting things that are not legal in the U.S. There were also charming antiqued Delftware. Bloemenmarkt was filled with colorful flowers and a wide variety of bulbs. Cannabis starter kit can be found here too! Food is always on my major attraction list. We had [View Full Entry]

---

---

I firmly believe that vacation calories just don't count because when you start counting then you miss a whole lot of good food and adventure. [View Full Entry]

---

---

Bruges.... I like its meandering canals, narrow cobblestone streets, and magnificent squares. It's quieter, and more romantic than Brussels. [View Full Entry]

---

---

We grabbed the "Map for the Young Travelers" and quickly located a "Frietkot" (fries shack) nearby the hostel. The early morning train ride from Luxembourg to Brussels had left us hungry. Yes, our very first stop in Brussels was a fries shack! The crispy fries with mayonnaise (or curry sauce) were absolutely delicious. Who cares about the fact that they are fattening? As far as I was concerned, I had a insatiable appetite for fries. This marked the beginning of our quest for the best Frietkot in Belgium. Despite the fact that Brussels is the home of European Union, home of [View Full Entry]

---

---

A day in Luxembourg City, "the most beautiful balcony" in Europe. [View Full Entry]

---

---