Sunday 31 March 2013

台北遊: 樱花篇 Sakura Sakura




Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
In fields and villages
As far as you can see.
Is it a mist, or clouds?
Fragrant in the morning sun.
Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
Flowers in full bloom.

After spending a few hours in Danshui, it was time to head back to the hotel.  "Just one last photo of the Danshui Bus Station", I told myself.


And then I spotted this

Which drew me to this

Would you have resisted?





台北遊: 淡水篇 DANSHUI ONCE MORE

I've been to Taipei twice before, both times during summer.  Both times, I was in Danshui but lasted no more than two hours each time because of the unbearable heat.  Today, I returned to Danshui for the third time to enjoy it to the fullest.  It had been raining the day before and the weather was great for walking, though it would've been even better if the sun wasn't hiding behind the clouds all the time. 

There are times that I do enjoy travelling alone, at snail pace and really taking in the sights. 













I think old streets and old buildings are extremely charming.

I love the history that accompanies every Old Street

The story behind every building

Where the old embraces the new



Time for lunch :)


Exploring further


1932 Gothic-style church 淡水礼拜堂


Leave behind the hustle and bustle of the Old Street and you'll discover Danshui's quiet and laid back side.



台北遊: 國際烘焙展篇(2) TIBS Part 2

2013 Taipei International Bakery Show - Cake Decorating Competition.  I couldn't very well upload them all so here are just some of the what I think are the best entries.

Sakura Sakura 樱花树下

Ushering the Chinese NewYear.  Love the dragons!
迎新春

Ho, Ho, Ho, and a bottle of rum
海盗船

The wedding cakes really steals the show.

My Dream Wedding

Here comes the bride ...
When I get married, I want this cake. No, actually I want to marry the person who made this wedding cake!  But wait, where did the groom run off to?

Royal Tea Party

A Chinese Wedding
 My personal favourite - because so few wedding cakes in the market depict the Chinese Wedding

 
 
A Black and White Wedding
黑白也可以很浪漫
 
A Fairy Tale Wedding
童话般的婚礼

Read Part 1 here

台北遊: 國際烘焙展篇(1) TIBS Part 1

The 2013Taipei International Bakery Show (March 28 - 31, 2013).  Yes, I was there and I have so much to share with you!

Here's my very own VIP Invitation, which I obtained by signing up for a talk on the subject of "Growing your own yeast". 

 Professional equipment


Chefs from all over the world are here to demonstrate


Everything smells wonderful!  Some exhibitors are generous enough to offer unlimited sampling.  Others can be purchased over the counter.




My personal favourites



Oooh so many chocolates, so little time ...


 Butter and Cheeses


Every flavour imaginable!


 Imported flours, mostly in 10 kilo packaging



Frozen fruits and puree


Cute measuring cups and molds but not everything is for retail



 Paper products


Paper for steamed buns

Creative packaging


Ribbons for the finishing touch

To be continued - read Part 2 here





AU REVOIR

French Kiss by Huebucket I wish you bluebirds in the spring To give your heart a song to sing And then a kiss, but more than th...