Istanbul is without a doubt one of the great cities of the world. It is ancient Byzantium & Constantinople, the largest city in Europe, home of the Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia), and the only metropolis in the world to straddle two continents. But what does this all mean to a 4 and 5 year old? …
Wulai (烏來, Tayal language: Ulay, which means ‘hot spring’) is the largest district of New Taipei City, but only has around 6000 residents, by far the lowest population density. Officially the only “mountain indigenous district” of New Taipei City, it is home to the closest aboriginal Taiwanese village to Taipei City. There are many reasons …
My son and daughter were born in Taipei in 2014 and 2015. Together with my wife Emily, who is Taiwanese, we have been exploring Taipei since well before they were born. This list of things to do in Taipei with kids is based on the things we love doing in Taipei City regularly with our …
Pisac (also spelled Písac or Písaq) is one of the largest towns in the Sacred Valley of Peru. The Urubamba River flows through this valley towards the famed Machu Picchu. As the furthest east town in the valley (or furthest away from Machu Picchu), most visitors bypass Pisac altogether in their rush to get from …
The Pisac ruins are some of the most important Incan ruins in Peru’s Cusco region and the Sacred Valley, along with the ruins at Ollantaytambo and more remote Huchuy Qosqo. They are a great addition to any Machu Picchu visit. I especially recommend visiting these and other Sacred Valley attractions BEFORE Machu Picchu so you …
Alishan (阿里山 or Mt. Ali) in Chiayi county is one of Taiwan’s top attractions and one of its most famous mountain resorts, along with Qingjing Farm. Many visitors try to include Alishan on their Taiwan itinerary, but it usually turns out to be the most complicated part of their trip, especially getting there. That’s why …
Ollantaytambo is my favorite town in the Sacred Valley of Peru, and I’m not alone. So many visitors rush through Ollantaytambo on their way to Machu Picchu, or as a part of a Sacred Valley day tour like this one, and wish they had budgeted more time for it. Personally, I fell in love with …
Alishan is one of Taiwan’s most popular attractions, along with Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge. It is famous for its sunrises over seas of clouds, cherry blossoms, misty forests, and high mountain teas. However, getting to Alishan, and getting around the park once you get there, IS COMPLICATED! So it’s something you should plan …
The Ollantaytambo Ruins (Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site) in Peru’s Sacred Valley is second in importance only to Machu Picchu itself. These prominent ruins overlooking Ollantaytambo townsite were the site of the only major Inca defeat of Spanish forces. Today, they are also one of the most accessible ruins around Cusco because you can walk to them …
Beitou Hot Spring area is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Taipei City – I’ve probably been there over 20 times. In fact, my wife and I went on our first date there after we met in Taipei in 2009! While hot springs are the focus, meaning you’ll definitely want to visit Beitou if you’re …
