Back in 2019, we noticed a rather unique cherry blossom tree in DC at the Tidal Basin. It was by itself, right on the edge of the water, and looked like it shouldn’t be alive but somehow was. This tree has become known as Stumpy! Unfortunately, 2024 is the last year we’ll ever be able to see Stumpy in bloom as he is going to be removed in order to repair this area of the Tidal Basin.
Continue reading “Farewell Stumpy the Cherry Blossom Tree”Zugspitze, the Highest Mountain in Germany
After breakfast at the Le Méridien, we took the train to the Eibsee, via Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where we ascended to Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany, by aerial tram. We enjoyed the magnificent view and walked across the shared summit to Austria where we had lunch. We then walked back to Germany and took a different aerial tram down a bit to the Zugspitzplatt, a mountain ski area on the German side of the border. After, we returned to the Garmisch-Partenkirchen where we had dinner nearby before returning to Munich.
Continue reading “Zugspitze, the Highest Mountain in Germany”Beitou Hot Springs
Beitou, in northern Taipei City, is known for its hot springs. We visited to take a look at the thermal area and to soak at the Radium Kagaya, a hot spring hotel. We also had some good food throughout the day and ate at Din Tai Fung, possibly Taiwan’s most famous restaurant.
Continue reading “Beitou Hot Springs”Tea and Temples at Maokong
The weather forecast looked good again today so we headed to Maokong, a mountainous area just at the edge of Taipei, after breakfast at the Grand Hyatt. We ended up checking out a few temples, enjoyed the scenery, and bought some local tea as Maokong is a historic tea producing area.
Continue reading “Tea and Temples at Maokong”Sandiaoling and Shifen
After waking up at the Grand Hyatt Taipei, we had a nice buffet breakfast downstairs. We decided to head out to Sandiaoling for a waterfall hike based on today’s favorable weather forecast. Afterwards, we spent the afternoon at Shifen where there is a much larger waterfall as well as an extremely busy old street area. We ended our day back in Taipei at Taipei 101.
Continue reading “Sandiaoling and Shifen”