This is Vegas, Baby!

Dazzling and bright neon lights, flashing laser lights in the background, iconic and gaily dressed buildings, casinos, vibrant nightlife and buzzing crowds of hip partying people are all just the images conjured in the mind synonymous with the mere mention of the Sin City.

It leaves little to imagination as to how the term is coined in association with the city of Las Vegas; with the flamboyant introduction to the lively city.

The lively images spring to life at the very moment one enters the city; or shall I say, even as one approaches the city while greeted by the vast desert plains passing by in motion like moving slides one after another.



Las Vegas, or the Sin City, was very much as I had imagined it would be, or it could be, in a way, a little less than what I had hoped it would turn out to be.
Simply put, it did not defer much from its vivid description about the city and that sets the expectations right in terms of the first impressions of the city upon arrival and the bedazzling scenes of the life surrounded by casinos (yes, have you not heard?) and the happening entertainment shows, just to name a few.



Heading to this buzzing city on a Friday evening just spells disaster, as traffic builds up with the average local Americans along the same coast making their way for a weekend getaway, though the moving traffic was probably something to be thankful for (compared to our horrendous traffic back home on Friday nights); so disaster at the start of this paragraph was just to create that picture to make an impression not to make this same mistake as me.



A trip to Vegas on a weekday would probably be better, if you are not an avid traffic fan, but then again, where's the fun when there's no buzz right?



This city is just so happening that it leaves little to wonder if the people here ever get to sleep.

Loud music blaring everywhere, laser lights and crowds, just masses of people all around you are probably my very own descriptive experience of how I view the Sin City.


From the inviting covens luring you with big promises of lucrative fast cash where loud sounds from the machines and stacks of chips in hand blinds your judgment as you dreams of making it big (and not having to work anymore) to the bewitching prances of the waitresses serving the drinks and of course, the seductive and incredibly sexy moves of the professional pole dancers can just make one's jaw drop, literally (and I mean it in a good way), and all these surrounded by plenty of glasses clinking arounds. No prize for guessing what is in them, and they are definitely not juices or plain water, in case you are wondering.



Gambling? Checked
Booze? Checked
Partying? Checked
Entertainment/Shows?  Checked

If you are still wondering why this is Sin City, well, maybe the word Sin may mean something else to you and you might want to refer to a dictionary or the Bible, if you may.

I would say it takes plenty and plenty of strong will to stay sane, and of course, saintly in this city surrounded by all forms of temptations.
You may not need to head for a canonization just yet, for if you are not into stuffs like these, like me, you could just enjoy a stroll in the city, taking in the atmosphere of this highly-publicized city and also experience for yourself the insights Vegas has to offer.

It probably is not my cup of tea, but an eye-opener it indeed was.

For all its high ratings of commercialization and over publicity, Vegas is not just a city for the faint-hearted.

It is truly an entertainment in its own form; as it stands with all the glaring lights from the menacing buildings guarding the city, slyly beckoning to those who dare to enter, and leave, proudly smiling that they have conquered the city and emerged undefeated by the traps of losing their entire fortune.
And of course, rather than calling it notoriously as a Sin City and just associating it with all those negative vices and vibes can be rather daunting for the poor city.

Take it with a positive style; and Vegas can just be as enchanting as it may appear as though one is about to step on unholy grounds.

For all it's worth, Las Vegas is definitely a happening city, and revel in the flamboyant lifestyles once you get past the crowds...Of course the crowds are just part of what forms that identity of the city.

From high end designer brands to luxurious restaurants, there is just endless to the temptations this city has to offer.



Imagine having a city filled with the full-sized and almost realistic replicas of world-famous landmarks (think Fontana de Trevi) or even a remake of the entire city in this city itself; that leaves many in awe as one could be wandering parts of Rome and then into the canals of Venice right here in Vegas.











Traipsing the cities can be a rather captivating ride, and surrounded by the fashionable dwellers or entertainers dressed to the nines can indeed make one feel out of place; if you are here in casual form, you would definitely feel a little under-dressed among the party-goers and the stylish crowd.
After all, it is a Friday night and everywhere in the world, it just spells party night after a whole week of work.

Oh, and in case you didn't know, Las Vegas is also a place where you can get married instantly, and therefore, do not be surprised if you find brides and bridal entourage right in the middle of town.


Everything seems possible right here in this city and at a glance, it does indeed seem like a city where dreams can come true(depending on the right or wrong direction?), and in case you are still mystified, this is Vegas, Baby!



Need I say more?


Disclaimer from author: 
While it may seem like everything is like a dream, irresponsible behaviors and indulgence in illegal activities are still as they are, Illegal.

Taiwan Travelogue: Off the Beaten Path with a local Night Market

Night markets are aplenty in Taiwan, and there is just an endless list of the popular recommendations of the night markets to check out when in the city of Taipei. Occasionally we would love to stray from the tourism path and take the road familiar, or probably even unknown to the locals themselves.
It is part of exploring the inner circle of the place to get acquainted with the local culture, which is best done when you go off the beaten path, and that was exactly what we did, when we took note of this particular night market near our hotel, where it is tucked away in a residential area and hailed by the landmark of the local Sanmin High School in the Luzhou district.



It was the last stop on the train heading in Luzhou's direction, and as you can see, it was a relatively isolated station, probably due to the area being mainly a residential area which would only be crowded in the peak hours when the folks head to work or school.



It was not too hard to locate the night market, which was approximately 10 minutes walk away from the station, but it may seem as though one may be unsure when faced with the quiet neighborhood and the narrow roads with only the occasional passing car, and even a pedestrian.
Yes, the streets were rather isolated at night in this neighborhood.



The Sanmin Night Market is a total spin off from the usual buzz and crowds in the far more reputable Shilin and the other night markets on top of the list, that one might be inclined to think that this was just an ordinary street lined with stalls at night and hardly one would call a night market.
It is not unexpectedly so; since this is located within a discreet neighborhood and intends to cater to the communal needs of the vicinity.

What not to expect: Crowds and major brands of tourism filled with a wide variety of choices plastered over the places, or folks replying to your questions and conversing in English
What to expect: An everyday spectacle of the residents going about their habits; with the after schoolers and blue/white collar workers making beelines to the food stalls for their snacks, or perhaps  a pick of their dinner choice from the array of choices available; with a sporadic appearance of families with young offsprings enjoying a slow evening walk browsing through the stalls.



An apparel stall set beside the alley into a temple 


Deep fried Sweet Potato balls for a snack 


A typical bread and pastries stall; just like ours back in our own markets with the daily freshly baked pastries from their own ovens or neighborhood confectioneries.



A children's apparel stall


Spotted this little stall ran by an elderly woman, selling the Egg Waffle which I have been looking for; Gai Dan Chai (which I have tried, once in Hong Kong and back at home)








It is not hard to find this Tokiwado everywhere in Taiwan's night markets, which is simply quite delightful as it was quite a harrowing task locating them in my own backyard.
These are mini top-hat pancakes (thicker flour dough) with red bean paste in the middle (conventional flavor). Some of the innovative vendors would be offering a wide variety of the flavors, keeping up with the ever changing tastes and trends of the modern society.


Sanmin neighborhood Night Market may be a far cry from the hip assemblage found in Shilin or even Raohe, but a taste of the distinctly unique and definitely quieter resident street market is quite a
riveting change in the itinerary, away from the hustle bustle of the rowdy city scenes.
This would be interesting for those looking for an unconventional, off the beaten path and a glimpse into a district townsfolk-run night market.


Besides, who would say no to a jostling-free environment where you could take a slow stroll and enjoy each and every stall at your own pace, in the cool breeze of the evening?

Taiwan Travelogue: Exploring Xinyi District at night

Taipei is a city that never sleeps, like most of the major and capital cities in the world where nightlife is just part of the lifestyle. As most capitals in the world, Taipei is also focusing on its financial city status where most of the banking and financial institutions call the city their homes in the center of the hustle bustle of the metropolis.
Xinyi District fits in exactly as the financial center of Taipei; housing the major corporations and important landmarks well known to the world, such as Taipei 101, Taipei World Trade Center, Taipei International Convention Center, Taipei City Council and large shopping complexes with internationally known luxury designer brands in its alley.



Vibrant city scenes and buzzing traffic in both directions on the main road; swerving between the lanes and the beeping sounds of the traffic lights notifying the pedestrians to cross the road, switches interchangeably between hordes of people standing obediently behind the borders and then crossing the road are just the scenes so strikingly familiar to cities; especially when you are right in the center of the busiest part of the cities. This would probably be part of the description for Xinyi District which was kept alive by the seamless transition of the scenes at one point or another, forming that big picture of what would constitute the main theme of the streets themselves.



While I was here to visit the famous Taipei 101, I couldn't help being fascinated with the commotion and the lively scenes playing before me, although this is just another part of my lifestyle from where I came from; having grown up in a big city myself. The colorful and animated moving picture in Xinyi District just reminded me of my own home city, but with that foreign touch to it as a reminder that I am in a foreign country, but it still felt very much like home (if you get what I mean).
With the festivities around the corner, the streets were also beautifully lit with bright and blinking neon lights to create that fairyland-like environment, and without a doubt, it was indeed quite a sight to revel in at the time when darkness falls.











Besides being a financial district, Xinyi is also a major shopping district in Taipei, filled with major departmental stores and huge shopping malls. Shin Kong Mitsukoshi is one of the anchor departmental store; hailing from Japan as one of the high end retail stores in the area, alongside the Taipei 101 Mall which housed the majority of the internationally known luxury designer brands from around the world.
There is also the premier Eslite Bookstore which is located in this area; and with its seven floors of a book store, it is the city's largest bookstore to date.
    



Scenes of the decor in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year near Shin Kong Mitsukoshi






Be it for the shopping or just purely for sightseeing at night around the city of Taipei to experience a little of the nightlife, Xinyi district should be on the list as it is truly a window to the vibrant cosmopolitan city depicted of Taipei.



Also, what is there so say no to when the city's pride of the iconic skyscraper is in your photography landscape, and there is a good opportunity to capture it in its full glory?

Taiwan Travelogue: Night view of Taipei City from Taipei 101

Taipei 101 is the iconic landmark skyscraper which made the Taiwanese proud when it was officially launched in the year 2004, and hailed as world's tallest building then.



The title was held for a duration of six years before Burj Khalifa, in Dubai stole it away in the year 2010 but Taipei 101 remains as the apple of Taiwan's eye and continues to be the much celebrated building where fireworks are set off on New Year's eve under the eager and watchful eyes of the nation.
(Note: The position held by Taipei 101 was preceded by the famous and close to home's Petronas Twin Towers; from the year 1998 to 2004, yet today they remain as the tallest twin towers in the world. )

Taipei 101 comprises of a hundred and one (101) floors above ground(the reason for the name of the building), and 5 floors underground and is a magnificent city sight when it is fully lit at night. If the title of being the world's tallest building from ground to pinnacle for six years is not enough, take note that the building was also the world's tallest and largest green building when it was awarded the LEED Platinum Certification; the highest achievement award in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). For more information on the Taipei 101 trivia and facts, please refer to Wikipedia here.



Like most major cities in the world, skyscrapers are common sights in a scene which seemed like they were all standing arrogantly in a bid to outdo each other in their glory and height, not to mention magnificence. Taipei 101, is another building like that; originally known as the Taipei World Financial Center, it is now still a commercial center filled with offices, retail outlets and also observatories open to public to enjoy the view from the tall building.

Taiwan is no stranger to typhoons and Taipei 101, with its modern city architecture infused with the Asian tradition is designed to weather the strong winds of typhoon and also earthquakes.
The architectural design and structural integrity of the building are all explained in the exhibition hall and observatory decks of Taipei 101, located on the 88th and 89th floor.

Take an elevator to the 5th floor to the ticketing counter to purchase your tickets to the observatory decks.
(Do take note that there are indoor and outdoor observatory decks located in the Taipei 101, and the outdoor observatory deck's only open to public should the weather permits, and may not be open all the time. The staff at the ticketing counter will notify at the time of the purchase if the outdoor observatory deck is open).





Each ticket costs NTD(New Taiwan Dollar) $500 per person.



The other record that Taipei 101 holds is this fastest passenger elevator in the world, as marked in the Guiness Book of Records.
The whole journey from the fifth floor to the 89th floor; where the indoor observatory is located takes less than a minute (in exact, only half a minute) and I barely felt anything; yes, it was that smooth!
Thumbs up, they deserve the title! (I was impressed with the smooth and almost transition less ride up the high floors)





On the 89th Observatory Floor





Decor in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year celebration in the following month (February)



Views of Taipei city at night; an animated map freckled with bright neon lights.







The observatory deck provides a 360 degrees view of the city; from the different decks and sections available for the viewing.





Take the staircase to the 91st floor for a view from the Outdoor Observatory Deck.
The wind can be really strong here; and not the full deck will be open for viewing.







A view of the pinnacle of Taipei 101



Complete the tour by heading back to the 88th floor for the exhibition hall, for the facts and figures on the impressive skyscraper.





Damper Baby, is everywhere, as the unmistakable iconic mascot of Taipei 101.











If you are from the city, skyscrapers would probably be another part of the familiar scene you grew up with though the only difference lies in the location you are at, and the view, just seems different when you are in different country altogether?

The other reason is perhaps, to check out the famous building which was once the tallest building in the world, taking over the title from our very own backyard's Twin Towers?

Take in the view from the towering skyscraper in the day or the night, and enjoy the animated hustle bustle of the city in action, although personally, I would say the night seems to provide a far more superior view with the city fully lit to project modern urbanization to life :-)

Besides, what could be a better way to enjoy the Taipei 101 fully decked with lights than in the dark of the night, to fully see the grandeur of the building?