The only thing that has really been causing my husband and I to hold off on kids is our desire to continue traveling. Since moving to Singapore almost seven years ago, come December, we’re always amazed at how many cities we have managed to see. Luckily a lot of friends have served as inspiration that it can still be done, tot in tow. So, we bit the bullet and three months ago welcomed a new addition to our family. Her little giggles and curious eyes confirm that it was the right decision. The added bonus is that so far our travel plans have not slowed down. Before her first eight weeks on the planet we snuck in a few days in Thailand and she was a big fan. Really this was just a trial run before our flight back to the States next week. Just prior to her three month birthday, we’ll be stopping off in three cities and flying around the globe. Still researching how to keep a baby entertained for 20+ hours in the sky. I will report back.
On a road trip along Taiwan’s coasts I encounter the loveliest sights, tastiest treats and friendliest folk this island nation has to offer (This article was published in in the December 2013 issue of Scoot magazine.) Dark red walls covered in old-fashioned pistols, a ceramic bust adorned with leather straps, a shrine … Continue reading →
I worked on this video project with my friend Natacha Ikoli when I was still editing Time Out Singapore. The tattoo shop featured in the story and article, Galaxy Tattoo 2, introduced me to a whole new genre of Singaporeans.
This natural wonder offers a thrill-packed escape from the busy streets of Taipei. Alexandra Karplus navigates caves, treks perilous slopes and lives to tell the tale
After dropping our bags at the Tienhsiang Youth Activity Center, a no-frills hostel with basic rooms, we headed out on our first hike in Taroko National Park. Taroko translates to “magnificent and splendid”, and it’s no exaggeration. While the gorge began to form over 200 million years ago from continuous tectonic compression and plate collision, the park filled with these beautiful and steep rock formations only became available to the public in 1986.
The 15 park trails allow visitors to decide whether they would prefer to exert themselves on a six-hour trek into the wilderness or a leisurely 30-minute wander around the terrace. The trails wind along the gorge like giant serpents, and our two days of hiking took in sea-eroded caves, a suspension bridge, swinging macaques and catapulting waterfalls.
Resting by the river along Taiwan’s Taroko Gorge
After a night of roughing it at the hostel, we upgraded ourselves to Silks Place. The serene, upscale accommodation provided access to a rooftop pool and hot tubs surrounded by the gorges, all serving as a perfect resting place. Recognising the lack of nightlife in the neighbourhood, the hotel screens movies outdoors and offers activities throughout the day. Fire pits are lit at night for those happy to just sit back and enjoy the magnificent (and splendid) view.
Considering that the park is a major tourist destination, it’s pretty slim pickings here as far as dinner options are concerned. During the day, however, several food stalls are set up near the Silks Place hotel’s car park. Here you’ll find staples such as Taiwanese sausage and glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tubes, the latter a preparation method introduced by indigenous tribes.
*These figures are not accurate
IF YOU LIKE THIS TRY
1 Bali, Indonesia
Head north to Ubud and embark on a self-guided tour along the lush rice paddy fields and river paths. Depending on the route, hikers can enjoy views from a ridge top, visit artists’ villages or even stop in at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
2 Chiang Mai, Thailand
One of many outdoor attractions within easy reach of this northern Thai city, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is home to mountain ranges, a number of Buddhist temples and photo-ready waterfalls.
The Travel Goose 