near-calamity

"Stay indoors and do not walk outside or drive unless absolutely necessary", the weatherman had warned. Apparently we were in for one hell of a storm. As one of my last days in Auckland, there was no way I was gonna let any storm interfere with my plans. I definitely couldn't.

All morning the rain and wind onslaught just kept swinging between 'intense' one minute then eerily peaceful the next. So, in one of those peaceful periods, we decided to take a chance. There we were, 3:38pm on Saturday afternoon, in the car, on our way to Bethells Beach. One of the many spots around Auckland that I wonder if I could ever truly get bored of. Every time we come here in rain or shine we're always left wondering how it manages to be so mind-blowingly dynamic and beautiful. This time was no different.

Shame, the little motor van cafe usually tucked in the shade on the lee side of the beach wasn't there that day. I was seriously missing their tasty hot chips and that red velvet cake! I guess you can't always have it all.

1 , 2 + 3. Calm moments on a stormy day at Bethells Beach, 45 minutes out from Auckland.

chilling in the long white cloud

The WBC - Recline Dub

After working in Singapore for 6 months, a trip back home to good ol Auckland was way overdue. Touching ground and seeing the fluffy white clouds floating past, followed by the rich greens and blues below, it's instantly soothing to me.

I'm home! And boy, do I miss the intense blue skies, breathing in cool air, the feel of carpet under my bare feet, playing with my lil niece, rummaging through thrift stores, the smell of thrift stores, eating (heaps of) yoghurt, hot chips, tamales, ceviches, mojitos from all my favorite stores, getting back into my old 'comfort' routines, driving to random beaches, listening to my old trusty radio stations and the sensation of a windy day.

Now, its Wednesday. And I leave all this goodness on Sunday! No way, too early right? So in response to that, the last shot is pretty much my personal version of Edvard Munch's 'The Scream'.

(By the way, anyone have a good recipe for tamales they can share?? my current favorite food.You'll really make my week!)

Cap: Gap

Dress: Browny

Boots: Nike

Neon Tourist

This is proof of the hardcore tourists we can be.
We (pretty much) NEVER EVER join tour groups. We have a theory that (almost) everything is better done DIY. Though we'd never argue with having a good knowledgeable insightful guide to bombard with 101 of the most complex and difficult questions, including the meaning of life in their society. But otherwise, isn't wandering around by ourselves in strange cities all the more exciting, exhilarating and rewarding?

So this time was no different. It was the first day of the lunar new year. We planned a trip out to Yehliu, these wacky geological formations shaped by the onslaught of wind and wave on the north eastern coast of Taiwan. After confirming with the concierge that the site would be open for visitors, followed with looks of pure concern and worry the moment they discovered we were making the hour-and-a-half long journey on the public regional bus system, we headed out under the grey swelling clouds armed with an umbrella each. How do you truly prepare for a day of chilly rainstorms and wind lash anyway?

Somehow, in the name of adventure and interesting experiences, braving the wind and rain was well worth it. By the way, happy valentines day.

1 - 8. Yehliu Geopark on a stormy day.

A Very 'Lunar New Year' To You Too.

A taste of our lunar new year in Taipei.
It's been a long time since we've spent new years in Asia. Lanterns in the middle of nowhere towns. Touristing in the rain, armed with ponchos and umbrellas. Nightmarkets and foggy towers.

By the way, our next adventure starts today.
Saigon here we come!