The Splendour of Cantonese Opera @ Hong Kong Cultural Centre

Cantonese Opera is a invaluable traditional culture in Hong Kong. It was very popular among the old generations but somehow nothing to the younger ones. The exhibition provided a brief introduction to the public.

Beauty is a principle of Cantonese Opera. It is reflected on the costumes, music, lyrics, performance and so. And the opera is a demanding art to performers. Many of performers have to go through years of rigid training before enter onto the stage.

Costume for actor who acts a general.






















Costume for an actor who acts as a scholar / student.

















Costume for actor who acts as an official






















Costume for actress.

Can you guess what these pieces of costume are for? They are to show an actress is riding on a litter (轎). Pops usually become part of costume or outfit in Cantonese Opera.

2009 Taiwan Trip - National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Dr Sun Yat-sun is recognized as the Father of the Nation by both China and Taiwan. One of limited common principles of the two.


During his lifetime, Sun was devoted and committed to establish a modern China. People was always the first concern in his eyes. With this humanity belief, he gradualy developed a significant political philosophy which is known as Three Principles of the People (The People's Relation / Connection, The People's Power and People's Livelihood / Welfare). Yet, we still have much to work on it.


Traditional outlook of the Memorial Hall.


Honour Guard Exchange Ceremony is a must-see activity.
Videos:
Honor Guards Perform Exchanging Ceremony Part 1
Honor Guards Perform Exchanging Ceremony Part 2

Sometimes, we can see things clearer in distance. View of Taipei 101 from the Memorial Hall Square.

2009 Taiwan Trip - Won Star Ximen @ Taipei

Won Star Ximen (萬事達西門館) is located exactly at Ximending area where one can enjoy shopping or dining anytime he / she wants. It has been opened for a month only, thus, everything is still very new.

Romantic color of bedding but not my cup of tea.


Similar to most hotels, the room comes with integrated shower tub, toilet and washing area.


Good that there's an in-room wardrobe which is not available in JustSleep. However, Won Star provides no safe.


By comparison, staff of JustSleep is more friendly and nice.

Price: HK$ 590 / room / night (No breakfast)
Room Type: Twin
Capacity: Max 2 pax
Add: Xining Nan Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City 105 (台北市萬華區西寧南路105號)
Remarks: In-room free Wifi is available

2009 Taiwan Trip - Just Sleep @ Taipei

JustSleep (捷絲旅), a new hip hotel which is very popular among Hong Kong people. It's located at the opposite of famous shopping area, Ximen. A few minutes from Ximen MRT Station on foot.


Its room setting does beat down many other hotels. Unlike most hotels, the twin room comes with 2 desks which allow more privacy to each roommate.


Washing area, toilet and bathroom are well separated. Better facility and time management for roommates.



Staff there is nice but not too professional to handle many guests at a time. Yet, it's a good try while it's still new.

Price: HK$ 700 / room / night (breakfast included)
Room Type: Twin
Capacity: Max 2 pax
Add: 台北市中華路一段41號
http://www.justsleep.com.tw/StoreDetail.aspx
Remarks: In-room free Wifi is available

2009 Taiwan Trip - Shui Yang @ Sun Moon Lake

As I often mention, a good hotel would make a trip to be more enjoyable. Let's start from the best hotel during my trip. Shui Yang (水漾民宿) is a minshuku located in Sun Moon Lake.


The owner is a super friendly and nice gentleman. Actually, he is pleased to answer any questions his guests raise. He even allowed me to settle full payment upon arrival as I am not from Taiwan. Moreover, he has good connections with restaurants and transportation operators. Therefore, his guests can often enjoy a better rate.

Its L shape floor-to-ceiling windows in room allow you to appreciate the lake from day to night or from night to day.





Only one drawback of this minshuku is it's a bit far away. I had to take bus from the Sun Moon Lake tourist centre to it. The bus operates once an hour. If you miss it, then one have to take taxi or limo to there. Despite of the location, Shui Yang is value for money.

Price: NT 3,900 / room / night (breakfast included)
Room Type: Tow Double Bed
Capacity: Max 4 pax
Add: 南投縣魚池鄉日月村豐年街56號
http://shuiyang.emmm.tw