A Last Hurrah...

Alas, tomorrow evening we head back to California. We have spent a fabulous thirteen weeks in Asia and cannot believe how time has just flown by. We have had such an amazing experience. Reflecting on our time abroad, we felt it would be appropriate to hand out some awards to our favorite memories and places. Without further delay, the Oscar goes to…

“Favorite City Award”: Chiang Mai, Thailand. Can we come back? Please? Pretty, pretty, please? Honorable Mention: Singapore. Hard to imagine a more livable and modern city.

“Hawker Stall Award” (for favorite street meal): Gua Bao (near National Taiwan University). This consists of a Steamed Flour Bun (Manto) containing pork + fatty pork + pickled vegetables + peanuts + cilantro. Don’t ever visit Taipei without trying.

“Frequent Flier Award”: Air Asia. Of our 18 flights we used Air Asia 7 times. Gotta love discount airlines – even if you have to pay for anything extra (carry-on limit: 7 kg).
“Best Dessert”: Mango Sticky Rice, Thailand.



“Bummer Award” (travel frustrations): Yue Lai Restaurant, Shanghai. For overly aggressive tactics and conveniently lying to us several times about smoke in the establishment. Honorable Mention: Thailand Taxi Drivers. While your capitalist sensibilities are understandable, your comfort and willingness to rip off anyone at 500% markup is questionable.


“Tourism Award” (best tourist attraction): Patara Elephant Farm, Chiang Mai and Tobogganning down the Great Wall of China, MuTienYu.




“I Heart Taiwan Award” (for the most “Taiwanese” consumer purchase): Warren’s new wood frames and Melissa’s cute grey hat. Question is, will these pass in the States?



Total Countries Visited: 10

Stamps currently in Mel’s passport: 46

Total Spent on Visas: $820

Total Spent on Flights: $5500

Thanks to all of you who followed along in our travels. We feel so privileged to have had the chance to visit family members, learn about cultures and histories, and explore so many different cuisines.

Asia, we will miss you =)