Cycling Around Mount Fuji

Image
Note that this photo is a posed shot. You are supposed to cycling anti-clockwise around the lake! Haha If you are deciding between taking the train to Kawaguchiko or driving, you can check out the car rental prices at   https://www.nipponrentacar.co.jp/english/user-guide/reservations.html   and train prices at   http://www.hyperdia.com/ It depends on whether you’re staying overnight at Kawaguchiko and the number of people travelling. Remember to add toll fees of about ¥4200 one way. We decided to rent a car but forgot about the toll fees so it ended up being more expensive. I’d say if you’re staying for one night and there are at least 3 of you, renting a car is a good option. If there are two of you and you want more freedom to move around (such as going to neighbouring places like Oshino Hakkai, Chureito Pagoda, Yamanakako etc) it is also better to rent a car. You should also be warned that traffic is congested upon leaving and arriving at Tokyo. We parked our car at ou...
Post a Comment

Taiwan Sep 2014: Urai Volando Hot Spring Resort




Having visited numerous hot springs in Japan and one in Beitou Taiwan, I wasn't at all impressed with Taiwanese hot springs so wasn't keen on going to a hot spring again. But Chris managed to entice me with this Relais Chateau establishment. 


Chris had arranged for a complimentary shuttle to pick us up from Xindian station (about 40 min from Taipei Main Station). The shuttle took about another half an hour to reach the resort.


Although a little jaded on the outside, the interior is well-maintained and it won our hearts with the impeccable service. Upon arrival, there was a welcome dance performance at the lobby. The resort has a series of zen-like performances referred to as rituals.










We were given a corner room with excellent view of the emerald green river beside the resort. I love the bathtub which dispenses hot spring water and the romantic bed!








We had the complimentary tea before going to the public bath. Although the bath was not really spectacular like some of the Japanese ones we have visited, the foot massage we did after dinner was very good! I do foot massage every month in Singapore and I must say the masseuse at this resort is very skilful! I was completely relaxed and slept very well that night.







For dinner (included in room rate), we selected the French meal at Abu Restaurant and enjoyed every single dish tremendously! Relais Chateau chain hotels really impress when it comes to service and cuisine. The piece de resistance came in the form of a trolley decorated with roses and a freshly-baked soufflé because the very next day is my birthday!

Abalone salad

Truffle egg

Lobster and crab bisque

Grilled fish

Sorbet

Grilled prawns



Oolong tea to finish off the french meal =)
When we returned to the room, we were greeted with more pleasant surprises. They have not only turned down our bed but have added a special touch, for my birthday!





The next morning, the emerald green river turned into a dirty brown river because it rained in another region and the churning of the soil caused the water to stir. This reminded me that we need to enjoy nature while it lasts because in just a matter of one day, a lovely emerald green river can look so different.
The day we arrived

The day after
It should be nice in Autumn
I selected the Taiwanese while Chris had the western breakfast the next day. I was very impressed that my breakfast came with Din Tai Fung Xiao Long Bao! Not just any xiao long bao, but DIN TAI FUNG! That's what it says on the menu.






Steamed cod

Taiwanese sweet potato porridge

Din Tai Fung Xiao Long Bao

Fried Carrot Cake 
We enjoyed our stay at this resort because of the personalised service and liked that the room rate included tea, dinner, supper (we were too full for the complimentary congee supper) and breakfast. There is a walking trail in the region so there is something to do. We also saw a huge group of cyclists on our way to Xindian Station.

http://www.relaischateaux.com/en/search-book/hotel-restaurant/volando/#.VCAwxUvVnjQ

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Cycling Around Mount Fuji

Image
Note that this photo is a posed shot. You are supposed to cycling anti-clockwise around the lake! Haha If you are deciding between taking the train to Kawaguchiko or driving, you can check out the car rental prices at   https://www.nipponrentacar.co.jp/english/user-guide/reservations.html   and train prices at   http://www.hyperdia.com/ It depends on whether you’re staying overnight at Kawaguchiko and the number of people travelling. Remember to add toll fees of about ¥4200 one way. We decided to rent a car but forgot about the toll fees so it ended up being more expensive. I’d say if you’re staying for one night and there are at least 3 of you, renting a car is a good option. If there are two of you and you want more freedom to move around (such as going to neighbouring places like Oshino Hakkai, Chureito Pagoda, Yamanakako etc) it is also better to rent a car. You should also be warned that traffic is congested upon leaving and arriving at Tokyo. We parked our car at ou...
Read more

When I Die

in the car i told chris... me: when i die, no need to cry hor... chris: o.O?? me: If can get church sanctuary good, if not, use void deck also can... chris: ... me: i am going home to be with God... we will meet again... chris: o... k... me: just play a slideshow of me with my family, friends, colleagues and the kids I work with... chris: ... me: and sing a few hymns - And Can It Be, How Great Thou Art, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Amazing Grace and To God Be the Glory... the "praise the Lord praise the Lord let the earth hear his voice" one... chris: ... me: donate money collected to church missions, thank you... chris: ... me: in your eulogy, will u say i am a seikai ichi 世界第一 wife? chris: er... ya... ya... me: thank you. chris: dear... you. are. very. morbid. i thought better to say first what i want ma...
Read more

Tokyo Asakusa with Kids: Kimono dress up and Kaminarimon, Food sample making, Tokyo Sky Tree

Image
When you travel with kids, you will tend to over-plan but it's alright, be prepared to let go of some activities because you do not want to tire them out (or they may become grouchy or worse, fall ill) so take it easy. Useful transportation site: http://www.hyperdia.com/en/ Although it is possible to pack all the activities into one day, we split it into two days due to the availability of slots for the food sample making. On Day 1, we did the food sample, lunch at Imahan and Tokyo Sky Tree. On Day 2, we did the kimono dress up and Kaminarimon. Food Sample Making Experience It seems that the English website for  ganso sample house  does not have the food sample making experience but if you click in the Japanese flag to change the language to Japanese http://www.ganso-sample.com/experience/ , you can see it so I emailed them in Japanese to book the session. Not only did my nieces enjoy the experience, my brother and sister-in-law enjoyed themselves thoroughly too. The shop is s...
Read more