Dusha-Dushe to Moscow, Russia

Do you agree that Moscow, the capital and barometer of the world’s largest country, i.e. Russia, should be called a city that is irreducible?

Those who went there commented that it is difficult to separate its rich history from its daily role in writing the future, and that Moscow is both dictator and victim of events that provokes such comments. Think only can feel it if we stand in Red Square to feel the difference between those familiar images with the actuality!


The famous and colourful domes of St. Basil in Moscow, Russia



St. Basil's Cathedral at the Red Square, Moscow. You may want to know that it is the glorious celebration of Ivan the Terrible’s victory at Kazan.


Some money saving or useful traveling tips that you might want to take note of:

Migration card and other official documents – make sure it is with you all the time until you leave the country, in case you are stopped by the police or an imposter looking to collect “fines.”


Moscow Kremlin from Bolshoi Kamenny bridge. It is worth much more than a photo opportunity.

Avoid being robbed or mugged – the common sense measures shall include: don’t travel alone at night in unfamiliar areas, keep expensive items out of sight as much as possible, and avoid crowded metro cars where pickpockets may operate and so on.


Moscow's metro stations are resembled palaces or cathedrals. It is fabulous with their marble-clad walls, chandelier lighting, and other precious interior.

Buy and drink vodka – alcohol counterfeiting is common since and as there are hundreds of brands of vodka in Russia. Nevertheless, two of the best that you might want to consider are Flagman and Russky Standart. You might want to know that Vodka is drunk everywhere socially in Moscow, Russia, hence you may want to join in for a round when a Russian taps his throat for dusha-dushe (i.e. for soul to soul, if I am right)!


Arbat, many still said that it is still the repository of Moscow’s quirkiest corners.

Mind your feet – Shoes are very important in Russia, and must always be kept clean regardless of the weather conditions. Always remove your shoes at the entryway when entering a Russian home. In some interesting places such as museums, galleries, palaces, visitors may be asked to put on special shoes, such as plastic booties (similar to the kind surgeons wear)!


Lenin’s Tomb in Red Square. A popular mausoleum because the embalmed body of Lenin has been on public display there since the year he died in 1924, you may want to imagine you are reviewing a parade from the podium!


When is the best time to visit those interesting places? Can be anytime, but April to June and September to November are most comfortable.

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Taiwan Taipei for Tea, Shopping, Temple and Tai Chi

Whether you like to shop for tea, or simply like shopping, or perhaps like to visit temples, or play a round of Tai Chi, then Taipei should be in your list of must visit and must see! 

Taipei (although many regard it as a small village) has a wealth of magnificent architecture throughout its history, from the 17th-century Kuantu Temple to the modern Taipei 101, and is an important centre for the export of tea today.


Taipei 101 Towers by night. One should not miss to take views from the observation platforms of Taipei 101.

If shopping is what you have in mind, then head on to Tihua Street, the best preserved old street in Taipei, is where many head for fabrics, traditional medicines and dry goods. In fact, there are dozens of local shopping areas both in the centre and in East Taipei. And if you are looking for international designer brands, you should visit Zhongshan North Road. Also, don’t miss to visit The Weekend Jade Market near Renai Road and the Chinese Handicraft Mart on Xuzhou Road.

There are dozens of temples in Taipei, but the most popular ones are Lungshan Temple, Chingshui Temple, Confucian Temple and the Chihnan Temple. Many who went there said that the temples have the best of Ching-Dynasty architecture and decorations, while some are plain but for inscriptions. Not to say I don’t warn you, the Chihnan Temple is not for the faint-hearted as it is at the top of a flight of stairs reputed to have 1200 steps!

If you are in Taipei, then don’t miss to visit the National Palace Museum. It is considered as the most popular tourist attraction in Taipei as it is full of Chinese and Japanese works of art. If you want to say Hello to Chiang Kai-Shek, then look for Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall that houses a museum dedicated to him. If you went there early in the morning, you may join the locals to practise Tai Chi in the surrounding gardens, what a good experience!

Although Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is smaller in size, but the architecture is magnificent. It is set in a large park and houses a library and exhibition halls and concerts are often held there.

One should not miss to try eating the “stinky tofu” when visiting Taipei. Before I forget, Taipei is also renowned for its wide range of food from all over the Far East. Other places of interest that I think you should not miss shall include:
  • The Taipei Lantern Festival (how about one from Malaysia ?)
  • Shilin Night Market 
  • Yanmingshan National Park 
When is the best time to go? Any time of the year. Time and money travel tips: If you want to travel by using public transport, my suggestion is to buy an Easycard.

Do you think Taipei is a beautiful city that is a mixture of traditional and modern, local yet global places of interest? Only upon visit yourself, I guess.

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Victoria’s Great Ocean Road – The Twelve Apostles

Have you seen a road that is excavated manually along the mountainous and heavily forested coastline? I believe there are, but not many, and is even rare if the road is passes along coastline giving stunning views.

One of such built that I like is Australia Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. It is a road that stretches for 285 km (177 mi) between Warrnambool and Torquay and was built as a memorial to the Australian soldiers who died during World War I.

Despite its narrowness, with steep cliffs on one side, and constant switchback bends, it draws tourists’ attention for some fabulous views along the coastline.


Some of the famous Twelve Apostles sea stacks that rise from the sea near Port Campbell

There is a spectacular stretch of rugged coastline known as the shipwreck coast, which offers many to see the famous Twelve Apostles. This famous Twelve Apostles is actually vast limestone stacks that were formed due to the ocean waves and high winds as well as the violently stormy weather over there.

Besides the famous Twelve Apostles, Lake Corangamite and the Princess Margaret Rose Caves are some spots where one can pull over to admire!

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