Grant's Long service

141 day family adventure through Asia, from Sri Lankan beaches to Japanese snow fields Read more

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Grant's Long service
Jiufen and Shifen
Dec 4–6, 2024 in Taiwan ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
Headed up into the mountainous region about an hour north east of Taipei and stayed in an amazing traditional house built into the side of the mountain, 50 metres from the entrance to the old walking street. Jiufen old street is a popular destination lined with shops, tea houses, and restaurants. It is a really photogenic place to walk around, particularly at night, with hundreds of red lanterns lining the streets. More amazing food was sampled, particularly the popular beef noodle soup. I spent one afternoon walking about 4km down from the town to Golden waterfall. Well worth the steep journey despite some navigation difficulties. Day 2 we visited nearby Shifen, another famous destination popular for its old street built on the railway line and its lanterns. The kids enjoyed writing their wishes on the lanterns and then letting it float into the sky. A short walk from the old town and we visited Shifen waterfall, a spectacular falls which happen to be the largest in Taiwan. The afternoon was spent with Frog Zooming into his Yr 6 graduation ceremony. Whilst he would have loved to have been there, the opportunity to do this virtually whilst travelling was excellent. Almost forgot...found a lady selling Angus beef pies....scoreRead more
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Grant's Long service
Kenting beaches and caves
Dec 7–10, 2024 in Taiwan ⋅ 🌬 25 °C
Left Jiufen for a big travel day, back to Taipei and headed south on the bullet train. 295km/h for a majority of the journey to Zouying where we decided to catch a taxi for the remaining 100km to Kenting. A reasonably quiet coastal town as it is currently winter but could imagine it is packed over summer. We stayed right on the beach with views over the water and a short walk to the night markets. Day 1 we decided to hire a car and headed straight to the National park to explore some amazing caves and walk through the temperate forest. It must have been pretty good because Fern didn't have one sit-down protest. Each night for dinner we ate at the same place because Fern had found her favourite dish, stir-fried beef with rice. Day 2 we headed to the beach with a local surf break. The kids had planned to catch a few waves but it was blowing a gale. Instead we sat at the beach bar/Cafe for the day enjoying the views and a couple of drinks. The kids were kept entertained with 3 puppies rescued by the owner. Next stop is Kaohsiung via a 3+ hour bus rideRead more
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Grant's Long service
Kaohsiung
Dec 9–11, 2024 in Taiwan ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
I was pleasantly surprised by Kaohsiung, at first glance it is just another city in Taiwan, but it is really modern, and heaps of new development happening. We added another mode of transport to our list utilising the city's tram. Our accommodation was in a fantastic location right next to the MRT and yet another great night market. The city comes alive at night with lights and the Christmas installation at Central Park was quite impressive.Read more
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Grant's Long service
A thousand turtle island, Xiaoliuqiu
Dec 11–13, 2024 in Taiwan ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
Not quite a 1000, apparently it is approximately 800 turles that call Xiaoliuqiu home, a small island off Kaohsiung. Before we caught the 30min ferry here we had some fantastic sushi at the fish markets next to the ferry terminal. As soon as we arrived The Goodies hired electric bikes and I hired an electric scooter. They ended up being a lot of fun and a great way to explore the island which is only about 13km round trip. Our first stop was Vase rock and we instantly saw our first turtles, about 30 swimming directly in front of us. We found a great place to eat at night (despite half of restaurants / vendors not opening - Majority of places don't open Mon-Wed - I like the work ethic). We had beef noodle soup, beef (all of the cow) noodles and our new favourite, beef scallion pancakes. Day 2 we explored the island (3 round trips) by bike and visited 3 cave networks. The first of which was really impressive and very small in sections. The kids were keen for some snorkelling but it was a bit chilly. I can image the snorkelling would be amazing in summer but I think the island would be absolutely packed in peak season judging by the thousands of scooters available for rent around the island. All in all, it was a fantastic place that we all really enjoyed.Read more
TravelerOmg what a stairway!
12/16/24Reply
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Grant's Long service
The 2nd coming
December 13, 2024 in Taiwan ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
Today deserves its own post. I am currently in Taichung and had a lady stop walking across the crossing to come back and talk to me, saying I looked looked like Jesus himself. In the end I wasn't sure if she was in disbelief, wanted an autograph or she was waiting for me to turn water into wine. The day started by leaving the island by ferry, followed by bus and bullet train to Taichung. I have found my favourite 7/11, it has a seat right outside on the corner of a busy intersection. Perfect for my hobby of drinking cheap 7/11 Taiwanese rice beer. Travelling with Fern means any Mega Malls are mandatory (see photo ridiculously long escalator) and the kids went to the movie to see Moana 2. The evening finished with another obligatory night market. Special mention...I also bought something! A jumper from an op shop within the Mega mall, best shop ever seen in a Mega mallRead more
😂 [Harwood Michelle]
12/18/24Reply
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Grant's Long service
Grant's Flag Tour
December 15, 2024 in Taiwan ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C
Our last stop in Taiwan was Taichung and I took over the tour duties. Our first stop was Anime lane, back streets painted with a variety of different murals. This was followed by visiting a nearby local market, Taichung 5th Market which had local produce, butchers and a wide variety of amazing street food and endless 2nd hand clothing stores which is an big thing in Taiwan and also Japan. I think Kate could have spent hours here. It is probably the only shopping that I can get involved in because you don't know what you are going to find, bit of an apparel treasure hunt. From here it was a quick stop off at a massive Banyan Tree, probably the coolest tree I have ever seen before heading to the Taichung Natrual History museum and Science centre. Super impressive and huge museum that is laid out telling the story of evolution. The kids found it fascinating, including laughing about how closely I looked like the evolution of man, Australopithecus. It was also our last opportunity to experience the street food of Taiwan's night markets.Read more
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Grant's Long service
Big travel day
December 16, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
Up at 3am to strart our journey to Japan and say goodbye to Taiwan. A cab to the airport, flight to Tokyo, train to Tokyo city, shinkansen to Osaka (only got to 275km/h), metro to our local station and short walk to our apartment arriving just before 6pm. Got stopped at Tokyo airport by a TV station who wanted to interview us about what we were doing in Japan. Apparently going to air on a travel show next Monday. The kids were impressed when we got to the apartment as it has a Pac Man arcade machine, small pool table, and Nintendo WiiRead more
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Grant's Long service
First Day in Osaka
December 17, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
Our first day exploring Japan in Osaka. We went to Osaka castle which is located in a massive park. Some of the trees, including Maples and Ginkos were still dropping their leaves and displaying amazing colours. The castle itself is also very impressive. The mob are finding the weather a bit chilly, but I think it is perfect. In the evening we headed to Dotonburi which was very busy but with the billboards and lights you can understand why. Frog has been desperate to have some A5 wagyu so he got his fix down by the river, I am sure the first but not the last. We also start collecting man hole covers for Frog's business venture, Japan is known for having some of the most intricate in the worldRead more
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Grant's Long service
World's best aquarium
December 18, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
Went to the Osaka aquarium today, which is rated the best in the world, and rightly so. The layout is just as impressive and the tanks. Its concept is the Ring of Fire with the main tank, the Pacific Ocean, in the centre. An extremely large tank big enough to have 2 whale sharks with hundreds of sharks, rays, pelagics, and even a Mola Mola. The outer tanks are from different regions around the Pacific rim, anything and everything from the great barrier reef, Antarctica, and South American rainforests. You wind your way down and around the main tank over 5 levels over 1km in length. We finished the night back at Dotonburi and then a very fancy pool hall with first-class Brunswick tables. Awesome day!Read more
TravelerAquarium photos are really good
12/19/24Reply
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Grant's Long service
Last days in Osaka
December 20, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
Not a lot of sightseeing in Osaka but plenty of shopping and eating. Our last day in Osaka was spent in America-mura a trendy shopping area known for its youth fashion and vintage / preworn clothing. It's about the only shopping I can get my head around and even made 2 purchases, a leather bomber jacket and pait of jeans. Think I managed to find the cheapest pair of pre-worn jeans in the whole district at $30. Our last meal in Osaka was a Ramen combo meal which included gyoza and fried rice for less than $15. Didn't quite match the previous meal which was Nepali restaurant (curry, rice, naan, momos, drinks) total for everyone was $50. Amazing meal at an amazing price.Read more
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Grant's Long service
Nara Deer Park
Dec 21–22, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
Travel day today, leaving Osaka for Nara about 45mins away. The first leg via the busy Metro which is never fun with luggage on crowded trains. It nearly tipped me over the edge which is why I have ditched the backpack and invested in a suitcase. Arriving at Nara we dropped our bags off at a great little apartment and head straight to the deer park. I was expecting a few deer's in a park on the outskirts of the city but was shacked to see hundreds of deer walking around in local city parks and even crossing at the lights to hang around the street vendors. The deer have learnt to bow at everyone in exchange for food. They were super friendly and always up for an interaction. We visited an outstanding wooden Buddhist temple in the parkland but the kids were definitely more fascinated with the deer. Another ramen combo meal for dinner, which is always a winner. I visited our local supermarket, which I discovered sells small kegs of beer for $50, another example that Japan is living in the future.Read more
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Grant's Long service
Enjoying the Kyoto cold
December 22, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C
We arrived in Kyoto today and checked into a quaint little 2 story BnB. I have forgotten how amazing the old streets of Kyoto are. We a staying very close to the traditional house we stayed in 7 years ago and the live music venue I went to is still there so I think Frog and I might give it another run. We walked up to a temple in the afternoon, which was made more picturesque thanks to the weather and colourful Maples. The only downside is the increased number of tourists compared to our last visit.Read more
TravelerRusty your scenic photos are lovely.
12/22/24Reply
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Grant's Long service
Pigs, Temples and Wagyu
December 24, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
Filled the last couple of days wandering around Kyoto and sampling some amazing food. Fern got he wish to visit a micro pig Cafe which was actually quite fun. We also squeezed in a couple of temples, including the picturesque Golden Temple. Frog got his wish for some A5 wagyu on Christmas eve. I have enjoyed taking some photos reminiscent of my days spending ages taking travel photos and part of me would like to dust of the old SLR.Read more
TravelerYour photos have been amazing
12/25/24Reply
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Grant's Long service
Christmas in Kyoto
December 25, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
No KFC and no snow but still a very memorable day. We woke for the kids to open some presents and they had been busy organising a treasure hunt with riddles to solve to locate the presents,it was quite impressive. One thing that wasn't too impressive was the size of the beer that the kids had bought Kate and I. I decided we would head out to Fushimi Inari Taisha, a mountainside Shinto shrine dating from 711 A.D. featuring a path with hundreds of traditional gates. Whilst it was busy we did manage to get some photos without people in them. For dinner we headed to the Hyatt for a fancy buffet dinner, which included an exceptionally soft piece of steakRead more
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Grant's Long service
Lover's train and some cricket
December 26, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
Spent the first part of the day with some boxing day cricket whilst heading to a scenic area just outside of Kyoto in Arashiyama. We caught the Sagano (Romantic) train before heading down the Hozu-gawa River on a boat ride that has been operating for over 400 years. It was a great day getting out in the countryside and also visited the Arashiyama bamboo forest and Togetsu Bridge. For dinner we went to a great sushi train, but my quota for a certain nationality of tourists was full, so I enjoyed some solitude finishing the night with the BBL. Still with my tourist cup overflowing I spent the following day at home with some beers, test cricket , and a 7-11 dinner, which is better than it sounds.Read more
TravelerThe last bit sounds good
12/28/24Reply
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Grant's Long service
Last days in Kyoto
December 28, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
Last couple of days in Kyoto were fairly quiet. I left Kate and the kids and visited Heian Jingu Shrine, mainly to see the gardens. Whilst impressive, I can only imagine how stunning they would be in spring. In between more sightseeing and more great food I was glued to the cricket, sensational win in the end to the Aussies.Read more
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Grant's Long service
Travel days to Nagano and Hakuba
December 29, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ❄️ -1 °C
2 days of travel, the first was a 4 trains journey including another leg on the fairly expensive Shikansen bullet train, to arrive in Nagano. Much colder than Kyoto with the first hint of snow. It was only a brief 1 night stop over before heading up to the Hakuba Valley for our week of snowboarding, which I am definitely looking forward to just not as much as the kids. The amount of snow in our town of Tsugaike Kogen is unbelievable. Our accommodation is sensational, only 100m from the ski lifts, its own onsen, fantastic communal longe and dining, and our traditional 2 bedroom room is very spacious. Met a few Aussies staying here and knocked the froth off a couple of Asahi.Read more
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Grant's Long service
New Year's Eve
December 31, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ❄️ 1 °C
First day on the boards today. First stop was the hire shop to hand over a small fortune. We all went to a small area to get the feel of things after a 7 year gap between the last time on the slopes. It took a couple of small runs for the muscle memory to kick in. Frog and I headed up for our first few runs while we left the girls to practice a little more. We finished not long after lunch thanks to a decent amount of snow. We met a mum and her son (Nikki/Jordy) and spent the afternoon/evening having a few drinks in the lounge area while the kids played out in the snow. We all lasted until midnight to walk up to the ski fields and watch a fireworks display, which was fantastic. Michael Jackson also put in an appearance at the local shop. A very memorable day for what has been a very memorable yearRead more
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Grant's Long service
New Year's Day
January 1, 2025 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 1 °C
After a huge amount of snow overnight we were greeted by a sunny day for our first proper day's of snowboarding Frog and I were straight up the lifts for a few runs while Fern went to the practice area. Fern needed a bollocking and a few threats to practice more before I would take her up on the lifts to the top. Thankfully, it worked and she was ready for her first ever run down the slopes. She did quite well and think both the kids will improve out of sight over the course of the week. We have met another couple from Magaret River who have 4 kids and i had a few beers with Russell in the evening. Frog has hooked up with their son and Fern with their daughter which is fantastic and should make the next few days of snowboarding easier as I can just let them go on the runs and I can get a chance to snowboard without waiting for Fern.Read more
TravelerNot a bad way to start the new year!
1/12/25Reply
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Grant's Long service
End of a fantastic week snowboarding
January 6, 2025 in Japan ⋅ 🌧 4 °C
What a week. The last few days we have lived on the slopes. The kids progression has been amazing. We have been really fortunate to hook up with great family from WA which meant that Frog and Fern have had some snowboarding buddies which has helped to push each other. Inferno mastered all of the green runs on the mountain and Frog ended up on an epic trip to the 1700m summit runs. This was thanks to meeting up with a great group of Aussie lads who do some pretty hectic snowboarding. They really took Frog under their wing and took him on some double black diamond back country runs through the trees. You are supposed to get accredited for these runs but Frog took them on after only 4 days on the slopes. I also went with the Frog and the boys to the summit runs, to say that I was very quiet and apprehensive on the way up in the gondola is an understatement. The 20 minute trip seemed to take forever and the higher it went the more nervous I got. To say that these runs were steep is an understatement but after a 4 cartwheel stack on the first run, tackling these mad sections definitely helped with my snowboarding as well. The last day was a very full day and I was the assigned photographer taking photos of Frog through the trails runs practising some aerials. Inferno even started navigating the small jumps course. Our evenings have been spent having a beer with all the people we have met at our fantastic accommodation and/or local bars. Froggo even joined the boys for a late night game of cards, rinsing them for 16000 Yen ($160). To throw things into the mix, Kate celebrated her birthday with a delivered 18" pizza. Sad to be leaving but thankful for the experience and the people we met. Snowboarding with the kids has been an amazing experience and one that I definitely want to replicate.Read more
TravelerGreat photos Rusty
1/6/25Reply
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Grant's Long service
Nagano, snow monkeys and pissheads
January 7, 2025 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 1 °C
Not much happening in Nagano itself, which is probably why (just from personal observation) there are hoards of pissed businessmen. Which reminds me of my last trip here with flogged businessmen in a ramen restaurant at 2am. We headed out to see the snow monkeys today, which included a really nice walk through the forest. The walk home included a decent snowfall, which added to the walk. Had the best ever apple and custard pie/pastry and awesome bowl of ramen at a little Cafe at the end of the walk. Already missing the snowboarding which is why Frog and I are contemplating another trip.Read more
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Grant's Long service
First days in Tokyo
January 9, 2025 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C
Moved into our quaint accommodation for the next 12 days in shinjuku. We have a great little Indian/Nepalese restaurant 20m from our place, so of course, we hit this up on our first night. Today, our first stop was a hedgehog cafe, which was interesting, but I get the sense they are not too keen on being picked up and not really my thing. The remainder of the day, we explored Shibuya, including the famous crossing. Lunch was at the kids' favourite sushi train. Quiet night in but a couple of Asahi at the Indian restaurant is a great place to have a beer and write my posts.Read more
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Grant's Long service
More of Tokyo
January 12, 2025 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C
We have spent the last couple of days visit different parts of the city but a highlight has to be our visit at Team Lab Planets, an immersive art exhibit that all of us enjoyed, especially the kids. The first part was a mirrored glasshouse with thousands of orchids suspended from the roof that slowly rotated and moved up and down. Simple concept but it was thoroughly impressive to see. From there was an outdoor moss garden with scattered, mirrored ovoid that interact with the sunlight as it changes throughout the day. By far the most impressive part was the water section which require walking barefoot through a variety of installations, but it also included some crazy rooms with infinite lighting displays. We have also ventured to Shinjuku (home if Godzilla) which is a short walk from our place. It is a pretty busy place at night scattered with bars, restaurants and endless electronic billboards that line the streets. A trip to the Tsukiji fish markets is mandatory on the Tokyo to do list although the sushi is overpriced, instead we had some amazing A5 wagyu, strawberries (including the famous white) and a great seafood soup. My least favourite thus far has been Harajuku, so called trendy part of Tokyo. It was right up Fern's alley and Kate endured hours of shopping whilst Frog and I headed to a different part of Tokyo with heaps of snowboard shops. We both picked up a pair of goggles for our next trip.Read more
TravelerGreat photos
1/13/25Reply
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Grant's Long service
Day trip to Hakone
January 13, 2025 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C
A day filled with a variety of transport, first off a train to Hakone, about 90mins out of Tokyo. From there it was a zig zig railway up a steep climb to Gora where we had a quick bite to eat. We had some amazing $5 hotdogs before going further up the mountain via funicular railway. This lead us to another form of transport, yet another fantastic cable car flride to the summit of an active volcano. On the ride up we thought someone in the cable car had let one rip but as we climbed of the caldera we saw the actual reason...plumes of sulphur dioxide gas seeping from the mountain. Having not read anything about the trip thus was quite unexpected as was the amazing views of Mount Fuji. We got off at the summit for some photos and to sample a famous food from the area, black eggs, that are boiled in the sulphur rich waters on the mountain for 50mins at 80°. After thus stop and sampling the eggs, which are supposed to extend your life by 7 years, it was another cable car ride down to a lake. It was then time for to hop on a 'pirate ship' with more views of Mount Fuji. It was a great day but a long one with a bus and train back to Tokyo. Exhausted we settled for yet another curry at our local Indian restaurant which Kate is determined will be our last but I do enjoy their momo.Read more
TravelerHey, I've been there! Same day trip... it really does stink.
1/18/25Reply
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Grant's Long service
Sumo and Temples
January 15, 2025 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
Lucky enough to secure Grand Sumo tickets once again as we were 7 years ago. Pretty special to be able to go tosuch an event. Definitely more westerners than there were last time. Frog and Fern got right into the atmosphere of it all. The day was topped off with the last match up with the only yokozuna currently in Japan unexpectedly losing, resulting in the custom of the crowd throwing their cushions towards the ring.Read more
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