Travel: Taiwan
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Travel: Taiwan

    Whether for a last minute summer getaway or the upcoming “Silver Week” in September, Taiwan’s capital city, Taipei, is a spectacular destination for those looking to travel outside of Japan. With a rich history including European, Chinese, and Japanese settlement, visitors can experience a unique blend of culture and some fantastic cultural sites….

Go away you TukTuk drivers, I hate you all!
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Go away you TukTuk drivers, I hate you all!

  Oygevalt! Feckless TukTuk drivers, much like people who invite you to play Candy Crush, are out of control and must be stopped. Oh, if only these ancient cultures and civilizations could just crumble already and adopt the metered taxi. I mean, 200 baht to take three people across town? Dream on, my dude! Unless…

“Welcome to George Town!”
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“Welcome to George Town!”

  Kuala Lumpur and Penang   Upon their discovery of Malaysia in 1511, Portugal took control of the region for about a century before relinquishing control to the Dutch. Another century later, Britain began gaining control, starting with George Town, and spread their influence thereafter. As with most countries in Southeast Asia, Japan invaded during…

“The General Said, “Attack! Attack!” – Travels in South Korea
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“The General Said, “Attack! Attack!” – Travels in South Korea

  In 1910, the once-independent Korea became a colony of Japan. Korean culture was repressed by Japanese rule, and this together with war crimes committed during World War II has led to an antagonistic relationship between Japan and South Korea. Following the war, the peninsula was bisected, with the USSR installing a communist government into…

“You Want in on This?” Travel Hong Kong
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“You Want in on This?” Travel Hong Kong

              For many centuries, Hong Kong was under the control of Imperial China. However, following the First Opium War, control of the islands shifted to the United Kingdom but for a brief period in World War II when the Japanese occupied. As a colony of the UK, Hong Kong westernized and became rather democratic. In…

“Tuk-tuk, Lady?” Travel Cambodia
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“Tuk-tuk, Lady?” Travel Cambodia

                Cambodian history elicits two very different reactions. On one hand, the impressive scope of the Angkor Empire, which built Angkor Wat and other surrounding temples, is awe-inspiring. On the other, the vestiges of the Khmer Rouge are heart-wrenching, especially as the repercussions still affect Cambodians today.   Getting There and Around               We…

“Excuse me, Ma’am-Sir.” Travel the Philippines
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“Excuse me, Ma’am-Sir.” Travel the Philippines

The Philippines has had a tumultuous history, rarely having its own sovereignty. It has been ruled by Spain, Japan, and America. Spanish and American influences are prevalent. Many Spanish phrases are used alongside Tagalog, the indigenous language, and English education begins in the first grade. The predominant religion is Catholicism, first brought over by the…