Formosa1984

There is are plenty of reasons why this island is also known as “Beautiful Island”!

There are vast mountain ranges with breathtaking sceneries of forests, flora and fauna; there are crystal blue seas, white beaches, tropical islands and colourful underwater life; there are cities with a vibrant mix of foods, goods and fashions of east and west, of the old and the modern.

Not only is the island worth visiting, its politics (local and international), economy and society make it a unique place worth knowing about.

Went there last summer, and it was worth the trip (and seasickness). With a motorcyle, you can circle the island’s scenic places—miraculous natural rock formations, clear blue oceans, breathktaking sunset/sunrise, lush green forests on steep slopes and rockfaces, seaside hotspring, and abundant wildlife on land and under water!

Away from all this beauty is also a dark side: a prison-turned-human rights-museum dedicated to political  prisoners during Taiwan's totalitarian era.

I live in The Hague (Den Haag) which is around an hour away. When you’re bored of the flat country landscape, pop into Amsterdam for the multi-culti mix of foods, entertainment and museums! There’s something for everyone, whether old or young, straight or gay, and parts of the city always seems to be brimming with life.

Definitely worth a visit, if not for the Van Goghs, the Anne Frank Museum, then at least for the lovely ‘cakes’ on offer, or for the flowers in many of its green parks!

Been 16 years since I set foot in Bangkok, and boy was it a big surprise. It’s become so international, lively and crowded since (though traffic and pollution not better), with so many sights and places to see.

Worth going if you like visiting Buddhist monasteries, for this city is dotted with golden pagodas and statues. And if you have heard of Bangkok’s reputation as ‘Amsterdam of Asia’, then you’re not mistaken…the ‘night’ scene, whether straight or gay, is alive in the many clubs, bars and saunas.

London brings back memories…the university years of my life were spent here, clubing, shopping, sightseeing, ...and of course studying. It’s rare to find a place with so much history, culture, life and vibrance. A walk along the Thames, sitting at a small local pub, stroll down the ‘Streets of London’, stop by the many museums and you will understand why.

Definitely a must-go-once-in-your-life kind of place.