Happy 2014!!!

Thought I'd share a video of what everyone goes crazy about here in wee little Taiwan - the fireworks off Taipei 101. I don't know how this man got this clear video of the whole thing, because often the entire building is wreathed in smoke after the first 30 seconds... haha... He was clearly upwind. Anyway, it's not a bad show and kind of nice that the music muffles the screaming to just the right volume.

After you're done watching that, you can have a look-see at the fireworks displays that went on around the world while ringing in 2014. But be sure to watch Taipei 101's first, because London and Dubai completely blow it out of the water, so it'd be pretty pointless to watch it after. ;)

Overall, I hope all these countries come up with greener ways to celebrate the big countdown and set Guinness world records.

Wishing you all a prosperous, happy and eco-friendly ;) 2014!!

London to start

The huge and expensive seat of the British Empire, that once-ravenous and now somewhat subdued beast. A city of over 8 million people, now more than ever diverse in its faces and languages, which in this modern age provokes racial tension and violence -- but for all that conflict also supplies another world metropolis with restaurant kitchens churning out dishes infused with exotic tastes ripened under a distant mid-day sun.

Our uber-brief 2-day visit enjoyed peace and typical London weather that I dare anyone to find enjoyable - the chilling wind crawling under layers of damp clothing and hurling drizzle into our faces.

Rich's sister Catharine made it a fab trip anyway, playing a most gracious hostess by giving up her bed, taking us out to a vaulted-ceiling French cafe and entrusting us with her mobile phone. We briefly looked into the Tate Modern, the British Museum and the Nottinghill Market and cooked up a dinner for the three of us, her Spanish roomie and our Canadian friend Natalie who's been happily living in London for a few years with her Scottish hubbie Owen.