Mischmash Travels {Agnès B Cafe, Taiwan}

The Mr. and I took a brief sojourn to Taipei a few weeks ago. Sans Le Misch this time around but with some friends, one of which a local. Hence, we got to know the city more and actually had time to just while away. One of the things I noticed this trip was the city's love affair with anything French. A bunch of interesting shops peppered around the malls carry French merchandise. A lot of times I asked where the item I like is from, most often than not, the answer is one and the same-- France. 

So if there is one place in Asia where French designer Agnès B commands strong retail presence, its in Taipei. Not only are there retail shops of it in major malls, they also have cafes! And this I had to try.

The sandwiches were great and the coffee ain't bad too. I had a fancy cuppa with ginger from the mountains  of Taiwan, as the barista claimed, and sweetener from Paris. It was, needless to say, quite interesting.

And of course, a bevy of specialized chocolates and pralines for some saccharine fix to take away is not a bad idea, is it? 

Agnès B Cafe may be a fancy schmancy place to grab a cup of joe but it's pricing is comparable to typical Starbucks. Something I wasn't expecting for a signature French gourmet serving. 

There are Agnès B Cafes around Hongkong mostly grab-and-go's but should you find yourself in Taipei, there's one in Taipei 101 and another in Eslite in the Xin Yi district.    

How To Have Fun In Taiwan With A Wee One

Taiwan is the most underrated tourist destination in Asia. I long had this notion that there is nothing much to see and that if you've seen Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai, there's no point in visiting. I was wrong and was pleasantly surprised to find out that there is so much more to it than meets the eye. 

It's clean and the people are so warm. There are lots of attractions and public transport is so efficient. And the food.. I cannot even begin to put into words how much I enjoyed the food there. You see, I'm not much of a foodie but I love eating street food. Let's just say Taiwan is street food haven. 

We were in Taipei for 4 full days and yet we still had places we wanted to see but didn't have much time. Did I mention, it's very much child-friendly too?

Here's a rough guide I made on how to enjoy Taiwan with a wee one.

1. In travelling, no matter how long or short the commute, always be prepared. Pack snacks, books, and small entertaining toys to keep the toddler buckled up. 

2. Use the public transport. The glee you see on the face of your child each time you hop on the train and the bus is priceless.

3. Get a comfortable hotel. There are a lot of good reasonable hotels in Taipei and around.

4. The street food is a must try. Taiwan is known for 'little eats' and you will find these in night markets that abound all over the city.

5. Must have tea. Go up Jiufen and soak up on a cup or two of tea.

6. Stop and smell the roses. There are art works and installations scattered all over. Take time to appreciate.

7. Go up Taipei 101. This skycraper is quite an experience. If your wee one is below 115cm, he/she gets in for free.

8. Take the train to the zoo. It took us just around 15mins to get to the zoo from where we were staying. Look around and say hi to the giant pandas, the highlight of our trip.

So go have fun in Taiwan and don't forget to bring you wee ones!

Fantasy Closet {Taipei 101}

Our little family is off to sojourn in Taipei this weekend and we couldn't be more excited. It's our first time. We've heard so many good things about it and they say it's a nice place to travel to with kids. Hence we are bringing the little miss. 

I'm not sure if that's such a good idea, but hey I don't want to be tagged a heart breaker again, ok?

When packing for a place where I haven't been to and is unsure of how they dress over there, I usually just pack neutrals with some pops of color here and there. 

I wish I had these to pack.

The Elements:

1. Maison Martin Margiela Wide Leg Trouser
2. Haider Ackermann Tank
3. Vanessa Bruno Knit Cardigan
4. Reiss Sweat Shirt
5. Hermes Cape Cod Watch
6. YSL Washed Leather Easy Bag
7. Tory Burch Tan Revas
8. Giambattista Valli Metal Cuff Sandals

Have you been to Taipei? Travel (and shopping) tips are most welcome!