I was a little bit reluctant to go to Taiwan because of the visa issues. Last time we went there, the country was visa-free for Russian citizens, but just before COVID, the russian government decided not to extend the visa-free agreement. Thus, I have to apply for a visa to visit Taiwan. Surprisingly, it was an extremely simple process. The visa officer didn’t really want to collect the usual documents like your bank statements, tickets, flight tickets, hotel reservations, blah blah blah. The visa form and an employment letter were enough to get a sought-after stamp. The whole process only took two or three days. Due to such an easy and straightforward process, we decided to proceed with our trip.

The last day was a pinnacle of the trip with a hike to the breathtaking Tiger Nest Monastery. I read a few posts about how difficult the hike is; some people mentioned the hardest hike they’ve done in their lives. It’s easy to believe when you are looking at the monastery, which looks like a part of a rock.

Before I deep-dive into your trip, let me say a few words about the trip arrangement. Firstly, how did we choose Bhutan? I’ve been to Nepal before and heard about Bhutan being an Asian Switzerland, so visiting this country was on my list a long time ago.

Before I deep-dive into your trip, let me say a few words about the trip arrangement. Firstly, how did we choose Bhutan? I’ve been to Nepal before and heard about Bhutan being an Asian Switzerland, so visiting this country was on my list a long time ago.

Before I deep-dive into your trip, let me say a few words about the trip arrangement. Firstly, how did we choose Bhutan? I’ve been to Nepal before and heard about Bhutan being an Asian Switzerland, so visiting this country was on my list a long time ago.

Before I deep-dive into your trip, let me say a few words about the trip arrangement. Firstly, how did we choose Bhutan? I’ve been to Nepal before and heard about Bhutan being an Asian Switzerland, so visiting this country was on my list a long time ago.

Before I deep-dive into your trip, let me say a few words about the trip arrangement. Firstly, how did we choose Bhutan? I’ve been to Nepal before and heard about Bhutan being an Asian Switzerland, so visiting this country was on my list a long time ago.

The Practical Part

After discovering Cursor and the concept of Vibe Coding, I was eager to test it on a greenfield project. I revived an old idea: building a tool to help amateur guitarists (like me) memorize notes on the fretboard in standard tuning (e-A-D-G-B-E).

This year, the author visited three destinations in Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Desaru, and Johor Bahru. In Kuala Lumpur, they celebrated their wife’s birthday with a stay at the Hotel Majestic, a fine-dining experience featuring local flavors, and a visit to the awe-inspiring Batu Caves. Desaru offered a relaxing weekend with stays at both Westin and Amara hotels, each with unique perks—Westin being cost-effective and beach-accessible, while Amara offered exclusivity and activities like open-air cinema. Finally, Johor Bahru presented challenges like traffic jams, confusing navigation, and an encounter with traffic police, yet highlights included an exhilarating go-karting experience and discovering a delightful dim sum restaurant. Despite some hiccups, each trip brought memorable moments and enjoyable experiences.

A long weekend in Manila started with a stay at The Peninsula Manila in the Makati district, offering a luxurious experience worth recommending. Arriving late, we explored the nearby Raffles Hotel and enjoyed drinks at the Long Bar. Day two was filled with sightseeing—starting with the National Museum of Natural History, which was underwhelming, followed by the impressive National Museum of Fine Arts with its grand architecture and art collection. We also visited Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, and Saint Augustine Church, admiring the colonial-era architecture and rich history. The final day included shopping, food, and navigating Manila’s infamous traffic jams.