il Giardino Romantico

對於「南軟」的上班族們來說，這間應該是最方便實用日本料理的一間店了吧！中午時間，只要一超過12點，就變得一位難求。但到了夜晚，又變成一間安靜的小店。看你喜歡什麼風格囉！這天不曉得吹了什麼風，（其實好像是我吵著想吃生魚片）一群同事就將就我的任性，一起跑來大中午的就吃大餐。其實同事也是友人推薦才知道這間店。因為也唸了很久一直沒機會來，也才會心血來潮的擇日不如撞日的就衝了！
For people working in Nangang Software Park, this must be the most convenient place for Japanese food during lunch breaks. If you arrive after 12, you'd find the place completely packed with people! At night, it'll transform into a quiet little shop again. I think what happened that day, was I had a craving for raw fish, and so my colleagues indulged me by suggesting that we come here. I'd heard him speak of the place for a while, but had never had the chance to visit. So it was the perfect day to try it out! 
鮮魚味噌湯Fish miso soup 
烤鯖魚 Grilled mackerel
鮭魚生魚片！Raw salmon! 
綜合生魚片！Mixed sashimi!
 
蘆筍蝦手卷 Asparagus and shrimp temaki 
鮭魚卵手卷 Salmon roe temaki
綜合握壽司 Assorted nigiris 
其實第一次到這裡用餐，以上就是四人分吃的量。應該不算多吧！畢竟只是中午而已啦！不過這間真是好吃到我隔幾天又來了！主要是因為那第一次來沒吃到人家推薦的生魚片蓋飯！
The above pictures made up a meal for four. I don't think that was very much, as it was after all, lunch time! But I was so pleased with the place that I returned a few days later! The real reason, though, was that I did not get to try the highly recommended sashimi rice! 
海鮮烏龍麵 - 想也知道不是我的（我要蓋飯啊！）Seafood udon - obviously not mine! (I want sashimi rice!)
點蓋飯就有的沙拉 Salad for the rice meal.
還有湯！And soup!
將～將～～蓋飯來囉！This is what I had been waiting for! 
雖然很好吃，不過我得說，我還是比較"尬以"單純只有生魚片跟飯的生魚片蓋飯～ （個人問題）
Although it was very nice, I still prefer the kind that has only rice and sashimi (nothing else) But it's just personal preference.
檢視較大的地圖 

Punting完之後呢，也差不多到了下午茶時間了！這一整天的行程其實排的相當的滿！讓我幾乎沒有喘息的時間啊！不過用個scone跟一杯英式奶茶來劃下本日完美的句點，實在是再幸福也不過了～～
After my punting experience, it was time for tea. The day's schedule was aboslutely packed! I barely had time to breath! But all had been great! And the day couldn't have ended any better, than with a scone and a cup of tea.
這天的行程其實都是由當地地陪安排的。早上的行程因為某種因素所以不便透漏（寫到一半突然發現我又沒寫幾樣怎麼會有行程滿滿的feel呢！所以特別解釋一下）。言歸正傳，這間下午茶店就是當地地陪推薦的。我忘了他是不是有預約。但是我們很快的就有位子。據說這間是劍橋出名的一間下午茶店。Scone也相當好吃！
I had a local guide with me the entire day. Although I realise that I had not revealed my itinerary for the entire day. There is a reason why I cannot disclose my morning itinerary, just in case you were wondering why I mentioned my fully packed day, when I didn't actually write about that many places. Anyway, the teashop was recommended by my guide, and apparently this is the place to go for afternoon teas when in Cambridge! Scones are must-tries! 
好吃的scone！Yummy scone! 
More seats... 地下室的座位區
檢視較大的地圖 

既然來到了劍橋，怎麼能夠不來puting一下呢？雖然大家都知道來劍橋要punting一下，但大家對punting了解多少呢？好啦！我承認我也是去Wiki一下才了解的！XD 其實不是每個河道都適合punting。因為他是用桿子再推動的，而不是用槳。因為劍橋的這條河剛好夠淺。而且沿途可以欣賞到許多古老建築。因此punting成了劍橋的一大特色！
When you come to Cambridge, you cannot miss out the opportunity to do a bit of punting. Although it is a universally known truth, that you must punt in Cambridge, just how much do you actually know about punting? Apparently, you can't punt in any random river. The river has to be shallow enough for the pole to reach the bottom, because that's what's pushing the boat, instead of oars. Also, the historic building along the river also make punting quite a passtime while in Cambridge. 
我們這隻船配到的是一個超酷的女生！
The punter we got was a lady! 
數學橋 Mathematical Bridge
另外一座橋 Another bridge
從河上觀賞國王學院 View of King's from the river.
在橋下 Under the bridge
河上生物 Creatures of the river.
這就是劍橋啊！ This is Cambridge.
許多古老建築 Many historic buildings
也是很壯觀的建築 Yet another impressive building
其他生物 Other creatures
Bridge of Sighs 嘆息橋
其實劍橋與牛津有很多共同點。據說，嘆息橋也是兩者之間眾多共同點之一呢！
There are many similarities between Oxford and Cambridge, and Bridges of Sighs is one of these many similarities. 
有趣的建築Interesting building. 
其實導遊（那個很酷的女生）都有一一向我們解釋這些建築物的歷史，不過隨著年齡的增長，記憶也漸漸衰退～我真的都不記得這些建築誤到底有什麼來歷跟目前作為什麼用途了！囧！！
Our guide (also the punter) actually did an amazing job explaining to us the history of these buidlings and what they are used for today. However, my memory is not very good to begin with, and with age, I find it failing me even more frequently... So I cannot recall what these buildings are at all now! How unfortunate! 
不過即使不知道來龍去脈，從圖片中還是可以看到每一棟建築物都有自己的特色！
Despite being unaware of the in and outs of these buildings, it can still be seen from the pictures that each building has its own unique feature! 
經過的幾座橋也都各有特色。
Even each of the bridges have their own unique features. 
河流上遊蕩的生物們似乎也很悠哉地享受著河流兩旁的美景。
These creatures wandering along the river seemed to be enjoying the sight on either side of the river as well. 
考考大家！誰記得這座橋叫啥？
Quiz time! What is the name of this bridge?
那這座呢？
And this one?
尤其如果遇到好天氣，真的建議要體驗一下！
Highly recommended a go at this! Especially if the weather is nice! 
檢視較大的地圖 
未完待續。。。
To be continued... 

 01
這是劍橋Walking Tour的後半段。上圖中所見到的，是稍後要划船的地點。不過請稍安勿躁，先來瞧瞧女王學院吧。
This is the second part of the Cambridge walking tour. The photo above is a picture of the place to be if you wish to go punting. That's for later, though. Let's focus on Queen's College first for now.
 02
我想相較於國王學院，王后學院大家可能比較不熟悉）。你不可不知：劍橋大學本身是由許多學院組成的。根據導遊的說法，劍橋（其實牛津也類似）不是你有錢就進得去的。大多數人都是從不知道什麼時候開始就開始接受它們這套系統的教育。頂尖的學生才有機會入學。王后學院是由亨利六世妻子（瑪格麗特．安茹）於1448所建立。上圖中的建築物，可是劍橋最古老的建築物（數學橋＆校長室）
I guess most of us are more familiar with King's College. It must be known, that Cambridge University is formed by the combination of various colleges. Not unlike its rival, Oxford, this is not the kind of place where money is the simple solution. Most people began the Cambridge system earlier in their academic life, and only the top ones are offered places in colleges. Queen's College was founded by the wife of King Henry VI, Margaret of Anjou. The picture you see above is a picture of the oldest building in Cambridge. (Mathematical Bridge and the President's Lodge)
 03
學院門樓 The Gatehouse
 04
 05
 06
 07
 08
舊大廳 Old Hall
 09
 10
迴廊庭院 The Cloister
 11
下篇預告：來去划船～
Next up: Let's go punting! 
 12
檢視較大的地圖 

 01
這裡就是著名的國王學院。始建於1441年，由亨利六世建立。天仙對這裡最深的映象，就是每年聖誕節會聽的King's College Choir所演唱的聖誕歌曲。因為已經聽了好幾年，終於有榮幸一睹國王學院的壯觀建築時，心裡感到格外的興奮。抵達第一天，連內部都沒觀賞到，就急忙著想要看到建築外觀。直到隔天才有機會真得進去內部觀賞。
Alas, this is the famous King's College, founded in 1441 by Henry VI. The deepest impression I had of the place, came from the Christmas carols that I would listen to every year by the college's choir. After so many years, I finally had the chance to see the building with my own eyes. It was such an unforgettable moment. Although I did not get to see the interior on the first day of my arrival, I couldn't wait to see the actual building anyway! I waited till the next day to really enjoy the interior of this magnificent buliding.
 02
建築外觀 The exterior.
 03
教堂中殿、屏、管風琴 The nave, the screen, the organ. 
 04
彩繪玻璃 Stained glass windows. 
 05
唱詩班席位 The choir
 05
陽光展現出玻璃彩繪的特色 Features of the windows standing out even more in the sun.
 06
窗戶下的藝術 Painting beneath the window.
 07
每一片玻璃都是一個藝術、敘述著一段故事
Every panel is an art, narrating a story
 08
講台 Podium
 09
建築後側 Rear side of the building.
 10
船上看學院 Punting by the college.
 11
在小道上遇見名人 Encounter with a famous person on a path.
 12
那位名人就是徐志摩。
That famous person is the Chinese poet Xu Zhimo. 
檢視較大的地圖 

不要問我為什麼會選這間。其實因為某種原因，我必須在限定的時間內提供住宿地址。但因為人生地不熟，網路上的地圖又跟實際上的距離差很多。我原本以為這間離市區算很近了，沒想到我下火車後在細雨裡走了約一個小時後才找到。不過除了離市區比較遠一點之外，其實這裡算很不錯了。我待在英國的時間（包含念書的時候）這算是我第二次入住英式的B&B。不過有趣的是，這兩間的B&B主人，都不是英國當地人。第一次住的B&B，老闆是法國人，這次好像是波蘭人的樣子。
Don't ask me why I chose this Bed and Breakfast. For a certain unspeakable reason, I had to provide the address of my accommodation. But the dilemma was that I didn't know the place, and everywhere seemed to look either close enough or too far away from downtown. It seemed like this place was not that far off from downtown, but after getting off the train, I had to walk in the rain for about an hour before actually finding the place! This is the second B&B experience for me, throughout the entire time in the UK (including the time during my postgrad studies). A part from being a bit far from downtown, I have to say, the experience was actually quite pleasant! What's interesting is that the owners of both B&B where I stayed are non-British! The owner of my first B&B was French, and the owner of this place is Polish, I think. 
房間就長這個樣子。看起來很舒適吧！而且我超愛那個窗戶的！
This is the bedroom. Looks very cosy, and I lurrrrrrv the window!
有小電視，熱水瓶以及茶水杯子等。
Little telly, kettle, and tea and cups. 
沒有衣櫃，但至少衣服還有地方掛。洗手台。
There is no wardrobe, but at least you can still hang up your clothes. There's also the wash basin.
迷你熱水器。
Mini water heater.
餐廳（吃早餐用的）
Dining area (for breakfast)
各種麵包Bread. 
 
 果汁＆茶 Juice & Tea
檢視較大的地圖 

每一次來到一個新的地方，總是又期待又怕受傷害。一個人人皆知無人不曉的地方，很容易讓人在不知不覺中有著幻想與期待。一個人的旅程，輕盈的步伐，享受著每一個獨處得時光。因為在這個陌生的城市裡，只有你是自己最親密的朋友。
Every time you arrive at a new and unexplored place, there is a mixture of excitement, and anxiety of it being a let-down. Especially, when you visit a popular place, it's easy to have high expectations and your mind wanders off in its own imagination of what the place would be like. A single traveller, treading gently, enjoying every moment in solitude. Because in this new place, you yourself is the one with whom you are most intimate. 
處在陌生與熟悉之間的曖昧，讓人不知道該期待還是該害怕。但也因為這種神秘的曖昧，顯得一個經驗更加的有趣。
The ambiguity between the unknown and the familiar makes you anxious - what to expect? But it's also because of this mysterious ambiguity, that adds a bit more spice to this already exciting experience. 
我獨自一人在這陌生的城市，望著窗外，看著路人一個個經過。
I am alone in this unfamiliar city. I look out the window, and watch the passersby walk to and fro. 
我嚐到了一口熟悉的味道，他提醒著我：我現在獨自一人，所有的經歷都只屬於我一個人！
Then a taste of familiarity reminds me - I am by myself, and all the experience is mine, and mine only.
外表看似未曾相識的城市，我以為我一點都不瞭解。
On the surface it seems like I had never known the city, because I had never been here before.
事實上，他卻可能認為我是他最熟悉的訪客。
But in actuality, it probably thinks I am its most familiar visitor. 
是的。讓我沉醉在這個找尋自我的旅途中吧！
Yes. Let me indulge myself in the journey of finding myself. 
無論反覆讀了多少書，內心裡最強烈的欲望還是希望能夠找到自我。
No matter how many books are read, reread, and reread again, our greatest desire remains to be able to find ourselves. 
在喧嘩中找到寧靜。在陌生的環境中找到熟悉。
Find peace in the midst of all the clamour. Find the familiar in the midst of all the unknown.
在沈醉中清醒。
Be conscious while intoxicated.
在最平凡中找出最棒的那個。
Find the best out of the most ordinary.
 
如果我能夠選擇，我當然不希望它結束。但天下沒有不散的筵席。
If I had a choice, I wouldn't let it end. But all good things must come to an end.
最後，當我離開這個城市的時候，我帶走的不是一片雲彩，而是整片天空。
And alas, when I left, it was not just a single cloud that I took with me, but the entire sky.
檢視較大的地圖  

春節假期在台中的最後一天，與友人約好時間碰面。因為在台中沒車實在很麻煩，但我與友人居住地方又相差太遠，靈機一動我想到家裡附近有一間這樣的地方，一直想造訪卻一直沒機會。這樣有車的友人可以直接開來我家，在步行過去。不用煩惱接送問題，時間上也很充裕，可以聊天聊地～
On the last day of my stay in Taichung, I made an appointment to see a friend of mine. It's rather inconvenient to get around Taichung without a vehicle, and my friend does live in a completely different direction from where I live. So I came up with the idea that we could try the place near my place, she could drive to mine, then walk to the place. We'd have the entire afternoon and early evening to catch up on things. 
雖然想很久，不過因為知道這類型的店，其實餐點跟飲料都不用太期待。不過其實我們最後還是很滿足。除了他本身每個角落都很搶鏡頭之外，飲料跟餐點其實也都不錯。
Although I'd thought about this place for quite some time, I didn't anticipate much at all. Nonetheless, in the end, we were both quite satisfied with the entire experience. The drinks were pleasant, and the food was acceptable. 
讓我想起英國的建築外觀
The design reminds me of the UK. 
 入口 Entrance 
一店在中興大學附近（這裡也算附近啦，不過一店簡直就是在他對面的巷子裡而已）
This is Shop 2. Shop 1 is located closer to National Chung Hsing University. (Although this one isn't exactly that far from it either...)
倫敦熊玩開了
London Paddy having fun. 
少了一個小矮人
I think we're missing a dwarf. 
倫敦熊盪鞦韆
Swinging London Paddy. 
這天天氣不錯，我們選擇坐在戶外～
The weather was rather pleasant, so we picked the outdoor seating. 
室內座位一窺
Peeping on the indoor seatings. 
一大壺的奶茶，讓你喝夠一整個下午～
A nice jug of warm milk tea to last you the entire afternoon. 
一杯茶，可以解決世界上所有的問題。
A cup of tea is the solution to every problem. 
雖然拍了很多張照片，看似花了很多時間，不過其實全部的拍照時間加起來不會超過五分鐘。好取景的店，拍起來很容易。
Although it seems that I had taken so many photos of the place, altogether it didn't even amount to 5 minutes. Every corner was easily captured.
這是台中的永和街，不在台北喔！
This is on the Yung-he Street of Taichung, not Taipei!
也是很大壺的水果茶。
Fruit tea in a pot. 
給你五倍的愛心～
Love x5
 
很多水果～
Fruity
天色漸漸變暗，但捨不得離開... 
The night gradually approaching, but we didn't intend on leaving, yet. 
店內一偶
A corner inside the shop. 
戶外區一偶
At a corner of the garden area.
入口夜景
Night scene of the entrance. 
因為久久未見面，想說的話實在很多。飲料喝完了還捨不得走。只好在接著點餐解決晚餐。
Because we had not seen each other for a while, we craved more time together after the drinks were all gone. We decided to have dinner and continue with our chat. 
緊接著牠也加入了我們的對話。
And look who'd joined in our chat! 
紅酒燉牛肉
Beef course. 
雞腿排餐
Chicken meal. 
我想決定來這裡真的是對得。雖然台中很多像這樣的地方，但我真的想不出第二個有像這裡一樣的悠閒愜意氣氛的店了！
I definitely made the right decision for getting us to meet here. Although there are so many places like this in Taichung, I cannot think of another that has such a laid-back atmosphere as this one offers. 
檢視較大的地圖 

其實安平有很多好逛的。除了樹屋跟德記洋行，當然還有古堡跟老街。不過因為我們這天時間不是太充裕，如果逛了古堡可能就沒時間逛老街了。所以我們決定就別逛古堡了。其實天仙的ＯＳ是：反正我逛過了～
There is a lot to see in the Anping area. There's the Treehouse and the ????. There is also the Fort and 'Old Street'. We didn't exactly have a lot of time at our hands, so we decided to forfeit the chance to visit the Fort, and just stroll along the Old Street. My thought at the time was: I've seen the Fort already, anyway! 
其實老街說穿了，除了吃的.....還是吃的！花園夜市不是在台南嗎？喔，對。這個時候是在台南... （耍白癡ing）
I hope you come here on an empty stomach, because the one thing that this street does not lack is food! 
這個是棺材板（其實天仙第一次看到）
This food is called 'coffin', because of the way it looks. 
炭烤雞排總是很受歡迎
BBQ chicken chop is alway popular. 
鵪鶉蛋
Quail eggs. 
糖葫蘆，棉花糖
I'd like to call these Chinese lolipops. There's also cotton candy on sticks. 
認真的豆花老闆
Hard working douhwa seller. 
最後我們在臭豆腐攤淪陷了～
Dare you try? Stinky tofu! 
看起來挺可口～
Looks yummy doesn't it? (probably because you can't smell it)
倫敦熊也想吃一口
London Paddy seems to be keen on odd foods (marmite and now stinky tofu!)
台南有名的蝦捲～
Tainan's famous shrimp roll. 
終於有一攤不是吃的～　很夯的氣球攤（幾乎都在賣歐噴將）
Balloon vendor. The rare few stalls that does not sell food. The 7-11 mascot was a popular item of the day. 
好大顆的蛋！
Massive eggs! 
憤怒鳥坐推車
Angry Bird on a stroller... 
 
這就是我們春節期間的快閃台南遊記囉！
And that was our very truncated trip to Anping! 
檢視較大的地圖 

看玩倫敦熊的版本，緊接著來看正常版的吧！第一次來到這裡的時候因為是非假日，所以可以說是整個樹屋都屬於我們自己的。這次跟家人出遊，我化身成了小導遊。一面介紹著哪裡有什麼可以看，一面自己也回味著當時與好友相伴的清閒時光。
After reading London Paddy's version of the trip, it's time for my version. The first time round, there were very few people, as we came on a non-holiday. This time, with my family, I became the guide, telling them where we could go and what there was to see, etc. At the same time, I fondly remembered the pleasant time I had when I was here for the first time. 
除了樹屋本身，旁邊還有英商德記洋行。人少的時候，走在樹屋裡面是非常的享受的。隔壁的德記洋行則是一間豐富的蠟像博物館，讓你輕鬆學一堂歷史課。
Other than the treehouse itself, there is also a wax museum, originally Tait & Co. When there are less people, it's quite a treat to take a stroll in the treehouse. Tait & Co., on the other hand, teaches you a history lesson of Taiwan. 
還沒進去就可以看到整個地盤充滿了人潮。
You can already see the crowd outside the gates! 
樹屋大門 The gate. 
倫敦熊登場～
And this is where London Paddy comes in. 
樹屋本體 The treehouse. 
大自然的傑作 Works of nature. 
有點不可思議的景象 Incredible sight. 
原本為倉庫。This used to be the warehouse of Tait & Co.
大樹的鬍鬚 Whiskers of the tree. 
不干擾他的成長 Undisturbed growth. 
綠色一偶 A green corner
渺小的人類 Human dwarfs
又拍失敗的蜘蛛網... Another failed attempt at capturing a cobweb. 
進入樹屋的樓梯 Staircase into the tree. 
其實是化妝室 Way to the restrooms... 
小花圃 Tiny flower patch. 
荷蘭影響 The Dutch influence. 
雖然德記洋行為英商，但蠟像館說的故事其實荷蘭的篇幅居多。
Even though Tait & Co. had been English, the museum holds more records of stories of the Dutch. 
早期字跡 Early writing. 
花瓶 Vase
商人 Merchant
「飛行的荷蘭人」？The Flying Dutchman? 
同上？ Ditto?
二樓走道 Balcony on the second floor. 
一旁的戀人 Lovers on the side. 
花兒 Flower
書法展 Calligraphy exhibition
這我就真的看不懂了... Completely ignorant of this kind of art (I meant me) 
   
Over all, yet another pleasant trip, despite the crowd.
大體來說，雖然一堆人，但卻又是一個非常難忘的經驗。