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Bringing Taiwan’s Whiskey Home: My Kavalan Highball Experiment

As any whiskey lover knows, Taiwan’s Kavalan whiskey has a special reputation for its bold flavors and unique distillation process. During a trip to Taiwan, I couldn’t resist stopping by a Kavalan bar in Taipei 101, that famous landmark towering over the city. I was ready to taste and experience all it had to offer, sampling different grades of Kavalan with each glass. While the flavors got a bit blurry (as did my memory of them after a few rounds!), the experience was unforgettable, and I brought home a few bottles as souvenirs. But here’s the twist: back home, sipping Kavalan on its own felt, well, a bit intense. Without the lively bar atmosphere, each sip packed more of a punch than I’d remembered. So, like many travel mementos that find a cozy corner in the kitchen, my Kavalan sat unopened for quite a while. That all changed recently when I picked up some canned highballs—ready-to-drink, perfectly convenient, but admittedly a little on the light side in terms of whiskey flavor. Ins...
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A Journey into Wine Appreciation

 In the past, beer was my drink of choice. Recently, however, I've found myself indulging more in wine rather than beer. Several factors may have influenced this shift, such as emotional changes, aging, and shifts in societal preferences. About four years ago, I began finding solace in sipping wines. It was a time when I felt overwhelmed by the everyday grind, so I decided to take a spontaneous solo trip to a hotel. I sought to overcome burnout and recharge.  One night, feeling a bit adventurous, I grabbed a half bottle of wine from a nearby store and savored it while looking down the urban night view from my hotel room. That experience proved to be a soothing remedy for my burnout. Even after I returned home, I found myself craving that feeling of relaxation. Subsequently, whenever I needed a mental getaway but lacked the time, I turned to wine. Just a few glasses served as a reminder of my rejuvenating vacation. While I still appreciate beers, they are mostly for quenching m...
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Living with Grace: Being Generous and Clean-Cut

In my life, I hold dear two pieces of advice from my mother: 1. Share things with others, and 2. Maintain a neat and clean appearance all the time. These simple yet powerful principles have brought elegance into my life. When I receive a large amount of food as a gesture of gratitude, I usually share it with those around me. Likewise, if I stumble upon a delightful dessert during the weekends, I buy extras and bring them to work to share with my colleagues. Additionally, whenever I come across small but useful items, I purchase several and give them as thoughtful gifts to my friends. This act of caring for others is very natural to me. Not only have I brought joy to those around me but also to myself. Moreover, I'm often remembered as a generous and compassionate person. Although I may not consider myself conventionally good-looking, I believe in the importance of presenting oneself in the best possible way. For this reason, I follow a regular self-care routine, making sure to shav...
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My Routine for Writing Research Papers After Work

In my current work position, which has an academic aspect, I'm required to stay updated with the latest knowledge and contribute through research papers. However, the only time I have available for writing these papers is after work. It can be challenging to motivate myself to do research after a long day because I often feel the need to rest more than my desire to pursue research. To overcome this challenge, I have established a routine over the past few years. Firstly, I make an effort to save my energy and set aside time specifically for paper writing. On work days, I try to finish my tasks earlier than usual so that I can dedicate time to my research without feeling physically drained. Secondly, I understand the importance of finding a comfortable environment for writing. If I'm in an uncomfortable place, I struggle to generate ideas for my manuscript. Typically, I choose a café where I feel at ease, or I create a distraction-free study space at home. I ensure that all the ...
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Living Alone: Juggling Laundry, Cooking, and Housecleaning

My friends often wonder how I manage household chores so well in my busy schedule. To me, there are three main things: laundry, cooking, and housecleaning. Many busy people tend to neglect one of these aspects or seek assistance from others. For instance, some opt for laundry services, especially for dress shirts that require ironing. Others choose to eat out instead of cooking at home. There are also those who rely on robotic vacuum cleaners or clean the house less frequently. Somehow, I've learned to handle all three chores, squeezing them in between my busy schedule. Laundry is a breeze. Toss the clothes in the washing machine, press a button, and you're done. While hanging clothes might take a little time, it's still manageable. But some clothes require special care, like linen or knitted garments. They need hand washing and delicate drying on a flat surface. So, I set aside a specific day to wash these items, often combining it with my shower time. It saves time and en...
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Driver's Dilemma: To Drive or Not to Drive to Seoul

When it comes to driving my own car, I often find myself facing a dilemma. While there are undeniable benefits to having a car, deciding whether to drive or not is not always an easy choice. There are several factors to consider, such as travel times, road congestion, parking availability, and parking fees. These considerations often leave me torn between using public transportation and driving. Living in a small city, I typically enjoy the convenience of driving locally. The roads are generally less congested, resulting in smoother and quicker journeys. Additionally, parking lots are readily available and reasonably priced, ensuring a hassle-free parking experience. However, my experiences drastically change when I venture into Seoul, the bustling metropolitan area. The travel time to Seoul varies significantly depending on the time of day. During rush hours and on weekends, what should be a relatively short journey can easily double or even triple in duration. The frustration of bein...
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From Planner to Improvisor: Embracing Spontaneity in Travel

A few days ago, I embarked on a spontaneous trip, which was quite unusual for me since I'm typically a meticulous planner. Usually, I meticulously plan my trips, taking into account every detail. However, this time, I decided to do things differently. I simply chose a destination, purchased a last-minute train ticket through a mobile app, and set off on an adventure. The ticket-buying process itself turned into a small adventure, as there were limited options available at the desired time. After refreshing the app countless times, I finally managed to snag a ticket that someone had just canceled. During the train journey, I took the opportunity to search for excellent local restaurants and places to visit, something I had never done before. As someone who typically likes to have everything planned out, this spontaneous approach was quite new to me. I usually analyze various options to ensure maximum happiness and minimum chaos when preparing for a trip. However, sometimes the plann...
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