Matzeltov Moments: March 2011

At the close of teaching, we decided to go to some wondrous destinations. First, we made a pit stop in Green Island (which was posted earlier), which happens to be one of the most glorious places of all time! After a few days in Green Island, we continued to trek on. Our next stop of pleasure: KAOHSIUNG (pronounced Gow-shung). Kaohsiung, is the 2nd largest city in Taiwan, and it is also the home of LOVE RIVER! We hung out in Kaohsiung for 2 days, walking along the river, taking Ferry rides to CIJIN ISLAND: another island off of Taiwan, going to art exhibits, riding a quadricycle (bicycle built for 4 people), riding a roller coaster ride at the top of DREAM MALL, and going to LOTUS POND, which is where all my dreams came true. This trip was probably one of my favorites!! Below are some documented memories of the trip:

Love River in the day

Mystical Love River at night

We rode on a little boat that went up & down the river. Talk about hot...

Me & Katy on the boat paddling in Love River

My trip would not be complete if I didn't run into a animated character!

I made it to Love Pier! Love definitely is in the air

After a fun filled first day in Kaohsiung, we went back to our hostel (Kaohsiung 202) and called it a night. Amongst getting settled for bed, something amazing happened: Erin breaks the bed. It was hil-a-rious!! Our hostel had individual rooms, but the walls didn't go all the way up to the ceiling, thus we could hear other guests and vice versa... so, after the outburst of the bed breaking, we definitely heard some guffaws of laughter from the other rooms of people...yep, they heard too. Luckily the next day we had some redeeming adventures! LOTUS POND, the infamous DREAM MALL, and another FERRY RIDE!!

Taking the Gushan Ferry to the CIJIN ISLAND, which is an island just west of Kaohsiung.

Saying goodbye to the Kaohsiung pier, and what better way than patriotically?

The split in-between the islands. You can see a barge carrying imported goods coming through the strait.

Close up of the barge.

Skylines are one of life's wonderments, eh?

Cijin Island was pretty small, but we wanted to still get around in style, right? Me, Erin, Katy & Devin riding a quadricycle...and yes, we were quite the spectacle! One of the many reasons I love Taiwan!

View of the Kaohsiung side (in far view) and Cijin island, in the closer view.

Another view of Cijin Island. Water covers both sides, oh it was so beautiful

Upon this journey, we first went to Cihou Fort (19th century fort guarding the north entrance to Kaohsiung harbour, serving as a defense against the Mudan, Japan & Chinese tribes)

Peacefully sitting on top of the Fort, overlooking the ocean.

Next, we went to the Cihou Lighthouse, which was built by British engineers in 1883, and was used to help navigate mariners sailing near Kaohsiung.

While we were touring the Lighthouse, a couple was getting their bridal pictures taken. How adore!

After a glorious adventure and panoramic views of Cijin Island, we headed to the DREAM MALL, where we were delighted to indulge in a 36 cart Hello Kitty Ferris Wheel. Not only is there a ferris wheel on top of the mall, but it's also a small amusement park as well. The Dream Mall is the largest mall in southern Taiwan.

Devin & Katy

Me & Erin

The Dream Mall, is just that. It's a dream.

It has like 8 floors, it's just so massively dreamesque.

Taiwan's mascot version of the 7-11 convenience store.

It's like a dog cartoon face with rainbow colored hair. So bizarre, but so lovable.

(p.s. 7-11 in Taiwan is THE BEST!! You can FedEx, order catering, pay ANY bill, etc.)

Dream Mall characters, with the 7-11 mascot and ferris wheel in the background.

And I wonder why I ever left Taiwan?!

Ode to Meow Meow Lullaby.

Dome of Lights, courtesy of Kaohsiung metro system.

World Games, yo!

The next and final day in Kaohsiung, we heard about a lovely destination, called LOTUS POND. It's rated a popular destination in Kaohsiung since the Qing Dynasty, and is the home of the

Dragon & Tiger Pagoda's.