B-Boys in Dream Mall

Dream Mall is far from a dream. It is located in southern Kaohsiung and close to the Harbor. We went there on the weekend and were overwhelmed with the amount of consumers milling in the mall. Dream Mall is huge. We lingered for longer than we thought we would as we followed our ears to the pumping bass. We found ourselves at a large stage watching B-Boys compete against each other for the coveted 7-eleven title.

The first clip is good.

But the second one is awesome. The little guy is from South Korea and is a dancing machine. He was obviously a crowd favorite. The other competitor, friend of the little guy, and pant-dropper is also from South Korea. We didn't stick around to see who won. But I think we all know who did.

Sights around Lotus Lake, oh, I mean Pond

Well, it should be called Lotus Lake. It is big like a lake, not a pond. And Lotus Lake just sounds better. And it is what I call it mistakingly all of the time.

We began our walk around Lotus Pond from the northern side from the train station.  The path led us all around the lake and past many interesting sights. To the west of the lake are various temples, traditional and modern houses and schools. Below are some of the eye catching treats on offer.

Dacheng Hall

Zhouzi Qingshui Temple

Tianfu Temple

Beiji Arbor and statue of God Xuantian

Men fishing off the Beiji Arbor

The Spring Pavilion

Xuantian from the southern side

A lonesome windsurfer with the pond all to himself...

The Autumn Pavilion

The Autumn Pavilion with turtle pond in front

The wall along the Wuli Arbor

The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas on the south western side of the pond

Fancy a walk in a dragon or tiger?

Sushi Chips

Yep. Sushi flavoured Pringle style chips. I bought them because they were a novelty. I will continue buying them because they are delicious. Yum!

Not quite what we were expecting - a Shrimp Restaurant in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

After walking around the Zuoying district, checking out random apartments, we decided it was time to stop and get a bite to eat. However, we got a little more than we bargained for in the seafood restaurant on Bo Ai Road. First, we ordered some yummy shrimp starters like deep fried shrimp balls and shrimp and vegetable rolls.

For the main dish we ordered a spicy shrimpp soup hotpot. We choose the option of cooking it ourselves on a portable gas burner on our table. Other diners were doing it and it looked like fun. We were taken bit by surprise at how fresh the seafood really was. 

Watch the clips to fully appreciate and understand what I mean...

 

Lamma Island, Hong Kong

We had a few choice choices for day trips whilst in Hong Kong. We picked up the Discover Hong Kong Nature D.I.Y. Guide from the information booth at the Star Ferry concourse in Kowloon and were spoilt for choice. Would it be the hike to Bride's Pool, the Giant Buddha at Lantau Island or the rural Peng Chau with its clear beaches? Finally we settled on Lamma Island. Jeff had travelled around Hong Kong before, but had not made it to Lamma Island.


We caught the ferry to Fisherfolk village at Sok Kwu Wan on the southern side of the island instead of Yung Shue Wan in the north, simply because the ferry was already there and we didn't have to wait.

 

The impatientness paid off however as we arrived in from Central and immediately enjoyed the slower pace and the surrounding nature. We walked the southern Lamma circle hike, around hillsides on a concrete path. The banana trees provided a much needed escape from the ultra humidity and burning sun. We passed temples, massive spiders, deserted buildings and a Butterfly Barbeque Area???

After almost 2 hours we came back into Fisherfolk village for a rest and cool down. Inspired by the variety of fresh seafood in the tanks adorning the restaurnats on the pier, we feasted on some fresh spicy squid and mushroom noodles, washed down with some TsingTao.

Then, after a minor detour due to invisible signs, we made our way north across up the island stopping at Hung Shing Yeh Beach for some respite and a swim. The water was calm and the swimming area netted off against the sharks that like to frequent the waters. After a warm yet refreshing swim it was back on the trail through the more hectic town of Yung Shue Wan through shops, cafes and eateries, on to the ferry for a 40 minute ride back to Central.

Oops! Check that departure time carefully!

So we have made the move and are now in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. After spending a month in Collingwood, CA with Jeff's parents we set off to Hong Kong on August 4th. However, it was almost the trip that never was, as we had misread the flight departure time and for the previous month had been reinforcing to ourselves and everyone who asked, that we would be leaving at 10pm on the 4th. A quick glance at the itinerary the night before take off told us a different story. Our 24 hour times were a little off whack. Our flight was not at 10pm, but 10am! Meaning that we needed to get packed quickly and headed to bed for a few hours sleep before waking at 5am the next morning for the drive to the airport. Could have been worse though...