16 March 2017
Bigger and brighter
The bright lights and big department stores of Kaohsiung
I came to Kaohsiung in early 2011, 6 years ago which is quite scary to think about because I thought it was 3 years ago. I just reviewed my photos and text from then to make sure, you can do the same! All my previous trips are available for your viewing pleasure.
Anyway, the city seems to have come a long way since then, it is much more modern and shiny. Thousands of nice cafes have sprung up, the department stores are more numerous and glamorous, and all the parks have 'installations' designed to be selfie pole friendly.
I think I prefer big nice cities to the rural ones I was at previously, theres a lot more to gawk at and be amazed that every corner you go around has still more city.
Some of the highlights tonight included -
Seeing a poodle on a scooter wearing a helmet.
Watching a girl make videos of herself trying on shoes.
Observing a police man trying on a pink wig in a street market.
I think there are a lot more young people here too, or a lot less tour groups. I dont think its a place for tourists at all, there are no big ticket tourism items I am aware of. Which means I must research what to do for the next few days.
I might go buy some jogging pants. Then go jogging. In my new pants. That are made for jogging.
I could go enjoy this 5 level mcdonalds.
I probably will enjoy this food mall. Its a mall thats only restaurants, nothing else. Mainland China has similar things...on a much grander scale.
This is very interesting to me. These are scooter batteries. Its like the Tesla charge stations, but instant. You ride up on your electric scooter, scan your card, change your battery, ride another 100km.
This place was definitely not here last time I was in town.
One of the many many upmarket cafes, this one has a batmobile.
The top level of a department store has a 'funzone', every ride has a sleeping both operator. And although its outside on the roof, they have gone to great lengths to obscure all possibility of a view, unless of course you go on a ride, then you can enjoy the view.
I didnt want to disturb their sleep. There are 12 people sleeping up here in booths, and not one customer.
Inside a new department store. Actually I think it was a new wing to an existing store.
The subway stations here are all works of modern art, they generally feature restaurants and cafes too. In addition to all that, this one features a free area to play board games.
I played the saddest game of solo monopoly ever.
For my dinner, in yet another department stores level 16 food court, I again had Korean food in Taiwan. Because it has vegetables and is delicious. I especially enjoy GOJUCHANG sauce and the pickled vegetable side dishes.
Final pic for tonight is a side street behind my hotel, it is nicely lit up and the centre of the road is full of paper windmills.