KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN

Probably a lot of people are now in Kaohsiung as the city is hosting this year's WORLD GAMES 2009 global event with over 4, 500 athletes and delegates from over 100 countries. I'm glad that hb and I have been fortunate enough to visit Kaohsiung, Taiwan just this year before the Influenza A(H1N1) global outbreak.

Kaohsiung City
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Kaohsiung
is the second largest city in Taiwan (next to Taipei) with eleven districts and is located on the Southwestern region. It is also known as the "Harbor Capital" of Taiwan.

harbor view
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As we arrived at the arrivals hall of Kaohsiung International airport, passengers soon claimed the remaining checked-in baggage from the conveyor, while we noticed this security dog randomly sniffing every suitcase. Anyway, there was nothing unusual about it except that I'm just accustomed with the sight of German shepherd dogs as one of the most widely-used breeds and regular patrols in airport terminals.

arrival hall
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If you just so happen to be looking for money exchange counter, it is located in the Arrival Hall next to the customs x-ray machines.

money exchange booths are located on the left side
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departure hall
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shops at the departure hall
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Since Kaohsiung boasts of plethora of hotels, we decided to book a room at Kingship Hotel Kaohsiung and the famous Grand Hi-Lai Hotel during our stay. On this trip, we visited only some of the main attractions in the city such as the gorgeous Love River, Fo Guang Shan Monastery and Lotus Lake. We tried some good dishes at Liouhe Tourist night market, R9, Bite 2 Eat, in food courts and some no frills eatery. For shopping pleasure, we stumbled upon the Sinkujiang Shopping Circle, Muji boutique, Daiso Japan and Hanshin Department store. And as for vibrant night out we had a good time at Urban Spotlight Arcade and Happy Theme Park.

city street at night
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Love River
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Fo Guang Shan Monastery
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Somehow I like Kaohsiung because it's less crowded and the traffic is less congested than in Taipei. It's a compact city and everything is easily accessible. A subway train which is reliable and efficient provides the most convenient way for us to get around. While for most locals, motor scooters and motorcycles are the most common modes of transportation.

motorcycles on the road
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There's also plenty of quirky cute stuff from cars to food and to Hello Kitty extravaganza. I must say a real eye candy galore! Fantabulicious!

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Kaohsiung
may not be as big as Taipei but it still has plenty to offer for tourists and travelers. It's a well planned modern metropolis with wide avenues but managed to retain its age-old charm.


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