Two Little Monkeys Swingin' in a Tree

Almost everyone in Kaohsiung, especially those over the age of 50, hang out at parks for part of their day, literally.

You can always find old men hanging off of pull-up bars or in this case, trees.
It may seem like these people have nothing better to do, which may be the case, but the Taiwanese believe that stretching and exercising is vital to living longer, healthier lives.

So get on it!

Check out these cats:

Stretching it out in Central Park

Thinking Tree

I think I've found the perfect tree to contemplate under.

There are many in the area, but this tree is different. If this man leaves, I call dibs.

My Thinking Tree
location: Central Park

Photo of the Day

One of the first day trips Sean and I made in Kaohsiung was to Cijin Island. 

There is much to see and do on this little island and I'll tell you about that later, but one of the coolest things they have on the island is a windmill park. It's one of the prettier sites and it's a great method of alternative energy creation.

Windmill Park, Cijin Island

Asian Nickelodeon?

This is what I spotted along the Love River by the Film Archive in Kaohsiung.

Secret Garden

I found this "Secret Garden" in the old city of Yancheng looking out from the roof of my friends' (Tristan & Al's) apartment.

I must find the entrance to this garden oasis! It's beautiful!

Kaohsiung Thus Far

I've been living in Kaohsiung, Taiwan for about two weeks now and all I can say is: so far, so good. 

I could really get used to this! …I better, since I'll be here for at least a year.

Here are some of the reasons why Kaohsiung is such a great place to live:

1)Taiwanese people are so modest, polite and always willing to help. 

Although, I could look like the typical Taiwanese and have been told that I might be allegedly 'tricking people with my inability to speak mandarin (ha ha ha),' pretty much every person I've encountered has tried to help me or has passed me on to someone who might be of better help (aka a better English better). 

I have met a few people who have 'demonstrated' an understanding for English but I think more people have a basic competency in English than one would initially have been lead to believe. Taiwanese modesty just prevents them from floundering in a language that they're not fully fluent in.

Here is one of the friendly faces you might find in Kaohsiung: a local, happy to welcome us to his restaurant on a sunday afternoon.

"Why you so handsome?"