Ximending (西門町): Where the cool kids go

Ximending is all about bright lights and crowds.

Still daylight, just getting started.

You need two things to fit in at Ximending (西門町): an edgy outfit and some swagger. What if you only have one or the other, or neither? That's okay, you might not be one of the cool kids, but at least you could come to Ximending and enjoy the atmosphere. It's a place not unlike Harajuku (原宿) in Tokyo, Japan. There are many unique shops and resturants as well as seedier areas which give Ximending a slightly gritty charm. Come to Ximending with an open mind and no objective; you'll be sure to find or see something interesting and leave without disappointment.

The bustling exit 6.

If you want to be ejected right into the thick of things, the best way to get to Ximending is to take the MRT to Ximen station and leave through exit 6. Or, you can begin your evening with a little shopping and food at Shilin Night Market then take bus 250 from Jiantan Station to Ximending. Either way, you will end up in a prime position to start your stroll through this interesting section of town.

In Pictures: Kaohsiung's interesting buildings

There is a lot of interesting architecture in Kaohsiung. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see them all, but here are some photos of the famous Tuntex Tower (378m, 85 floors), which used to be the tallest building in Taiwan (it lost to the famous one in Taipei, you know), an interesting building down the street from Tuntex Tower (if you know the name, I'll be grateful if you tell me!), Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, and Holy Rosary Cathedral.

Tuntex Tower, shaded by a tree.

Miaokou Night Market (廟口夜市)

One of the best night markets I've been to is definitely Miaokou Night Market (廟口夜市) in Keelung (基隆).  I think the variety of food found at the market makes it stand out, especially the types of seafood.  The night market is the main attraction of the city, and it's worth going to Keelung just to eat there.

Even when it's raining, you can't keep the crowds away from this market!
This is the more touristy section with clearer signs and lanterns.

Blasian Cooking: Spicy stew noodles

山東大麵 (Large Shandong noodles) are
perfect with stew.

I think anyone living abroad for a long period of time begins to miss the comforts of home, whether it be shopping at certain stores, sleeping in your old bed, or eating certain foods.  For me, food is the only thing I really miss about home, aside from my family and friends of course.  Don't get me wrong; I love the food in Taiwan, and I eat pretty much everything and anything (stinky tofu, pig's blood, etc.)  It's not American food I miss as I don't typically eat fast food.   It's Nigerian food I crave.  Rice and stew, dodo (fried plantain), egusi soup (soup made with melon seeds)...the list goes on!

Luckily, I had the luxury of having my dad visit me last month.  Naturally, I was happy to see him, but I was also ecstatic about mom's cooking him, frozen and wrapped tightly so it would be safe during the 24+ hour journey.  Of particular note was the peppery, Nigerian tomato stew.  Why?  Because it goes amazingly well with noodles!

In pictures: Formosa Boulevard Station//美麗島站

Formosa Boulevard Station in Kaohsiung was opened in 2008.  It's very well known because of the Dome of Light in the middle of the station which was designed by Narcissus Quagliata.  Honestly, I think it looks just okay in person, but if you want to take pictures of it, you're very likely to pass through the station if you visit Kaohsiung!

Tiger Hill & The Humble Administrator's Garden

Two of the most popular places in Suzhou I visited during my 2011 class trip to China were the Humble Administrator's Garden (拙政 園) and Tiger Hill (虎丘).  Out of the two locations, I think I liked Tiger Hill more mainly because the pagoda there was gorgeous, but both are very scenic and popular spots worth visit.

At Tiger Hill.

Close to the Humble Administrator's Garden.