The catholic hostel in Kenting

last weekend i traveled to Kenting at the southern tip of Taiwan.  it constantly amazes me that i can travel around the island for so cheap.  I stayed in a funky little hostel in part of a catholic church.  you cant beat 10USD per night (clean, safe, 2 buildings from the beach).  

Views of Douliou

I have had fun exploring the city for the last month.  I finally feel grounded in this town.  i know my way from one vendor to the other.  im not an expert, but i can travel through town and sorta know where im going.  i also know that i can get drunk on one end of the town and bike back to my apartment (safely, of course).  

Break-dancing chinese boys

at the saturday night market we came across some very cool entertainment.  there was a whole breakdancing squad performing.  the most shocking thing was the very foul english music that they danced to, with their mother's cheering them on.

Hiking in the forest

a couple of weekends ago we went up into the hills around DouLiou.  there were so many beautiful plants, misty hills, and some huge ass spiders.   

Temples, lanterns, and dragons, oh my!

these are some great pictures of the architecture that is found in all areas of taiwan.  the dragons are very cool and the colors amazing.

 

first day of school

the first day came and went and i only got one picture.

My super cool co-workers

no matter how challenging my job may be, my co-workers are awesome.  they are from many areas of canada, south africa, and the us.  we go out to the markets together, bike rides together, and small trips together.  they are very supportive and helpful through this craziness we call "school."

Trip to Kaohsiung

this was my first chance to leave douliu and travel to some other parts of taiwan.  i was very proud of myself for just getting on a train and heading into town.  no plans, no nothing.  i went with my new friend marlene and we ventured thru the many interesting areas of kaohsiung.

Nightmarkets Galore

nightmarkets have become one of my favorite events.  whether it's  a "small" market in douliou or a ginormous market in kaohsiung, these markets have everything.  they sell all kinds of foods, clothes, jewlery, and even animals.  the best part is that you can buy an amazing dinner for two to three dollars.

funny signs

these are my favorite signs so far.