Get ready for a longggg post because today was a FILLED day! Because my dad’s side is quite large, anytime we ‘re in Kaohsiung it’s like a huge party and reunion with them all. They make sure you are well taken care of - and because Felix and I only had 2 days there, they made sure to pack this day to the fullest because it was the only FULL day we had with them.

We started off the day heading to Meinong and eating lunch. The family is a very intentional about all they do - if they know you like something, they make sure it gets done, and they’re very thoughtful throughout the process. We went to a Hakka restaurant (and my mom was Hakka) and it was delicious! We had some drunken chicken, pigs feet, etc.

We then went to the Paper Umbrella Cultural Village which was a great place for people all ages. We were such a big group from the youngest (my nephew who is 3) to the oldest (my dad who will remain numberless) but everyone had such a great time! There are many things to do from decorating paper umbrellas, to sandart and pottery or even making your own tea! Our first stop - we all decorated some paper umbrellas, which was fun but totally not fun because I was feeling lazy and not creative LOL!

We then continued on our journey to make some tea. The guy talked SO much about the history and products which got a bit confusing because there were a lot of chinese words that I didn’t know what he was saying haha. But then we ground up the different ingredients and got to try the tea. They also brought over some taiwanese style mochis and crackers to enjoy with the tea and it was such a fun little experience!

Because we were all quite full after the food, mochi, tea and snacks, some of the uncles wanted to take us on a scenic walk. (in the HOT HUMID weather!) We went to the Meinong Lake which was such a beautiful sight — but over a mile of walking in the most humid weather was not ideal. However, we had a blast getting to catch up with our cousins and take a nice scenic walk while we were at it. (If you ever go here, go during cooler weather… and if not, bring bug spray!)

Just when we thought we were done, they decided to take us to the Pier 2 Art Center to walk by the water and to shop the little stores. They have some fun street art where some was silly and some were cool! They had a really cool shop called 無關 which was like a little book store but it was dark with individual lights to show each book and item. It was a really cool experience!

Then we went to Guo Jia Zongzi for a quick bite to eat some sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves. It was quick and delicious filled with flavorful meat and gravy on top. I had no veggies in that meal, but it was worth because so good LOL!

You would think our day was done here, but alas, it is not… because after this, we went to go get shaved ices. It’s a staple here in taiwan to eat shaved ice with various toppings like fruit, red bean, condensed milk, jellies, etc. It’s much more refreshing and less heavy than ice cream! This place is known for their big sizes (you can get a bowl for 20 people to share!) and so we carefullly opted to buy one for 7 people and we STRUGGLED to finish it… but DANG it was delicious! We got mixed fruit with condensed milk and (asian) pudding.

Of course, we had to stop by the night market — it’s what taiwan is famous for! Their nightlife is fantastic and let me tell you at 10:30pm on a Sunday night, this place was still booming! It’s like a street fair where there are many little carts of little bites or meals, and plenty of things to buy from clothes, to accessories for your hair or phone and even toys! I picked up a nail clipper (lol), some awesome hair ties and clips, and some fake nails. It all equaled less than $25! Such a great value (especially since the hair clips are SO GOOD!)

After walking around and shopping, we were on a high from all the fun (I shopped while Felix played games and claw machines). Then we headed home a little past midnight and finally were able to get some rest.

I can’t believe tomorrow is Day 5 already and it’s our last couple hours in Kaohsiung! It’ll be the end of our journey with family (which I’m SO SAD About!!!)… however, I’m excited for some new adventures ahead of us!!!!