Making Each Day Count

Whilst our first full day in Kaohsiung, Taiwan was a mix of artistic scenery, dramatic coastal sunset and a gondola ride along Love River, Day 2 was comprised of quiet and reflective activities.

We started the day attending mass at St. Dominic Catholic Church. The service was held in Mandarin, and we were touched when towards the end, the commentator said a welcome message to D and me. We felt part of the community, and to this day it warms the heart when I recall that time.

After mass, D and I parted ways. He did some shopping while I went to a private pilates class at N.F.囍艾運動彼拉提斯-Now&Forever Neuromuscular Fitness. I have recently restarted my fitness journey and did not want to stop the momentum, so when I found this studio online I grabbed the chance to book a session. My coach was quite good and though I left with sore muscles I was more determined to push through.

Then I met up with D and had lunch at the Hanshin Arena Shopping Plaza. We then took a Grab car to our next destination: the Zuoying Lotus Pond.

The original plan was we were to join a free walking tour, however we were advised by the agency that there were no guides available on that day. Thus we decided to do a DIY tour, following the original plan’s itinerary.

We arrived at the Lotus Pond which accommodated tourists and families walking or cycling around it.

We immediately saw the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, which have seven levels. The entry is through the dragon’s mouth, and exit is from the tiger’s mouth.

Further down the pond we saw Zuoying Yuandi Temple where the Statue of Xuantian God prominently stood.

We admired the serene surroundings and the sound of the birds flying about, reflecting on the short but memorable visit to Taiwan. I said a silent prayer of thanks for having the chance to see the best parts of Kaohsiung City.