Our little hippie

Flattened the burning bush

Snow Day

Oldest Temple

This Taoist temple is over 300 years old. It is quite popular with the fishermen as they believe praying there will bring them luck.

Ferry Ride

Took a 5 minute ferry across the harbor to walk around and see the oldest temple in Kaoshung.

On to the Beach

We made a stop after the museum to see the black sand beach. I found a few sea shells for Emily.

A Lot of Stairs

To get to the museum, we took a winding path around some houses. To get back to the bus, we went out the back door and down all these steps.

Museum

On the peninsula where we started the former British Consolate building has been converted into a museum explaining the history of British relations to the island.

The Rest of the Harbor

The last side on the harbor faced back at the city. Our hotel is the second tallest building (just to the left of center).

Lighthouse

Overlooking the harbor and the many container ships that come in and out.

Kaoshung Harbor

Went down to the harbor to start our tour.

Dessert

I forgot to take a picture of dinner. We ate dumplings and spring rolls, family style. This was dessert from the hotel bakery - raspberry chocolate cake!

Guard Dog

These are found by all the doors of our hotel.

Taoist Temple

Conversely, Taoist temples are open to everyone and are much more ornate than the Buddhist temples. This pagoda is where worshipers burn money for their ancestors. We're guessing it's not used much as the hot dog vendor has camped out right in front of it.

Buddhist Temple

Located across the street from our hotel. The Buddhist temples only allow buddhists in to worship so there is a guard posted at the entrance to make sure any non-believers are turned away.

Hello

Our hotel boasts a Hello Kitty car and suite. We speculate that if you book the suite, they drive you around in the car.

Kitty

For Emily

My View

I'm on the 32nd floor with a view of the harbor from my window..

New Hotel

We've arrived at the Grand Hi Lai in Kaoshung.

Getting on the Train

Here we are as we get on our high speed train to Kaoshung.

As We Zoom Past...

Here's a snapshot from the train. We're moving really fast so it's hard to get a focus on any one thing. We ride mostly above ground but go through tunnels in the mountains and have gone under some waterways.

I Love Flowers

Couldn't resist taking this one because I love flower vendors. This stand sold fresh cut amaryllis as well as bulbs.

Mr. Donut

The train station is also a mall. There were a lot of places to eat. Next to Mr. Donut was a Starbucks.

Riding on the Train

Traveling by train today to get to our destination. This miniture train is right outside the station.

Diamond in the Rough

Went on walk-about this morning with Ann. We did a loop around a couple city blocks. Found this amazing temple as we turned one of the corners. It's amazing to see such a colorful and intricate structure among all the office buildings.

My Room

Pretty basic but the bed was soft.

Back at The Landis

Spent our first night in Taiwan at The Landis, the super-cool art deco hotel we've been to before.

Back in Taiwan

Over in Taiwan again. They've moved all the fun statues out of the main lobby and placed them around the airport.

Emily's fortune tonight

What are we going to do with that 500 million?

Polka Restaurant

Ate at Polka restaurant last night. It's decorated in poppies. The chandelier is made of tea cups, saucers, and tea pots.

I ate Warsaw's favorite pork chop - a lightly breaded butterflied chop. It's similar to schnitzel and just as tasty. Unfortunately, I deleted the picture by accident.

Shopping

Had a later start to dinner on Wednesday so took in some shopping. The hardest part was figuring out sizes. Determined that I'm somwhere around a 36...but didn't end up getting anything.

Diamond in the Rough

While the outside might appear humble, the inside was a glittering gem,

The current Pope has ministered to this congregation in the past.

Church

This is one of only 4 wooden structures that remain in Poland. After the war, and seeing how easily they were damaged, most buildings were rebuilt from stone or concrete.

This church was actually moved from its original location, board-by-board, in one night by the people who worked in the factory that was converted into Manufaktura.

Emily waiting for the fire truck

Windy

Dinner

This was last night's dinner - roast chicken! We've had Italian and Jewish so far. Authentic Polish tonight!

It's pretty easy to eat Paleo here but I will admit that I cheated with a perogie and a bit of gelato after dinner.

Manufaktura

This is an old manufacturing complex that has been converted into a mall. Our hotel is right in front of the complex (I can see it from my window). We've eaten at a different restaurant each night and spent some time window shopping.

Downtown Lodz

One of the historical buildings, as seen from our bus.

Doll

This statue of a wooden doll is in the hotel lobby. It's bigger than Emily!

Hotel Room

This is my room. It's very industrial but comfortable too!

Hotel Andel

In Poland this week at the Andel Hotel in Lodz.

This is NOT good

April showers....

Bring March flowers?

First Spring Project

Got our retro house sign done today. Once we can get some plants we'll fill in the bottom and around it. Think Spring!

The new house sign

Scotch Eggs (Or why I hate the British a little less)

Maybe it's because I was a Centennial baby or maybe it's their perfect English accent that rubs me the wrong way. It could be that every British person I have worked with has been terrible but as everyone knows I have a strong dislike towards the British. I am willing to turn the other cheek now that I have been introduced to one of their delicacies called Scotch Eggs. Let's get to cooking....

Yep, I am one of those guys.

I am a five finger barefoot caveman now.

Help, there's nothing to eat on this diet!

Except fresh shrimp, smoked salmon, assorted fresh vegetables and homemade Paleo cocktail sauce. :)

Sunday Spicy Coconut Soup

As some of you know I have gone full caveman and starting eating the Paleo way. So far my favorite recipe is my Sunday Spicy Coconut Soup or roughly translated with the knowledge of Thai that I know I call it "Tom Goes Yum". This is my Sunday lunch and makes plenty of leftovers for the week. It's really flexible to your own tastes so let's get started. 

Fearless

Food always prevails over fear.