27th April to 10th May

27^th April to 10^rd May

There were a few highlights during this time frame but as usual, nothing really out of the norm from how I’m living day to day.  The photos will probably give you a good sense as to what I’ve been up to during these two weeks.

Some of the mentionable days would be when Nicholas invited me to “La One” restaurant along with the tenant (British guy) who is renting one of his Father’s apartments, to brunch.

La One is the second branch or extension of the already Thomas Chien ‘One Café’, which is located just down the street from where I live.

This is a somewhat higher end eatery with very good quality and tasting food.  With this said, Nicholas thinks the food at the other (sister) eatery has more flavour.  James (British tenant) has been living in Kaoshiung now for almost two years and he teaches English at a private institution.  Nicholas’ brother purchased a condo and now rents it out to James, since Nicholas’ brother (Eduard) is living and working in Mainland China.

On Friday 29^th, the ITM students invited me along with 5 other teachers to their planned event.  This is an activity that is required as a component within their course of event planning.  The students organized a Thai Luncheon that was located on the school grounds.  Tents, tables/chairs, buffet set-up and stage were all part of the components.  It was a lot of fun and the food was great.  They organized the food from a caterer.  The students put on a few acts and then games.  One of the highlights (apparently) is that one game is throwing water filled balloons at everyone but due to the water crisis, this particular activity was cancelled.

Another mentionable day was just a couple days ago when I went back to the hospital for my seven-month check-up from the accident. 

This time we would review the results from my bone density check (last week) and the new x-rays.

Well, the results are positive and the Doctor seems pleased.  He now tells me to try and wean myself off of using the cane.  I still need it for extensive walks or stairs but short distances and around the house I will abstain from using it.

The Doctor had a chuckle when he said my bone density results are right where they should be ‘for a man of my age’…hahaha   Perhaps he was being polite in saying I’m old.  I will now go back on 1^st July for the next x-ray check-up.

I asked the Doctor about the situation when I go back to Canada and my Doctor will probably need to have my file from this accident.  If (I’m sure I will) have the pins surgically removed from my hip then of course the Doctor will need to see all documents/x-rays etc. pertaining to my treatment. 

The Doctor here said that they will put everything on a disc and simply take it with me.

The water supply in Taiwan is becoming quite severe and just last week, the City Government announced that all of Kaohsiung will have a two day water shut-down implemented two days a week until the water supply resumes.  Well, I have everything ready for the anticipation of two days no water.  The announcement was made and confirmed on a Thursday and the following Friday a new announcement was made postponing the shutdown of water because it had rained in the mountains sufficient enough to prolong the use of water.

Unless Taiwan receives rain soon, this procedure is inevitable to happen.  It’s just a matter of time I think.  Taiwan desperately needs rain.

On Saturday (9^th) Nicholas and I visited another café that was new to us.  This one is near the Kaohsiung Normal University and frequented by students.  Today was a Saturday so wasn’t very busy or at least not at this time.  Each week Nicholas and I try to find (it’s not so difficult) a new café for trying.  There seems to be more and more small cafes popping up everywhere in the city.

Later in the evening Lee, one of his co-workers and myself went for beef noodle soup and afterwards to enjoy some shaved ice.  We were aware that there was a marathon-taking place in and around this area we were going to be at but didn’t realize the traffic jam that the marathon created.  With road closures (and roads are a premium here), there doesn’t leave many options for vehicles, pedestrians and scooters to navigate with.

The one aspect of this marathon is why was it held in the evening.  The lighting was only along the streets and the congestion of everything seemed to be a recipe for disaster or at least an accident.  These marathons have taken place before in the night.  The runners wear bright yellow t-shirts and yes there are police and individuals directing traffic at every intersection along the marathon route but still…..

After navigating through the web of chaos I finally made it to home where I relaxed with a latte and movie.

10^th May – Happy Mother’s Day

Today Nicholas and I went to another café (not new in Kaohsiung but first time visit) at the Grand Hi Lai Hotel.  This café is iconic to Kaohsiung and has been around many years.  It reminds me of the Empress Hotel in Victoria.

Their café is located on the ground level and seating capacity is quite large.  There is also a bakery next to the café that you can order anything and have it delivered to your table.  The Pastry Chef of this Hotel is also a part time baking instructor at the university.

The prices reflect the grandeur of the Hotel.

As you can see by the photos, Nicholas and I tried a little of everything.  Each of us also purchased a LARGE cinnamon roll, as it looks so tasty.  I will take mine tonight when I meet up with Lee and his family for dinner.