Tainan Taiwan

Tainan is the old capital in Southern Taiwan. Tainan has a history of being an old Dutch colony in the 1600's. The city used to contain a couple of old Dutch forts that have been redone in Chinese styles and then used by the Japanese in WW2.




The first building we visited was Chikan Tower. It is also referred to as Sea God temple (today). This used to be a Dutch fort but was taken by the Chinese army in the 1600's led by Koxinga (Chinese General that was revered in Taiwan). This building was left in disrepair and was reconstructed in the 1800's in a chinese style. Back in the day the Dutch were refered to as the "Red Haired Devils". I dont think they invited to many natives to tea back then.




Here is a statue depiciting the defeat of the Dutch. The war lasted 10 years and the Dutch soldiers were rewarded with their lives for fighting so bravely.



This is the Chinese god of literature. Shown here is the depiction of how dificult it is to properly write Chinese. You must hold the brush in one hand, the ink cup in the other while stepping on a squid and kicking the stars with the other foot. I tried this in my hotel room and nearly broke the coffee table. Chinese children learn martial arts and writing at the same time. This explains Bruce Lee and Jacky Chans abilty to fight and act...

The Dutch also had another fort by the beach. This fort was An Ping Fort and is located in the old part of the city.



We were here on the same day as all the little kids from the local school. each local school dresses in a diferent color to depict which group they are with. THis is the blue pants and white shirt group. There was also a blue pants and blue shirt group and a red and white shirt group. I was of course a local celebrity. Every kid had to show me there English skills by yelling "hello!" (or more like He-wo) when ever I passed. Well to all my Asian fans, Nie Hao!

Here is an original wall from the Dutch fort. Pop Quiz: If you were building a fort on an sland in the pacific that was near China, what would you make the wall out of? Answer: Sea Shells, sugar can syrup and sticky rice of course.

Here is a huge statue of Koxinga, the Chinese general that saved Taiwan from the evil red haired devil (the Dutch). He actually died 3 months after the dutch left of some natural cause (He was either sick or had he slipped off the squid while writing a letter to his mother). This statue was carved from a single rock in China and shipped here. Pretty impressive!

Here is Steve Kim and I eating a local dish on a bamboo table in stools that are way too short. I think the brown stuff was oysters, the white things in gravy where very slimy dumplings and the plate in front of me was shimp rolls. The green beverage was like a Sprikte with 3 times the sugar. Richard, our local Taiwanese friend was taking the picture for us. Thanks Richard for taking us to so many cool places!