<<回台湾走走2011>> - Taiwan Sugar Museum, Kaohsiung

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Thursday, 19th May 2011

We got off to an early morning start at the Taiwan Sugar Museum (MRT: Ciaotou Sugar Refinery Station). Located at the northern suburbs of Kaohsiung, this was a disused sugar refinery which operated during the Japanese Occupation. The factory buildings were now restored and the surrounding compounds converted into a large open space. The public was welcomed to roam around the premises for free.

The major highlights of our visit was a chance to pose pictures (plenty of them) with the outdoor train cars and locomotives displays next to the main gate. Train buffs would certainly appreciate their visits to this quiet museum and come weekends, visitors could even enjoy an electric train ride experience for a small fee.

No visits to the Sugar Museum would be complete without a serving of the yummy red bean desserts and ice-cream treats. At one corner of the park, the 4 of us spotted the wishing shrine and for NT 50, we could pen down our wishes on a small piece of wooden board. This would be hung together with the rest after saying our prayers. This works exactly the same like the 天灯 concept prevalent in northern Taiwan. You penned in your wishes on the lanterns and set the 天灯 high up in the sky to receive god's blessings.

"I prayed for peace and prosperity for our country, harmony within my family, rosy prospects for my career and plenty of reasons to be happy every single day of the year!"

For sure, this was a rustic (古早) experience for urbanites like us as we were transported back to the past through the many displays at the museum. A trip to the museum provided a peaceful workout for everybody on a quiet Thursday morning away, from the city.

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