Quilling Workshop

The first time I encountered paper quilling was through a post on Facebook that introduced Sabeena's paperart on Instagram. It seems like quilling art had been around for a very long time, and it's gaining popularity in recent years.


My first quilling workshop (beginner class) was taught by Priyanka. All these materials were provided and the tools (slotted tool and circle stencil) have to be returned at the end of the lesson.


These quilling papers were provided.


First, tear the long strip of paper into half. Then, use the slotted tool to roll the paper. Place the rolled paper into the circle stencil to achieve the correct diameter, so that all the flower petals will be of a consistent size. Finally, glue the end of the paper strip and pinch it to get a teardrop shape.


Assemble six petals and we get a flower.

My quilling photo frame (which took me almost 2 hours to make)

Kaohsiung Airport

Arrival

We flew on Scoot and landed in Kaohsiung in the late morning. After going through the custom and collecting our luggages, KB wasted no time to get his hands on a pre-paid data sim card.


There's two telecom booths at the airport, both offering the similar packages.

Since we flew on budget and we didn't order a meal on this red-eye flight, we were starving by the time we landed. I was hoping we would find McDonald's or at least some local eateries in the airport, but there's only Starbucks, which I'm not complaining. Fortunately, the menu is in both English and Chinese.

My caramel macchiato and sandwich

After our brunch, full and satisfied, we finally set off to our hotel via the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit (高雄捷運). We bought the iPass at the station service counter. Each card cost NT$100, which does not include any useable value, so we top up another NT$100 on each card as a start.

iPasses with cartoon designs to choose from

Departure

After checking our luggages, we had plenty of time to kill. Fortunately, KB's priority pass entitles us entrance to More Premium Lounge. The lounge isn't big but comfortable enough. There's also 2 massage chairs by the window (hidden behind the divider wall).

Takao Railway Museum + Hamasen Railway Cultural Park + The Pier-2 Art Center

After spending the morning in Cijin Island, we took the ferry back, had lunch and headed towards Takao Railway Museum (打狗鐵道故事館), located near Sizihwan (西子灣) metro station.

Entrance to Takao Railway Museum

Old trains which visitors are not allowed to climb onto

Just beside Takao Railway Museum is the Hamasen Railway Cultural Park (哈瑪星鐵道文化園區). On the day we visited, there was a group of graduates taking photos in their graduation gown in this area... reminds me of my younger days so many years ago.

Art sculptures scattered among the old railway tracks

Giant dressing table and sofa art sculptures

Giant musical instrument art sculpture

Giant luggage art sculpture

Resting area under the tree

Fancy a ride on this mini train?

Mini train taking its passengers around the cultural park

These Labor and Fishwoman 「工人及漁婦」art pieces are found around The Pier-2 Art Center (駁二藝術特區). They are symbols of the important industrial and maritime workforce of Kaohsiung.

Pier2 Train Station wall mural 「車站壁畫」

Bumblebee?

Cijin Shell Museum (旗津貝殼博物館)

On Day 2 of our Kaohsiung trip, we started the day at Cijin Island (旗津島). We took the train on the orange line to Sizihwan (西子灣) station and walked to Gushan Ferry Pier (鼓山輪渡站).

Gushan Ferry Pier

One lane for pedestrians (on the right) and one lane for those with motorbikes (on the left)

Boarding the ferry

It doesn't take long for us to reach the island. I had initially wanted to rent a bicycle to ride around the island, but the weather forecast suggested that it was going to rain. Thus, we took the mini bus instead. It goes around the island in one direction. Before we reach our stop at Cijin Shell Museum (旗津貝殼博物館), the bus made a short rest stop at a market, where there is a beach on the opposite side of the street.

Cijin Island beach with greyish sand

Finally arriving at the Shell Museum

The museum showcases an individual's personal collection of seashells from all over the world. I never knew that seashells come in so many different shapes and sizes.