Made in Taiwan! EP6 Blue High-heel Church, Lukang Old Street & Sanfong Temple

Summary

In this travel vlog, the host takes viewers on a journey across Taiwan, exploring unique spots before heading to the airport with their family. Highlights include visiting the famous 'giant glass slipper church' in Chiayi, exploring the bustling Lukang Old Street, and enjoying a traditional Taiwanese pancake. The journey continues with a visit to Sanfong Temple in Kaohsiung, where the host experiences local religious customs, participates in fortune telling, and watches a traditional puppet show. Throughout, the vlog captures vibrant cultural experiences and personal moments of discovery.

Takeaways

• 😀 The journey in Taiwan was the final day with the family before their flight, filled with stops at various tourist destinations.
• 😀 The first destination was a mysterious church-like building in Chiayi, known by names like 'giant glass slipper church' or 'blue high-heel church.'
• 😀 Yudee's family, including her mum, participated in a social media photo session with some fun guidance for her mum's profile.
• 😀 The trip included a visit to Lukang Old Street in Changhua County, which had narrow streets, many shops, and was bustling with activity.
• 😀 Lukang Old Street featured unique shops, including dried fish roe and sausages, and had a traditional Taiwanese puppet show on display.
• 😀 The streets of Lukang Old Street were paved with red bricks, making it stand out from other markets previously visited.
• 😀 A Taiwanese pancake vendor was visited, offering deep-fried pancakes with a hot custard filling inside, served fresh and crispy.
• 😀 A garbage truck's melody served as a signal for shopkeepers to bring out their trash, an interesting cultural tidbit from Taiwan.
• 😀 On the MRT ride back, an odd encounter with a liquid on the subway seat led to an observation about the unpleasant smell of urine in the train.
• 😀 The evening ended with a visit to Sanfong Temple in Kaohsiung, where traditional Taiwanese drama and a beautiful temple adorned with red lanterns were highlights.
• 😀 The temple, dedicated to Taoism, provided an experience of sacred rituals like incense offerings and fortune-telling with bamboo sticks.
• 😀 At the temple, a chant from female monks was heard, and an artist's painted works on the temple doors added to the artistic atmosphere.
• 😀 The experience was also marked by a traditional Taiwanese puppet show, with an artist performing the craft alone, representing the cultural art form.

Q & A

What is the Giant Glass Slipper Church known for?

The Giant Glass Slipper Church is known for its unique architectural design, which resembles a giant blue high heel. It's sometimes referred to as the 'blue high-heel church' and is famous for providing great photo opportunities.

What is the significance of the street paving in Lukang Old Street?

The streets in Lukang Old Street are paved with red bricks, which are similar in appearance to the buildings. The streets and alleys are narrow and lined with numerous shops, creating a charming, traditional atmosphere.

How is trash collected in Taiwan's local streets?

In Taiwan, trash is collected by garbage trucks that play a catchy song. When shopkeepers hear the music, they bring their trash outside for pickup.

Why did the MRT train smell like pee?

The MRT train had a distinct odor that resembled urine. Interestingly, it was noticed that the smell was stronger when standing up, but it was less noticeable when sitting.

What is Sanfong Temple known for?

Sanfong Temple is known for its beautiful architecture, ornate religious symbols, and the tradition of Taiwanese Taoism. It's a highly photogenic temple with a rich history of over 300 years.

What did the fortune telling process at Sanfong Temple involve?

The fortune-telling process at Sanfong Temple involved selecting a bamboo stick with a number and Chinese characters. The number corresponded to a guide in a book, which offered instructions and interpretations. Interestingly, one of the fortunes mentioned not going fishing during a full moon.

What role does Guanyin play in the temple's religious practices?

Guanyin is the Chinese goddess of compassion and mercy, and she is referenced in sacred chants performed by the monks at Sanfong Temple. Her name appeared during one of the chants that the monks sang.

How do visitors pray at Sanfong Temple?

Visitors at Sanfong Temple engage in various prayer techniques, from simply standing with their hands together to using kneelers or benches, which sometimes have cushions for comfort.

What makes the puppet show outside the Sanfong Temple unique?

The puppet show outside Sanfong Temple is a traditional Taiwanese art form. The puppeteer was focused on his performance, expressing himself through the ancient tradition of Taiwanese puppet theatre.

What did the traditional Taiwanese pancake taste like?

The traditional Taiwanese pancake tasted like a deep-fried donut with custard inside. It was served hot, and while the outside was not too hot, the custard inside could burn if not eaten carefully.