Have you ever heard the phrase, “Make plans so God can laugh”? Well, boarding the high-speed train to Kaohsiung City amidst Taiwan’s unpredictable rainy season certainly brought that saying to mind. It almost felt comical: The moment we left Taipei’s sunshine, we were greeted by rain at our destination. Yet, what unfolded was nothing short of serendipitous perfection.
What to Do in Kaohsiung City When It Rains
Arriving in Kaohsiung City, the grey skies could easily dampen any traveler’s spirit. We exited the HSR station into a downpour, unsure of our next steps. But as fate would have it, a taxi pulled up just in time to drop off a passenger and then whisked us away out of the rain and to the hotel. We headed to our shelter from the storm, the Greet Inn.
Initially, we thought about tucking in with a good book or perhaps just enjoying some downtime. However, the allure of art won out, and although there were several museums to choose from, we decided to venture to the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts.
Cultural Richness Even in the Pouring Rain
The Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts is a haven for art lovers. It’s not just a place where you go to look at paintings; it’s a spot where creativity flourishes and cultures connect. As one of Taiwan’s major art repositories, the museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and showcasing innovative artworks, with a special focus on modern and contemporary art.
An Uber dropped us at the museum’s doorstep, leading us to an afternoon filled with mesmerizing exhibits that both challenged the mind and invigorated the soul. The best surprise was the exhibit called the Stream of Forms by LIANG Jen-hung Solo it was like walking into Willy Wonka’s factory for an enchanting time.
The building itself is quite eye-catching, a piece of art in its own right, surrounded by a scenic park that just beckons you to explore. We didn’t explore the part or the museums grounds but it sure delivered in everything else, which was a restful place to pass the time. And time seemed to dissolve as we were drawn into each piece’s unique story. And, as an added bonus, I found a beautifully crafted bag at the museum shop, a tangible memento of our unexpected journey.
Unearthing Joy in Every Raindrop
With our spirits high and appetites awakened, we went on a quest for dinner. A restaurant caught my eye on Google Maps earlier in the day when we were contemplating our course, and although there wasn’t too much information on the spot–only three reviews albiet five stars–the photos of the dishes looked amazing. And I, for one, was craving something bright and modern because it started to feel like ground hog day with the food stalls and dumplings. So,once we were back by our hotel, we walked around the neighborhood looking for it.
This place was right under our nose according to Google Maps, but we couldn’t find it. It was located across the street from our hotel, but it’s elegant under-stated exterior made it hard to find amidst the larger, brighter signs from neighboring establishments and it’s door blended in. We wandered in front of it unknowingly, wondering if we were in the right place — between a tattoo parlor and hair salon but the natural wooden door blended in to the black exterior. And there were some men just outside burning a fire in a fire pit–“definitely wasn’t it” we thought. But it was! Bingo!
With the chefs outside, lighting their fire to attract clients we chatted a bit about their place. It’s called the The Fatty Liver, but they didn’t open until 8, so we had to find something else to do until dinner time.
We walked over to have an aperitif at The Drunken Master Whiskey Bar until our dinner date. This watering hole, with its well curated selection of whiskeys, was the perfect precursor to our night’s culinary adventure and it was a great place to slow down our pace–low key and cool vibe. We placed our trust into the hands of the soft spoken and very knowledgeable Elaine behind the bar. She prepared a flight of old, vintage rare scotch for my husband and a wonderful selection of Armagnac for me. Very pricey, but so worth it.
Dinner at The Fatty Liver afterwards didn’t disappoint either, it was everything we were was craving: A feast for the senses: intimately prepared in front of you, flavorful, inspired dishes. The open kitchen’s simplicity belies the complexity of flavors that emerge from its humble equipment: a komodo grill/smoker, a six-top gas range, and a deep fryer. Despite the seemingly modest setup, the chefs created a memorable experience.
One of the owners knew a bit of English and with the help of Google Translate and views of other patrons orders we managed to order an appetizer of pickled raw fish studded with flavorful radish, feta, peppers and oils. The second appetizer was a delicious plate of charcoal grilled oysters served on a puffy cloud of well seasoned mashed potatoes. The pièce de résistance, however, was a crispy pork cutlet sandwich accompanied by a side of goose fat French fries – a decadent and indulgent finale that left us utterly satisfied.
After dinner we finished off our evening with a night back back with Elaine at The Drunken Master Whisky for a sweet night cap, because you only live once.
from gloom to just what we needed
What began as a gloomy day with a lot of questions and almost our surrender had morphed into an afternoon and evening filled with laughter, good food, and new memories.
Looking back at our day in Kaohsiung City, it’s clear that sometimes, the best moments come when you least expect them. This unexpected adventure not only filled our day with joy but also reminded us of the beauty in spontaneity. Isn’t it wonderful how new memories can blossom from what initially seemed like thwarted plans?
FAQs:
- What are some indoor activities to do in Kaohsiung City on a rainy day?
Apart from visiting museums, consider exploring local cafes, indoor markets, or even a spa day to relax and enjoy the slower pace of a rainy day. - How accessible is the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts?
The museum is very accessible by public transport or taxi, and it offers facilities to accommodate visitors with disabilities. - Where can I find local crafts or souvenirs in Kaohsiung City?
The museum shop at the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts is a wonderful place to start. Local markets and boutique shops around the city also offer unique finds. - Can you recommend any local dishes to try in Kaohsiung City?
Don’t miss out on local Taiwanese delicacies like Beef Noodle Soup, Bubble Tea, and the variety of seafood dishes the island is famous for. - What is the best time of year to visit Kaohsiung City to avoid the rain?
Typically, the dry season from November to March but the rainy season wasn’t supposed to start until June, and we got clouds and rain for weeks so you can read all the articles you want and the answer is really it depends. There is no guarantee, so be flexible.
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