An interesting article appeared on the internet recently, The ‘Top 10 sights in Taiwan Japanese tourists love to visit‘ which has thrown Taiwan’s tourism industry a bit. Forget such famous places as Taipei 101, CKS Memorial and the National Palace Museum. They’re history.  Consigned to the distant past.  Instead, now, in 2017, coming in at number 2 on the list is the lobby of the ‘1969 藍天飯店 Blue Sky Hotel‘ in Taichung.

So, on my monthly visit to St. James’ Church, Taichung this past weekend, I found myself at 5:00 am on Sunday morning with a u-bike ~ and off I went to find it.  It’s only 15 mins ride, down towards the train station, in a part of town where, let’s say, there’s plenty of room for improvement…  As you can imagine, the place was hardly throbbing with tourists at 5:00 am on a Sunday morning, so the nice receptionist gave me my very own tour. Central to the lobby is a huge floor-to-ceiling wall artwork consisting of genuine vintage 1970’s suitcases all stacked very artistically.  The numbers of the lifts are all Roman numerals, and the reception area is all vintage style.  I like it!

It’s not far from the Taichung Park, but the sun wasn’t even up, and it was too dark to see the famous iconic building there.  So off I went to find another interesting place not far away – a small community of tiny alleyways and close-packed houses, where the road has been repaved in red brick. So following the red-brick road is really quite fun!

Then I passed the Red Dot Hotel, which has a large slide in the lobby for guests ….

And finally, I came past the elementary school that is attached to the National University of Education, and outside was a water tank.  Presumably until recently it was just a boring old water tank. It even says ‘groundwater’ on it. Now painted up and looking beauitful. Street art at its best. Smarties, or are they M and M’s? Anyway, I love it.  Every school should have one.

Taichung at 5:00 am on a summer Sunday?  Ideal for sightseeing!  Before it gets too hot. Before all the crowds come out and all the traffic.  Before even the sun comes up.  YES!

Come and see for yourselves!