Drop of Water Memorial Hall, Cloud Gate Theatre and Hobe Fort - 一滴水紀念館、雲門劇場及滬尾砲台

Finally, I went to Hobe Fort, One Drop Museum and Claud Gate Theatre. These three sightseeing spots are very close, thus, if you are interested in contemporary art performance, you can enjoy it in Claud Gate theatre, the theatre itself is also a nice place to visit, around the building, there are several sculptures by the Taiwanese sculptor, Jun Ming, displayed there. The guide from Hobe Fort told us that this theatre was built on the surface of a military radio station, and as it’s situated in upland, the view from the theatre is very nice to take a glance the whole Tamsui riverside.

終於，我來到滬尾砲台、雲門劇場跟一滴水博物館。這三個景點彼此相當的接近，因此，你對現代藝術表演有興趣的話，你便可以先去雲門劇場看個表演，然後參觀一下劇場周邊。 雲門劇場本身就是一個景點，也有多尊朱銘的雕像展出。滬尾砲台的導覽告訴我們說，該劇場是蓋在以前的軍用央廣上面，也由於他的高地勢形，因此跳往淡水河景是相當美麗的。

Drop of Water Memorial Hall is a century-old construction donated to Taiwan by Japanese civic groups. All the pieces of the house were shipped from Japan and reassembled in Tamsui to commemorate the friendship between Japan and Taiwan for the aims during the earthquake disasters between 2 countries (Great Hanshin Earthquake and 911 Earthquake).

一滴水紀念館是一棟日本門間捐贈給台灣的百年建築，所有的建材都是由日本運來台灣並在淡水所組裝重建的。用來紀念台日雙方在天災時的互助及情誼。(阪神地震跟九一一大地震)。

Pity that people are not allowed taking photos inside the house, but around the house looks like a Japanese style garden, and there was a photographer hiring a model to take cosplay shots there.

可惜的是紀念館內部是不允許攝影的，不過館本身周邊就是很日式庭園建築風格的庭園，而且幸運的是有攝影師請模特兒在哪裡變裝拍攝喔!

Hobe Fort, it was important for the military use, as it’s situated in upland and it’s at the entrance of Tamsui River which played the role as the gate of Taipei for locals to go abroad and for foreigners to enter Taipei. It was built in 1886 after the war against France (1884) , Qing Dynasty by a German Engineer.

滬尾砲台其位處高處，並控制著淡水河出口，因此在軍事上扮演重要的角色。 建於光緒12年(1886)年中法戰爭後興建，由德國工程師所建造。

It was used for the cannons and artilleries, however, during the WWII, the Japanese Government ran out of mental military resources, then started to collect the all the mental materials from people and also from those historical places, thus, we can’t see any cannons here anymore.

原本是拿來放砲台彈藥的地點，但是二戰時日軍耗盡金屬資源，因此開始徵收民間即可見的歷史遺跡金屬資源來使用。 所以那些砲台以不復存在。

                                             全景拍攝!! (Pano Shot) 

                                             通風用 (For Ventilation)

                                              蓮霧樹 (Wax Apple Trees)

              中間那裡的四合院原為高階軍官住宿用 (The Empty Squares were the houses for Generals)

                                                Gate to the storage of artilleries (砲彈庫小門)                                                

                                                     Tunnel for the storage (通往彈藥庫隧道)

                                                 Guide and me (導遊與我)

                                           Me in the tunnel (我在隧道裡)

It was so great to spend an afternoon to see those historical sites, and there are also tourist guides there helping to explain to you the histories of the place to make you a bit more intellectual than yesterday (Haha). After finishing those places, on the way to back home, there’s always nice sunset waiting for us. That would definitely make your day a happy ending!

花個下午的時間與古蹟們相處其實挺美好的，加上哪裡還有專人導覽可以跟你解釋這些地點，讓你變得比昨天再有知識一點點。 (哈哈) 結束後，在回家的路上，淡水總是有夕陽美景在等待著你，哪可說是一天最完美的結束啊! 

我真的受傷了

王菀之 - 我真的受傷了


情緒是個很有趣的東西
你說他會被影響是真的
只是也能夠控制跟藏匿的
就算你控制跟藏匿的很妥當
他還是會在不經意時
從你的嘴角與眼角竄出
再再提醒你
這個當下真實的內在表現
快樂，悲傷，憤怒，喜悅
你比誰都知道
感受是你的
沒有人可以幫你承受
受傷的自己
還是要爬起
受傷的你
我盡力了

Only the old street in Tamsui? Actually these hidden places you should also visit besides the old street! 誰說淡水只有老街？有些點也是很值得參觀的！

Besides the old street and Bali in Tamsui, it's also nice to avoid huge crowd to see some great historical monuments and nice places in this district. 

除了淡水老街跟八里外，要是能過避開人潮再看些歷史古蹟美景的話，也是很不錯的！

The former residence of Tamsui street head, Tada Eikichi, is the private residence of Tada Eikichi, who held the position of Tamsui street head during the Japanese occupation. The building is a historic site confirmed by the government now.

淡水街長多田榮吉故居為日治時期擔任淡水街長的多田榮吉私人宅邸，據稱多田榮吉還申請了自用自來水，成為全淡水、全臺第一戶接自來水的民宅。是一座被指定為古蹟的日式住宅。 

After the residence, the little white house is nearby, just it takes few minutes walking; and there is a very cute cafe at the corner on the way near an elementary school, and you can take a rest here to have a cup of coffee.

小白宮在離故居幾分鐘不遠處，再前往此處的路上，會看到在角落的一家可愛的小咖啡館，喝杯咖啡休息一下還蠻有情調的!

On the way to the little White House, the streets there reminded me of the Gulangyu island in Fujian, all the exotic buildings around, walking with someone special there. There's nothing which can beat at the moment. :) 

在前往小白宮的路上，那裡的街道讓我想起了福建的鼓浪嶼，與一個特別的人走在哪裡，被異國情調的建築包圍，沒有什麼可以比得過那樣的一刻了！

Little White House, it was the Tamsui Customs Officers Residence, and now it's a historical and tourist spot for people. The Little White House used to be Tamsui’s Custom Inspector General’s residence in the Qing Dynasty. In 1862, as the port became prosperous and more foreigners were stationed here, more residences were built for foreign officials. The Little White House is an impressive piece of colonial architecture. The main building is a square structure in with Spanish style halls and 11 half arches. Every door and window use wooden Persian blinds, and the interior takes in lots of light and air during the day. There is a patio facing the Guanyin Mountain looking over the Tamsui riverbank, which makes for a very beautiful view. 

小白宮，前清淡水關稅務司官邸，現在它是一個歷史和旅遊景點的人。 小白宮以前是前清淡水關稅務司官邸。 在1862年，隨著港口的繁榮和更多的外國人駐紮在這裡，也建造出越來越多的外國官邸。 小白宮是一個令人印象深刻的殖民式建築。 主樓是一個西班牙風格的大廳和11個半拱方形的結構。 每扇門和窗都使用木製的波斯百葉窗，內部在白天的採光及通風都相當的良好。 有一個庭院面對觀音山遠眺淡水河岸，使得這裡自成形成一幅美麗的景觀。

On the 9^th of March, 1972, the Canadian Presbyterian Missionary Dr. Mackay landed in Tamsui, for preaching, educational and medical work. It is the earliest Western-style school in the history of education in Taiwan. It is also one of the most modern schools in history. 

Aletheia University is a University founded by the Christian Church. The campus is full of greenery, cultural colourful and historical monuments, Oxford College, Residence of Dr. Mackay's, Red House, etc., is also considered a place where people can shoot nice videos and films.

源自1972年3月9日，加拿大基督長老教會宣教師馬偕博士登陸淡水，作佈教、教育及醫療工作。擇定淡水砲台埔小山丘上，興建校舍，並親自規劃監工，就是理學堂大書院，後人稱之為牛津學堂，是台灣通識課程的先驅、教育史上最早的西式學校。

真理大學是基督教教會所創辦的大學，校園文化優雅，校風淳樸，學術日盛，有正確導向的大學理念，所培育之學生皆能為社會所肯定。校園內處處綠意盎然、濃濃的人文色彩與歷史古蹟，有牛津學堂、馬偕博士故居、紅樓等，更是廣告與電影的最佳取景。

After the war between Britain and France in 1884, in the north of Taiwan, due to the exportation of camphor and tea, the trade Tamsui port increased rapidly. In 1891, the Britain wanted to develop the business opportunities, thus they rented an area near to Fort San Domingo permanently to the Qing Dynasty Government as the British Consulate to be in charge of customs of the tax. This is a red-bricked building with 2 floors, whose architectural style can be considered the typical British colonial style, which we now see the British Consulate.

1884年英法戰爭後，台灣北部因樟腦及茶的輸出關係，淡水港邊貿易量大增，在西元1891年，英國商務拓展，於是向清廷永久租借紅毛城做旁為英國領事館，同時兼管海關稅務，其地位自然也更加重要，此棟雙層的紅磚洋樓，建築風格為典型的英國殖民地建築式樣，也就是我們現在所見的英國領事館。

 Somehow, no idea since when it also became a place where people can make an appointment to do the proposal here. Well, I think the nice view and exotic building for many local people are important to do something romantic here ... 

不知道何時開始，這裡也變成了一個熱門的求婚地點。我想異國風情跟美景對於浪漫這檔事是很重要的吧 ... 

Sunset view from the Consulate 

It's a pity that I didn't have enough time to visit Fort San Domingo and Hobe Fort because all those historic spots are closed at 18.00 (on the weekend, 17.00 during weekdays, close on Monday). As I like to spend time seeing all the sites calmly, so it's not easy for me to finish all of the at once. 

可惜的是我沒有時間參觀紅毛城跟滬尾砲台，因為古蹟關館時間在六點(周末六點，周間五點，星期一休館)。像我這種喜歡慢慢逛的人，要一次逛完還真的有點困難! 

Suggesting route: Take Taipei MRT to Tamsui Station, then walk to the private residence of Tada Eikichi - Cafe at the corner - Little White House - Aletheia University - British Consulate - Fort San Domingo and Hobe Fort. (for the visit to Little White House - British Consulate - Fort San Domingo and Hobe Fort, people can buy package entrance ticket to visit all of them). 

推薦路線：搭乘台北捷運淡水信義線到淡水站，可步行至多田榮吉故居 - 角落咖啡館 - 小白宮 - 真理大學 - 前清英國領事館 - 紅毛城跟滬尾砲台! (可以買套票參觀小白宮 - 前清英國領事館 - 紅毛城跟滬尾砲)。

Have fun there! 祝大家參觀愉快! 

Feeling down on a blue Monday? The add some Kazakh flavour to make your Monday more cheerful! 藍色星期一覺得憂鬱嗎? 哪來點哈薩克風味讓你的周一愉快一點吧!

«The Magic of Nomads»: «Менің Қазақстаным» концерті


I still remember the breeze on that Saturday afternoon outside the Esentai Square, the vibe of the audiences and the ambience of the whole concert there.

The Magic of Nomads is a Kazakh band who plays jazz music with national and traditional musical instruments of Kazakhstan. If you see how they perform on stage and the nice feedback from the audience surround them, you might understand why I miss the rhythms of the music. Just the right time, the right music and right people.

I wish I could lie in the shadow of a big tree, feeling the breeze of nature, and enjoying their concert.

Share this link with you on this blue Monday, hope it's not so quite blue for the rest of  the day.


我彷彿還記得哪周六下午在Esentai廣場外徐徐的微風，民眾的氣氛跟整個演唱會營造的氛圍。

The Magic of Nomads, 是哈薩克當地以當地傳統的樂器演奏爵士音樂的團體。如果你們跟我依樣親自觀賞他們現場的表演並看到民眾當下的反映，你就會知道為何我會很懷念這音樂的律動了! 可能就是對時刻、對的音樂跟對的人吧!

真希望躺在樹蔭下，乘著微風，聽著他們的演唱會。

與你們分享這連結，希望你們的剩下的藍色星期一也不要太憂鬱。

Walk in the City, I see People, Buildings and Relaxation! 漫遊城市，我看見了人，建築跟愜意。

Currently, I live in Taipei, and it doesn't matter if it's Taipei City or New Taipei City. Mostly, people can easily access to almost all the places by the public transportation. Even it's just very short distance, people still prefer taking a bus, metro, scooter or even car. Besides, there are not usually so many spacious pavements for pedestrians, and sometimes on the pavement people can meet a lot of scooter riders as well. Honestly, I was actually not a big fan of walking. However, I became one after I started traveling.

目前我住在台北，其實無論是台北市或是新北市，大部分的人也都可以搭乘大眾運輸工具到達任何目的地，就算再近，很多人也都還是偏好搭捷運，公車，機車甚至開車過去。 此外，也不是總是到處都有很寬敞的人行道給予行人使用，有時候還會在人行道上遇上機車行經。說實話，我以前也不是走路的愛好者，但是開始旅行後，我也成為一位行者。

Walking in the city is like a discovery, especially, when you make strange streets become familiar. I somehow can't really explain that feeling, people are always in their comfort zone, and become used to it in their own countries in a way, so, when I am in a foreign city or country, once I start feeling familiar to this place, streets, and know which corner I have to turn to arrive where I live, it's just amazing to me this unexplainable feeling.  Especially, during a trip, everything in the beginning was so strange to you, then, when you almost finish the trip, all the strange steps you made in the city have been becoming familiar to you. It's  like you're establishing your own comfort zone in here, in another place.

漫步在城市中就好比是場探索，尤其是當你把陌生的街道變成熟悉的時候。 我其實並不太會解釋這樣的感受，人們總是生活在他們的舒適圈，並變得很容易在他們的國家習慣這樣的生活。 因此，當我在一個陌生的城市或是國度時，當我一旦開始對哪個地方，哪裡的街道，並知道我應該在哪個街角轉彎回到我住宿的地方時，哪感覺真的是不可言諭的美好。 尤其是當你在旅途的開始，一起都是哪樣的陌生，到你快要結束你的旅程時，哪些所以陌生的腳步都將變得熟悉，就好比你在他鄉建立你自己的舒適圈一般。

Walking in Almaty is an interesting experience to me. I mean interesting because, during daytime and nighttime, there is a huge difference between them. During day time, it looks like a botanic city, full of greens and exotic Soviet buildings and sculptures. The pavements are spacious and I see a lot of small nice details from the streets there. I felt always excited and very pleasant to spend hours walking there, besides, I can always find a place to sit down and take a rest if I start feeling tired.

漫步在阿拉木圖對我來說是個挺有趣的經驗，因為他日夜差很多！ 在日間，他看起來好像植物園，因為他到處都是樹木跟蘇維埃時期的建築物跟雕像。 人行道很寬廣，在路上隨處可以見到一些可愛的小細節。 就算花上幾個小時走在路上，我都一直很歡喜很興奮。 此外，要是我雙腿不聽使喚的話，我隨時都能找地方休息！

But walking during night time there, it was a bit hard for me, and all the greens suddenly became an obstacle, because they blocked the light. However, I still arrived my hotel safely, just the matter of time finding the way back.

只是在晚上對我來說就有點吃力了，因為這些樹把燈火都擋住了，我還是回到住宿的地方啦！只是花了我很多時間罷了！

I never make a tight schedule for my trip, I sometimes even prefer slowing down to walk around the city, to see the buildings, people and to follow the flow.

我一直不是個會把行程排得很緊湊的人。 我有時還偏好慢下來好好的漫遊在城市中，去欣賞建築物，人跟跟著感覺走！

1. Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral): The Ascension Cathedral is a Russian Orthodox cathedral located in Panfilov Park, completed in 1906, people said it's the 2nd tallest wooden building in the world (So, what's the first one?) The inner structure of the cathedral was made in the artistic workshops of Moscow and Kiev. After the Russian Revolution the cathedral was used to house the Central State Museum of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic. In May 1995 control of the cathedral was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church, and after the additional restoration work, it was reopened for religious services in 1997.

升天主教堂 (Ascension Cathedral 或稱 Zenkov Cathedral)是一座位於Panfilov 公園的俄羅斯東正教大教堂，於1906年完成。話說他是世界上第二大的木造建築(哪第一大是哪位?)。 大教堂的內部結構是由莫斯科跟基輔的藝術工廠製作的，在俄國革命後大教堂被用來作為哈薩克蘇維埃社會主義共和國中央國家博物館的館藏。1995年五月後，其大教堂的的掌控權才歸還給東正教教會，再經過修復後，才在1997年又重新開放宗教服務的活動。

                                                 Around the Cathedral (大教堂附近! 很綠吧!)

                                                      Outside the Cathedral (大教堂外部)

                                        Girls on pony (有人在騎小馬耶!)

2. Panfilov Park: The 28 Panfilov Heroes Memorial Park honours the Kazakh soldiers who died in the battlefield against the Nazi fascists in WWII. It's just near the Cathedral, and it seemed like there were some activities on the day I was there. So I saw the flowers and the fire on the stone stage near the huge heroes status.

Panfilov Park 也叫做Panfilov 28英雄紀念公園(很有228公園的fiu), 是紀念那些在二戰中對抗納粹法西斯而犧牲生命的英雄們! 就在大教堂附近，哪天不知道是不是有活動，石階上有花還有火焰。

                                                       Fire and Flowers (花與火之歌)

3. Green Bazaar (Zelionyj Bazar) is a place not to be missed when visiting Almaty. This market is not only popular for visitors but also among the local for its fresh daily supplies. Inside the market, all the booths are categorised by what they sell. Spices, vegetables, fruits, pastries and meat. It's really clean and well-organised. But there were also guardians there, telling us not to take photos!

綠巴扎（Zelionyj Bazar）是來訪阿拉木圖時不容錯過的地方。這個市場不僅受遊客青睞，也是在地人在民生補給採買時所愛造訪的。裡面的攤位是依照所賣的產品分類的，辛香料、葉菜類、水果類、麵餅類，跟肉類。相當乾淨整齊，只是有守衛在哪裡叫我們不準拍照!

4. Arbat Street (Zhybek Zholy Street) is a mainly shopping street in Almaty. Here people can see some famous shops like Zara here. But, I prefer this for taking a walk and also see the local artists to sell their works here in this pedestrian street here, and sometimes you can also see some street artists to perform here as well.

Arbat Street (Zhybek Zholy Street) 是阿拉木圖主要的購物街道，在這裡你可以看到一些知名的商店，如: Zara。但是，我更喜歡在這裡散步，這裡都會有當地的藝術家直接在步行區販賣他們的作品，偶而也會看到一些街頭藝人在這裡表演!

5. Abay National Theatre and Opera House : This building plays an important role in the development of Kazakhstan's cultural heritage. Since its opening in 1932, numerous art events have taken place here, with many Kazakh stars having been discovered while performing on stage here.

Abaye國家戲劇歌劇院：這棟建築在哈薩克文化遺跡的發展中佔有很重要的地位。在1932年開幕後，有許多藝文活動都在這裡上演過，許多哈薩克的巨星們都是在這裡個舞台上被發掘的。

               I like this sign so much when I saw it  No swimming! (我一看到這標誌我就愛上! 禁止游泳)

6. Central Mosque Almaty:  Religion in Kazakhstan is about 70% Muslim by head of population, with other religions making up the remaining 30%.   The Mosque looks ancient, with its Turkish calligraphy, domes and minarets, but was only completed in 1999.  A truly magnificent building and the biggest mosque in Kazakhstan,  accommodating up to 7000 worshipers.  Religious tolerance is a feature of Kazakhstan and visitors to the mosque are allowed to look around, even though they are not of that faith.

阿拉木圖中央清真寺，哈薩克有百分之70的最大宗穆斯林人口，其他宗教人口占百分之30。清真寺看起來古老，刻有土耳其文，有著圓塔與尖塔，該寺於1999年完工，是哈薩克最大的清真寺，可容納多達7000位信徒。宗教的寬容性可算是哈薩克的一項特點，就算遊客不是該信徒，也可准許進入清真寺參觀(但是女性請記得包頭!)

                         這個這門市給男性信徒的! 女性的要旁邊側門!(內部不可拍照)


6. Random walk in the city. This is one of the best things I love to do during my trip!  I love walking in the city freely without the strict schedule! Here I would like to show you some snapshots for you to walk with me in Almaty!

隨意城市漫遊是我在旅行中最愛做的其中一件事。我喜歡自在不受行程束縛的亂走! 就讓我把我街拍的隨手照讓你們跟我一起行在阿拉木圖吧!

During the Soviet time this city was called "Alma-Ata" which means "Father of apple" ("Alma" means "Apple", although "Ata" means "grandfather"). Later, when Kazakhstan got its independence, the city became "Almaty" that means "apple". And I saw many photos or decorations of apples all around the city!
在蘇維埃時期，這個城市的名字叫做 Alma-Ata，意思就是「蘋果之父」(Alma意思為蘋果，雖然Ata是阿公的意思啦!)。之後，等到哈薩克獨立後，就把這個城市改成現在的阿拉木圖了，在哈薩克語就是蘋果啦! 我在這裡還真的是到處都看到蘋果的照片或是裝飾。

                                    Many Soviet times buildings! 好多蘇維埃時期的建築物!

                     This house is beautiful, but it seems abandoned. (這房子很漂亮，但看起來沒人住)

             Many sculptures, but I have no idea who they are. (好多雕像但是我還真不知道誰是誰)

I love this bench so much, see the details on it? November!! Each bench has its won months in three languages. (我好愛這長椅，看到上面細節沒? 是11月!! 每個長椅都有自己的月份喔!)

                                                             Residential Area (住宅區)

                                               School students running fun! (學校學生跑步趣)

Bench outside Meloman, a shop where you can buy CDs, books and stationary at Gogol Street, corner of Panfilov Street.

Meloman外面的長椅，這是一間在Gogol Street, Panfilov Street 街角的一家店，一個可以買到CD，書跟文具的地方。

7. Kok-tobe  is a mountain which is the highest point of Almaty. There is a popular recreation area on top of the mountain. The mountain's height is 1100 meters above sea level. Kok-tobe is one of the main landmarks in the city, and it is popular among visitors and tourists to Almaty.

Kob-tobe 是阿拉木圖市區最高的山，在山頭上有流行的休閒區域。 Kok-tobe為海拔1100公尺高，並且是阿拉木圖觀光的一個著名景點。

There are a huge amusement park and several restaurants in Kok-tobe, and people can connect the top with a cable car to the downtown of the city. The entrance is near the Kazakhstan Hotel, very easily to access by walking distance. For me it was a great time to take a cable car to reach the top in the afternoon, there you can see the whole city and also Tian Shan. It's also a great place for people to take walk and photographs, The nice light of sunset would just make each frame a romantic photo!

哪裡有個超大的遊樂園還有幾家餐廳，你可以搭纜車從市中心直接上到山頂。 入口處就在Hotel Kazakhstan附近，走一下路就到了。 對我來說在下午搭纜車上到山頂真的是超棒的!! 在哪裡可以看到整個城市的風貌，跟天山的美景。 哪裡也很適合散步跟攝影。 夕陽的光可是會讓每個鏡頭瞬間都變成浪漫的照片啊!

                                                      Cable Car (纜車)

                                  Little Switzerland (I name it myself, haha) 小瑞士(我自己亂取的!哈哈)

                                          Whole City View, so nice!!!  (城市全景! 美吧!!!)

                                        Tian Shan around the city (天山環繞啊!!)

      Amusement Park and I think I photographed it so great! (遊樂園! 我覺得我把它照得很美)

       The light and the view made each frame so romantic! (光線跟景色讓每個畫面都很浪漫)

Beetles sculpture ... No idea why it's there! 披頭四耶...我一點都沒概念為何他們會在哪裡

                           I love Kok-Tobe, the spot for pictures! (這裡可以熱門的拍照景點啊!)

I didn't do everything once in a day. It took me several times to collect all these photos and saw this views in my trip! I just want to tell that It's been always pleasant to have a curious heart to see and to sense all the vibes and unexpected views you might experience on each day of your trip. You can never expect what each day or each step would bring you when you blink your eyes, walking around the streets in the city. I just, the best way, is just try to be part of it.

我並沒有一次就把所有的景點都走遍，我其實花了好幾次的漫遊才把上面的照片跟景色收集起來的。我只是很單純的想要分享跟告訴大家在旅途中保持一顆好奇的心去看去感受那些你旅途中會體驗到的氛圍及未知。你沒有辦法預料到每天你一眨眼你在城市的街道上每個踏出去的步伐會帶給你什麼，我想，最好的方式就是試著去成為這城市的一部分吧!