Field Trip - Lugang, Taiwan

When visiting factories in the Taichung, Taiwan area earlier this week, we found ourselves with a little extra time as well as empty stomachs. Wanting to show me some historical Taiwan, we headed to the port city of Lugang. Or, should I say ex-port city of Lugang. According to the Wikipedia entry, the city's heyday was from about 1785-1845, but then port silted over and the city didn't allow a railroad to pass through, meaning that the port itself died. Because of this, the village was able to escape urbanization and modernization and was preserved. It's now a tourist destination and has many temples...

Longshan Temple

...as well as many places to spend your money.
On food:

eat the whole shrimp, head, scales, tail and all
suck the critter out of the shell
fresh, fire-roasted peanuts were good

Streets to wander:
Old buildings:

Sometimes no buildings:
Oh-so-cliché (but cool) doors to shoot...

...as well as narrow alleys:
Gift shops had plenty of wares:

it felt like stepping back in time

traditional rain coat (no joke)

trinkets

toys
pottery

statues

bracelets
tea

It's definitely an interesting place to visit. I am happy as well as fortunate that I was able to experience more traditional Taiwan as opposed to the bustling urban centers of Taichung and Taipei.