From Taiwan, III

 
Dining on the ledge, overlooking the harbor

For me, one of the biggest signs of the increase standard of living was the proliferation of cafe culture in Taiwan. There were coffeeshops everywhere in a range of price levels and serious application of sidewalk seating. People seem to have much more disposable income and the time to while away in a cafe. Now there are even a couple baristas in my extended family. (A cousin asked me to distinguish a Kenyan brew drank from a ceramic cup and a porcelain cup. Hm.)

Everyone takes advantage of these creature comforts, and nothing said it better than the crowds every night at the newly opened former British Consulate building in Kaohsiung. Yes, Taiwan used to be a colonial destination for traders, missionaries and military. This recently opened tourist destination had become a local favorite as well, due to the spectacular view of Kaohsiung harbor and the very user-friendly table top that was designed to extend much beyond the seat ledge, giving one the sensation of dining literally over the water.