December 7th:
My last day had ended in Back Bay, or Hou Wan, right next to the National Museum of the Ocean and Aquarium. So I thought I’d start my next day checking out the place. I was not disappointed. Clearly designed to impress children, it succeeded in impressing me as well. The displays of marine life were amazing, especially the main viewing tank with it’s variety of fish, capped by the amazing whale shark.
Outdoor pool replicas: not bad
Roof-hanging replicas
The real deal
This whale shark just endlessly circled the tank
After a few hours there I didn’t have much time left for walking along the coast, but I made the best of the last few hours of the afternoon. I followed the road for a bit, as the coast was given over to a research facility attached to the museum. I found a park on a hill, with an old Qing dynasty fort, and some great views of the surrounding countryside.
Great views in all directions
Walking near the mouth of a small river
Later on, I found my way back to the seaside and human settlement: curious kids and barking dogs, funky old houses, old women cleaning fish in the yard, temples, guys fishing by the shore; a slow pace of life. Such was the town of Shuiliao. Today, however, there was some serious noise coming from it, firecrackers and loudspeakers. When I got further in I found the source: a thank-you procession organized by the local DPP guy who had just won as town leader. Lots of red-toothed smiles!
Democracy in action
On along the beach I went, and then took the road bridge across the Shih Chong River. I followed the water down to the beach for a final look at the setting sun before heading to Kending for the night.
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