I've realised recently that the last posting I made here was when I visited Mike and Will in Saigon last August. While a great trip that was 9 months ago. So I wanted to write down what I've been up to in the interim.
Well, 9 months is long enough to do a few things, and if you're a fb friend you already guessed what we did. There were a few reasons I decided to leave China, though the job actually wasn't one of them. The big change happened when Yen told me in Manila last summer that she was pregnant. This made returning to China unrealistic and a bit irresponsible. Especially as the university I had been hired to were acting like clowns, and the new Chinese Z visa process is ridiculously cumbersome. So we decided that long term we needed to be somewhere stable (Canada or the Philippines) and short term we needed somewhere with world class healthcare that we had both paid in to extensively over the last decade. There was only one place that offered us all that. So we headed back to Korea.
I took a job and headed over in September. I took two actually. I hire for my old university's Canadian partner company, and teach in Korea. I had originally planned to jump to a university job asap, but the offers I have received so far are.... well..... I'm better off staying in the private sector and making bank. I like the title of university lecturer, and was proud to have it in China, but I'm not willing to lose money to have it. The big appeal seems to be vacation, but I'm like Johnny Cash, I've been everywhere man. With a kid I'd rather work more and have more time at home that have a month on the road. Even when I do think about hitting the road I think about New York, Alaska, or Mexico. There is simply nowhere in Asia I haven't been that I feel I need to. Heck if you offered me a deal to work everyday for the next 15 years then retire, I'd say yes. In fact, almost all my friends here are leaving for China, Vietnam, or home. They just can't make enough money without working illegally, and that is a shaky foundation to build a future on. So for now private sector work and saving for home.
As to the really important news, the baby. We met a wonderful doctor here, Dr. Park Ji Yun, at Seoul National University in Bundang, and on April 17th Yen gave birth to our baby son Richard Alexander. We were in the hospital a few days, and now we are home, with baby, mom, dad, and aunt Elsie up from Zamboanga. Crowded house, but it is a lot of fun actually. Baby loves the attention.
I am going to try to update here a bit, but baby stories will mostly be with family. I've vowed not to do a Kathy Lee Gifford to our son on social media. But trips to the park, and other things we do have a place here. I can't see myself writing pithy observations about Korea anymore, and I find the news exhausting. But we will be in Daegu next month for Yen's birthday, and Busan this summer I think. I will also keep in active for when we go back to Canada. But I see monthly, rather than 2012's daily updates.
Saturday, May 4, 2019
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Saigon 2018
This summer, I had planned to visit Vancouver, but finances, and other issues, made it so we had to postpone it until next year. While I am more than a bit depressed about that, I am happy to get to spend so much time in both Manila and Saigon. I'll save Manila for another post, and work on Saigon here.
Last time I was in Saigon was in 2015 doing the CELTA, and I did not enjoy the city much. I think part of it was the Celta, a redundant and grossly overpriced teaching "qualification" I was doing there. It left me with a bitter taste in my mouth regarding Saigon. It also didn't help that I was living on Bui Vien, the backpacker ghetto of Saigon. This combination, after so many years in Korea and with a much superior qualification already under my belt, left me ready to get out. However, the opportunity to visit friends doesn't come along every day, and given that two of my best ones now live there, and seem to really enjoy it, I decided to head back. I'm really glad I did.
First off, Saigon off of Bui Vien is actually a cool city. Lots of places to visit and, while there is not much to see compare to the central and northern parts of Vietnam, there is way more to do. Walks, parks, coffee shops and bars all make for a surprisingly liveable city when you are actually able to live there. I've changed my mind about it so much so that I would seriously entertain job options there in the future. It also helped that Mike and Will were such exceptional hosts that it made it almost impossible NOT to have a good time, but the city itself was cool, and I certainly hope to head back before long, but that will depend on exactly what happens and where I wind up this semester. In fact, Mike was good enough to let me sleep on his fold out couch for a week. While I wouldn't expect that every time I visit, it was very generous, and made the whole trip very affordable as well as fun, so that was great too.
As to what I did. Well speaking of the CELTA, I never actually bothered to pick it up, as no one has ever asked me for it once they see the MA (see how useful it is?), but given that I was staying walking distance from the ILA I did it at, I thought it made sense to pick it up. To be fair, the ILA Vietnamese staff were always great when I was doing it there, and they still are, finding it for me in a storage locker somewhere. So now I have it. Yay.
Otherwise I did a couple walking tours with Will along the river and around district 1. The three of us also hit a few bars, and otherwise just hung out. It was great to see Saigon off of Bui Vien, and as I said, it completely changed my perspective on Saigon in particular, and Vietnam in general. I hope to go back again soon, and with the MUCH improved visa process, it makes it much more accessible on a 4 day weekend from Korea. Though Mike has already suggested meeting up in Cebu city next time, which could also be fun, and it is also very accessible from Korea.
In any event, I hope to head back soon.
Last time I was in Saigon was in 2015 doing the CELTA, and I did not enjoy the city much. I think part of it was the Celta, a redundant and grossly overpriced teaching "qualification" I was doing there. It left me with a bitter taste in my mouth regarding Saigon. It also didn't help that I was living on Bui Vien, the backpacker ghetto of Saigon. This combination, after so many years in Korea and with a much superior qualification already under my belt, left me ready to get out. However, the opportunity to visit friends doesn't come along every day, and given that two of my best ones now live there, and seem to really enjoy it, I decided to head back. I'm really glad I did.
First off, Saigon off of Bui Vien is actually a cool city. Lots of places to visit and, while there is not much to see compare to the central and northern parts of Vietnam, there is way more to do. Walks, parks, coffee shops and bars all make for a surprisingly liveable city when you are actually able to live there. I've changed my mind about it so much so that I would seriously entertain job options there in the future. It also helped that Mike and Will were such exceptional hosts that it made it almost impossible NOT to have a good time, but the city itself was cool, and I certainly hope to head back before long, but that will depend on exactly what happens and where I wind up this semester. In fact, Mike was good enough to let me sleep on his fold out couch for a week. While I wouldn't expect that every time I visit, it was very generous, and made the whole trip very affordable as well as fun, so that was great too.
As to what I did. Well speaking of the CELTA, I never actually bothered to pick it up, as no one has ever asked me for it once they see the MA (see how useful it is?), but given that I was staying walking distance from the ILA I did it at, I thought it made sense to pick it up. To be fair, the ILA Vietnamese staff were always great when I was doing it there, and they still are, finding it for me in a storage locker somewhere. So now I have it. Yay.
Otherwise I did a couple walking tours with Will along the river and around district 1. The three of us also hit a few bars, and otherwise just hung out. It was great to see Saigon off of Bui Vien, and as I said, it completely changed my perspective on Saigon in particular, and Vietnam in general. I hope to go back again soon, and with the MUCH improved visa process, it makes it much more accessible on a 4 day weekend from Korea. Though Mike has already suggested meeting up in Cebu city next time, which could also be fun, and it is also very accessible from Korea.
In any event, I hope to head back soon.
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Hong Kong 2018
Last Thursday, we took the 8am train from Nanning East to Shenzhen, first class. It was nice, as on Chinese trains it is well worth the upgrade to first class. We then hopped a taxi to the HK border. Crossing took a bit of time, mostly because Chinese customs agents didn't seem to understand that, as resident holders, we don't need any card when we leave as tourists do. It wasn't a huge deal, just frustrating. We then crossed in to Hong Kong, which was smooth and efficient. After that it was a train ride to Kowloon. My coworker Charlie was with us, as he was also flying out of Hong Kong (though a few days after us).
We stayed at the Imperial. A solid 3 star hotel in a great location. The first day we headed for dinner in Chungking Mansions, a notorious backpacker/traveller place that doe not live up to reputation for danger or adventure, but certainly does for high quality Indian food at rock bottom prices.
The next day I took Yen to the Peak. To get there you take the Peak tram, walk through a shopping mall, and exit. I've done it several times now, but she never has. It is cool, but probably the last time I'll do it unless with someone who really wants to. The views remain amazing, but I've done it. We also did a walk around Hong Kong island, which is always fun. That night we found Ned Kelly's bar in Kowloon , and had fish and chips and a pint of HK beer.
The next day, on Charlie's suggestion, we took a harbour cruise, which took an old Star Ferry out to Lantau and back, docking at Hong Kong Disneyland. It was a very cool way to see Hong Kong, and something I would love to do again. Being that the port is the whole reason for the existence of Hong Kong, a visit does seem incomplete unless you get out on it. We also saw the Kowloon gardens and the HK History Museum. The museum was very interesting, if only for its honesty. Mainland museums tend to be big to propaganda (not a bad word in the mainland) and light on facts. It was interesting to see Tiananmen Square brought up so casually, and accurately, or the fact that many of the mainland's best and brightest fled to Hong Kong where they would be safe from Mao and the cultural revolution. I wonder if it is translated in to Chinese as honestly.
At this point I have been back and forth through that city several times, and while I love it, it reminds me a bit of when I used to get back from Seoul, or as I do with Manila or Cebu now. Always a good time, but not a lot to actually write about, as I've written about it all before. It is more of a journal entry that a blog, though I guess that is okay as well.
the Harbour
Star Ferries
From the Peak
Kowloon Gardens
Old Clock Tower.
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Last Monday in Nanning
It is dawn here in Nanning on my last Monday morning here. Next Monday morning I will be in Manila, waking to some eggs and chicken adobo, and probably heading to MOA to get some much needed new clothes.
My last post was fairly down. I think because I had been talking about Korea with a friend here who is going back, and what is on offer there financially. I am also a bit annoyed at the way the university has us out within 48 hours of turning in exams. It is a lack of professional courtesy that no university in Canada would ever extend to a visiting Chinese professor. In Korea I had a month after my last day. I won't even get in to the weekly disaster that was the writing programme. I think the whole semester in general has left a very bad taste in my mouth.
So I should balance that with a more positive view because there is more to be excited about than not. Even if I am not saving as much as I need to be, I have gained that magical two years experience. When and if I do head back to the ROK, I will be eligible for full pension, housing assistance, and a very decent salary. I earned that by coming here. I am actually very fortunate in what I've been able to do in Guangxi personally and professionally, and while it is time to move on, I should be proud of what I have done, not just beat myself up for what I haven't. I also have a great summer ahead. I do wish I was visiting Vancouver, but that will have to wait til next year. I do get to see Yen's family in Manila, and head to Saigon to stay with Mike for a week, which I am also very excited about. Even if I break the bank a bit, I am seeing some of my best friends, giving my wife a great summer, and heading back to a job with a minimum 30% raise. How good is that?
Also, I have been going back over my posts since 2010 and have come to realize something. In 2012 I was on about when I was going to get back to grad school. In 2014 I was always on about when I was finishing and moving on from cram schools in Korea. In 2017 I am thinking about getting out of Nanning. Not a lot of living in the moment. So for the rest of the week I plan to do a bit more of that. Today is my last exam followed by 4 hours (at least) of grading. But then it is done. I submit it Tuesday morning and collect my last paycheque. I then have a bit of packing but I mostly hope to enjoy my last couple of days at GXU. I have done everything I wanted to here, so I think it will be more a cup of coffee or a pint by the ficus tree, but that sounds great.
Otherwise, as stated before, I am not feeling much in the way of sentimentality about leaving. I'll miss the people I've met here, but I also know I'll see most of them again in the next 12 months.
My last post was fairly down. I think because I had been talking about Korea with a friend here who is going back, and what is on offer there financially. I am also a bit annoyed at the way the university has us out within 48 hours of turning in exams. It is a lack of professional courtesy that no university in Canada would ever extend to a visiting Chinese professor. In Korea I had a month after my last day. I won't even get in to the weekly disaster that was the writing programme. I think the whole semester in general has left a very bad taste in my mouth.
So I should balance that with a more positive view because there is more to be excited about than not. Even if I am not saving as much as I need to be, I have gained that magical two years experience. When and if I do head back to the ROK, I will be eligible for full pension, housing assistance, and a very decent salary. I earned that by coming here. I am actually very fortunate in what I've been able to do in Guangxi personally and professionally, and while it is time to move on, I should be proud of what I have done, not just beat myself up for what I haven't. I also have a great summer ahead. I do wish I was visiting Vancouver, but that will have to wait til next year. I do get to see Yen's family in Manila, and head to Saigon to stay with Mike for a week, which I am also very excited about. Even if I break the bank a bit, I am seeing some of my best friends, giving my wife a great summer, and heading back to a job with a minimum 30% raise. How good is that?
Also, I have been going back over my posts since 2010 and have come to realize something. In 2012 I was on about when I was going to get back to grad school. In 2014 I was always on about when I was finishing and moving on from cram schools in Korea. In 2017 I am thinking about getting out of Nanning. Not a lot of living in the moment. So for the rest of the week I plan to do a bit more of that. Today is my last exam followed by 4 hours (at least) of grading. But then it is done. I submit it Tuesday morning and collect my last paycheque. I then have a bit of packing but I mostly hope to enjoy my last couple of days at GXU. I have done everything I wanted to here, so I think it will be more a cup of coffee or a pint by the ficus tree, but that sounds great.
Otherwise, as stated before, I am not feeling much in the way of sentimentality about leaving. I'll miss the people I've met here, but I also know I'll see most of them again in the next 12 months.
Saturday, July 7, 2018
Finishing at SCIC
Today I finished my last day of classes at GXU. I still have exams, but with no more classes time here slows right down.
I will miss the students very much, but I do not think I will miss the job or the place. I remember being at Moonkkang when that ship was sinking, and it was not pleasant. This place is the same, and I will be happy to be off to a more secure public job. I also feel that, on a personal note, I have well and truly "done" Guangxi. Of course there are always more places to visit, but I have hit the major areas, and spent more time in Nanning than anyone really needs to. The tickets to Shenzhen are booked, and we will cross in to Hong Kong from there.
I was last in Hong Kong in 2013 with Mike, and Yen has never been there, so that should be fun. I'll be back at the end of August to pick up the new visa, before we head off to a year in Zhuhai. The new job should offer more than my current one, and in an environment that I am excited to explore.
That being said, I am already looking forward to 2019-2020. I am starting to think it may have been a mistake not just going back to Korea this year. Certainly with 3 years I'll be able to get back with a good job, but I am not sure what this next year does for me professionally beyond putting one of the top universities in China on my resume. I am hoping there will be opportunities to grow professionally, but as of now I have no real idea. Personally, I am not actually looking forward to this 6 week break. It will be fun, I'll be in both the Philippines and Vietnam, but I can kiss my semester's savings goodbye. But that is how it works here. Finish my last exam on July 16th, visa expires July 20th. Don't come back til September 3rd. The visa process on the whole has cost me at least one full paycheque, and with this extended break, my last couple.
A friend here put it very well, China simply wants too much for too little.
Not that I am not excited about Guangzhou completely. The region has been one of my favourite places in China, indeed Asia, and the new job does look rewarding. I also would like to visit Beijing. I do want to head in to September with a positive outlook, and I am hoping it is a great place to be. I also think being in a more cosmopolitan area will give me a new look at the place. Who knows, I may be on here in 6 months talking about how great it is and signing on for the long term.
However, as I get older, I am more interested in a place to live and make money at a job I like. Canada is an option. What I ultimately would like to do is move back with Yen, finish my BEd, and teach High School somewhere in western Canada. But for now Korea is probably the better bet. Pension, good healthcare, very professional environment, and, well, a lot more money. I came to China to get the professional experience I needed. Two years full time after graduation is considered industry minimum in most places, and as of today I have that. In that sense this has been the best two years of my life. However, I still feel like I am in the proverbial minors, even if the new job is in the Yankees minor league system. I am okay with three years in AAA, but eventually I need to play in the majors or else find another job.
But looking back at SCIC, the highlights (which is always what you remember in the long run) are:
-the coworkers/friends I met here.
-the students.
-the ability to pay for my wedding.
-exploring Guangxi.
-getting the two years.
So what exactly will I do this summer?
I'll be in HK for the weekend before heading to Manila. We will visit Yen's brother and cousins, and buy me some new clothes. We will also visit a few national parks, and celebrate our first wedding anniversary. Then her sister comes in from Connecticut. They will head south for an Arbonida family reunion while I will go to Saigon to sleep on Mike's couch, visit him and Will, and finally pick up my CELTA certificate. Then back to the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Zhuhai. Yen will join me a couple weeks after I arrive in Zhuhai.
I will miss the students very much, but I do not think I will miss the job or the place. I remember being at Moonkkang when that ship was sinking, and it was not pleasant. This place is the same, and I will be happy to be off to a more secure public job. I also feel that, on a personal note, I have well and truly "done" Guangxi. Of course there are always more places to visit, but I have hit the major areas, and spent more time in Nanning than anyone really needs to. The tickets to Shenzhen are booked, and we will cross in to Hong Kong from there.
I was last in Hong Kong in 2013 with Mike, and Yen has never been there, so that should be fun. I'll be back at the end of August to pick up the new visa, before we head off to a year in Zhuhai. The new job should offer more than my current one, and in an environment that I am excited to explore.
That being said, I am already looking forward to 2019-2020. I am starting to think it may have been a mistake not just going back to Korea this year. Certainly with 3 years I'll be able to get back with a good job, but I am not sure what this next year does for me professionally beyond putting one of the top universities in China on my resume. I am hoping there will be opportunities to grow professionally, but as of now I have no real idea. Personally, I am not actually looking forward to this 6 week break. It will be fun, I'll be in both the Philippines and Vietnam, but I can kiss my semester's savings goodbye. But that is how it works here. Finish my last exam on July 16th, visa expires July 20th. Don't come back til September 3rd. The visa process on the whole has cost me at least one full paycheque, and with this extended break, my last couple.
A friend here put it very well, China simply wants too much for too little.
Not that I am not excited about Guangzhou completely. The region has been one of my favourite places in China, indeed Asia, and the new job does look rewarding. I also would like to visit Beijing. I do want to head in to September with a positive outlook, and I am hoping it is a great place to be. I also think being in a more cosmopolitan area will give me a new look at the place. Who knows, I may be on here in 6 months talking about how great it is and signing on for the long term.
However, as I get older, I am more interested in a place to live and make money at a job I like. Canada is an option. What I ultimately would like to do is move back with Yen, finish my BEd, and teach High School somewhere in western Canada. But for now Korea is probably the better bet. Pension, good healthcare, very professional environment, and, well, a lot more money. I came to China to get the professional experience I needed. Two years full time after graduation is considered industry minimum in most places, and as of today I have that. In that sense this has been the best two years of my life. However, I still feel like I am in the proverbial minors, even if the new job is in the Yankees minor league system. I am okay with three years in AAA, but eventually I need to play in the majors or else find another job.
But looking back at SCIC, the highlights (which is always what you remember in the long run) are:
-the coworkers/friends I met here.
-the students.
-the ability to pay for my wedding.
-exploring Guangxi.
-getting the two years.
So what exactly will I do this summer?
I'll be in HK for the weekend before heading to Manila. We will visit Yen's brother and cousins, and buy me some new clothes. We will also visit a few national parks, and celebrate our first wedding anniversary. Then her sister comes in from Connecticut. They will head south for an Arbonida family reunion while I will go to Saigon to sleep on Mike's couch, visit him and Will, and finally pick up my CELTA certificate. Then back to the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Zhuhai. Yen will join me a couple weeks after I arrive in Zhuhai.
Monday, June 25, 2018
Beihai
For Yen's birthday, I decided to take her to Beihai, an old colonial port city on the Guangxi coast. We left at 8:30 Saturday morning on the 90 minute train ride from Nanning, and got the train back at 4pm Sunday. Enough time to see the city and relax.
We arrived at 10 an went straight away to the old colonial district. Beihai was one of the treaty ports opened up after 1876 and, for a brief period, it had a small boom. British, French, Dutch, and Portuguese merchants set up shop along the north end of the city (which is built on a peninsula that juts out westward in to the South China Sea). However, by 1900 it was clear that Beihai would not be another Shanghai or Hong Kong, and most of the merchants pulled up and left before the outbreak of WWI. What is left then, is a few blocks of decaying 19th and early 20th century building, with only the first floors being maintained.
We arrived at 10 an went straight away to the old colonial district. Beihai was one of the treaty ports opened up after 1876 and, for a brief period, it had a small boom. British, French, Dutch, and Portuguese merchants set up shop along the north end of the city (which is built on a peninsula that juts out westward in to the South China Sea). However, by 1900 it was clear that Beihai would not be another Shanghai or Hong Kong, and most of the merchants pulled up and left before the outbreak of WWI. What is left then, is a few blocks of decaying 19th and early 20th century building, with only the first floors being maintained.
Zhuhai rd
Old colonial ruins
However, it was very hot and so after a couple hours we opted to head to our hotel. Being that it was Yen's birthday I opted for a good hotel. We got the only in China named "Golden Shining New World Grand Hotel" with an ocean view and a balcony. It was actually a couple blocks back from the ocean, but still a great view. It also had a Chinese restaurant that had some of the best Chinese food I have had here. Definitely a place I would stay again.
After a couple hours hiding from the sun we decided to head out to the beach. Silver beach stretches for several kilometres along the south side of the city. There are two sections of the beach, one free and one not. The free section was nice but crowded and dirty. Beer cans and plastic forks floating in the sea.
However, the pay section was spectacular. The beach has gotten some hate online but I have no idea why. Yes it sucks that you have to pay 100rmb to have a clean beach because local yokels don't have enough decency to clean up after themselves, but this is the PRC. For 100rmb you get a huge, beautiful beach. At night it was almost deserted and Yen and I had a km of it all to ourselves, watching lighting in the distance in the dark. One of my better experiences in Asia. We liked it enough to come back the next day after we checked out of the hotel.
However, by 1:30 we were hot and ready to head back, so we went to a Starbucks near the train station for a small lunch, then headed back to Nanning.
Beihai is a cool city and definitely worth a weekend trip, especially if you are in southern China. If coming from farther away it may not be worth making the trip, especially as China does as much as it can to make tourism difficult. But as a city to visit, it was well worth it. Made for a lovely birthday weekend for Yen.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Nanning's Qingxiu Mountain
I've started and stopped this blog several times this year, so I thought I'd finally finish it.
Qingxiushan is a large mountain area in the southeast of Nanning. It is also the largest tourist attraction in the city. It has existed for centuries, but was only converted in to a tourist spot in 1984, when the local government decided to pave road and create spaces for temples, monuments etc. 30 years later it is THE park to see in Nanning It offers a botanical garden, temples, trees, and monuments. From the university it is an hour on the B10 bus to the north gate. A bit of a trip but well worth it.
According to the official website, Qingxuishan
So yeah, there is that. Despite this advertising, it is actually well worth a visit if you are in Nanning.
The temples are a mix of Chinese and Thai (the mountain hosts delegations from ASEAN). Theoldest temple there allegedly dates to the 4th century, but the current one, like many of the temples in the PRC, was constructed in the 1980's as they cleaned up from the Cultural Revolution. Still, the current temple is impressive, if not historical. The Thai temple was built in the 1990's to celebrate Chinese/Thai friendship. It is less a temple and more a tourist attraction shaped like a temple. Still, both are interesting enough to see.
Qingxiushan is a large mountain area in the southeast of Nanning. It is also the largest tourist attraction in the city. It has existed for centuries, but was only converted in to a tourist spot in 1984, when the local government decided to pave road and create spaces for temples, monuments etc. 30 years later it is THE park to see in Nanning It offers a botanical garden, temples, trees, and monuments. From the university it is an hour on the B10 bus to the north gate. A bit of a trip but well worth it.
According to the official website, Qingxuishan
has been identified as the autonomous-region-level scenic spot in 1989, one of the “Top Ten Scenic Spots” of Nanning in 1997, national first AAAA Scenic Spot in 2000, Advanced Unit for Construction of National Civilized Scenic Spots in 2005 and 2009 and the “Grade A Scenic Spot in Rapidest Development” of Nanning in 2010. State leaders including Hu Jintao, Jiang Zemin, Jia Qinglin, Wu Guanzheng, Wu Yi and Hui Liangyu have visited here too. At present, the Scenic Spot is receiving tourists over 2.2 million person/times annually.
So yeah, there is that. Despite this advertising, it is actually well worth a visit if you are in Nanning.
The temples are a mix of Chinese and Thai (the mountain hosts delegations from ASEAN). Theoldest temple there allegedly dates to the 4th century, but the current one, like many of the temples in the PRC, was constructed in the 1980's as they cleaned up from the Cultural Revolution. Still, the current temple is impressive, if not historical. The Thai temple was built in the 1990's to celebrate Chinese/Thai friendship. It is less a temple and more a tourist attraction shaped like a temple. Still, both are interesting enough to see.
Thai Temple
Chinese temple
There are also several monuments in the park, usually dedicated to communist leaders or anti-Japanese uprisings. Though the history of the park is offered in Chinese or, less comprehensible to the English speaker, Chinglish, they are interesting to see.
anti-Japanese monument
ASEAN statues.
This one is obviously the Philippines
a gate. No idea.
Walking around the mountain area takes a few hours. It is usually a full day, especially in the summer months, when water and shade are necessary. Well worth the trip out for the scenery, plants, and overall green. Also being on a hill mountain it is a bit cooler in the hottest months.
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