Keelung for a Walk hosts regular language exchange events, introducing Chinese-speaking locals to a host of international visitors speaking a broad range of languages, including English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and more. These events highlights Keelung’s international outlook and vibrant youth population keen to meet new people and enhance their skills.
Chance has seen the benefit of these language exchange events. As a Keelung local, she has brought her insight and expertise of the city and Keelung port history to a range of international visitors.
Name: Chance
Job: Customer Service Representative, Taiwan Power
"It's hard to imagine that Taiwan once had such a bustling port, right here in Keelung."
What makes Keelung unique?
Its uniquely blessed geography. The environment has both mountains and the sea. The houses are built along the slopes of the hills, one after another, and they face the ocean.
We really have this naturally gifted setting. It’s hard to find a place where you can see both the sea and the mountains so close to each other. With the houses stacked on the hillside, you can see the blue ocean and sky all around.
What place in Keelung holds special memories for you?
There are two places. One has now become a parking lot; it used to belong to the Harbor Bureau, over by the West Coast parking area. When I was a kid, I used to play there. At that time, they would have some little structures built, and we would play games there, hide-and-seek, or just run around everywhere. Now it’s a parking lot, so you can’t wander around there anymore.
The second place is the Keelung landmark sign. I used to go there often with my dog. After he passed away, I would still go there early in the morning. That place holds a very special and beautiful memory for us. We would usually go up the hill early and enjoy the high-up views there.
What is something people might not know about Keelung?
Keelung used to be one of the seven major commercial ports in the world; at that time there was a lot of trade and business activity. Many people came here to look for work, and there was a great deal of economic activity going on. It’s hard to imagine that Taiwan once had such a bustling port, right here in Keelung.
Something else that outsiders might not know: many people in Keelung died during the 228 Incident. Some of them, reportedly, were gathered at what is now Ocean Plaza. Many people were tied up, and they were kicked into the sea one by one, and executed by gunfire. So Keelung also has a very cruel side, a darker history. To see how it has evolved to be very bustling and beautiful is an inspiring story.
If you were to leave Keelung, which food would you miss the most?
What I would miss the most is probably pork liver sausage, because it’s not sold anywhere else. Usually, they would put it inside a sausage casing. It’s served with a really delicious spicy sauce, which you also can’t find anywhere else, and then it’s charcoal-grilled. It’s incredibly tasty, and you really can’t find it elsewhere.
Leave a Reply