歡迎光臨高雄市新聞局

A Kiosk for foreigners - the Information Centre　　　
By Ling-Wei Hsu

　　Kaohsiung City's first tourist Information Centre faces the Botanical Garden and the entrance of the "Metropolis Forest Bathing Area" on Chongde Road. A round-shaped building which was previously used as the security office of the Bureau of Human Resource Development has been turned into a multi-functional information centre courtesy of the Kaohsiung City Government. The fences have been removed and an area has been opened for people to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. Furthermore, the building is also being used as an information centre for foreigners living in Kaohsiung.

　　The Information Centre provides wireless internet connection, and both a Chinese and English service about living, travelling and learning opportunities in Taiwan. With a glass floor, and an abundance of natural sunlight, the Information Centre is a very cosy environment to both read and enjoy a meal. On the wall is an array of information relating to discounts or activities of the shops and restaurants that have been opened by foreigners. Moreover, there are books in different languages which are available for the public to borrow. The Information Centre predominantly serves as a non-profiting place whereby foreigners can meet friends and exchange information.
 
　　When the surrounding residents of the information centre are tired of hiking, or when the children are finished school, the place serves as a convenient location to go to for a cup of coffee or a chat with international volunteers. However, more than just a place to relax, it provides people with an excellent opportunity to improve their English speaking ability, which was one of the prime considerations when planning its opening.

-◆-  Loving Kaohsiung - Melissa Wriston
　　Melissa, who comes from Canada, is a volunteer at the newly-opened information centre and who also played an important role in the planning and designing stages of the centre. Melissa's work is quite unique compared to the majority of other foreigners who find themselves in teaching jobs when they arrive in Taiwan - she provides other foreigners with a critical information link about life in Kaohsiung.

　　Melissa's favourite place in Kaohsiung is Cijin. Different from fast-paced urban lifestyle, the coast and hills of Cijin are the best places for Melissa to relax. During late afternoon or early evening, Melissa likes to climb to the top of the hill at Cijin where she can overlook Kaohsiung Port and watch the colours of the sky change from orange to grey as the sun sets over Kaohsiung City. Melissa said, "Kaohsiung is more beautiful at night than during the day".

　　Melissa arrived in Kaohsiung at the beginning of 2002, at a time when "Urban Spotlight" didn't exist. During the last three years, the Kaohsiung City Government has changed the city at a rapid pace; of which the beautifying of the parks and public spaces has surprised Melissa the most. Melissa also likes walking along the banks of Love River and looking at the colourful lights reflecting off the water; a view she admits is the most romantic one of Kaohsiung City.

　　When asked about the night markets, Melissa said that she thinks they are very interesting places and she often calls friends to go to the night markets with her. She likes the fruits of Taiwan due to their abundant variety, tasty flavour, and cheap price. She said, "having a glass of fruit smoothies in the summer is a sure way of fighting off the heat".