Kaohsiung shoots for the stars with its new National Center for the Arts

Xander, the young journalist of the XJ2 Crew, explores Weiwuying National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts

The port city of Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan has undergone a significant transformation since 2000. The city of over 2.7 million people, once known as Takao, grew from a fishing village to an important port city and industrial hub in Taiwan. Once known for its polluted industrial districts, the city has transformed under its progressive leadership into a Green Metropolis driven to lead the world in sustainable growth and pleasant, eco-friendly environments.

On October 10, 2018, Taiwan's 10/10 National Holiday, Kaohsiung took a huge leap forward in its vision by unveiling the Weiwuying National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts to the public. Visitors came to be treated to free music and drama performances. They were also impressed by the futuristic-looking venue, which inside and out, resembled a large spaceship from a sci-fi movie.

The center becomes Kaohsiung's newest landmark. On October 11, 2018, President Tsai and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen held a dedication ceremony for the project, elevating Kaohsiung stature as an international destination and leader in eco-friendly city development. The events planned in the venue will boost the area's reputation as a center for the Arts and Culture.

You can check out our full photo gallery from Weiwuying here.

The Coolidge Brothers donate their hair to charity

The Coolidge Brothers started growing their hair in 2014, in order to donate their hair to a charity that provides wigs for children with cancer. When their hair started getting long, it was a good learning experience for them. Children teased them, and people stared, especially when they went into the men's bathroom. But the brothers didn't let it phase them. It was a great learning experience for them. They became more comfortable and confident in their identities, and they learned to embrace the opportunity to have a unique appearance.

In 2018, the brothers' hair was long enough to be cut and donated. Each of them handled their haircut differently.

With fresh, new haircuts, the brothers start their career as young YouTubers and launch their YouTube Channel officially with the 2018 USA Summer Goodwill Tour.

Check out their videos below. Please LIKE their videos and SUBSCRIBE, in order to encourage them.

Johan Coolidge

Xander Coolidge

Jaden Coolidge

Follow the XJ2 Crew on Twitter!

You can now follow the XJ2 Crew on Twitter. Seeking to expand our reach through social media, we opened a new Twitter account. Follow our adventures, in short, digestible tweets. Click here to view our Twitter account.

XJ2 Crew : Taiwan Travel Tip #002 : Hair Wash and Massage

"Taiwan offers many surprises, and going to the barber shop provided one of the most pleasant ones. I needed to get a haircut, because it my hair was too long and hot. And, I wanted to donate my hair to a charity that provides wigs to children with cancer. (See my haircut video here.)

After the haircut, I was told I should ask for a hair wash. I agreed, and I didn't realize the hair wash came with a 15-minute scalp and neck massage. The hairdresser made me feel spoiled and relaxed. The service came with shampoo, massage, rinse and dry.

The relaxing experience lasts about 15 minutes and it costs USD $4.50 (NT150). If you are happy with the service, they will appreciate a small tip, even though it is not expected."

--- JOHAN

XJ2 Crew : Taiwan Hotel Review #001 : Silks Place Tainan : Tainan City

The XJ2 Crew (Coolidge Brothers) Toured Tainan City for their first YouTube Travel Show episode. Tainan City is famous for cultural and historic attractions, as well as its cuisine. Thus, for their choice in hotel accommodations to serve as their home base during their touring was important. The Silks Place Tainan was selected not only for its convenient location, but the hotel also provided the traditional Tainan style and environment for the traveler to immerse themselves in. Equally important, the hotel is well-known in the area for serving authentic local dishes in its restaurants.

The comfort and service were impeccable, and the XJ2 Crew felt spoiled during their hotel stay. In order to help their viewers to appreciate what the Silks Place Tainan have to offer to travellers, they produced this HOTEL REVIEW video above, which you can watch. You can also watch this and other videos on the XJ2 Crew YouTube Channel.

"We were treated with a very high level of service, which made us feel like the only people in the entire restaurant. This level of service was also experienced throughout the hotel. I recommend Silks Place Tainan for any families visiting Tainan, because in our view, there is no better hotel to experience the culture, style and hospitality that Tainan City has to offer the world."

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"The beds were SO comfortable. I wanted to live there. I can't believe the food. The teppanyaki chicken was so juicy and delicious. The chef made us feel special. He even made popcorn for us on the grill, which he doesn't do for just anybody. Also, they had so many desserts, but I just couldn't stop eating the Häagen-Dazs ice cream. It was ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT!"

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"The place was so beautiful, and the rooms were so BIG. I learned how to make coffee for my parents on the Nespresso machine in the room. That was fun, making them happy. And the bath tubs were so big. I took a bubble bath, and just soaked for an hour. There was this really fancy toilet in our room. There were many buttons, and one button makes water spray on your butt. That felt weird. Me and my brothers had fun swimming in the swimming pool."

If you have any questions or comments on our shared experiences, please contact us at this e-mail address.

XJ2 Crew : Taiwan Travel Tip #001 : Breakfast Shops

"One of the most important things that Taiwan has to offer is its food. Food in Taiwan is typically diverse, delicious, creative and inexpensive. Breakfast in Taiwan is no different. There are breakfast shops just about anywhere there is a street on the island, and they serve a variety of Taiwanese breakfast specialties. They include different types of breakfast sandwiches, including pork, friend chicken, ham, egg, cheese, and vegetables. There are fried pancakes, steamed buns, fried break sticks.

Yes, it's not the healthiest food, but the selections are tasty. People usually order black tea, green tea, milk tea, soy milk, almond milk, or white gourd drink with their breakfast. It's provided within minutes, no questions asked. And the price for a typical breakfast, including drink, is about USD $2.35.

Whenever you travel in Taiwan, don't skip breakfast. Breakfast shops are everywhere, and are a memorable part of your travel experience."

--- JOHAN

About the XJ2 Crew Blog

The XJ2 Crew Blog follows the adventures and experiences of the XJ2 Crew (Coolidge Brothers) as they travel and explore the world around them. Travel is a big part of their life and formative experiences. They are happy to share, so other people can enjoy the same experiences.

They are currently based in Taiwan, and will be exploring other countries in Asia, before returning to the USA.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for the XJ2 Crew, please click here.