On Saturday, EVA and I travelled south on the HSR to Kaohsiung to visit a small concert at Central Park held for Aung San Suu Kyi's 65th Birthday. There were two stalls and a small tarp to cover the performers from the scorching sun. As well as Burma activists there was a stall highlighting the issue of land grabbed for the Central Taiwan Science Park and the pollution caused by Acer and AUO (AU Optronics).I'm really starting to like Kaohsiung more and more. The renovation of the city center and efficient MRT line makes Mayor Jason Hu's efforts to 'prettify' Taichung pale into comparison. As you walk out of Central Park Station, this lovely station exit /entrance design greets you (What do you offer Taipei? Taichung?).
The concert was held just outside the MRT entrance, a perfect location to grab people's attention. Just for the record, I didn't see one police officer or official. It was relaxed and very friendly.
This sculpture next to the MRT entrance is called 'Eye on the Future'. It is based on "the future expectations and hopes of Kaohsiung and symbolises flow and change in the city".
One of the posters marking the event ...
Nuno Chen of Nuno's Live House up in Donghai was the first to perform. He has a great voice and his songs were simple yet moving.
Next up was renowned indigenous singer Panai who is both a consumate performer and warm-hearted host.
Panai was joined by Bunun singer Nabu for one song which describes the experiences and emotions of an indigenous person who goes to work in the city.
As usual, activists in Taiwan made sure to decorate their stall in innovative and eye-catching ways.
A message that applies to Taiwan's (China/Singapore/Vietnam) Government as much as for Burma's?
We also took advantage of the goodies on offer to snap up some t-shirts and CDs, including 10 Conditions of Love. I bought the white anti-land grab (CTSP) shirt whilst EVA chose the pink Burma one.
It was a small event, probably only attended by about 50-70 people but it was both a sign of freedom of expression in Kaohsiung and Taiwan's solidarity with the Burmese people. I hope someone in Burma was able to know that there are many who stand with them in their hopes for a democratic and free country (not that China would want that on its border).
Finally, there was a promotion activity for the conversion of an old railway line in Kaohsiung into a new MRT line. Below you can see the area under consideration for development and the line the group is suggesting be turned into an MRT / historical building tour. The existing old railway lines are unused and would be perfect for renovation as a tram service.
