墾丁 Ken Ting

Ready for fun, Where's the sun?

Britt and I decided to flee south to warmer climes and escape (with thousands of others) to KenTing, the southermost reach of Taiwanese civilization. Yes, we took the dog.

There is something  unique about Kenting. It truly is a mix of cultures.  The beach bum is alive and well and chillin' down there alongside families of Taiwanese and young adults with pimped-out Toyota Corollas, and then, there is the foreigner crowd as well. There are also the locals: They seem laid back and outwardly happy. They drive helmetless on motorcycles. Some are tanned to deep brown, even in February. They are the ones not wearing a camera.

I wanted to photograph the dog, but I think it says more about the man.

Aside from our own campside feasts, there was plenty of good food to eat from seafood to nightmarket snacks to gelato. Yes, Gelato.  真的! I am reminded of the saying "A Dessert without cheese is like a beautiful woman with one eye missing." Can you imagine a beach town with out an ice cream shop? I can't.  Someone in Ken Ting figured that one out it seems.

Jialishuei food vendor

And when I say seafood, I mean fresh seafood.

The seafood resto.

When I say gelato, I mean real delicious gelato. There is even an Gelato master from France behind the glass at Le Pelican.

Late night rush at Le Pelican. The staff is so friendly.

I admire his use of the abundance of local ingredients alongside some exotic ones like Nutella, Nougat, and Pistachio. You will not find Matcha gelato here. Banana Chocolate, Kiwi Banana, Papaya, Passion Fruit, Mango, Lemon.

Spooning

Until recently you could find a lot of things in Ken Ting, but you couldn't find good ice cream. Thanks to the folks at LePelican!

Who is cuter?

Sashimi was cheap and fresh

Isn't she gorgeous?

and Grilled Oysters!

So yes, go for the waves, the sun, the sand, the bikinis the laid back atomosphere, whatever, but don't forget the ice cream.