The day I arrived in Taipei and stepped on Taiwans soil the first time, my friends and travel mates from an earlier journey, Lucy and Alex, picked me up and showed me around Shilin night market. A very friendly gesture and interesting evening to get introduced in some of Taiwanese culture and daily life. And got to taste some of Taiwanese favorite drinks: Bubble Tea!
My friend Lucy posted some footage of this evening on her YouTube-Channel 🙈https://www.youtube.com/@MamaLucy
My dear friend Lucy asked me for an interview before i left Taiwan.
This is how it went:
Probably the most prominent landmark in the capital of Taiwan is the famous tower Taipei 101.
On my last day in Taiwan the weather was just perfect to get to the top of this tower and have a last view over this interesting city and beautiful country. Ending the day with a visit on one of the nightly street markets.
Modern Taiwan was founded by the former president and revolutionary leader Chiang Kai-Shek, after Chinese civil war in 1949. It is only understandable that the people wanted to dedicate a special memorial place to him. So, the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall was build. This huge complex was build between 1976 and 1980.
People gathering to hundreds inside the gigantic hall to watch the hourly change of the guards of honor. It’s an impressive performance of the skilled guards. A great subject for photo- and videographers too, if you get a place in the front row though.
Nowadays the people enjoying the huge park with ponds and cherry trees. Especially a warm, sunny day like lucky me got here. Certainly there are many people taking selfies and group photos for memories. Amongst them was a young lady i got into talk with. Sofia took a few photos for her Instagram account ( https://www.instagram.com/sofiameeow/ ) and agreed for a quick, spontaneous photo session on this beautiful location.
There was one more chance to meet my friends in Taiwan. Despite the rain we decided to go for a walk in the historical area of Tamsui.
Among other historical buildings there was the massive Hobe Fort, Fort Santo Domingo and the former British Consulate Residency. And of course there was time for a coffee and having lunch together. Always a good time to chat and learn more about the life in Taiwan.
If anyone wants to know more about living in Taiwan should follow my friend Lucy’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MamaLucy. and/or Instagram: instagram.com/mama.lucy1215
Back in the streets of Taipei i was welcomed nicely by the team of a noodle restaurant. With this culinary and emotional uplift i went out for another stroll in a unknown street of this huge city.
Of course i came across a temple. Always impressing how people including a short visit to their place of faith while their out for shopping or eating. On the streets there’s always enough food to taste, street musicians to listen to and also historical buildings to set back in the old times.
One of the greater pleasure, i have to admit, is to sit on a street cafe and watching people. Some are in a hurry, whilst others enjoying a chat on the street, or just communicate non-verbal with their fashion „Not your baby“
Last impressions of the streets of Tainan
There’s an important historical place outside of Tainan, called Fort Zeelandia. It’s the place where Dutch people arrived and build their first trading outpost on Taiwan.
Beside a museum and a tower with nice view, there’s also a beautiful garden with cherry trees. It’s just the right time of year to enjoy the cherry blossoms here.
A worthy visit while in Tainan is certainly the Temple Of Confucius.
It appeared beautiful to me in its simplicity and calmness. The imagination of a place to study and and have philosophical discussions is real to me. Luckily there wasn’t many people there, as i strolled trough the lush garden and enjoyed to roam trough the different halls.
There are still ongoing events for the Chinese New Year. So i bumped into a street procession and followed it for awhile. Gods and Goddesses were carried in ornate sedan chairs or pulled in decorative carriages. The people were in festive mood, played drums and instruments and cheered up the spectator and i think the gods and goddesses too.
rene bauer photography 