Picture of Taipei
Caption: Taipei
times one
Caption: My plan is to have no plans at all. I leave for Taiwan’s capital city armed with my camera, change of clothes and a return air ticket valid only in September. I have no list of things to do, foods to eat or places to visit. A Taiwan-crazed friend of mine, who has a passion for food, said I was crazy not to go with a checklist. It just isn’t my thing. This trip is to be spontaneous, slower-paced and serendipitous.
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Caption: Touchdown: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. The interiors here take me by surprise – I attempt to capture the lines on the ceiling.
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Caption: I’ve chosen Ximending as my base for the next few days. The apartment I’ve rented is in a building that rises above an alleyway.
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Caption: Ximending I find that although it’s bustling, I’ve been in crazier cities than Taipei. Nevertheless, I get the feeling that there are a thousand things being shoved in my face – billboard advertisements are everywhere and I'm not sure where to look.
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Caption: Deciding that perhaps a
bus ride could begin my explorations, I find the nearest bus stop and travel for about
half an hour before alighting
in a district called Zhongxiao Dunhua. I park myself at
the bus stop for an hour to
people-watch.
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Caption: Zhongxiao Dunhua
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Caption: On my way back to the apartment, on Chengdu Road, I spot what seems to be a temple sandwiched by old shop houses. It’s like someone decided that a temple was required on this particular street, despite the space limitations.
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Caption: Day two sees me stepping into Huashan 1914 Creative Park. The midday sun is out; I find it odd that wedding photos are being shot at high noon.
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Caption: Huashan 1914 Creative Park As if to commemorate my exit, I see a worker using paint to cover up graffiti on a shipping container.
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Caption: I get on the train and navigate my way to Treasure Hill.
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Caption: I'm welcomed by the scene of an elderly man batting a tennis racket at a graffiti-ridden brick wall. It's like squash, but different. New retirement activity, perhaps?
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Caption: Here's one for the #misplacedchairgallery. I'm pretty sure I'm having a déjà vu when I stroll by.
Caption: My third day is spent catching
up with a friend. He takes me
on an impromptu tour of
Taipei's coastlines – it's brilliant!
Our first stop is Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf.
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Caption: A wind turbine sticks
out as we approach
Yehliu Geopark.
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Caption: Rock formations fill the landscape.
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Caption: From the seaside, we head for the hills. Our destination is the mountain village in Jiufen. We're just in time to catch the last light of the day. Stunning.
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Caption: Tiger Hill, Taipei city Our last stop is Tiger Hill,
near Taipei's city centre.
While I'm not too keen, photography enthusiasts
are out in droves to capture
the spectacular panorama.
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Caption: It's almost time to go but I manage to sneak in some people-watching... Scooter riders can be spotted all over but this one includes a balancing act.
Caption: I get a last look at the city on my way to the airport...
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Caption: Thanks Taipei – I'll be back! :)
#stellertravel
#Taipei
#Taoyuan
#Ximending
#ZhongxiaoDunhua
#Huashan1914CreativePark
#TreasureHill
#Tamsui
#YehliuGeopark
#Jiufen
#TigerHill
#Daan
#tigertalesuploaded
