13.2.15

Taipei : Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall「中正紀念堂」

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall in Taipei

A short walk from the shopping district and you arrive to this huge and overwhelming park called the Memorial Hall Square. Surrounded by four of the most impressive structures in Taipei - excluding 101, you feel seriously insignificant when walking amid the National Theater「國家戲劇院」, National Concert Hall「國家音樂廳」, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall「中正紀念堂」and the Gate of the Great Piety「大孝門」.

View Post

11.2.15

Taipei: Ximending「西門町」 Shopping Spree

Ximending 西門町 shopping district in Taipei

Ximending「西門町」is the Taipei equivalent to Harajuku in Tokyo. The first pedestrian area dedicated to commerce is now turned into a teen culture hub and shopping craze of all sorts. From Rilakkuma Merchandising - to which I confess to be addicted - through Starbucks, UNIQLO and what I miss the most in Europe, Korean Cosmetics from popular brands like Étude House, Skinfood, Tony Moly & Too Cool For School. For clothing and food, night markets are a better option.

Ximending 西門町 shopping district in Taipei
While the crowded entrance is rather impressive, I still favour the cute Takeshita Dori sign.
Ximending 西門町 shopping district in Taipei
Romantic lights for the teen lovers
Ximending 西門町 shopping district in Taipei
Tasty izakayas for the hungry ones
Ximending 西門町 shopping district in Taipei
Gurls with Popstar dreams, showing their skills off
Ximending 西門町 shopping district in Taipei
Nearby the entrance, The Red House which is Taipei's first public market - currently used as cultural & creative industries development center, observes the area with a raised eyebrow.
Ximending 西門町 shopping district in Taipei
Ximending 西門町 shopping district in Taipei

I simply CANNOT help myself. It's the androgynous Korean guy look that drags me in. Amid a stravaganza of pink and too-cute-to-be-true packaging, I always end up burning much more money than I should... But it is such a nice experience, that becomes addictive. They always give you a gazillion miniatures and samples and point cards. Simply amazing. By the way, did you know that BB cream was popularized as consumer product in Korea? WE OWE THEM SOMETHING!

Ximending 西門町 shopping district in Taipei
Ximending 西門町 shopping district in Taipei
View Post

10.2.15

Taipei : Longshan Temple「龍山寺 」

Longshan Temple Taipei

Longshan is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Taipei. Built in 1783, so the busy district of Mangka could pray to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy i.e. Avalokitesvara, Lungshan is kind of an experience to explore. I mean. I was coming from Bangkok, where I had spent the week for work. Buddhist temples in Thailand are something different, like golden and white. Buddhist temples in Taiwan at some point started incorporating Taoist elements, making out of it a perfect example of Chinese architecture in Taiwan.

View Post

9.2.15

Taipei : Bo Pi Liao Historic Street

Bo Pi Liao historic street in Taipei

Bo Pi Liao is a charming old street in Taipei that I found by chance.

I am strong advocate of walking the city. Through years of travel experiences, it became quite clear to me that, the most amazing places, restaurants, cafés, boutiques are usually hidden around the corner, of a street between two subway stations or major attractions. They remain impossible to spot for the 99% of tourists that are shipped around in subways or tourists bus, touring around the must see.

Cool spots are like amazing lovers. Strike by chance at the most unexpected moment, sweeping you off away and into a different reality.

Bo Pi Liao used to be a major passage between key districts of Mangka and Guting. The Japanese Colonial Era (1895 - 1945) relegated it to a back alleway, making Guangzhou street become the main one. However, local residents fought for it to be refurbished so the history of Bangka - the first district in Taipei to undergo economic development under the Qing dinasty - could be preserved, felt and understood by younger generations and visitors, today.

View Post

1.2.15

One day in Taipei

Sightseeing guide for one day in Taipei

Here's my one day in Taipei guide for the busy business traveller. I know that for many, business travel sounds really glamorous. Like we sit at the front of the plane, drink cocktails while watching the sunset among the skyscrapers. Reality is slightly different. More about sleeping and eating at your economy seat - as the plane will arrive too late for anything else - long hours at the office - to get done all those ASAP mushrooming as soon as you arrive - and of course having zero time beyond that Bermuda Triangle of office-hotel-airport.

View Post
© dontplayahate. All rights reserved.
DONTPLAYAHATE