Distinct tofu

Pictured below is a reminder that nothing can be perfect, even if this means that we ourselves have to insert an imperfection.
Like the legendary carved gates that the artists made asymmetric on purpose, so that they don’t anger gods by creating something flawless. In the same way, the incredible taiwanese night markets have to have a flaw. So that we walk in them reassured that a small imperfection took care of this issue, and nothing worse can happen.

Also, pictured below is “stinky tofu”. And as the rumour has it, it actually tastes better than it smells.

The tourist who walks down the miracle of a night market will often wonder why there is such a widespread problem with sewage. There is no problem with sewage. This is the stinky tofu. Lending its distinct smell to an otherwise flawless evening – and eventually becoming a part of it.

 

At the other end of Yangmingshan

Through Yangmingshan mountain to Jinshan town by bus.

Fog, greenery, fog and the occasional blossoms.

At the small town, a temple of Manju.

And a street market and a coffee shop (with milk cream in the coffee and bakery-chain-level cakes).

And back, with flashes of places visited five years earlier.

Grey brick

Instances of early-20th century japanese architecture, Taipei downtown.

Taipei Main Station

It is said that Taipei is a city where everywhere is downtown. And it is true.
The main station is only a geographical epicenter through which energy flows, like everywhere else, but where it might take a momentary halt waiting for the train.

Taking Songshan in

Looking back to a previous spring, fragments in memory from arriving to Taipei. And waking to a calm Saturday morning in the area around Songshan Station.

 

That was a pleasant building, especially to a traveller looking for space to breath. However the architecture in the surrounding blocks varies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All of it typical Taipei though.

The interior cannot be told from the facade; some of these flats will be renovated new-asian-all-pearly style and some will be basic and maybe with bug issues.

 

What doesn’t change throughout is the energy in all times of day and places, even empty streets. Or temple backyards getting ready for the day.

 

And impeccable alleys that become a maze of people, shouts, money and food a few hours later (aka Raohe night market).