Taipei 101
Trip Start
Jul 26, 2006
1
20
109
Trip End
Apr 01, 2008
Taipei, Taiwan
Thursday, September 28, 2006
She befriended Hotfoot, James, and I waaaaaaay back in the days in McLeod Ganj, introduced me to Abi and Horia, and just happened to be having a birthday bash in Taipei the same time that I was down in HK taking care of visa issues. So I took a big gulp of courage, found a cheap plane ticket (unfortunately there are no boats--I checked!), and took the short flight over to visit for a few days.
When Starr wasn't busy working, celebrating her b-day, or attending the wedding of a Taiwanese pop-star, she was a great host, introducing me to a whole gang of cool folks and showing me around the city a good bit. I toured the Chiang Kai-shek memorial complex (which includes the National Concert Hall and National Theatre), TAIPEI 101 (the world's tallest building), the National Palace Museum, a few temples, and several different market areas, which are pervasive in Taipei.
I also tried to visit the Presidential Building, but alas, it seems that the President is in a bit of hot water at the moment and the place was surrounded by guards, guns, and barbed wire. See the problems that democracy can bring?!? And to think, just 20 years ago Taiwan was still under martial law; I bet the Pres. would sure appreciate a bit of police state action right about now.
