I'm Officially In... My Taipei Era!
A drunken mistake or a stroke of genius? Seen as I was about to unknowingly walk into a massive Typhoon but then live it up in one of Asia's most Gay friendly destinations, it was a chaotically beautiful blessing! Entering 'My Taipei Era' felt correct because I needed to spread my wings! Taiwan came to the rescue with Ximen's '6號彩虹', I needed those colours in my life!
Heading into the eye of a 'Super Typhoon' felt exhilarating and scary at the same time, that 'China Eastern Airlines' flight from Ningbo literally dropped out of the sky as I landed into Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport! Yes, I was able to fly from Ningbo and for that I felt very lucky because I could make my six day 'sweet escape' to one of Asia's most progressive nations! Visa free access? I don't mind if I do! After strolling through immigration at Taoyuan International Airport, I basically skipped onto the MRT, everything was seamless and people spoke English beautifully! Don't be bitter friend, just do better! Before I knew it, I was greeted by the future, meaning the legendary 'Rainbow Crossing' as I exited '西門站!' Bab, it was a sight of beauty, progress and a continued fight for Human Rights & Equality in Taiwan! I was pumped to begin my Taipei visit with that 'Rainbow Crossing' adding brightness into my life! This 'New Era' felt exhilarating from the start, Taiwan had already captured my beating heart! Gay Rights, T!
As I made those first steps around '西門町/Ximending', I was so curious about those Gay bars but knew that I wanted to see the '紅樓/Red House' because it was only the afternoon! This chance visit was meant to be, let me just say the following three days saw Taipei observe 'Typhoon Days'. Even before I was able to check into my hotel, I was making sounds choices but you know they were sound because they were sober! That 'Red House' intrigued me because it exuded a 'Japanese Colonial Style' nature about it, I wanted to know more! Constructed in 1908 by Japanese architect 'Kondo Juro', becoming the first government built public market. I was aware of Taiwan's period as a Japanese colony, I wanted to see something different because Japan still stood as an unvisited place for me. The market itself was open and spacious, the modern interior acted as a contrast with the 'red bricks'. I noticed many original features in the main market hall, it was great to see period features even thought it echoed the Nippon Empire.
Located behind the '紅樓/Red House' was an area of bars that I had longed to drink at! I felt completely relaxed and at ease by the sight of those Gay bars even though they were all closed during that early afternoon moment. I knew that I would be frequenting them for a least three out of the five nights that I would be spending in Taipei, Taiwan! Obviously, one motivator of my visit to Taiwan had been encouraged by the victory of '妮妃雅‧瘋/Nymphia Wind' who as a 'Taiwanese-American' Drag Queen, became the first East Asian winner of the U.S franchise during Season 16 in 2024! I wasn't hell bent on seeing any such Drag whilst in Taipei but was open to any possible opportunities if they came up, I didn't have concrete 'After Hours' plans. I loved my life as I strolled around that 'Ximending' area in Taipei, I got the feeling that I was going to really love it! I felt like choosing a new destination other than South Korea for Golden Week was the best choice! With those bars still closed, I really needed a '台灣啤酒/Taiwan Beer!'
It was still early in the afternoon, I couldn't check-in to my hotel but that didn't stop me from getting to know Ximen a little better. I walked around those hyped up streets, most of them were pedestrianised with the freedom to not worry about oncoming traffic. I saw another Gay bar, that establishment looked intriguing but I knew shenanigans would be had throughout the trip. I felt thirsty, knowing that I needed and deserved a '台湾啤酒/Taiwan Beer'. FamilyMart crossed my path, I knew from that very first Taipei purchase my love affair with this 24 hour convenience store would blossom into something beautiful! Really, this late night operation would become my go-to pre-party and post-party place of sustenance! That first Taiwan Beer tasted sublime, I carried on with my walk around Ximen to stay tuned to the expressions of freeness that were being displayed around me. People were free to live authentically, I could drink to that! Finally, I was able to check-in to my hotel! I could try get my Taipei party started!
The afternoon pressed on, I had much to see during those upcoming five days but would the oncoming typhoon impact my trip? I kept my eyes peeled to my weather APP with the ability to track that unusually slow moving weather front. I had noticed that the northern part of the Philippines had been battered by the same weather front, it looked as if that typhoon wasn't going to play around! As the sunset, I found myself walking around those interconnected Ximen streets, it was a true pleasure to soak in all of that 'Taiwanese' culture. In one way I did get elements of a Chinese vibe but all of the writing was in the Traditional form. I loved it even more when those neon lights could be switched on. A certain Japanese theme? Now, I haven't yet been to Japan and that was still the case during my Taiwan visit but those Ximen streets did resemble something of a pint-sized Tokyo situation. That really made me think about a future National Day trip to Tokyo because of those references in Ximen! I needed to eat, I had business to seek!
Foodwise, I was spoiled for choice! I left those cravings on the back burner because I had more investigating to do, there was one shady place that I had wanted to visit in Ximen! I had the run-around finding that venue, it was only after I scaled several floors within a shopping centre! Ximen was showing me that life didn't need to be serious or stuffy for a few days at least, nothing really mattered! That male orientated venue wasn't easy to find, I'm not talking about a bar but you know I kept my eyes on a certain prize! Now, I was in my element because that certain venue allowed me to leave the constraints of my usual life in a place I could pick them back off the floor a few days later. Of course, I wasn't going to be a fool because safety was my top priority, if you know, then you know! I enjoyed that venue with no shame, Taipei had my back because life felt so light and carefree! Walking away, I felt fresh and ready for something to eat! Don't ask questions! You're just being downright down nasty! No, Taipei didn't judge me!
An overpriced bubble tea? Count me in! '幸福堂/Xing Fu Tang', known as 'Taiwan's No. 1' bubble tea became a familiar name once I had clocked the logo. I had noticed the huge line earlier that day, biting the bullet I bought one of their famous dark sugar drinks. It was a sweet and rich tasting drink but the hype was very evident, I embraced being a tourist! I noticed a large model of a dark sugar bubble tea as I approached my intended dining spot. Now, I really needed to eat because I was starving! I headed back towards my hotel because an early night was needed! I opted for a Japanese style breaded fillet with rice and an iced tea drink, it wasn't exactly the Taiwanese feast that I had envisaged. Heading back to my room was the right thing to do, I wanted to see what the government would say about a possible 'Typhoon Closure' that my future tour guide had spoken with me about earlier that day. Thrown a curve ball, the city of Taipei had been put under 'Typhoon Restrictions' for the following day! I remained determined!
A Typhoon?... Don't You Dare!
Desperately Seeking Adventure
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