To Taipei, Taiwan… Thanks For Everything!

Not another one? Yes, another 'Typhoon Day' had been declared for the Taipei & New Taipei City regions. I had originally planned to visit the southern city of 'Kaohsiung' for the day, with the approaching weather front it was safest to stay within TPE instead. Those beverages from the previous night didn't leave me feeling rough the next day because those pills had been popped! 

No, I had no itinerary for that day out because as explained before, I was supposed to be in another city! I had to keep on moving, exploring and seeking adventure because Taiwan knew that a future southern visit would need to be planned in the future! If it was good enough for Nymphia Wind to make an appearance at the 'Taipei Presidential Office Building' then it would do fine for me! I trusted those mobile maps because with such a swift change of plan, I had to keep an eye on those streets and then some! The Japanese had done the most during their period of Colonial Rule in Taiwan, that ruling building had been crafted over seven years from 1912 through 1919 by 'Uheiji Nagano'. I noticed those red bricks from Ximen's own '紅樓/Red House', you already know that I had my eyes wide open! All I could do was walk around the perimeter of that building because it was locked off to the public and I hadn't booked a tour. It looked as if they were preparing for a certain upcoming celebration? T, I wanted to know more! 

Now a famous downtown landmark, I unearthed that this building became the government head of the 'Republic of China' in 1950. Certain events transpired beforehand, for me I know where my cheque comes from. That is another story for another day! I noticed that the front of the building had been lined with scaffolding! Double Tenth Day? Yes, that October 10th holiday stood as Taiwan's own National Day after the 'People's Republic of China' celebrates theirs from October 1st through the 7th. Those rained out streets outside of the 'Taipei Presidential Office Building' would hopefully be brighter on that special day, maybe one year I could bounce over to Taipei on Double Tenth Day? As to witness the parades, patriotic events and display of Taiwanese pride! Of course, Taiwan has been known as Asia's most progressive nation with 'Marriage Equality' legalised on 24th May 2019 as the first Asian nation to do so! Taiwan went and did the damn thing, showing that the rights of the people stand as a priority. Oh, the truth!  

Heading over the road from the 'Presidential Building', I saw a small park with some cute Taiwanese features, I wanted to see those things up close! How up close? I really needed to make that choice with confidence because curiosity was about to kill that cat! Taipei's '介壽公園/Jieshou Park' knew that I wasn't a prude in that moment, a cruising park she was? I wasn't in my 'Outdoor Era' but some shady business took me to another dimension! Of course, those pavilion structures were giving, I just wanted that man out of my photo! Was he homeless? What business did he have in that park? I really didn't want to ask any questions, you know I did though because I am nasty! The rain really didn't want to quit, I crossed that criss-cross bridge with an uncertain energy in my heart, don't you do it! Yes, I did see that human who clearly gave off no such energy. You know what, I was shocked because I didn't expect what happened! Indecent exposure? Whatever you want to call it, I did not where to look, I was shook! 真的嗎? 

Previous to that moment, I was just minding my god-damn business with those green trees looking all spritzed in the drizzle. Another free tourist attraction I did snatch up for those blog photo opportunities secured, but anything else? I was not scared, I have lived a life and what transpired under that pavilion-like structure remains my business! Needless to say, that wasn't the situation I envisaged to see a 'Taiwanese sausage' of a certain kind! Had the weather sent that Taipei resident into an 'Outdoorsy Mindset?' The weather really led people to get creative with their motives for that park, it was something truly unexpected! That park was exited with the quickness because I wasn't about to get picked up by the police! I am a good tourist with morals but Taiwan served openness in a whole new way! Truthfully, the park experience doesn't need to be fully discussed but culture can be found in every avenue, in every tone and sometimes we just need to pick and choose what we deem acceptable. What a morning! Put that away, sir!

Keeping my faith, I wasn't going to let the rain stomp all over my parade! I was on my way to an afternoon of warmth and sanctuary away from those winds that were making it hard to walk it off! Heaven sent from above? That spa-like situation was my ray of sunshine, those maps kept me moving through those unknown Taipei streets. I lapped up those rain sodden streets with appreciation for the bright neon lights clocked from those street-side businesses, even the traffic looked good! Not even another 'Typhoon Day' could stop me because I had already clocked a 'Presidential Power', a spot of 'Parkside Shadiness' and I was about to take things to a slower pace for the third element. I appreciated the fact that I was away from the tourist trap and those government guidelines had kept people at home, I was free to explore those city streets with a local feel applied. Sure, I hadn't missed any meals but normal service was far from being served, it was a challenge! Was I running for cover? I knew which way I needed to turn! Rain on me, T! 

I had already done some digging, I wanted to find an alternative venue compared to 'Hans'. Did I find such a competitor? Is the Pope a Catholic? Of course, he is! Stepping in from the street, I had to keep those detective skills sharp but after seeing a slow trickle of good-looking men walk through that suspected door. I knew I had found the right place, walking in with both hands in my pockets, I tried to look like I had a halo floating above my head. To be honest, it was afternoon and I didn't have any expectations because you know, that is life. The warmth of that venue keep me out of the cold, it was nice to not have my phone close to me, we need to disconnect from time to time. Taiwan made me rejoice, it was the perfect time to rewrite the book with those travel tracks laid. I wanted to try a legit serving of Taiwanese sausage fried rice but those closed businesses tried to play with my time. I therefore took the culture in as I walked to find my evening meal, the day had been mixed up but you're only getting half of the story! OK!

My Taiwanese Terror! Joke!

Desperately Seeking Adventure