Hi From Taiwan!

I've been here for 5 days now and my trip is drawing near the end. I have not been back for 16 years and am trying to get 16 years worth of Taiwan in a little more than a week. The things I have been looking to do and eat and see here are a lot for nostalgia-sakes. In fact, it is a bit peculiar to the many relatives who are kindly hosting us to meals and touristy spots that are simply too fancy.

I have been staying at my grand-aunt's place which happens to be located at the very happening neighborhood of Yongkang Street. It has been a wonderful spot to people-watch (namely tourists), and as a home base for exploring the city. But today, I went to find the place where I spent my childhood before moving to the states. My family lived and worked from the second floor of a building on Yixian Road. Being in the neighborhood brought on a lot of emotions that I didn't expect. I think the word that best describes the feeling is oddly enough--gratitude.

Yongkang Street looks more awake in the evenings than during the day.

Yixian Road, my old street. The patio below the flowering one belongs to my old home.

There are a lot more to share and I have yet a few more days to go. I can't wait to post some food and some local eccentricities that would only be so striking to an outsider looking in. It has been a very full trip; may my sharing about it fill you as well.