Taiwan, Taipei - Senses of Nostalgia

Of all the cities in the world that I had visited so far, none other than Taipei managed to always evoke that sense of nostalgia in me. I can't explain that feeling. In fact, the first time I visited Taipei was in 2015, way past the times of my growing up years!

Cityscape of Taipei, Ximending, Wanhua District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

As to what kind of nostalgic feelings that Taipei has for me is difficult to describe in words. It probably is a combination of the old school streets and their layouts, the friendliness and unassuming attitude of the locals which is a rarity in most cities in today's materialistic-driven world, the food, the number of small bookstores tucked around in almost every corner of every street and a lot more. My connection to all things in Taipei probably also stemmed from my childhood years when I grew up watching Taiwanese dramas and documentaries on TV, most of which centred around life in Taipei.

Advertising billboards screaming for attention, Ximending, Wanhua District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

Thus, when I first visited the city in 2015, the feeling was not like it was the first time I had set foot there. For me, it was more like returning to a place that I was very familiar with. A very surreal kind of feeling which resulted in those very senses of nostalgias. Since that first visit, I had visited Taipei almost every year since. I have also become good friends with some locals whom I met during my trips and we continue to meet up for coffee and chats each time I am in Taipei.

Bopiliao Historic Block, Wanhua District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

Tourists taking a group selfie, Bopiliao Historic Block, Wanhua District, Taipei, Taiwan (2015)

National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan (2016)

This is travelling. To be in touch with the culture, people and history of the city we visit. To immerse oneself into life in our host city, even though our relatively short vacation stays there are fleeting. And to bring home great memories of the visit. More importantly, to maintain great friendships with those we met on our trips.

Cherry blossoms in spring, Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan (2018)

The Taipei 101 is the tallest skyscraper in Taiwan, Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan (2016)

Smelly tofu (a.k.a. fermented beancurd), Ximending, Wanhua District, Taipei, Taiwan (2018)

Waffles, Ximending, Wanhua District, Taipei, Taiwan (2018)

Shop display outside an eatery specialising in Japanese cuisine, Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan (2018)