Well....
I have to say.... last Saturday was an extraordinary day.
I had planned to wake up early and go hike somewhere, but changed my mind, and decided to hit up a few places on the Flower Map. More out of a sense of obligation then of adventure.
I've been here before. When I first arrived in Taipei I stayed at the Taipei backpacker hostel, which is very near to it, so naturally its one of the first places you wander into. The Red house is a very interesting historical building, famous for its octagonal shape, it's Japanese history and interesting array of artifacts inside, (all housed in tiny little "peep squares" giving them a stage of their own.... my favorite is the old typewriter. I also loved their great selection of stamps. ( for your journal or whatnot ))
The Red house has a great little gift shop if you're looking for something unique and artistic to send back home, or keep for yourself. I bought myself some postcards and a cool mug. There is also a bunch of boutiques attached to the building, and every now and then they host very cool outdoors craft/art bazaar things...... sometimes even with live music. Its worth a visit for sure.
The Red house has a great little gift shop if you're looking for something unique and artistic to send back home, or keep for yourself. I bought myself some postcards and a cool mug. There is also a bunch of boutiques attached to the building, and every now and then they host very cool outdoors craft/art bazaar things...... sometimes even with live music. Its worth a visit for sure.
After the red house I went to the MoCa art museum in Zhongshan. I've been here many times before as well, but they change their exhibits regularly, and they are almost always amazing. ( plus I needed the stamp for my map )
On exhibit right now is a show of works by Taiwanese artist Ni Tsai Chin called Mediaholic. Its an anthology of his works which go back 30 years or so and tend to address his political, social and media views. His most famous work "who is the happiest" It's one of the most interesting of course, since it's pretty much a gang-bang and has been recreated by Chin in various forms and mediums. By favorite is the anime one, probably because its the most pornographic. The piece is meant to have a political message however, and the title "who is the happiest" really does make you think about each person in the pile, and think....
On exhibit right now is a show of works by Taiwanese artist Ni Tsai Chin called Mediaholic. Its an anthology of his works which go back 30 years or so and tend to address his political, social and media views. His most famous work "who is the happiest" It's one of the most interesting of course, since it's pretty much a gang-bang and has been recreated by Chin in various forms and mediums. By favorite is the anime one, probably because its the most pornographic. The piece is meant to have a political message however, and the title "who is the happiest" really does make you think about each person in the pile, and think....
Overall it wasn't the best show I've ever seen at the MoCa, but I did really like the side exhibit.... by.... I don't even remember the artist, but it was like walking into a hip version of an Ikea set.
After that I went to Spot Theatre, which also has an amazing gift shop, and I discovered that they have a horror film fest going on called "Generation Horror". I'm not a huge fan of horror films, but they had some trailers on display there, and some look really interesting. So I plan on seeing at least a few of them.
I also swung by the Tsai Jiu Yueh dance center ( since its near, and on the Flower map).
The building is cool, but its about the least interesting of the places I visited so far. Basically its a tiny dance studio with a much larger cafe that seems to be trying hard to be very "bourgeois". I was told to get off the grass and not to take photos of the dance studio ( which was boring looking and empty anyways. ) So I got my stamp and left.
I probably should have called it a day, but I went toWistaria tea house as well. And I'm glad I did. It's one of the most famous tea houses in Taipei, and has a long and interesting history. The atmosphere feels historic and authentic, like you're having tea in a museum, but the woman who greeted me were the best part. Not only were they beautiful but they were very friendly as well. In an genuine way, and that makes all the difference.
There is a small gallery at Wistaria as well, and I was lucky enough to see a great exhibit byDaniel Castelaz, but even luckier that he was there in person discussing his work and answering questions. Daniel was instantly one of those people that I like. He was so naturally friendly and candid about his work. My favorite is a series of colored pencil drawings he has done, which look like they took an outrageous amount of time to do, despite their deceiving appearance of simplicity. They are amazing, and if I could afford it, I would hang one on my wall.
Tired.
Went home and made this awesome grilled cheese sandwich.
( with pepper-jack and cheddar cheese on cracked pepper and whole wheat bread with walnuts)
I almost hated ending my night with this horror movie. ( at spot threatre ) But thats the way it had to be.
I almost hated ending my night with this horror movie. ( at spot threatre ) But thats the way it had to be.
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