Monday, August 04, 2008

Along the avenues and alleyways of Taipei.

This past weekend, in advance of my upcoming 25th, Bordeaux took me to Taipei. Most of our time was spent reveling in the high-tech, futuristic wonders of the city (more on that later). However, while meandering along city streets and alleyways, we also took in the more unusual charms of the city.

Some sights evoked the older charms of the city, like this incredible tea shop. I'd love to take some of those massive green enamel urns home...

Some sights were just strange- like this woman briskly walking a full grown pig on a leash. I should point out that this is the second time since I arrived in Taiwan that I've seen a woman walking a pig on a leash.

Perhaps most intriguing of all was this small pineapple pizza set in front of a Pizza Hut. Not advertising, but in fact a personal-pan offering to the gods, wreathed with smoke from a cardboard-cup incense urn.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

that's just plain WEIRD. and the fact that you've now seen 2 pigs on leashes makes it downright BIZARRE!

Prêt à Voyager said...

That pig is hilarious! I too love those green enamel urns.

Anne

Ange said...

I have to agree with Jess and Anne on the pig front. While I'm pretty used to seeing a variety of animals out and about, I can't say I've ever come across a pig on a leash. Crazy!

Great photos as always and Happy Birthday!

Robyn said...

Happy Birthday! Love the pig. Dave shot alot of photos similar to your last (not personal pan pizzas, but other foods) in Cholon, Saigon's Chinatown....

There's a definately a publishable article there, pet pigs in Taiwan, if you can get the back story ....

dee said...

Ooh...whatcha got planned for your bday? I can't wait to see those pix. BTW, I love the banana photo.

And the pig... oh my!

chanpheng said...

You sum up the nuttiness in Asia in those few photos. I really like the idea of walking the pig in town.