Time Honored

Taiwan's Honor Guards are an interesting oddity at 6:30 in the morning. The guards have been raising and lowering flags at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall for 30 years.

The tradition began in 1980, after the construction of Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. The guards were scrapped in 2007 as president at the time, Chen Shui-Bian opted to remove the name Chiang Kai-Shek and replace it with National Taiwan Democracy Hall.

The current government, elected in Jan 2009, decided to replace the existing name and reinstate the guards. Thanks to the Memorial Administration, tourists can enjoy this interesting display every day at 6:30 a.m. and 5:10 p.m.

Taipei livable?

Taipei is infamous for it's sprawling metropolis mess. For miles and beyond, Taipei city is surrounded by ghettos of obsence architecture and suburban planning that makes most inhabitants sigh in despair. Rusting, decaying giants line narrow streets, scooters pollute the sidewalk and no one seems capable of doing anything about it. Or are they?

My recent adventure into the heart of Taipei, Taipei 101 was contrary to all of my previous misgivings. Strolling under the ultimate symbol of techlogoy and progress, I was surround by healthy flora, clear skies and beautiful clear, open spaces. I felt like crying. This is an awesome symbol of Taiwan's future. Slowly but surely, as Taiwan grows and matures, goals and ideals grow too. The future is a bright one, for this although small part of Taipei city is a great role model for things to come. Imagine, for just one second, pedestrians flowing down tree lined streets designed to enhance living, not just make do.

Hat's off to Taipei, as with any great journey, it all starts with one small step.

+ Check out the Flickr pics here.

Note: It may have been the pre-Typhoon weather making everything seem 'extra' nice.