My Neighborhood

One of the reasons I live in the southern part of Taipei is the proximity to the mountains. It doesn't hurt that I get this view out my front window, either.

The highest point in the background is Monkey Mountain. Some mountain biking friends say they have seen Formosan Macaques in the morning, but I never have. I suppose I just go out to late.

In any case, the new gondola system has a stop up there and I can see the little cars gliding up and down the wires from my windows. It's a glorious ride up, both day and night, and for both city and nature views. I'll try to post some pics later.

From the gondola station you can walk up to Monkey Mountain and continue on a natural path along a ridge for about 9 hours until you reach the next town. If you had the time, you could walk for two days to reach Fengtou Ridge - site of last weekend's hike - with only one short stint on a road.

Taipei is not a beautiful city at ground level but it's very lovely from the surrounding hills in my neighborhood.

Evenings and nighttime are quite dreamy.

I couldn't stand another day at home, cold or not, and went out tonight. Lots of begonias, wild ginger and red orchids blooming alongside the dike.

Down by the river a group of monks and mourners were burning a massive pile of ghost paper. Obviously someone important and wealthy has died recently. A gangster perhaps, judging from the cars.

I really need to carry my camera with me at all times.