Taipei – Journeys of discovery during research in 2007
some favourite scenes and fond memories
Some people may ask why I have chosen these particular photos in compiling this journal of my time in Taipei during the transport map research in February 2007.
The answer is partly in what I find interesting about travel in general and public transport and map research in particular. It is finding oneself at, for example, the end of one of the lines being researched and coming across the neighbourhoods, communities and sights, sounds, tastes and smells of an ‘authentic’ part of a town or city.
It is being able to get off the beaten track and get out to explore the places that public transport can bring people to. The same public transport that local people use themselves to get about their business.
Travelling by public transport also means there is the freedom to just sit back and watch the views go by rather than have to concentrate on driving or, perhaps more likely, being held up in a traffic jam.
The photos are a summary, if you like, of my impressions of Taipei. The variety, the greenness and the humanity of the city.
So here are my ‘flavours’ of Taipei…
A view from the train on what used to be called the Muzha Line, now known as the Wenhu Line. What appears to be little houses on a hillside is in fact, Xinhai cemetery.
Another view of Xinhai cemetery. The initial faux pax could be excused since the train was going quite fast past this scene
Taipei is surrounded by lush forests and mountains and this scene aptly captures the proximity to that
Temple in the Peace Park. The nearest station is NTU Hospital. This is a lovely park to take a break and chat with the locals.