A Trip Through the Mountains of Taiwan

A two hour train from Taipei Station, a terrifying bus ride through the mountains (with an equally terrifying driver), a walk from the wrong stop in the pouring rain, the magic of stepping through the entrance to Jiufen Old Street. The smells from the booths overwhelm you as you traverse the crowds in the tightly packed alley. The layers of lanterns and building overhangs keep you dry from the rain. The occasional scooter or dog causes the crowd to part. You could spend your whole life exploring these alleys, eating this food, drinking this tea. This is Taiwan, this truly is the heart of Asia.

Alexander White