Monday January 1st, 2007

Last night was great ... it started with a friend coming by my place. After a glass of red wine and some boursin, we headed to a party at his student's house. Upon our arrival, we were whisked away to see the house. One floor, two floors, three floors up ... the fourth floor contained a piano/dance studio/pool table type room with one more staircase to climb. The fifth was a roof top balcony with some swings, a bbq, a picnic table and a beautiful view of Taipei. What a place!

After the tour, we were brought down to the main floor and into the kitchen. The table was full of chinese dishes, sushi and desserts. We were served three different bowls of soup for trying on top of everything else ... unbelievable. We were at YoYo's, his student, until 10pmish. At that time, we caught a taxi to 昆陽站 (Kunyang Station). We decided the MRT would be better than a taxi as a lot of the streets in Taipei were closed off due to the fireworks. The MRT stations were packed with people heading to Taipei 101. We made it to Pete's place around 11:30 ... just in time for the new year.

We were able to see the fireworks from Pete's place ... I imagine that's what Taipei 101 would look like if one were to blow it up. They were pretty cool and apparently sponsored by Sony as they decided to show their name in big flashy lights on each side of the building. The pictures I took aren't anything worth sharing. If you find yourself with ten minutes to spare, check out the link:

Celebrations around the world

Look under Video and Audio News ... Taipei is featured in the video as are a bunch of other countries ... a few of them did it up right!

The night wasn't too late but this morning was. I found myself in bed until noonish ... a great way to spend a holiday Monday. Thai food and a beer in 大湖公園 (Dahu Park) seemed like a good way to spend the afternoon. The sun was out, the skies were blue and the day was hot. I enjoyed the fact that it is January 1st and two men were out in their banana hammocks ... one tanning, one jogging around the pool.


I am going to settle with a movie and two cats shortly ... I have most of the day off tomorrow as well ... it feels like a mini holiday indeed. A trip to the Philippines with CKids is in the works for the Chinese New Year. I am very tempted, but I may stick around so that I can go to 澎湖 (Penghu) with my friendly boss, Morgan. I need to make a decision in the next day or two, so perhaps I best get on some research.

Happy 2007! Hopefully a year full of little work and lots of living.