Taiwan: Anti-Secession vs. Independence - Digital Lifestyle by Wilson Tai

©2005 Digital Lifestyle Photography by Wilson Tai

The Grand Hotel (est. 1952) is one of Taiwan's landmarks. My grandfather's company, Nation's Best, designed & built the dragon motif decorations.

Taipei 101 is the world's tallest building at 101 stories (2005). The brushed stainless steel & aqua glass structure is jaw-dropping.

Completed in 1972, National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall serves contemporary Taipei as a community playground.

One in a million? Try one in three million. Taipei is considered densely populated but pales in comparison to mainland cities.

Numerous thoughts come to mind: Life goes on - time waits for no one - the new generation, born daily.

Untitled.

John of Sinosplice & Wilson of Racingmix after morning tea, at the corner of XinSheng & XinYi, across from Daan Park.

The National Concert Hall features traditional grand Chinese architecture featuring a Gable and Hip Roof.

Intense colors, layers and depth of traditional Chinese Architecture.

The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall faces West to mainland China; Tribute Boulevard is lined with a Ruyi motif, symbolizing equality & love. Forming a triangle: Archway Entrance, Concert Hall and Opera House.

One of six baby-blue roofed pavilion and corridors that form the wall around the grounds of the CKS Memorial Hall.

Reminiscent of New York's Central Park, Da'an "Big Peace" Park is viewed from the Taiwan Apartment - it is available for rent!

Weast: A combination of West and East elements that inspired a few thoughts and conversation topics in light of Taipei, Taiwan.

The smile, it's got to be the smile. You'd be surprised at what a smile can do to open up someone's day.

Outside the cityscape of Taipei, it was easier to experience the elements of Spring in February

The cool mist from the waterfall was the perfect background to this Spring blossoming of new life.

Chinese New Years is upon us and thus bright red and gold colors abound.

Shenanigans in the KMT headquarters with a cardboard KMT chairman Lien Chan. Check out the rad sportswear!

Free to Create! Artwork adorning the walls of a local restaurant near Da'an Park.

The midnight snacks are part of Taiwanese culture. Be it at 2 or 7 in the morning, these handmade goods with a hot cup of sweet soymilk are just the ticket.

It is a rare occurrence to reflect in this day and age. Highly recommended.

This was the first meal after Chinese New Years with three foreigners connected via weblogs: Sinosplice, RACINGMIX and A Better Tomorrow.

Logical Guidelines for behavior in the national park, but I suppose it's still worth publishing on a public sign.

"Mos Burger!" Japanese Mos Burger in Taipei is obviously very appreciated by John.

Temple roof decoration is a flamboyant riot-of-color and exaggeration only found in Taiwan.

My cousin's husband insisted on Shark Fin soup. He didn't flinch like I did...

...when seeing the prices on the menu. But wow, the one-of-a-kind flavor and texture are to be remembered.

Besides, I'm not one to turn down a free meal.

My cousin and nephew gleefully enjoying the shark fin soup. They, too, are not the kind to turn down a free meal.

Taipei 101 is designed as a bamboo stalk -or- stacking Chinese take-out boxes. It's a vision.

Look to the sky, man, look to the sky. Dreams, aspirations, the whole lot. Go for it, do it, start now. Like a bamboo stalk given the opportunity, with strong roots, it will grow tall and spread, spread like wildfire.

The atrium of the Taipei 101 shopping mall, looking up from the endless food court. If the building is a phallus, then...

Taipei is a city trying to keep up with its own ideal of a superpower megalopolis.

The concrete jungle from a bikers perspective: shades of gray, highways, lanes and one ways.

Travel while you can, get out there, see it for yourself, enjoy it for everything it's worth and create your own perspective.

A 24-hour bookstore with an international collection and a warm cafe. It's no wonder it's a trendy hotspot to invest sleepless nights.

Louder. Brighter. Faster... NOW.