Sorry about the brief hiatus! I arrived in Tokyo almost two weeks ago and have been settling into the apartment, struggling with the job, searching for friends, and in general freaking out about my subpar language skills.
Post on Tokyo coming this weekend. For now, I wanted to share the last of my adventures before I left Taipei.
Huashan 1914 Creative Park (華山1914文創園區) is essentially a government-sponsored hub for the artistically inclined. The site was originally a winery founded in 1914, which became known as “Huashan” in the 20’s. The winery went out of use in 1987, and was left vacant until Taipei’s arts community called for its revival more than ten years later.
As of 2003, Huashan Park has served as an exhibition space, an outdoors gathering spot for students, and a treasure trove of cafes, restaurants, and artisan souvenir shops. It also includes Spot, a theater for non-mainstream films. Thanks to the old-school feel shaped by the remaining structures of the winery, the Park has also become a beloved backdrop for wedding photos and fashion bloggers alike.
^ One of said fashion bloggers.
^ Outside the concept store and cafe inspired by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama (草間彌生)
^ In the home of pearl milk tea/boba, it’s rare to come across an indie milk tea shop. But leave it to Huashan!
This summer, they have two main exhibitions that I assume were designed to appeal to the summer vacation audience: “Chibimaruko-chan 25th Anniversary” (櫻桃小丸子25週年展、ちびまるこちゃん25周年展) and “60 Years of Miffy” (米飛兔60週年展). My cousin’s daughter who adores Miffy was visiting from New York, so we went to see that one, though I think I’ll go catch the end of the Chibimaruko-chan one in September.
また日曜日 🙂
^I was obsessed with taking pictures of this old man and (I believe) his wife, who seemed to be unaffiliated with the races and just chilled on a canoe nearby. I’m not creepy.
Inklings 
