Taipei chiang Kai Shek Memorial at night, taipei

When your stairs are fancier than your entire apartment.

After leaving the serenity of the Zen garden, I found myself at the grand entrance of the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. The view from the top of the intricately carved stone staircase was nothing short of majestic. The memorial hall, bathed in golden light, stood as a beacon of history amidst the modern chaos of Taipei. Flanked by two traditional Chinese buildings, the scene was a perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary elegance. The green lights lining the pathways added a touch of whimsy, guiding my way through the meticulously manicured gardens. It's funny how a place can be so grand and yet so inviting at the same time. As I stood there, taking in the view, I couldn't help but think about the stories these walls could tell. Stories of power, of struggle, of resilience. And here I was, a mere traveler, trying to make sense of it all. But maybe that's the beauty of it – the realization that some things are meant to be experienced, not understood. Stay tuned as I continue to uncover the hidden gems of Taipei, one illuminated monument at a time. Who knows what other stories this city holds? And more importantly, how many involve getting lost in translation?