Sweet velvety goodness

One of my favorite ravin' neighborhoods

As soon as the sun goes down, Taipei's Ximending (West Gate Neighborhood) pulsates with light, sound, color, and democracy. The average age at night is probably 30ish, and there are major shopping outlets everywhere you look.

Shop till you drop: A rainy night vignette of Ximen district, Taipei.

Beautiful tiny temples glow warmly between utilitarian structures. 

Pride, Taiwan Style.

Glowing against the grey darkness is the famed Red House Theatre. Built by a Japanese architect in 1908, it has been a marketplace, Beijing Opera theatre, and most recently, the icon of Taiwan's democracy movements since the 1980s. The marriage equality movement was born here in colorful demonstrations of the 2010's. 

 

The Red House, Taiwan's bastion of civil rights, democracy, free speech, and marriage equality.

A wee robot necklace made of computer bits! The ears evoke Taiwan's iconic mountain bear.

This is the thumping heart of Taiwan's LGBTQI scene, and on a Saturday night there are many folks out seeing and being seen, shopping for cool handicrafts, and taking in a variety of raucous drag acts on outdoor platforms. 

Vibin' the Red House!

An outdoor drag performance of Shakira's Hips Don't Lie, in the rain.

Now for the sweet velvety part.

If you need a little pick-me-up after all that partying, Taiwan's dessert soup scene is there for you!

The Xiaonanmen (Little South Gate) Tofu Pudding joint beckons...

It's everything you love about pudding, only chilled and non-dairy. The ultimate comfort food in a tropical climate! I tried many times to make it look yummy, but you'll just have to take my word for it. It is.

Sweet velvety goodness: chilled silken tofu, peanuts, and cassava bubbles in a mildly sweet syrup. 

What a great night! The funky, friendly, open vibe at Ximending is young Taiwan: on the cusp of the world, looking upward and outward with hope and humor. 

This cheerful duck attended the Pride parade with a signature rainbow ribbon. Photo Taiwan News, 10/29/22.