We have arrived in Taipei.

Taipei is the capital of Taiwan and the population is 7 million people (including the suburbs). Our first impression of the city is the architecture and contrast of the concrete against the green-covered mountain vegetation. We learned that due to the influx of millions of mainland refugees (started in 1945 after the government from mainland China arrived) , a lot of temporary housing estates were build all around the city. Later, these were replaced by Soviet-era style (or ‘no-style’) concrete apartment buildings. These buildings are still very characterized in the Taipei’s landscape.

The city has very little crime, is very clean and seems rich in culture and influences from other Asian countries.

To be honest, we don’t know that much more about Taiwan, however we are here visiting our friends, Anna, Thomas and their 3 kids, and look forward to learn and explore much more.