I embarked on a brief journey to Taipei, spanning from April 26 to April 29, where I seized the opportunity to indulge in sketching and cycling. Gratitude is owed to Paul Chui and Hughes Lu for generously lending me their Brompton bicycle for the duration of my stay. Although not my inaugural cycling experience in Taiwan, I was once again taken aback by the splendid cycling routes that Taipei City has to offer. The scenery is breathtaking, and navigating the city on a bicycle proved to be both enjoyable and convenient.
Took Flyscoot 889 red eye flight to TPE. Painted this in Changi Airport. I was to arrive in TPE at 5 30 am !!!!
My first stop happened to be the lockers at Taipei Main Station. Had a heavy bag and Hotel check-in time is at 3 pm
Nothing is opened at 7 so I decided to go to Visit Long Shan Temple and be among the earliest to make a wish. Wish didn't come true..... YET
Then I headed up to Tamsui to meet Hughes. He's super duper nice and loaned me his black Brompton bike that is crazy decked out. Also guided me around and off I went from Tamsui down to Shilin area.
Crazy beautiful weather . I was super lucky. The cycling route in Taipei is super nice.
Entire cycling path runs along the river.
After Beitou , I found a spot to paint in the shelter. It was super nice.
Half way there.
Somewhere near Beitou
Then I sneaked out from Yuan Shan area and ride towards Shilin area.
Somewhere near Dadao Cheng Pier. Another great spot to paint
Like Seoul, Plenty of bridges and beautiful scenes.
It is so so so beautiful at some spots, I can't believe I was in Taipei.
I spent some time cycling around Dihua Street and thought I may bump into a dear friend there.
The power towers were interesting enough to earn a page in my sketchbook.
Baopiliao Old Street was quite a nice spot to paint as well. Interesting old buildings well preserved.
I sketched the Brompton in the hotel and gave this sketch to Hughes. Thankful to be able to ride his Brompton in Taipei. It would have been a lot more troublesome to bring mine.
I enjoyed the new Taipei MRT to the airport. Its really comfortable and easy
Flyscoot my way back to Singapore. Taipei will always have a special spot in my heart.
Finally got up the Mao Kong after numerous failed attempts. Its quite a sight and I am glad I finally scaled up.
Thank you, Paul Chui and Hughes Lu from Bike Gang for sharing their Brompton with me. Super grateful for all your hospitality and I look forward to your visit to Singapore :)
An old sketch I did of Taipei from a hike up Elephant mountain.