Our New Year's Eve in Taipei
For our last night in Taipei, there was no question as to where we wanted to spend it. Since it was also the last day of the year, we knew we just had to see, witness, and experience the celebration in Taipei's iconic Taipei 101. By the time we left our hotel, Ximending was already abuzz with activity.
New Year's Eve or not, Ximending was always lively. I sure was glad our hotel was just a block and a half away. We were in the middle of the action, just like we liked it be it even way before the New Year's Eve celebrations.
This was no doubt a shopping area for the young and hip of Taipei. There were lots of stores here and restaurants too.
Relishing the fun and the action in Ximending before celebrating the arrival of the New Year at Taipei's iconic 101 Building a few hours later.
Taken around the the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall. These balloons representing cartoon figures provided a lot of fun and delight to the locals.
The area surrounding Taipei 101 was packed with people. There was a live program going on with lots of local celebrities gracing the show. There was a lot of singing and dancing as everyone waited for the arrival of the New Year.
I have had the good fortune of celebrating the arrival of the New Year in Europe (Spain, France, and Italy), the US (San Francisco), and Asia (The Philippines, Japan and Taiwan). I liked the one ones in Asia best.
The celebrations in these two countries were very peaceful and calm. Everyone was well behaved and it felt safe even in the midst of thousands. People were out celebrating but peacefully and orderly.
A selfie while waiting for the New Year!
Happy New Year everybody!