Tainan just captivated us

In some way, we got quite stuck in Tainan rather quickly. We actually wanted to head further south. The tropical, warm climate was really good for us. And yes, the U.I.J Hotel & Hostel definitely contributed to that. When the whole package is appealing, you just stay. So we ended up staying a few more days.

Our tea obsession has, of course, completely escalated. It felt like we constantly had some tea to go with a straw in hand. It just belongs here.

The next day we headed straight to Shennong Street. A small alley with old houses, cute shops, and lanterns everywhere. A place where you can immediately tell that it looks completely different in the evening.

After that, we simply walked through the city and ended up at the Chihkan Tower. Lots of greenery, a pond full of koi fish. And then it suddenly got… loud. There were several parades in the city, as the Lantern Festival was taking place. Sounds relaxing at first, but it's not necessarily so.

Part of it is this completely absurd Beehive Fireworks thing, where people shoot fireworks at each other. Yes… Exactly as wild as it sounds. Protective gear helps, but not everyone takes it that seriously.

We just stood there thinking: What is happening here right now…. First, coffee hehe :D

In the evening, we, of course, returned to Shennong Street. It's much prettier at night. Lights, atmosphere, just a really great spot.

On the way there, suddenly this moment when all the phones go off at the same time, and it becomes clear, okay, earthquake warning.

We look at our phones, look at each other… and just keep walking. Just like everyone else. In Taiwan, this seems quite normal. There are constantly minor earthquakes, and people are just used to it. For us, it feels completely absurd. For everyone else, just another normal Tuesday.

Tainan captivated us exactly with this mix. Relaxed, a bit chaotic, and somehow completely unique.