ANGELA B. PAN

On our third day in Taiwan, we headed to Jiufen. I had heard it’s like no other place in Taiwan with extremely narrow alleys with so many different vendors and places to eat, I really wanted to check it out. Little did I know it would take more than two hours by public transportation to get there from Taipei. From I read online, it didn’t seem like it would take that long. But those two hours made a huge difference.

By the time we got to the top of the mountains to Jiufen, it was pouring rain. And it was that uncomfortable rain where it was cold and splashing everywhere. So much to the point that when you were walking through those narrow alleys, you had to watch out for your eyeballs or else someone may poke you with their umbrella. We went but didn’t get to stay for as long as I would have liked. I really wanted to see what it looked like at night time but it was just way too crowded and wet.

But at least now I can see I went, right? LOL I’ll definitely have to try it again next time.

This image was taken while we were waiting for the bus to come. AT THE BUS STOP. I’ve never seen such a beautiful bus stop in my life!

My camera settings for this image are F6.3 at 1/160th sec and ISO 1000 with my Sony A7II and 70-200mm.

This basilica is amazingly beautiful. From the moment you enter to the time you leave, you stand there with your jaw to the floor. Which also makes it so hard to photograph. I don’t think one single image could really do this place any justice. You really have to experience it for yourself.

Right before you enter the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, you can’t help but notice this large pot full of incense and fire. But what’s even more interesting about it is that people stand all around it waving the smoke on to them. Under their hats, in their jackets, anywhere they can pat the smoke onto themselves; they’re all about it. After googling why they do it, I found out that they do it because they believe it’s “healing” and will help them become smarter.

Obviously, not everyone was a fan of the smoke 😉

I’ve never taken the time out to read what was on top of Lincoln’s head. I always knew there was some writing there, but I don’t I ever cared too much to read it.

Today was different. I was trying to find unique angles and wound up getting closer and closer to the Mr Lincoln. I loved how the memorial is called a temple. Somewhere for people to really reflect and appreciate on what he has done for our country. No better way to honor a great man than to build a massive memorial dedicated to him.

Anyone recognize this building? I remember when I was little we used always drive by it on the highway and I always thought it was Cinderella’s castle.