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Okay, so my last post kind of ragged on Taipei for being excessively humid and having uninteresting - or at least, uninspiring - architecture. However, as many of you well know, I can be a moody gal. One day I love something, the next I'm indifferent about it, the next I'm griping about it with characteristic over-vehemence. 
But, one thing I keep coming back to about Taipei is the life in the lanes - it seems to be where Taipei really lives, breathes, sleeps, and eats (and poops). So, here are a few glimpses of what Taipei lanes have to offer...
Ah, life back in Taipei - replete with 90% humidity levels causing my hair to expand just like those funky little sponge toys you drop into a bowl of water to watch them grow. Instant fun!
But seriously, it was a little tough coming back this time. Not sure quite what that was about - perhaps it was because I didn't have quite enough break time (how spoiled am I? Would any normal human being complain about 6 weeks of vacation not being enough break time?) and so wasn't ready to come back and jump right back into work. I do think that's part of it, but I think a stronger part of it was my time back in the States made me realize how much I miss being around good people who just so happen to also be good friends. It further made me appreciate the unique character that each city in the States has to offer. I really enjoyed being in San Francisco, Manhattan, Brooklyn and Chicago where walking around the streets provides its own simple joy - just by looking around and admiring the houses and buildings around you. Here in Taipei, there's not much to look at other than grimy tiled or concrete crap. I found myself strolling around the streets, unable to stop myself from imagining all the ways that the city could be improved. It kind of brought me down, and so, I found myself trudging off to school to start the new fall semester in a bit of a slump.
Luckily, on my way to school, I cut through the Tai Da campus (Taiwan's version of Harvard or Yale) where every day, twice a day, I have the pleasure of passing my favorite tree. Granted, this may qualify me as being a crazy tree lady, but I do have to say, there is something about this tree that lifts my spirits every time I pass by. So, secretly, I like to wave and say hi. After all, it's a nice tree.
Apologies to all Chicagoans and Chicago fans out there, but those of you who know me well also know that Chicago, despite it being my place of birth, is just not my kind of town. Now, I do appreciate my parents' swank apartment with the top floor decked out like a health spa and resort, the lake, the bike path that runs along the lake, the architecture, and the increasing abundance and variety of good food to be had in this city, but, somehow home just doesn't feel like home anymore.However, there is something that I do greatly enjoy about Chicago and that will keep me coming back for the rest of my life - friends. I loved being back and reuniting with old friends from high school and beyond.First there was the night with Dan and Melissa, when I got to meet yet another adorable baby - Melissa's son, Max.
And then there was a trip up to Evanston for a dinner with Susie, Crissy, Brandon & Elizabeth, and Colleen (whose husband, Chris, was missed!)
New York is nothing to me without a proper night out at Johnny's with the boys - Nichol and Matt. 
There is simply nothing else like the cheap drinks, the jukebox music, the little Christmas lights strung up year round, Vonya, and of course, the always titillatingly scintillating conversation to be had in the company of these two.
Okay, so you'd think that with all the swing groups I've been working with over here in Taipei, one of the first things I'd do while back in NY is head out for a good, satisfying night of heart-thumping, slinky swing dancing. Right?
Well, that would've been the case if I hadn't stupidly gone out and gotten my feet all full of blisters from salsa dancing, only to be followed up by some mystery bruising from a night of debaucherous bar dancing.
So, my poor swing partner, Spencer, had to settle for a visit from me to his office and some yummy eats at a Cuban/Chinese joint. Next time I will be more careful with my feet - I promise!
One of the highlights of my time back in NY was meeting up with my roommate from Kenyon, Jane, and meeting her little man, Sotiri. Yet another adorable baby! This little tyke sticks his tongue out for his happy face, thereby quickly capturing the admiration and hearts of all around him. I was also pleased to see that Jane is as full of vitality, beauty and good food as ever - the homemade jam she gave me was scrumptious! This kid is going to grow up being very well fed.
This is my friend, Connie. We worked together at ASA. She's Taiwanese, working and living in NY. She also gave me my Chinese name, Jiang Ming Jie. Seems we had to swap countries to find opportunities - go figure.
Shortly after taking this picture on E. 19th St., we saw Ric Ocasik coming out of his abode on the same street. What's NY without a celebrity sighting?
