Lost on the island of Formosa

Continuing my Asian journey, I landed in Taiwan’s capital city Taipei, an island neighbouring China. I became quite intrigued by the place up in the sky once the plane flew over the Tansui river and gave us a wonderful view of the waters snaking the city.

But then once in the city, I felt lost in this new environment. Many things reminded me of China, but in some ways, it also reminded me of Japan. This sensation of not getting clearly where I was lasted quite a few days.

I first lived in the city centre, in a bustling 24-hour area that was reminiscent of New York, the city that never sleeps. The thing that fascinated me the most there were all the old Banyan and Bodhi trees lining the streets.

Banyan trees have aerial roots that hang down, spread from the trunk, and take root in the soil. It is a venerated tree particularly in India where it is considered as a tree of immortality.

Bodhi trees are said to possess magic powers since Buddha attained enlightenment under one of these trees.

Taipei is a city that is culturally alive. During my stay, I was able to see a Chinese opera, a classical music concert and an improvisation piano concert. But my favourite discoveries were an aboriginal dance and a modern dance shows. I will write more details about these in upcoming entries.

I moved to another area after a couple of weeks in the city centre. It was still in the city, but far from the noisy streets. It was on the slope of a mountain where I could see skyscrapers from my room. I liked the view so much that I obsessively took pictures of the starry landscape every night during my stay.

I went through some personal ups and downs in Taipei. But the most positive thing that I got out of it was the chance for introspection.

I asked myself these questions: What do I want to do once my Asian trip ends? What is my message as an artist? How can I articulate a future made of a mix of photography and perfumery?

I have asked myself these questions a few times in the past months without getting satisfactory answers. As time goes by, things are becoming clearer. I am starting to envision a personal adventure that would lead me to offer products and services I believe deeply in and that makes me feel excited and happy.