Perhaps it looks pretty similar to you, as it’s another large East Asian city, but there’s a world of difference to me.
We’ve left China behind for a few days in sunny, warm southern Taiwan – Tainan. Last night, relaxing with friends at an adorable bar run by Taiwanese hipsters, it was pointed out that maybe I need a new blog title – Not So Far From Formosa.
But it’s a temporary state. This trip here is a wonderful gift.
China was fascinating but unfamiliar. Staying in one of the first treaty ports that opened after the Opium War, I read 19th century British and American travelogs about China during our long evenings there, feeling a strange sense of kinship .
The moment Taiwan came into view, all was righted in my world again. Funny how I never quite realize how off kilter I feel until I’m back on these streets and back to these rhythms of speech and life.
Far From Formosa 
Those cities are so dense. So. Many. People.
Our neighborhood in Taipei last year was .17km^2 and had about 8000 residents.
The growth of cities that dense is simultaneously terrifying and fascinating, particularly the infrastructure needed to support that density. Water, sewar, food shipments, gas/electric for cooking…
It makes me happy that you’re so happy! Though it makes me sad that the place you are the happiest is half-way around the world from me (I know it has nothing to do with men in particular).
Men?
Haha- slip of the finger. I meant to say “me.” You don’t like being on the other side of the world because it is far away from me. :P