Author: Shawnette Brown

Originally built in 1908 as a public market during the Japanese colonial period, The Red House has been beautifully restored into one of Taipei’s premier creative and cultural spaces. Today, it’s filled with independent boutiques, local artists, handcrafted goods, jewelry, clothing, fragrances, and unique Taiwanese souvenirs. I enjoyed wandering through the shops and seeing how this historic landmark continues to support local creativity while preserving an important piece of Taipei’s architectural heritage.

As the rain slowed down to a light off and on sprinkles, I made my way to Ximending, one of Taipei’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Filled with restaurants, cafés, boutiques, street performers, and colorful lights, it’s easy to see why this district is so popular with both locals and visitors. Historic landmarks like The Red House blend seamlessly with modern shops, creating a unique mix of old and new.

The rain, however, had other plans. A steady downpour made me second-guess my decision to venture out for dinner. Add in a bit of travel fatigue after a full day of flying, navigating a new city, and exploring the National Taiwan Museum and 228 Peace Memorial Park, and weaving through the crowds became more challenging than I expected.

Even so, I’m glad I experienced Ximending. Travel isn’t always about perfect weather or perfect timing. Sometimes it’s about embracing the moment, adjusting your plans, and appreciating a city for what it offers. Tomorrow is another day to continue discovering everything Taipei has to share.

National Taiwan Museum, and I quickly realized I had underestimated its size and depth. What I thought would be a short visit became an immersive journey through Taiwan’s natural history, Indigenous cultures, biodiversity, and national story.

As an educator, I found myself slowing down to read exhibits, make connections, and think about how these stories could be brought back to my classroom. This is not a museum to rush through. In fact, I would recommend setting aside multiple days if you truly want to appreciate everything it has to offer.

It was the perfect introduction to Taiwan and gave me a much deeper understanding of the island before exploring the rest of Taipei. I must come back for a couple more hours.

I am here and excited to explore this beautiful city with rich history.

Adjacent to the National Taiwan Museum is the 228 Peace Memorial Park. It was raining and I could have easily gone back to my hotel, but I wanted to walk through and learn more.

This peaceful space honors the victims of the February 28 Incident of 1947, when protests against government corruption and abuse were met with a violent crackdown.

What struck me most was learning online who many of the victims were. Among those who lost their lives or were later imprisoned were teachers, doctors, lawyers, students, journalists, and other respected community leaders. Their loss was not only a personal tragedy for their families but also a profound loss for Taiwan.

Today, the park serves as a place of remembrance, reflection, and hope. It reminds visitors of the importance of protecting democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression. As an educator, I left with a deeper appreciation for the responsibility we all share to learn from history and ensure these stories are never forgotten.