Like most places around the world welcoming in the New Year, Taipei had its share of activities, foremost of which was the lighting of fireworks from Taipei 101, currently the world's tallest building.
Knowing that there would be a mob of tens of thousands of people crowding around the area at the base of Taipei 101, HS and I figured that we would be smart and view the firework show from a distance. We know of a little patch of clear land about a mile away from the building and figured that it would be a great place to watch the show.
Stuck on the street
It turns out that apparently a quarter of the population of Taipei who wasn't at the actual base of Taipei 101 had the same idea and was thronging to the exact same site that we had selected. Side streets and alleyways that normally are trafficked only by stray cats or elderly people on strolls suddenly were pack full of people elbow to elbow, all slowly streaming towards a clear view of Taipei 101.
We tried to get out of the area and head back to my apartment but it was very difficult to go against the tide of people. We managed to slowly make our way back and noticed people parking their cars smack dab in the middle of roads and alleyways since they were not going anywhere due to the crowds plugging the streets.
Finally, at about ten minutes to midnight, we made it back to my apartment. Should have just gone directly home. We climbed to the rooftop, where we watched the fireworks of Taipei 101 last year, and were treated to an even better show this year. Here is a video clip of the fireworks.
