18 February 2010

Chinese New Year (Year of the Tiger)

Spent the first four days of Chinese New Year in Taipei. The bookshops there are impressive, and there is one which opens 24 hours a day. So it is natural that we spent quite some time in these bookshops. 

Didn't quite manage to buy any classical CDs. I didn't visit any of the specialist classical CD shops suggested by eaquson because of lack of time. Well, I don't mind, as I see it most important to spend some good time with my family on books, food and window shopping. Classical CDs are not the primary aim of this trip.

With the recent release of "Richter in Hungary", it's time I revisited his recordings and the book about him. It was the book by Bruno Mosaingeon that accompanied me on this trip. Reading it again did not change the feeling that it imparted on me when I read it first time round -- an unknown melancholy that permeated my whole body. Not very appropriate for the supposedly joyful atmosphere of the Chinese New Year, but then I like this book and this man and the stories told by him. That's what is really important.

My respected pianist, Fou Ts'ong, will play an all-Chopin programme in a recital in Taipei on 1st March. The poster of this recital is really nice.

This lightbox is at least 10 feet high.
Sorry for the barrel distortion of the lens.

Dining in Taipei is an enjoyable experience for someone like me who is not too demanding. Variety may not be as abundant as in Hong Kong. Food stalls in the streets remain an important attraction to tourists, but I'd like to say we have to be quite selective in choosing the type of food from them. I like plain food, and thus many of these local delicacies prove to be too exotic or salty for my taste.

The sausage is quite nice, but we all couldn't finish the cups of noodles.

One of the most famous dumplings restaurants in Taiwan. 
Being able to get a table is like some kind of a blessing. Must try.

We didn't miss the chance and had a feast.

 "High tea" within the 101 building. 
Recharge the tiring legs.


All in all, a pleasant sojourn in Taipei.

3 comments:

  1. nice to see this post! I'm glad that u like my country!!

    really adore Bruno Mosaingeon's achievment,and the precious notes of the pianist is very impressive.

    eaquson from tw

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  2. Dear Eaquson,
    The people of Taiwan are really very nice too.
    Bruno's films on Richter and David Oistrakh are also never-to-miss items.
    Wish you a very healthy, happy and prosperous Year of the Tiger.
    Hope I can meet you sometime in future when I visit Taiwan again.
    Best regards,
    Horace

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  3. thanks for ur kind words. the food looks yummy!

    i'm glad that u like Fu Tsong,it's a pity that i didn't go to his haydn recital last year >_<


    eaquson from tw.

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