Taipei: Sunset on Elephant Mountain

Here we are in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. This metropolis is home to 2.5 million inhabitants, and is the largest city I have ever visited. I immediately feel as though I'm being embraced by the city: the friendly faces with welcoming looks, the inescapable smell of stinky tofu, the feeling of freedom amidst the rushing traffic. Strangely enough, it feels familiar and energizing to me. Soon we learn how easy it is to alternate city life with nature. Near the center of Taipei, you'll find the Elephant Mountain Trail. Time for a climb to admire my first sunset in Asia!

Elephant Mountain, Here I Come!

When I'm in an unfamiliar place, I prefer to seek out the best spots to watch the sunset. There's something magical about this every single time. Of all the viewpoints in Taiwan, the view from Elephant Mountain is said to be the most beautiful. Because it can get crowded at the end of the day, we leave early to secure a nice spot with a good view.

^{View from our hostel}

Taking the MRT to Xiangshan

From our hostel, we're right at the beginning of the trail, and we begin our climb. The stone steps are surrounded by rocks, trees, and plants. Walls of jungle loom around me as I ascend the steep stairs. The air feels different almost immediately, free from exhaust fumes and the hustle and bustle of the city. To our surprise, we reach the first lookout point after just 10 minutes. The city stretches out before me, with the iconic Taipei 101 Tower as the literal highlight.

^{Elephant Mountain, the climb has begun!}

The sky is slowly changing, transitioning from light blue to yellow. The city has a grayish glow about it; you can feel the energy of the metropolis and the jungle. The trees sway gently in the wind, birds chirp, and the sound of the city fades as we climb. Meanwhile, we've arrived at the second viewpoint. We climb a rock and settle in for the show. Bring on the sunset!

^{View from the first platform}

Enchanting Colors Adorn the Sky Over Taipei

I look around. An older couple sitting next to us smiles at me, a group of friends laugh together. Full of admiration, we watch the colorful spectacle in the sky: soft pink transitions into bright purple, then the sky turns fiery red before eventually darkening completely. The city lights twinkle: an extra gift this evening.

^{The sun has set over Taipei}

The chirping of birds gives way to silence, and even the voices around us slowly fade. In complete stillness, we enjoy the magic of Elephant Mountain and the metropolis, which exudes tranquility from this distance.

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