The Old and the New

Every day Taipei brings a new delight.  Today, Solomon, Taylor and I walked to get breakfast.  Solomon, trained to live in a big city, walks along as if it's no big deal to be in a huge city.

After breakfast we walked over to Qingguan Park to get the wiggles out.

When we realized we all needed a bathroom break, we headed down the alley to go back to our apartment.  When..........................what do I spy? A little mini temple, the size of a phone booth.

I could have easily missed this.

I think the only reason I looked was because of the scent of incense.

After taking these photos I looked behind me, and there was a storefront temple, about the size of a single garage. Two older ladies were watching TV on the big screen on the wall.  They motioned me to come in, which I did.  They wanted me to sit down, but I declined. I needed to catch up with Taylor and Solomon who continued down the alley without even noticing these little gems. I felt I would impose if I took a photo, so you just have to trust me that it was another small, gem of a temple. 

I find that I have to pay attention all the time while I'm here, because I can so easily miss hidden treasures. The contrast of modern playgrounds with ancient temples, as well as the contrast of an ornate temple with a TV on the wall  are  constant sources of wonder for me.