After travelling for 25 hours Samuel and I landed in Taipei on a very wet July 2, 2013.

Our suitcases were almost exploding because of so many clothes (surely, because we have to “sell” our Italian Style, the “fashion factor” was unavoidable …) but also because we promised to take many sample goods to show our distributor.

I do not even remember exactly how I imagined Taiwan before leaving, but I know for sure that Taipei the capital, is a metropolis and like any city worthy of its name, it involves many contradictions and is a melting pot of various opposites. Walking down the streets, sometimes it seems to be in 2050, but then you turn around the corner and it almost seems to have stepped back in time. It is a massive blend of ancient traditions and futuristic impulses.t it was not even remotely like it actually is.

Unlike many other major cities I have been lucky to visit, Taipei is a livable, cozy and welcoming city. It makes you feel welcome (and even a little like a species in danger of extinction because Westerners are very rare and therefore white skin and blond hair is a factor that arouses great curiosity …) and we really felt part of a family:

The Deland’s family