I woke up wondering if last night was all just a vivid hallucination after a long day. The empty streets and piano notes as lullaby for lost souls.

Then I open the curtains and Pingxi is still there. A tiny village in the mountains that a friend recommended.

I pass a few people on the streets. Today the city feels slightly more alive, but not much. It seems this place wakes up only when the tour buses stop here to then fall half asleep again.

Now I understand why last night I struggled to find even a small stall to have dinner, apart from the omnipresent 7-Eleven.

Let’s pause here for a second and talk about this beacon in the night: 7-Eleven. It’s always with you whenever you need it, like a good old friend. It’s my lifeline when I can’t stand the heat anymore and a refuge for many. Even a working desk for some. And, as for myself this morning, the only place I could get breakfast at this time.

I’m welcomed by the gentle breeze of the AC. I grab a coffee, some unhealthy sweets, and I sit down. The big window feels like a big screen airing town life.

I bite this strawberry jam bread. I feel all the additives flooding my body.

I grab my phone and I start to write these notes.

Today it’s time to reach Keelung City.

Till the next missive,

— M

PS. here a soundtrack for the day