Part IV: The Red (and the Pink)

I don't have a favorite color, OK? Just in case some of you didn't know that. There are colors I always like (cerulean blue, bright red, for example) but my favorite color of the day depends on my mood and what I am inspired to like. Oh. I forgot why I explained that.
Oh! The Red. It was the overriding color theme for this entry, but notice how many colors there are...it was truly amazing to see. I love that orchid lavender and darker purple, and the mangos of course, and the black of the pillars. And fluffy white fuzzball of a dog (below).
Peggy took me to Longshan Temple, one of the most famous ones in Taipei. It's not only this big Buddhist temple, but it's become a tourist attraction for sure. It's so fascinating, and a bit sad, to see this intense cultural gathering of people and traditions, and for it to have an adjoining "Longshan Temple Underground Shopping Mall." But it's surviving and even thriving, even if it's due to some of that revenue...

People come with so many different offerings...in addition to the flowers, the array of foods and fruits is really amazing.


My mom and grandma would nurse our orchids at home, and be so, so excited about one or two flowers. Here, the orchids bloom with 20 flowers or more to a plant.


This woman is praying for a child. There are so many gods and goddesses for everything--health, success, sons, good test scores...my Aunt Peggy insisted I bow to the most well-known god of this temple to find a nice boy to "make friends with." :D



The detail is unbelievable, from the paintings on every surface to the carving on the columns and the decoration...

I like the perspective on this one...

And now for something completely unrelated!
My mom and I ended up arranging flowers at my relative's (Christian) church for three weddings that were going to take place the next day.
Which was completely random, but I got some pretty pictures of flowers...

And how exciting, I got to actually apply 4 years of Fairview decorating skills from homecoming, Winterball, or Prom to actually create this pink and white tulle arch! My life is so complete now!