Why was I in Taipei anyway? I was there for the Museum 2012 conference. But being in a conference means much more than just sitting in conference rooms. I was scheduled to present my paper on the 3rd day. The first two involves key notes, plenary sessions, and museum tours. I will tell the story bit by bit.
What is a socially purposeful museum? More importantly, how do we make one? How do we involve the people in this creation?
Keynote speakers from various countries try to explain that.
The more interactive part is the plenary sessions where participants are divided into smaller groups, you can go to where you want to. There are several points of interests and specializations for the each of the plenary sessions.
When your mind is too full, you just cannot complain with the coffee break refreshments. I have mentioned this before, Taipei has the best cakes. Unexpected. But very true. I ate so much cake the week I was staying there.
There was also a small exhibit going on in the venue. This provides some visual stimulation from an intellectually enriching, yet challenging day.
It can get frustrating that I cannot read the exhibition notes, as they are in Chinese. But it does not lessen the interest that the exhibit can provoke.
I almost want to deconstruct this one.
What does this remind you of?
Museum 2012 was my first international conference. It was very overwhelming. But it was a start of an adventure. It is a conference with a purpose. Creating something that is useful, something that is a catalyst for change.
They didn’t really mind that I had to use the restroom first. As courtesy, we ordered. We are up for a very amusing adventure. Though not as pretty as Mykonos, the Witch House has a rougher and darker feel, without the danger. They have the same white paint and curved edges, but in a less polished manner. A little taste of a tavern.
First to catch the attention is the decor. Yes, the chairs are decorated with brassieres. A Facebook friend joked if this was mine. The wooden floors and chairs gives a touch of homey feel with underwear strewn all over the place.
This place was just one of those nooks that you find near universities. From what I saw, they use this place for performances as well. This is quite near the National Taipei University. I got confused with this university and with the National Taipei University of Education. Two different places. In different locations. It would help us find Sigur Ros in the coming days though (another story).
The real highlight of this place of course is the menu! Loads of laugh, this one.
Quite a lot of restrictions for such a small cafe. As they say, an obscene creed! Very limiting. But totally worth the experience. And they did let me use the loo.
I ordered the flower salad, actually expecting some flowers in my salad… Oh well. But this is a good salad, sans flowers. I am still trying to re-create this peanut-based sauce. I’m not quite sure how they make this.
I only wanted the salad, so I had to order the one that came with juice, to uphold the creed.
Cherry cheers to getting lost and finding something great!
I still have not figured out the popularity of the exposed beams design. I’m not complaining, I love it! I just want to know where it’s coming from. These places are such a relief from the international food chains abound everywhere. Oh, and if you’re curious, we figured out where we wanted to go, eventually…
Portia Placino 