The Skyscraper's Wonder

The Skyscraper’s Wonder

by  Kiyasu Oka

Matcha Latte with Honey

TAIPEI 101 (508 meters or 1,667 feet with 101 floors)

In the heart of Asia lies a multi-island country called Taiwan. Even though the main island of the country is so small, it features some of the world’s most fascinating achievements.

One of its stunning world achievements is the skyscraper known as TAIPEI 101.

Once held the title of the #1 tallest building in the world since its completion in 2004, TAIPEI 101 still illuminates its beauty today. A financial center mixed with shopping malls and restaurants and more, there are many tales to be told. The completion of the Burj Khalifa in 2010 (828 meters with 163 floors) made TAIPEI 101 the second tallest building in the world, but even so, its tales of wonder remain just as strong.

Here is a story for you:

“I would like to purchase two tickets for the observatory.”

“Here you go and enjoy the night!”

“All right, the tickets are here and let’s look around a bit before we wait in line,” I said to my friend as we looked forward to the night.

Gorgeous architectural design, lovely gift shop souvenirs, luxurious tea, and so much more – and not to mention the world’s time zone clock on the floor! So international, so beautiful, and so dazzling, inside and out!

Then, my friend and I looked around the fascinating stores nearby until it is about time. We posed for a photo taken by the machine when waiting in the observatory queue.

“Taiwan is so interesting. I am enjoying my trip here very much. Thank you for all of the delicious food.”

“You are welcome. I feel so lucky to be living in Taiwan! The cheap, but high-quality food, as well as other things … then there is the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). Transportation and food is so convenient!”

As the line moved forward, the excitement fills up inside me: “This is the elevator that will take us to the observatory!”

We walked in the elevator, and as the doors closes, the entire lighting changed.

Suddenly, we were on a trip so beautiful and inspiring, in wonder and awe, until we reached the 89^th floor.

“Wow! What was… this? We are already… here?”

“Yes, we were on the world’s fastest elevator! High-class technology manufactured by Toshiba, that was 37 seconds from the 5^th floor to the 89^th floor!”

“Amazing! It didn’t feel like an elevator trip at all! I felt like we were in some profound, starry journey into the skies… a very sweet, dazzling journey!”

I smiled as we continued on.

We bought the photos of us taken during the waiting line earlier, as we ordered some drinks and chatting in this lovely, sweet atmosphere.

Then we visited the world’s biggest and heaviest wind damper. “Weighing 660 tons and 5.5 meters (18 feet) in diameter, this unique round object counteracts oscillation during earthquakes and typhoons!”

“Wow, the mini-damper character is so cute!!!,” I said as we had our photo taken.

We wrote postcards at the area where the world’s tallest mailboxes are and visited the outdoor observatory.

“Wow… look, those binoculars! The city view! So… beautiful…!”

Indeed, the beautiful view of the city of Taipei, right in front of our eyes, from the 91^st floor of TAIPEI 101.

Stunningly beautiful.

Suddenly, my friend started to speak.

“You know, this entire journey from the elevator, all the way to this time… I felt my heart glowing with feelings.”

“This atmosphere is so sweet and romantic, isn’t it?”

Suddenly, without saying anything, he gently held my hand and gave me a hug.

“Thanks for bringing me here,” he said as he gave me a gentle kiss on the cheek.

I felt my heart pounding. It felt so… sweet.

We spent the night gazing into the beautiful night sky as a shooting star shimmered in the night.

Then we continued to spend time in the observatory floors, but hand in hand all this time.

The beautiful atmosphere continues to bring our hearts alive, as our bond with each other deepens in this lovely experience.

Then, I said to my friend, “Thanks for visiting Taiwan and choosing me as your guide.”

“You are welcome,” he said as we gazed into each other for quite some time.

Then, we kissed under the beautiful night sky.

The next day he had to return to his country, and I wanted to visit him at the airport so badly.

When he was about to leave for boarding, I hugged him tightly and cried happily.

He petted my head and touched my hair gently. Then he said, “Dear, thanks for the lovely time in Taiwan. I hope to see you again someday,” as he gave me a kiss.

“I am so happy to have met you in person for the first time. I feel like this is one of the most profound experiences with a friend… and I will always remember this day in my heart.”

We hugged one more time before we said goodbye.

I returned home tonight feeling this sense of finally meeting my friend in person for the first time, feeling so grateful that we could cross paths in this lifetime.

“Thank you so much for today, sweetheart,” I said to myself as I fell asleep, with my hand in my heart, dreaming of him.

“Thank you for the lovely experience in Taiwan, love,” he said to himself as he fell asleep that night, after he returned home and prepared to fall asleep.

Every day, I feel a deep sweet feeling in my heart as I move through this world, and I believe he does too. Maybe this bond is telepathic, and more. Every day, this feeling makes me come alive.

This is the story of two friends who loved each other so deeply, as their international friendship lives on…

… as their hearts for each other continued to live on, beyond time and space…

… forever and ever.

About the author 

KIYASU OKA is a Taiwanese professional illustrator and entrepreneur, whose title can be referred to as a professional color magician. She is the “Magician of Color” from Taiwan. Her most well-known writing work is a personal love letter called “Taiwan is my Country,” published on her Web site since April of 2016. Kiyasu Oka’s Web site is at www.kiyasugreen.com.