台北诚品书店

Eslite 诚品 bookstore is easily one of the major attractions of Taipei. I'm sure anyone who's been to Taipei knows about it. For those who don't, our So Simple team strongly recommends the place. The bookstore is not only a delightful haven for booklovers, it also caters to shoppers looking for interesting gifts, stationeries and even fashion, depending on which outlet you go to. For So Simple 2, we visited both 敦南and信义outlets. This one in the picture is 敦南. Though older and smaller, it's not lacking in character and excitement. The other outlet 信义is newer and many times bigger. Yet despite its massive interior, no thoughtful details are spared. The store is amazingly well designed and conducive for booklovers. It is one of the most friendly bookstores I have ever been. The entire store is littered with seats at every corner, and you are even welcome to sit out on the steps. They just want to make you feel comfortable. And like their name in Chinese, they are also very sincere. Due to our busy filming schedules, 诚品turned out to be our favorite hangout whenever we needed to unwind after work. Reason being their late hours. Go check out the details at http://www.poeticlifejourney.blogspot.com/ if you are planning a trip to Taipei.

"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions." - Albert Eistein

The Poetic Rides

During the making of So Simple 2, we were often on the road, traveling from one destination to another to cover the profiles who stayed in different parts of the cities.

And during many of the those rides, I was always wide awake and compelled to snap pictures of the irresistable views outside. At times, Peifen would oblige me. Or rather, she was daydreaming and lost in her own world, and I would snap some cool pictures of her.

(* Pictures clockwise from left : 1) on our way to Narita airport, leaving Tokyo 2) Peifen looking seriously lost in her own world 3) our first taxi ride from Brown's field to Kitta's cottage 4) Tokyo was drizzling as we headed for Jiyugaoka to film People Tree)

That day in Tokyo, while we were filming So Simple 2, I sat where Peifen is sitting in this picture. The spot was near the treehouse cafe featured in episode 7. It was in a very quiet and simple neighborhood, despite being smack in the middle of the city. The buildings, all not more than 5 storeys tall, were quietly leaning on one another. Looking neighborly, like old friends. The sprightly looking vending machines made passers-by stop in their tracks and take the time to glance over the neighborhood as they waited for their drinks. As I sat there with a can of warm milk tea in my hand, I noticed nothing special nor nothing shouting for attention. Yet, in that state of nothingness, there was a strong feeling of peace and comfort. And in that state of peace and comfort, I was able to see beauty in everything. That beauty which is introverted and diginified. And Tokyo has plenty.