In The Moment

We’ve stopped in Tainan. No particular reason except that it’s Taiwan’s oldest city and on the way to Yingge.

Tainan was originally a Dutch outpost until a Chinese general, Koxinga, defeated the Dutch colonists in 1661. (Pa thinks it ridiculous that the Dutch would stray so far from home). After Koxinga’s death, the Qing dynasty took over until Japan defeated China in the Sino-Japanese War in 1895. Turnabout being fair play, Tainan became part of the Republic of China after Japan lost to the Allies in 1945.

That said, there’s little evidence of Tainan’s 300 year history, at least to the causal observer, except for the plethora of Chinese and Japanese restaurants, Buddhist and Taoist temples.

After a breakfast of milk tea and tiny Chinese pancakes, Pa and I went for a stroll. In search of nothing in particular - but you know how it goes. Something catches your eye and you cross the street.

There’s an alley,

and at the end, a small building.

But that’s not it.

Nearby an intriguing structure,

but that’s not it either.

You happen to look back and see a small temple,

and an attendant having an easy day.

Not wanting to disturb, you enter from the side,

pay the fee, and approach.

With no around you take your time, and look closer.

The bearded fellow on the right speaks up,

or so it seems.

A bit startled, you move on,

looking with your normal eyes, as is customary.

But it happens again,

and you linger.

Then you realize that these aren’t mere objects,

and you’re reminded of a Night at the Museum.

And no matter where you turn,

they’re looking at you.

And your mind goes way back, to the Greeks,

and their Pantheon.

And it’s obvious now,

that the Taoists have their Pantheon as well,

as do Christians.

Jung comes to mind,

and his Collective Unconscious.

And in the moment, you remember that each resides within you.